All is well

Sorry that I have not posted in a couple of days. All is well here! Just enjoying the Wii Santa gave our family. We also have been visting with Bill and June bewteen our Wii time. I will update everyone on our Christmas after Robert returns back to work. I just realize I need to change my wall-paper on me Makes me sad . Later!

Christmas Eve is here!

The kids are all excited for Santa's arrival. Robert's brother, Bill and his wife June arrived in Mooresville.My nephew who is in the Army made it last night with his girlfriend Lisa. ( Hum I think we might have a new Julian by next Christmas. Welcome to the family Lisa)) . My house is looking pretty presentable thanks to my greatest husband who is vacuuming.The present are wrapped. I made ONE last batch of my famous cranberry, white chocolate cookies. We are headed soon to a Christmas Eve service at the Cove Church. Did you know Christmas can happen 365 days of the year? One very easy way! Invite Jesus Christ in your life and heart!Do it today! This is what God's wants for Christmas is YOU! Praying you are blessed as you joyfully welcome Christ into your homes and hearts. Merry Christmas Love From Robert Teri Morgan Jason Allyson Caroline Elijah!

WASH!

I got to take a break today from Christmas fun and wash clothes! If I don't undies will be on Santa's list for drop-off Wednesday night! Robert just left for Hanes Mall in Winston NC with 60 teenagers! I think Hanes Mall at Christmas sounds more terrifying than 60 teens! Allyson's youth group at our Church goes every year with our youth pastor. Robert does not have the opportunity much to hang with our youth so he volunteered to go chaperon. Tonight we are going too see Bolt and take the kids out to Pizza Hut! So I will get a break from the CLOTHES!

Christmas Elves at the Julian's House

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Santa, Gingerbread Houses and Fun!

Thursday night we headed out too see Santa at Concord Mills. There is the coolest Santa at Bass Pro shop. He really takes the time to talk to the kids. He always ask the kids "Tell Santa who has a Birthday at Christmas". Kudos to Bass Pro shop for keeping CHRIST in Christmas. We also had a delicious meal at Olive Garden before hand. Robert's parents Barret ( Papaw)and Billie ( Nanny) went with us , which was a extra treat to our kids and us too!! Friday the kids got out for Christmas Break! YAHOO! I love having my babies home with me! Last night I went with Allyson and 70 other youth to the Church for a Christmas Party for our Youth Group. They had Rice Fun catered in and it was delicious. They headed out on TWO buses for lights and Laser Tag in Charlotte. I did not go with them . One reason I would probably kill myself trying to play Laser Tag and the second reason would be they did not get in until 3:30 AM! Too late for this Momma! I had fun serving dinner with a BUNCH of awesome Youth Kids! How blessed my daughter is too be part of a great youth ministry! Today we have been just hanging here at the house. I made white chocolate cranberry cookies.. MELT IN YOUR MOUTH! Later on Robert, kids and I made a Gingerbread house and Ginger Bread Christmas Tree! MESSY BUT we are making memories for our kids! They will forget someday when they are older what Santa brought but they will never forget Mommy, Daddy, and their home covered in Gingerbread House icing. A few picture for your pleasure!

Sneaky Husband

Last night Robert said look at all those beautifully wrap gifts. I wanted to say YES HONEY I wrapped them all. I looked down and under the tree was a package wrapped by a professional wrapper and it had my name on it. The wrapper was my husband Robert who wraps better than the ladies at Belks ! My brother-in law came home from the hospital yesterday. Please continue to pray for him and June. He has a long road ahead of him through his recovery. Hopefully he will be home for good until his next surgery. I took KFC too Allyson's class party yesterday at school. She even invited me to stay. The young people in her class( 12th) are the most polite kids and all of them made me feel welcome. Allyson has only 9 seniors in her class and they are super close! Here is a awesome and powerful song and video . Please take the time to watch it. Jesus is coming back and soon! Let me ask you a personal question "Are you sleeping"????

LOOK at OUR LIGHTS

Enjoy! Actually we are dreaming it was our lights! COOL HUH?

Plays, Birthdays and more

Don't you hate to hear I have bad news and good news. Bad News! Robert's brother Bill after getting out of the hospital this past Wednesday had to go back Saturday morning. We think he got dehydrated. He is very discourage and does not see the end of the tunnel. Who can blame the poor guy. He was there before 43 days. We are praying that this time he will be there just a couple of days. Good News! Today is Bill Birthday. Happy 51 Bill. My kids were in two Christmas Plays this weekend at our Church. Elijah said never again. He hated wearing a tie, tucking his shirt in and did he not like to sing. He is a typically boy ;-) Caroline would had fun but would had enjoyed more if she had participated in the drama part. We still have one more Christmas play Monday tomorrow night at their school. Elijah will not be happy because he will have to tuck his shirt in, put on a tie and sing again Allyson my 17 yr old daughter went out Fri night and enjoyed the Twilight movie. It really is a teen chick flick. But I did enjoy spending time with her.

DONE!

Allyson has a research paper due today. She has been working hard on it for weeks. The subject she picked was not a easy subject to do research on. She ended up picking The International Mission Board. She found with help from our pastor ONE older written book and some info on the web and that was it! Last night after her game she came home to finish it up. She asked me to edited the paper for her. So I spent about a hr going over it. She lacked one more page after I edited the paper ( required nine pages). I helped her find some more filler info and the paper was finally finished! Poor girl was stressed out!!! Before she closed the paper she asked us about saving the paper. We told her if the save box did not come up she was OK. I had actually saved it MANY times as I edited it. We are not sure what she did but we could NEVER find her saved report on the laptop. Robert searched through so many files. Allyson of course was crushed and upset. So we started all over again. We still had her original paper that I edited from. It took ME and her two more hrs to edited her paper. She then spent even more time filling it back it with more info. She was very tired this morning and discouraged. We could had spent many more hrs on this paper last night but we were both tired. I actually went to bed and she worked more on it. I told her this morning not to stress out about her grade. She worked hard and even learned more about the International Mission Board. That was her goal to learn more about ( IBM) because it is her dream to work there someday! I am sure why your asking why I wrote about this on our family blog. I did not handle what happen last night very well as a parent. She and I ended up fussing the whole time while we worked on the paper. I did apologize this morning. I really messed up again as a parent of a teen. I could not ask for a better teen! There are many teens that are making unwise choices for their lives . Allyson loves our savior and has never gave us any serious problems. We actually get many compliments on her daughter! So Mom's and Dad's pick your battle wisely. Don't make the mistake I did last night. PS. She hugged me in the van this morning and said that is OK Mom I love you and thanks for your help last night. Thanks Allyson for loving me through my unwise choices

HOME!!!!!

