Please Pray for the People of Jamaica

Please pray for the people of Jamaica and they are preparing for a direct hit from Hurricane Dean. We have not heard from Marc-Andre and his family, but Tommy has e-mailed them.

Please pray for Pastor Vernon as his ministers and helps the people of Buff Bay and protects and prepares for his family. Thank you for praying, we will let you know as soon as we hear something, but we know it may be a while, we just have to trust God for His protection for a people we love.

The first picture is of the houses that are right behind Buff Bay Baptist Church. As you can tell, there is not much to them and these are homes that could be destroyed.

Friday Family Funnies - Just a few questions

I want to start is Friday Family Funny by saying I LOVE MY HUSBAND! He is the greatest - he is great Daddy. He is an involved Daddy, he helps in every aspect with the kids and always had.

That being said:

Our day Tuesday was spent signing the kids up for school. We took Samuel to visit his new, big, school on Tuesday morning and then on Tuesday evening we took the girls to their school to visit and meet their teachers. Because both girls are going to school this year I took Hannah Grace to her classroom and Travis took Faith to her classroom.

As most of you know you have to fill out many forms. I was in Hannah's classroom filling out her paper work. As I was filling out the many papers, I thought - poor Travis I know he is hating this. About that time, in walks Travis, he sits down beside me ( in the kid-sized chair) and says, "Honey, I have a few questions." I smiled and said "OK". Then he said, "How do you spell Danielle?"

He did have some other questions, but he didn't know how to spell his daughter's middle name - who is named after HIM!

Here's an extra funny picture.

On Wednesday, we were riding down the rode and Faith just started screaming. We look back and she had clipped a small hairclip to the corner of her mouth. Travis got out and barely had to touch it and it came off. I know, I guess I'm a terrible mother for taking a picture of the child as they were scared, but hey...

Disney Vacation 2007 - Day 4

Day 4, Wednesday, July 18th, of our Disney Vacation.

"Where Dreams Come True!"

All twenty-one of us with Mickey Mouse

Samuel Dancing
Girls dancing
Riding on Dumbo
Three silly kids!

On Wednesday of our vacation, all of us had breakfast at Tony's (based on The Lady and the Tramp). It was so much fun and the food was great! We spent most of the day at the Magic Kingdom on Wednesday.

Friday Family Funnies - How Old Is She?

Aunt Cindy celebrated her 50th Birthday on Wednesday. We had a family get-together after church. I was talking with the kids on the way to church about her birthday and that she was turning 50 years old. Samuel kept saying, "She doesn't look 50 - she looks 40". Hannah Grace said, "No, Bubba." Here's how it went:

Hannah Grace: No Bubba...

Me: Well, Hannah Grace how old to do think she is?

Hannah Grace: Eighteen!

Faith: (Laughing) No Hannah, no Bubba.

Me: OK, Faith, how old do you think Aunt Cindy is?

Faith: Eighty-nine!

Have a great week-end!

Disney Vacation 2007 - Day 3

I know, I know...I have been terrible in telling you about our vacation; but since we have been home it feels like I haven't stopped for anything. With work, keeping the house straight, Travis' travels, things at church...I don't feel like I have caught up from being gone a week yet, and it is almost a month later.

With school starting in a couple of weeks, my immediate goal is to get the house in order so we all can stay organized with three in school.

Anyway, I'm sorry.

On Day 3 (Tuesday, July 16th) of our Disney Vacation, we spent the day at MGM Studios. The first stop was Tower of Terror. Grammy and I sat with the kids, because neither of us had a desire to ride that ride. (Somehow, Travis got me on it later in the week, but I will share that with you in another post.) The next ride was Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. I did ride this one and it was great. The take off literally takes your breath away. Somehow, Cindy convinced Uncle Dick (who is in his 70's) to get on this ride with them. When Uncle Dick got off the ride, he was soaked from head to toe and it's not a water ride. We can laugh at it now, but it scared them at first. He said his heart got to racing and he was sweating - he thought he was having a heart attack. Needless to say, Uncle Dick didn't ride that ride anymore.

We also saw the High School Musical Pep Rally.

We had two different lunch reservations. Amanda, Les, Seth, Cindy, Emma, and Luke and us had lunch with some characters from Playhouse Disney and the rest of the group ate at the Prime Time Cafe. They had a great time. I heard that chewing gum was not allowed at the table and you had to keep your elbows off the table; at our table on the other hand was singing and dancing. Marc Andre did such a great job of cleaning his plate that the waiter hung it on the wall, but Samuel didn't clean his plate and "Mama" sent what he didn't eat back to him for his dessert, covered in whipped cream and sprinkles. All of them said, they had such a great time.

It was so hot, that most everyday we all went back to the hotel to either take a nap (that's what I did) or go swimming. So, Tuesday was not any different.

We went back to MGM Studies that night to see their light show. It was by-far the best of all the parks. Travis kept saying - "This is cool", "Look honey, they are projecting on water" and I would say, "That's great honey - what do you mean they're projecting on water? Why don't you call Robbie, I know he will think it is cool!" It was pretty cool!