My brother in law Bill Julian came home from the hospital last night after 43 days! I don't even have the right words to describe how we all feel over this joyous news. God is good always through the storms! Today I am getting a Mommy treat. My friend Kim is having a Christmas brunch .I am excited to be with many of my friends and have a little Mommy social time.! Then off to get my hair cut! Caroline cheers tonight and Allyson has a basketball game. So it is a busy day AGAIN.

KISS

Busy day 12 loads of wash ( yes you read that correctly) All my presents are wrapped I also made my famous homemade peanut butter fudge. My six year old son wrote me a love letter today. I love my Mommy Mommy and I love too kiss Am I just blessed or what! I am so ready for them to be home with me for Christmas break

Praises Praises Praises

Lots of Praises! Bill may get to come home next week as long as he keeps improving! The Dr told him yesterday if he would like to come here to Mooresville for Christmas he can. We are all so excited that he may be able to be home for Christmas. The plan is for June to drive him and Josh ( their son) and his girlfriend to come down close to Christmas Eve. They will probably not be able to stay for a couple of day but who cares how long they stay. We just want them home for Christmas even it is at their home in Wilmington! Please keep praying he still has a LONG recovery ahead of him. Allyson has a Christmas school play this afternoon at the school .After the play our whole family and several other families are going to a GREAT event call A Family Christmas. A Church in our area Lake Norman Baptist holds this event for the past several years. I have to say this is the BEST outreach event that I have ever attended. Thousands of families come each year. They have a walk through nativity, sleigh ride, train ride, food and lots of fun things to do as a family. It's cold outside so we really going to get the "feel" of Christmas. Have a blessed day!

MEMORIES!

$30.00 for Breakfast

$25.00 for Gas

&70.00 for Tree

$15.00 for KFC snack on the way home

TWO VERY CUTE Kids inside of Christmas Tree Net Machine

PRICELESS!

Much to catch up on!

I have so much to catch up on. So sit back with your coffee! Thanksgiving was wonderful. Robert got up at 6:30 and smoke two turkeys all day. DELICIOUS! I did all the rest of the cooking and it of course was delicious. Mom, Dad , all my kids some of their friends my nephew . my brother and his girlfriend came over. We had a house full. After we cleaned up Allyson, Jason and their friends and I played Nertz. Nertz is fun but a very intense game. Allyson and her friends are very good and quick at playing and I got WOOPED! Friday morning I got up at 4:00 and went Black Friday shopping. I think everyone in Mooresville was shopping because the lines to get in Target were back up at least a MILE! I headed to Dicks first and got some GREAT deals for the guys in my life. Can't say more because they read our blog. Then I headed to the mad house at Target and got even more great deals! I was even able to get Guitar hero for 50.00 for the Wii the kids are getting from Santa. It was not easy getting it because everyone in Target was searching for one. The employees brought them out on a cart and people were just grabbing and actually it became dangerous to be in the middle of it all. Not a smart move on Target just say go for it! Caroline and Daddy ( Robert) went shopping to at 5:00. They had a BALL and Caroline is now hooked on Black Friday Shopping. She and her Daddy went out to breakfast. Have I said lately how incredible blessed I and the kids are to have a husband and father like Robert. Caroline will have the best memories of her Daddy because he is so unselfish! Saturday morning we went to breakfast and then headed up to the mountains for a tree. We found a beautiful and perfect Julian tree. We had such a wonderful time being together. When we came back to Mooresville we all went to Big Lots and bought Christmas presents ( toys) for families the toy store. The toy store run by the Southern Baptist is a really cool and very needed place for parent(s) who are struggling. to come get Christmas for their families . Each person who visit are presented the gospel. I forget the number from last year but many were saved through this ministry. Did I tell you lately how unselfish my kids are? We ended up with a cart full of toys and the kids said they were willing to give up their Christmas so others could have something for Christmas. Update on Bill. 32 days in the hospital. Spirits are low. His bowels are still not moving which is a concern. He has lost 40 lbs. Today he will go for a CAT scan to check two pockets of infection . Please keep praying.

Cooking,,, Cleaning and Cleaning and Cleaning

The kids and I are finishing decorating this morning then it is time to clean up! I have already started cooking some for tomorrow . Mostly baking! Morgan and Jason will be home tonight so that means the house will be LOUD and lots of joy at the Julian's. My Mom , Dad my brother Jimmy and his girlfriend will be coming for dinner on Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for that this blog post would be the longest blog post on the Internet. Last Sunday in Church we had a awesome worship time together as a Church Family. The Pastor gave some time for those who wish to share what they were thankful for. I am too shy to talk in front of 400 people but I did think of Bill immediately. Bill might have a LONG road of recovery but I am thankful he is cancer free and he is GOING TO GET BETTER! Elijah though did raise his hand. My first thought was he would say that I would be very Thankful to God if he would have Santa send me a Wii. In a very proud and confident voice for a six year he shared in front of 400 in our Church. I am thankful that God made me and he made my family. Of course Robert and I both cried and many told us in Church how Elijah touch their heart! Have a Blessed Thanksgiving from The Julian's !!!! Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness;come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God.It is he who made us, and we are his;we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;his faithfulness continues through all generations.

A busy Day!

The kids had Thanksgiving feast at school today. So I spent most of the day doing room Mom duties! Caroline's 4th class made up a menu of what they wanted for their feast. They did not want Turkey they wanted KFC? Go figure! The boys ate 4-5 pieces of Chicken apiece! When I finished Caroline's party I went to Elijah's 1st class. He is so excited to be out of school. He told his teacher he was excited because he would be home with his Mommy! I know some day some sweet little girl is going to steal those sweet Mommy moments, I am so incredible blessed! How many ladies at 50 get to go to their 6 year old son class party. Thank-you Lord for allowing my ovaries to work at 44! I am not sure what posses me but I started decorating inside my house. Talk about a house turned upside down. I finished though! The house looks great. We will head to the mountains for a tree Saturday and the mess will happen again!The kids and I will start cleaning and preparing for Thanksgiving. My Mom , Dad, brother are coming with their family. Give THANKS to the Lord for he is always good! PS Bill had a good day!

I am a BIG looser!

Merry Christmas from The Julians I lost 2.6 lbs this week! This was even after eating last night at a Southern Baptist cover dish at my Church! That is a miracle! I was good though and ate little taste of the dishes and NO dessert I am now lost 16. 8 lbs!

Send a E-mail Please

Robert talked to June tonight and she shared that Bill is feeling discourage.Who could blame the poor guy he still has a long road to recovery. They tried to started him on some food and his bowels are not working up to par yet. So they started him back on the liquid nutrients. They also had to start him back on morphine instead of the pump. June shared these e-mails really pick Bill spirits up and brighten his LONG days in bed. The kids and I have been sending him jokes and he loves them! If these e-mails help Bill just think how much they help June too. Please keep praying. I am asking my blogger friends to also send e-mail. Here is the link http://www.nhhn.org/body.cfm?id=1680 Make sure that you send the e-mail to New Hanover Regional Hospital. There is a required field for the hospital and Bill's legal name is William Julian

Please be careful Daddy!

The kids are feeling better. They are not eating well but at at least no hanging over the bucket. We started decorating this afternoon. Lights are on the bushes . Robert started doing the icicles lights on the roof. I have no idea how high he is up on the roof but I can't watch when he puts the icicles out. Elijah kept telling him be carful Daddy Hopefully we can start on the inside!Next Saturday we will head up to the mountains for out tree! We have never started decorating this early. It will be nice next weekend when all we have to do is our tree! I love Christmas! Can you tell?

The Light at the end of the tunnel

Good News on Bill. He has been moved out of ICU and into a progressive room. He will probably be there for several weeks. Then he will go into a rehab hospital to build up his strength. GOD IS GOOD! Robert talked to June and Bill this morning. June sounded very upbeat. She told Robert that last night both her and Bill slept well! That this was the best sleep she had gotten in 22 days now. Bless her heart she might have to go into rehab herself! I know she is worn out. Bill also know how extensive his surgery was. Please pray for his spirits, this news was hard to take all in. But he is doing well . Robert and I have already decided if they are unable to make it here for Christmas we are going to visit them for a couple of days the week of Christmas. Robert is off so we can spend the day with them and stay one night at a local hotel! It would be good for the kids too see Bill and June, especially Caroline. I know I need to see them both too! I am still praying though if the Lord is willing that they both will be able to come here . What a special Christmas this is ALREADY! Several weeks ago Robert and I were talking about how our kids have NEVER gotten sick at the same time. We should had knocked on the wood because it finally happen. Caroline got up this morning and said she was not feeling well, but she ate breakfast. So I told her to get ready for school . Well on the way to schools she got sick all in the Van...Bless heart she kept apologizing for getting sick. Then on the way back home my cell rang. It was the school and Elijah had gotten sick in the classroom. So I turned around and got him. They are now on the couch watching a movie with a bucket in front of them. Thanks for praying for our family. Keep it up!

One More thing

Forgot too add. Today was the day to weigh in for the Biggest Looser Challenge. I lost 2.2 lbs! For a Total of 14.2!

This and That at The Julian's

I have a lot to catch up on my blog! First the most important news. Bill continues to improve but still is in ICU. Hopefully though this week he will be in progressive care. June was told he would be there for at least two weeks. Then to a regular room for a week and then to rehab for a few days. He could be in the hospital for another month. Bill does not know yet how extensive his last surgery was and that he will be in the hospital for awhile. They Dr's and June are planning to tell him soon but his spirits have been down and they are waiting to get him out of ICU. They think once he gets out of ICU, it will help him see that he is getting better. Everyone keeps telling him he is but it's hard to believe because your still in ICU. Back in June Robert bought me for our anniversary tickets for a Christian Marriage Conference called A Weekend to remember in Tennessee . . It is through Focus on the Family. But with his brother being sick our first priority was Bill and his family. We did not want to be away too far just in case we were needed . We are still going to another Weekend to Remember because the tickets are transferable. Robert had already taken Friday off for that reason so we did spend the day with each other. We went Santa shopping ! Then we went to the Prickly Pear for lunch. We really had a nice time together. Robert loves Christmas shopping for the kids so this was a extra treat for both if us. Saturday afternoon we decided to get out of the house and headed to Concord Mills. Robert and Elijah stayed in Bass and Pro forever and we girls took off in the Mall. We also went to TGIF and ate. We all had a great time as a family . Bad News! Elijah started running a fever Saturday night and complained of a terrible headache. His stomach was upset Sunday. More Bad News! Robert has it but he has to work because he is the only tech working today in Charlotte. He is on call and last night he ended up going in at 7:00 pm and 4:00 am. He did come home this morning and laid down but has to leave because a call went off. I was suppose to go off tonight with the girls from Church for dinner but I think I need to stay home and play nurse! Elijah does seem much better! I kept him home from school just to give him one more day. Having him home with me makes me realize HOW MUCH I miss him during the day. He has just talked and talked to me all morning. If Southview wasn't such a great opportunity for our kids I would seriously think about home -schooling them. I am SO READY to have them home for Thanksgiving break! It is a very cold day here ion the SOUTH. I have a HUGE pot of beef/veggie soup on. I think I could have the whole neighborhood over and still have left-overs.