So that's our second day at Disney. I hope I haven't bored you.

Hannah Grace in her Mouse Ears; this is how she looked everytime she went out - hat, sunglasses, bookbag, and fan around her neck.

*I talked about our lunch reservations, for those who are thinking about going to Disney anytime soon, you must do the Meal Plan, it was great. Each day we received a "Quick Service" which is a counter service meal, a "Table Service" which included appetizer, entree, drink and dessert for each person, with tip included and a snack (drink, popcorn, ice cream etc.). This was included in the price of our entire vacation, so we paid for it along the way and meals were paid for when we got there. It was great; it was more food than we would have gotten if we would have been paying for it that meal.

Friday Family Funnies -Don't Run

This past Sunday a sweet little lady had given Faith a sucker after church. Of course, Faith immediately starting eating it; she was also running around the church. I told her, "Faith you can't run with that sucker in your mouth." Really saying, Don't run in church. She looked up at me and said, "OK, here.", handing me her sucker.

For an extra Friday Family Funny head on over to The RACK Room.

Have great week-end!

Travis' Other Brother

For the past month we have been blessed to have Travis' "other brother", Marc Andre, visiting with Tommy and Cathy and with us. Marc Andre is the son of the Pastor in Jamaica that we have worked with for many years. It has been so wonderful to have him here for this short time. I was great to have him go to Disney with us; it made our trip extra special. He was here about two years ago and my kids loved him then, but the girls were still small. This time that have fallen in love with even more and he is so great with them.

I have always hated good-byes - so as I type this tears fill my eyes. Marc Andre will be going home this week-end and then in a month he will return to the United States to attend the University of Chicago. He has received a scholarship in the highest amount that any Jamaican has ever received. You can read about it here.

Please pray for Marc Andre as he travels back to Jamaica this week-end and as he prepares to return in September to go to college. Pray his parents, Cindy and Pastor Vernon as they help him with his preparations. Pray especially for his mom, as I can't image the mixed emotions she must be having and will have; the pride she feels for her son, but also the sadness of sending him to another country for six months at a time.

We are so thankful for the time God has given us with Marc Andre and look forward to the times ahead.

Disney Vacation 2007 - Day 2

This photo is of Faith when she saw Mickey Mouse on the first day. We all loaded the bus at 8am to be at the Magic Kingdom for the show to open the park. I didn't know who to watch - Faith, Hannah Grace, Samuel, Marc Andre or MICKEY MOUSE!

Samuel and Marc Andre.

Hannah Grace waving to Mickey Mouse

The Mouse himself, Mickey!

Is Uncle Dick ready or what?

Most of our day Monday was spent at the Magic Kingdom. We spent the day meeting princesses and riding rides. Faith was not quite tall enough to ride the bigger rides, but Hannah Grace. After we all rode Buzz Lightyear together she rode Space Mountain with her Daddy and I. I couldn't believe she rode it. She got off and asked, "When can I ride that again?"

It got very hot after lunch, so most of us headed back to the room to rest or to swim. That evening we went to Epcot to see their fireworks show.

Here are the photos from Days 2 and 3, Monday and Tuesday.

Hopefully, I will have more pictures to share with you later in the week. Big Daddy said last night, he was ready to go back...

We are Blessed!

I want to begin this post by saying thanks to everyone who has prayed, not knowing what was really going on. Thanks to all that have sent e-mails and called. We are blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.

The struggles we have been facing are at church. I can't really go into much but please continue to pray. Here are a few more specific things you can pray for:

• Pray that all involved would seek God's will in how to handle the situation.
• Pray for discernment for Travis and I as we seek God's will in the right thing to do for our family.
• Pray that I would follow Travis as he leads our household and pray for Travis and he leads.
• Pray for the Deacon's of the church that as leaders chosen by the church that they would seek Christ and make decision based on God's word.
• Pray for Tommy as he leads the flock and for Cathy as she stands beside her husband; pray that all that is done will be to honor and glorify Christ.
• Pray for my children; Pray for the girls who really don't understand what is going on and pray for Samuel, that God would protect his heart and that He would give him an understanding of what he sees and hears.
• Pray for the salvation of church members, that God would open their eyes to their sinfulness and to His salvation.

Thank you in advance for your prayers. I know and trust that God is in control and when He allows I will share with you what HE has done.

Friday Family Funnies - Wild Thing

This photo was taken of Marc Andre sleeping one afternoon on the bus on our way back from The Magic Kingdom. What makes it funny is that "Wild Thing" was playing on the radio.

I am sorry that I have not had a chance to post anymore photos and share anymore about our vacation. We have had a very difficult week. I can't go and really don't want to go into any details right now, but I would ask you to pray for us.

It is comforting to know that God knows how to answer your prayers. Thanks for praying and when the Lord allows I will share with you how He guides, directs, provides, and protects us.