Bill continues to do well. He is still in ICU . His white blood counts are going down. He still has a lot of recovery to do but he is doing well. Pray for his spirit to be lifted.He will probably be in the hospital for a couple more weeks. He still has no idea how sick he was or what happen during surgery. When he is ready the Dr's and June will tell him. There's something about a sickness that helps us see things we could never see before - There is something about hard times that shakes our priorities. I know Bill sickness has done that for me. It is hard too see God's hand in things when a sickness that almost takes someone life that you love. We have though been able too see God's work through all the tears and worries. 1. Bill and June lived in NY for many years. If he had not moved to NC his family would had not been able to get to him quickly. 2.The only reason he went in for a colonscopy was because someone that worked with him found out he had colon cancer. 3. If he had lived in NY and not taken a new job his cancer might had spread because of not have the colonscopy. 4. Because of this man's cancer at Bill's new job each person that worked with him got a colonscopy. 5. Bill almost died and our family and my children have seen a miracle. Do you really think all this happen because of being at the right place at the right time. NO IT WAS GOD!

OFF THE VENT!

I talked to Robert and June this morning. Bill is still doing good. Yesterday they removed the vent. Robert and his nephew Shane were in the room when they took it out. Bill was really confused when he saw both of them standing over him. You have to remember the last time he was awake he was being taken to surgery and only June and his parents were there. Robert also said Bill saw the day ( Monday) on a board in the room.. He could not figure where the others days went too. Robert said he is still VERY WEAK. He is so weak can't even push the button on his morphine drip. His pain though is being managed well through the ICU. The Dr told June this morning he will be in ICU for quite a long time. He still has infection and his blood cultures came back positive for infection but the numbers were low. So please keep praying. This morning he actually asked for June. He can only talk with a whisper and only a few sentences . Robert said though he is asking more questions on what happen. They decided to only tell him that he was very sick with infection and he had to have more surgery. He has no idea yet that he has two colostomy bags now. I was explained one was for his upper colon and one was for his lower colon. I hope I got that right.He will have further surgery to have only one bag but this will not happen until months from now. June sounded wonderful this morning! Robert, Josh and June slept at the hospital last night in the ICU waiting room. I know they must be very tired! Robert will be coming home this evening. We miss him terribly. I am so glad though that Bill and June lives so close that he was able to get to his brother quickly.

WEEK 3

Today was weigh -in ! I almost forgot too let all my cheerleaders know! I lost 3 lbs with my Biggest Losers Challenge! 12 lbs lost total!

Praise!!

Sorry I did not update last night. After Robert called me I feel asleep on the couch. I have not slept well the last few days but I slept great last night after I heard that Bill surgery went well! The surgery ended up happening last night and took about 3 hrs. His surgeon said he looked much better inside last night than he did Friday. They did the colostomy and flushed him out again. He will probably be in the ICU for at least the remainder of the week. Then he will go back to his regular room for at least another week.We knew Bill's colon cancer surgery would be tough but never in a million years it would turn out like this. Bill will have a testimony to share for sure! Jesus is in the healing business. Keep praying. He has a long road to recovery. Robert did say last night to pray that his incision stays tight and closed. The Dr said last night that was the tough part getting him closed good. I don't understand why but I guess it because they had to reopen the original surgery incision. Plus they left it open while he has been in ICU for the last few days. I will keep everyone posted. Thanks again for your e-mails and prayers! PS Robert will be there untol Tuesday. He hopes they start weaning him off the vent Tuesday morning. Before he leaves he wants too see Bill awake and with his eyes open. I can't wait too see Bill and June. I know I will be VERY emotional so be prepare sister and brother in law.

Surgery

Surgery was postpone this morning but will happen this afternoon. I do not know what time but will post ASAP. Bill is still stable. Robert and Josh staying at the hospital last night with Bill. Robert sounded really tired but very optimistic. They were told this morning that Bill will probably have a permanent colostomy bag. The reason is so much of the "dead" colon had to be cut out. This is the least of his problems for sure. We are just PRAISING GOD he has been stable this last two days.

New Update

Bill still is stable. Josh his son flew in this afternoon from the Florida where he is stationed. June is OK but it is really hard for her too see Bill on a respirator. I just even can imagine how hard that is. I wish now I had left this morning with the kids. It has been real diffcult being here and all the family there.Robert felt though it was be best for me to be here with the kids though. He was probably right because Caroline has been very tearful all day with worry. She worried about her Uncle Bill and she misses her Daddy. She is such a Daddy girl which is a praise! Surgery is in the morning we just don't know what time. I promise to post whenever I hear.

Update

Robert made it too Wilmington safely. He and June ( Bill's wife) were able to go see Bill immediately. He is stable and sedated on a respirator in intensive care. Robert was able to get a clear picture from the nurse who is caring for Bill. What happen for some reason part of the colon lost blood supply. This caused that part to start "dying" The Dr removed the rotten part which was causing the infection. They flushed the pockets of infection out. They also clamped off the good part of the colon to prevent even more from dying off. He is stable right now but critical. They are watching his blood -pressure for signs of septic but PRAISE GOD all the blood work has come back good. His BP did drop last night and they became concern with him being septic but they determine that it was dehydration. Tomorrow morning they will go back in and flush him out again. He will then make a decision what they can do with his colon. He told June there was a possibility that he could reattach the colon back. He just doesn't know until he goes back in. If not he will go ahead and do the full colostomy at that time. Bill and June have one son who is in the Army ( pilot school). The Red Cross is flying him in today . I am going to stick here at home with the kids. Right now Robert's brother Ron is there and several other family members. God is working even through Bill's sickness. First they moved from NY to Wilmington. If he was still in NY Robert and his family would not been able to get to Bill quickly. Also Bill went in for a colonscopy JUST BECAUSE someone at his new job found out he had colon cancer. His regular physician said it was not time for one but Bill insist . If he had been in NY he would probably not had a early colonscopy. Please pray for Robert's parents, Billie and Barrette. They are having a hard time especially Billie. I will keep everyone updated. Again please pray

URGENT PRAYERS!!!!!!!!

Robert's Brother situation has turned critical. In the next hr he will be going back to surgery. The Dr wants to open him back up to deal with the infection. He will be in intensive care PLEASE PRAY! Robert just left for Wilmington , Please pray for safe travels. He was so upset.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

Robert's Brother Bill is running a temperture. They feel like he has a infection somewhere, which is serious because of the surgery. They will be taking him down for a CT scan to determine where the infection is. So please pray.

I am glad it is over!

As someone that treasures that all LIFE is to be protected I am sadden over our new President. This really sums up most of my feelings. http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/11/04/cthomas_1104/ I still stand firm that we should not put our faith in anyone but Jesus Christ. He is still in control and NO MAN is. Our responsibility is to pray for our leaders. (1 Timothy 2:1-2) Whether your man won or lost, it makes no difference. He needs your prayers.

Did you vote?

I went this morning to vote. I Voted for Faith, Family, Life and Marriage. So no need to tell you who I voted for. Wish They had Jesus Christ on the Ballot. I actually almost wrote him in. I feel if Obama is elected it will take our society even MORE into a downward spin especially in the Pro-Life . Pro-Marriage, Pro Family,Pro-Faith journey we are in.People have become too tolerant on this issues and he will be just the icing on the cake. For that reason I have been so stressed over this election as a Jesus Lover. I am to ashamed to say Read on Why.............. On the other hand if he wins ( probably will) I think that his tolerance and lack of Bible teaching morals will bring us as Christian to be more BOLD about our Faith. We Evangelical Christians have also become to comfortable in our faith. ( INCLUDING ME). More souls will be won over for Jesus Christ for this reason! I heard wise word last week during our Youth small group time. Who are we putting our Faith into Jesus Christ or our next President. This is why I am ashamed.

12 Sticks of Butter!

Robert talked to Bill last night . The epidural was removed yesterday and Bill is in REALLY bad pain. So pray that the pain would be more tolerable. We saw a picture of Bill's surgery site and WOW it makes me hurt. The surgery was much more extensive than I think anyone of us realized.I am hoping today will be a turn around for him in the pian department. Week 2 of The biggest Loser went great last week. I lost three more lbs! For a total of nine lbs. Hey that is 12 sticks of BUTTER!

THIS MUCH MORE AT ISSUE!

PLEASE WATCH! It is the most powerful video that I have seen concerning our election. If you care about Faith, Life, Marriage and Family please watch. We saw it today during Church and I cried. There is MUCH MORE AT ISSUE than gas prices and our economy. Please pass it on if you believe in these issue and VOTE.

Tears

How can we put this man in charge of our lives and our morality? Please watch this Video

Powerful Video!

Democrats and Republicans take the time to pray for and seek God's leadership on how to vote .I am not saying how to vote just VOTE! I know as a Christian it would be hard for me to vote for someone that supports the right to abort the innocent. God Bless the USA

GREAT NEWS!

I am sorry I did not update my BIL surgery progress. I was on a field-trip yesterday with Caroline's class. We went to Raleigh to visit the State Capitol. It was a VERY LONG day but we had fun. We did not get in until 7:30 and I was tired. Here is a copy/paste of a e-mail my sister-in law Teresa sent yesterday from thehospital Bill's out of surgery and headed to recovery. The doctor came out and spoke to us and said everything went well, even though the surgery lasted longer than expected because of how low the area was. They expect to reconnect in 3-4 months. So everthing great! They did not see any evidence of more cancer. They expect to reconnect his colon in 3-4 mts WHICH IS A HUGE PRAISE! Robert talked to him this morning and he sounded really good! He still has some recovery of course but I know June will take care of him REAL GOOD! Thanks for your prayers! Thank-you Jesus our all mighty healer!

Dr Today!

went to Dr Massey today for my heal spur and got my shot. Good News this one was not as bad as the 1st one so the shot was easier! I should be able to do my walking by the end of the week I was telling him about our Biggest Loser Competition and we were into our 2nd week and I placed 2nd this week. He had some great strategy to help me win . I thought he was going to share a weight loss tip He said I should send the 1st place winner of this week a box of Duncan Donuts anonymously with a note saying JUST BECAUSE I CARE! I thought it was hysterical that a Dr would say that! My Mother and Father-In Law left for Wilmington this morning to be with Bill and June. I sent down with them three frozen casseroles I made. I feel bad we can't be there but this help me feel like we are doing something. Bill starts his prep Wednesday and his surgery is Thursday at 9:00 am. Off to go pick up the kids from school early. Dental appointments and then back up to the school for Allyson basketball pratice. Mom's Taxi I AM!

Week 1

Yippee! I lost 6.4 lbs on my first weigh-in. This is not usual for me to lose that much weight the 1st week. I normally start a 1-3 lb weight lose after this. I was not though the biggest loser. One girl lost NINE lbs. That's Ok because I am proud I did so well this 1st week. I fixed my homemade lasagne this past Saturday. I do not cut the fat grams out when I make my lasagne either! But I ate a TINY piece along with a nice salad. After Church Sunday though I did not touch any for lunch so I was patting myself on the back. I have to say my lasagne is the best I have tasted. Is it OK to brag on yourself ;-) Jason new girl-friend of two months came over and ate with us also. She probably weighs 90 lbs wet so she could use that extra fat grams. LOL Jason seems very smitten with her. They have gotten past the stage of being shy around other on how much they like each other. Jason seems very happy and hopefully this will work out. He is 24 and he actually told me he hopes to get married and he really wants kids! He used to say I am waiting until I am 35 to marry . I knew that would change. She said's she coming Thanksgiving and off with us to get a Christmas tree. So hopefully more of the extended family will get to meet her. We had a nice weekend. Lizzie ( Jason's New girl) brought me a book series to read. Twilight. I LOVE to read but never have time but this weekend I dove into this book because I could not put it down. The movie is coming out the end of November and I am going to try to read all four books. I almost finished the 1st in two days and it is a REALLY long book. While I was reading Robert took the kids fishing. Elijah loves to FISH! Sunday we went to worship and afterwards I read again and they watched the Panthers. So it was a pretty low -key weekend! Please continue to pray for my Bill and June. His surgery is this Thursday. June if your read my blog know that last night at 8:00 pm you and Bill were covered in prayer. I had a meeting and fifteen of us prayed at that time. Remember we love you and God is our perfect healer!