Disney Vacation 2007 - Day 1

Sunday, July 15th

About a month ago, we had made a chain to count down the days till Disney; on Sunday morning that was the first thing the girls wanted to do was to tear of their last chain. The car had been packed on Saturday night and after everyone was ready and we gathered up the last few things we headed off the church.

As you can see the car was packed full - there was just enough room for Samuel in the back seat (after getting to church his Big Daddy felt sorry for him and he road to Columbia, where were meeting up with Memama and Granddaddy, with them.)

We started Vacation Bible School this past Sunday night, so before headed down the road to begin vacation, we distributed flyers about VBS. It was so neat to see everyone in the church going each way from the church with flyers in their hand. With the way it was done, we were able to give out over 400 flyers in about 20 minutes.

We met up with Memama and Granddaddy in Columbia. My sister, Kendra was there to see us off. In the beginning she was going with us, but because of a new job she was not able to go. It was heart breaking to leave and her not go with us. (Please pray for her, right now she is on a Mission Trip.)

We arrived at Walt Disney World around 10:30pm. We were all excited, but also all tired from the long trip.

We we arrived, they gave each of the girls "1st Visit" Pins to wear

We stayed at the All-Star Movies Resort. If you are thinking about going, it was a "Value Resort", which meant it was just a motel room. Which was fine with us, because we didn't spend much time in our rooms. It was clean and nice and was great for all of us. We were in the Dalamation Building; everything was decorated around 101 Dalmations theme. Below you see they had left the towels arranged in the shape of Mickey ears.

The kids were all excited, but we did get them sleep around 11:30pm, we needed to be on the first bus to The Magic Kingdom at 8am to be there in time for Mickey Mouse to open the park and throw out Pixie Dust...

Whew!

1 Airplane.

4 Cars.

6 Parks.

21 People.

Over 400 Photos.

1178 Miles.

Countless number of steps...

and A Million Dreams.

We have returned from a week at the Happiest Place On Earth, Walt Disney World. We had a great time and have much to tell, but first I must go through many many photos and wash all the dirty cloths. Hopefully, I will be able to share with you the first day tomorrow.

Friday Family Funnies - "Aren't They Cold"

Grammy and Big Daddy were watching The Travel Channel - Disney Behind the Scenes one night and a segment was on about Disney's Blizzard Beach. As they were watching Grammy said, "Aren't they cold in the bathing suits?" Big Daddy asked, "What are you talking about?", Grammy replied, "In their bathing suits - aren't they cold sliding on that snow in their bathing suits?"

Have a great week-end!

I hope to update on our busy week later in the day...

Friday Family Funnies - Funny 4th of July Pictures

Faith had just got burned by the sparkler and Hannah Grace had had enough.

Have a great week-end!

Happy 4th of July

We hope everyone had a great 4th of July. We enjoyed our day together. We started the day with breakfast with Memama and Granddaddy and a trip to Sam's to get snacks for our Disney trip. I had been wishing for a new camera (mind somtimes just locks up and quits working) to take on vacation. I knew that we couldn't afford if with vacation coming, but I got some birthday money early (I will be spending my birthday this year with Mickey Mouse) and I was able to get a new camera. I am so excited. It has a few more settings than my other one, so the pictures I took yesterday were a test and practice. Thanks, Mama and Eddie - I love you!

Now, on to our day.

After meeting up with Memama and Granddadday we headed to Aunt Cindy's to swim and have lunch. We all had so much fun. Faith is still scared of the water (we are not sure why) and it was a little too deep for Hannah Grace, but she kept trying; She kept saying, "I can do it! I can do it!" as she was going under.

As you can see Samuel had a great time; I think Daddy had more fun dunking him.

After swimming we all went home to take a nap (another practice for the hot afternoons on vacation) so we could watch fireworks later in the evening.

We went to supper and then to Wal-mart for new shoes for Disney and got sparklers. I had invisioned my three children running in the yard laughing and smiling, waving their sparklers while Travis and I sat on the porch holding hands enjoying our children. What a dream, huh?

When we walked outside it was like we had walked into a war zone. Fireworks were going off everywhere around us, and I mean everywhere.

In reality, it wasn't my dream, but it was fun. The kids enjoyed the sparkers for the most part...

Thanks!

Thanks for praying that Cassie would wander home. I woke up this morning around 6am and decided I was going to go for a walk in the neighborhood and look and call for Cassie. As I walked outside I went around the house and there she was in the fence of our neighbor. We haven't had a chance to talk with him, but he would of had to put her in his fence sometime during the night.

There was a hole where Cassie had tired to dig her back into the yard.

When I left for work this morning, she still was on the back porch, where she had not left since she came home.

Cassie Come Home

Our family pet, Cassie, got out of the fence sometime yesterday afternoon. We have drove the neighborhood several times with no luck finding her. Samuel and I went to the Humane Society this morning to file a Lost Dog Report. Please pray that she wanders back home soon; Samuel and the girls (and Mommy) miss her.