Mom Duties!

I fulfilled my duties of a Mom of a Pre-teen. I took Caroline too see High-School Musical 3. She was out of school today so we hit the FIRST showing of HSM3 in Mooresville @1:00 Elijah hated it . But I won Mom of the Day award from Caroline! It was a cute movie though and I even cried at the end. I took them to their fav lunch outing Chick-Filet also. CHICK FILET! I stayed away from the waffle fries. I am so proud of myself because potatoes as you know is my weakness. Have a great evening!

Turkey

For the last few years I have cooked on Thanksgiving for my Mom, Dad my brothers and their family. My Mom and Dad just can't handle cooking a huge meal. I enjoy doing it though. Yesterday I was thinking about what my menu will be this year. Robert usually smokes several Turkey's in our smoker. If you never ate a smoke turkey please do. It is DELICIOUS! I was thinking I better start watching the ads for a good price for Turkey's. We have to cook a whole Turkey because Robin my sister-in law only eats dark meat. It hit me then that would not be necessary because Robin died almost 11 months ago I almost broke down crying because still to this day I feel like the tragedy that happen to my brother and his wife never happen.. Thanksgiving and Christmas will be very difficult for my brother ( Jimmy) this year. Robin was MUCH MORE into Christmas than Jimmy. Pray that I have the right words of comfort for Jimmy during the holidays. I miss her too Here is a copy/paste of a post I wrote in Feb about what happen to Robin. I still can't figure how to do a link to another post! It has been several weeks since I blog. Some of the news I have to share is sad but with a happy ending... On Jan 31st I lost my SIL suddenly. Long story but Robin went into the hospital to be treated for a infection with meds by IV. Her condition was NOT life threatening just routine . My brother left the hospital at 11:00pm . At 3:00 am he got a call saying she had pass. The Drs. did not know that she had a blood clot. It passed through her lungs and killed her instantly. She was on 45. http://www.legacy.com/Charlotte/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=102349349 Robin was a wonderful person. Great Mom and wife. My brother Jimmy and Robin were a very happy married couple who spent their time just being with each other and enjoy LIFE! Her death has of course been very hard on everyone especially my brother She was only 45. The GOOD NEWS she is in heaven.

Apples, Diet and Money

Our field trip started out with some excited yesterday. 1 mile down the road from the school and the bus broke down ! God was good though and a local Church brought their bus to take us to the Apple Orchard. We were about 1 hr late but the kids had fun. I bought my apples for my apple butter so the beginning of next week I will be making my Christmas gifts. I am extra excited about Christmas this year! Maybe it is because I have already bought a present for the family. The kids have never had a game system .One reason is because we hear so many negative things how they can affect your kids BRAIN and also family time .We decide though to get a Wii for the family. It will be though hooked up at our family TV and all games must be rated with a E. Robert and I decide a long time ago we wanted to guard our kids heart and mind. We want what goes in their brain to be wholesome. My kids have no idea they are getting a Wii so mums the word. They don't read my blog either. I am on Day 3 of the biggest loser. So far so good except the exercise part. I walked a mile and my NEW heal spur on my right food is hurting badly. I have a appointment next Tuesday for a cortisone shot. Last time I had one it cleared up quickly and no problem with the old heal spur. It is really painful though. I have been asked by many about the bad check saga .I did e-mail her Monday and told her Tuesday was the last day she could pay. After Tuesday legally I can turn it over the magistrate office. Yes she will be served with a warrant for worthless check. She will have to pay it with court fines. She will not go to jail as long as she pays the check when it goes to court. But she will have a record. I feel so bad for her kids and husband but I have given her MANY chances to pay. What she has done is sin. Sin has consequences. I hope she learns from it. I am still sad though over the whole situation . 500.00 is a lot of money and I need to take care of my family too!

This and That

Weekend was busy as usual! Saturday was our last soccer game. Caroline scored two goals! She has really become a really good soccer player this year and is MUCH MORE aggressive. Morgan came home for a visit this weekend also. After Church he and Robert went to the Panther's Game. Morgan LOVES football so we were ALL happy the Panthers won. Today is Day 1 of the Biggest Losers. There is ONE thing I can't give up on my diet..COFFEE . I rarely drink soft drinks but I love 2 cups of coffee in the morning. I am going to start walking in the evenings also after dinner. Tomorrow I am going on a field trip with Elijah. His class is going to the Apple Orchard . I plan to but my apples there to make my apple butter. I make them as gifts for the kids school and Sunday School teachers.It has become a big hit at the kids school with the teachers. I had one teacher actually said I hope you make me some of that apple butter this year. I used to teach and I was also a preschool director. I always enjoyed those special homemade gifts. How many coffee cups can I a teacher get in one year??? Also is the last day for the bad check writer to pay . Wednesday I will turn the check in to magistrate office for collection. Once it is turned in the collection is out of my hands. She will have to pay court fines. I feel bad for her family. Unfortunately her lies have continued. I probably will not post Tuesday because I will be off with my precious redhead! Robert and Teri

THE BIGGEST LOSER!

Good Morning! Well I join a group of LKNM ladies in a challenge to lose weight. We are calling it the Biggest Loser. We all put $10.00 in the pot and after 8 weeks someone will win the pot bases on the biggest weight loss by the percentage on how much you weigh. I went in my weigh-in this past WED. All I can say about what I weigh is MERCY ME! The challenge starts this coming Monday. Toni my friend and I are going to approach our challenge a little different. She and I am going to become weight loss prayer partners and keep each other accountable. We are also going to meet at the YMCA to walk. I am not a member but they do have a outside track. I KNOW I will not be able to get all my weight off in 8 weeks but it will be a good start! I think we will do it again after the first of the year. I am realistic though about what I need to weigh. I am embarrassed to say I weighed 118 when Robert and I got married 12 years ago. I wore a size 7 in jeans and 5 in a dress. I never struggle with my weight until I started having babies again at 40 ( bed rest for 5 mts with this one) 43. They are worth it though! I really need to get in shape and get to a normal weight for a woman at 50. I know that will not be 118! I went to be around when the grandkids come around because my goal is too be the BEST and MOST active Maw Maw in Mooresville. That's not going to happen if I keep on this path of life. I will keep everyone updated through my blog. I need cheerleaders!

Surgery Set!

They are understandable nervous and scared! Robert and I still feel at peace that everything is going to be fine. It will not be a easy surgery because where the cancer was located. He will also be in the hospital for a week. I wish we could go down there and be with him, June and Josh but with the kids in school it would be tough.Robert's parents though will be headed down there and will probably be gone for a couple of weeks. Y'all prayer warriors keep praying!

Today

Bill and June have a appointment today with Bill's surgeon. They will find out today when Bill surgery will be. Next Friday 24th the kids are out of school. Last night Caroline during our prayers ask Jesus that the surgery will be on the 24th so she can go to the hospital and be with Bill and June. Children are so unselfish with their love. Something us adults can learn from. This is a quote I borrowed from my friend Sheri off her blog. Here is a quote by W.T. Purkiser; "God helps us to do what we can, and endure what we must, even in the darkest hours. But more, He wants to teach us that there are no rainbows without storm clouds and there are no diamonds without heavy pressure and enormous heat.

This New Toy

OK I need to order a new vacuum more often. Elijah is obsess with our new Dyson vacuum. He came home from school.. CLEANED his room so he could vacuum with the Dyson. He has figured out how to empty the bag. How to attach all the attachments.Where to wrap the cord when finish. I even caught him on his knees examining all the parts of the Dyson and talking to himself on how cool this Dyson was . I just showed Melissa my neighbor our new toy. I took it apart and then could not figure how to get it back all together.I even got out the directions!!!! I had to call on the Dyson expert... ELIJAH who is ONLY 6..

My NEW TOY!

After my sale Robert will go out and buy me a reward for my hard work. Last sale he bought me a Vera Bradley bag with matching wallet. This sale though he bought me a new toy! I got a Dyson Vacuum. WOW I LOVE IT! You would not believe how much better it vacuums that my old cleaner. UNBELIVEABLE you will have to come over my house and try it out!

Our Weekend

This picture is dark sorry! This is the maze crew after they finished in 2 1/2 hrs I hope those who read my blog had a great weekend. Friday night I was not feeling well so we decided just to hang out on the couch and eat leftovers. Our neighbor Bob walked over and ask Robert if we all wanted to go to Lake Norman HS football game. They were playing their rivals Mooresville HS. By that time I had already parked my fanny in my PJ's on the couch and nothing was going to move me. Robert though took the kids and they went to the football game. They had a great time with our friends and I had a great time with the couch and TV. LOL. Unfortunately though someone took a sharp object and scratch a HUGE X on Bob's truck. You have to think it was a teen of course but you never know. I felt terrible though for Bob. Saturday we had soccer Caroline scored two goals and was pretty hyped up after the game. Papaw came to watch so the kids were pretty excited also. After lunch and a shower we met our friends the Robbins' and their kids for some fun at a VERY COOL place. We went to a corn maze. It is SEVEN acres of FUN! As you try to figure your way out you pick up map pieces at different stations. Once you get your map pieces it shows you the whole maze. There is also a cross-word puzzle you can complete on the way. The theme is We the People so it was educational too. The Robbins had their 2 1/2 year old son ( Chad) and after 1 1/2 hrs in the maze he had a enough. Lisa and I GLADY used the excuse of Chad to rest our aching feet. We had at that point found the exit but we did not complete the map [pieces. So Robert Mark and the kids went back in. They finished in 2 1/2 hrs which is pretty good. We talked to other people in there and some had been stuck in the maze for 4 hrs. Afterwards we went out to eat and then we took our very exhausted kids home. Actually we were too.LOL Sunday was Worship. I serve as the small group coordinator for our youth. We have small groups in the evening on Sunday. I really LOVE working with the teens. Last night we had 78 teens show up. AWESOME! Robert helps with the boy's RA's ( missions). They went cannoning yesterday evening and Elijah LOVED it. Over all it was a great weekend. Robert and Teri

Lies and Bounced Checks

At every sale we have a few bounced checks. MOST of the time we have no problem collecting them. I know people make mistakes and most people are honest in this world. This sale I have learned a hard but almost unbelievable lesson. This might take awhile to read :-) But if you like Drama read ahead Last spring sale I had a former consignor bounce a 400.00 check. There was always a crisis when it came time for her to take care of the bad check. Finally after 6 weeks she took care of the check. She did not consign this sale but did ask if she could volunteer. If your a volunteer at my sale you get to shop early. After the volunteer shop Robert came up to me and said did you realize that the nameless person wrote a 500.00 check this sale. I told him I never told her that she had to pay cash but hopefully it would not happen again. Guess What????? It bounced. I had to wait until the check came back. I got the check last Friday Oct 4th back in my mail. It was written on the Sept 20th. So it had been almost two weeks before I could call her. She was not home but I left a message. While I was out she called and came up with a story on my answering machine that now I have a hard time believing. ( you will see why as you read on). She said she lost her debit card and someone took it to Best Buy and spent 8,000. This caused all her checks to bounce in the bank. I called her back and she said that they had frozen their checking account but she would be able to pay me TODAY the 10th . Then she told me she was at Duke Hospital with her son that he was having heart surgery . I thought surely she would not lie about her own son. I felt bad for her and said that would be OK as long as we get this taken care of. She promised! She even told me if her son was still in the hospital next week her husband would take care of it. I did get a red-flag though when I called her home that evening and she answer. She kept saying Hello Hello like she had a bad cell connection. I asked her how she could answer her home phone when she was at Duke. Her response was that she had the home phone forwarded. The story become even sadder and it's not about the MONEY. He has NOT had heart surgery. He has been in school for the past two weeks. I can't go in how I found out because I really want to protect the INNOCENT. ( her husband and kids)Anyone knows that Duke has a phone number and this town is not big. I even sent her a e-mail this morning asking when we could meet and I asked her how her son was. She wrote back and said he was not doing well and to pray for him. She was worried about him . She even said her daughter was having a hard time with her brother being so sick and as soon as she got her off to school she was heading to the hospital. That was a lie too.I know because he was in school yesterday. She also told me she could not pay the full amount she owe me. Legally I can't take partial payments and with her lies I can't trust her. I feel sick to my stomach. I have all day. How could a Mother lie and use their own child like that. Robert told me that we should not worry about her lies that our concern is just getting the money. I don't agree with him. I know there is nothing I could do. Even if I told this woman how sick this made me she would have a lie to cover her lie. I feel sick that someone use my love for the Lord and children to play my heart and pull my strings. I am having even a hard time thinking about praying for this woman. I know tomorrow will be new day and I will be refreshed and see things differently. God has way of making things NEW. I know tomorrow I will pray this woman's heart and especially her family. We have to file a warrant for the check. I have no choice. Usually when this happens people pay because they don't want a record and court cost. The deputy sheriff will make her a visit. I hate that part because of her kids But she made the choice to lie...

Mash Potatoes and Heaven

Last Sunday Robert and Caroline went to the Panthers Game. So after Church Jason took Elijah and I out for lunch. I LOVE MASH POTATOES . My favorite was on the menu so of course I ordered them. As I was savory each bite I told my boys that I hope when I get to heaven that Jesus has me a heaping plate of mash potatoes as my first meal. Elijah ( 6) looks at me and said's Mom Did you know your almost halfway to heaven. I said how's that Elijah . Well he said you are 50 years old so that means your half-way there... LOL Good News! Bill had is scan yesterday at Duke and everything looked clear. They will meet with the surgeon today and by Friday we should know the course of treatment. June and Bill have some decisions made so we are praying for clarity for both them and the Dr's I will keep you updated... BTW I thought McCain did great last night in the debate

God is in Business

Did you know God is in the business of healing. He in FACT is the greatest physician. Remember our friends the Riches. Their story is truly a testimony of faith. Cancer has now touched our family. Robert's brother Bill has colon cancer. He went in for a routine scope and they found two huge polyps. Bill had a scope done 5 years ago and everything was clear .The Dr told him he could wait for 10 years for the next scope. I KNOW that God had intervene and sent Bill for another scope before his time. For that reason I feel that everything is going to be OK for Bill and June. He facing though a chance of that he might have to have a colostomy. The cancer is located low in the colon which will make surgery more difficult. Today June and Bill head to Duke for a Full Body Scan. Bill and June if you read my blog this morning know that we LOVE BOTH of you very much. We added both of you to our prayer list at Church. Last Sunday we had numerous friends come up to us and let us know that they were praying. The kids this morning as I dropped them off to school wanted you to know their school friends and teachers was praying for both of you. Riches Web Site http://caringbridge.org/visit/billrich

Sale is Over

Well things have settle down with our sale finally ending. God is amazing . When we think we have capped our sales off he shows us we were wrong. So we had a very successful sale. Boy I am tired though and I have much to catch up on being a Mom and Wife! My Mom is out of the hospital and seems to be doing well. She has damage to her cerebrum . Her emotions and though process has some healing to do. But she is walking with a walker! Here is a copy/paste e-mail from one of my long time consignors. I am not posting this to get a well job done Teri response. But more to show how God can use so many people that are involved with our sales. If you honor him everything else falls in place! Dear Teri and consignors, I have been consigning with Teri for many years and have never known what a difference the donated items could make. We have recently been licensed as foster parents with Iredell county. On Friday night we received a 3 year old girl to our home with nothing but the clothes on her back. All of the clothes that she had were too big for her and very dirty and worn. We had to throw these clothes out. On Saturday I contacted Teri because I knew that she donates to the Foster parent association after her sale. I told her the story of this little girl and she graciously let me look through the donated items on Saturday after the conclusion of the sale. I would like to extend a personal thank you to all consignors that are willing to donate their items that do not sell. Thanks to all of you this little girl has clothes and shoes to get her through the Fall and Winter. I would like to send a special thank you to the shopper whom I have never met that overheard me telling our story to Teri. She bought this little girl several outfits and shoes and handed them to me in a bag before she left the sale. This wonderful lady had never met me or this child before but gave from the goodness in her heart. Teri, your sale is a testimony to so many and I would like to thank you for what you do for our community. Anne C

Quick Update

Mom speech has improved. She still is bed ridden and has to be fed. They did another brain scan this morning and we don't know why. I do hope to hear something this afternoon. She is also very confused at times. This weekend we went too see Mom and took the kids. I could tell she enjoyed seeing them.Afterwards we took the kids to the fair and we all had a great time. Robert and I were glad to have some family time especially with the sale coming up. Yesterday Robert too Elijah too see the Panthers. It was the firsttime he has taken him. Robert said he did GREAT and Elijah loved going with Daddy. I ask Elijah if he looked at the cheerleaders and he said Yes I did and they are really skinny.LOL My drop-off starts Friday so I will not be posting much. The sale is going fantastic. I am excited to have such a great location. I have 150 volunteers also! Yahoo! I will also have at least 20,000 kidz items too sell We apprecaite the prayers

Update

The brain scan came back and Mom did have a stroke. She is talking better now but she is very slur and has a hard time getting her words out. She is unable to eat or drink correctly so they are going to run a swallow test on her. She has lost strength in her right arm and leg and is unable to walk Dad was told that she ould be in the hospital awhile but they are working to get her in rehab...The Dr told Dad she could bounce back from his with lots of work. Pray for my Mom and Dad.. Decisions and Peace will need to be made.

My head is spinning

What a week My Mom is in the hospital. Has been there since Sunday night. Allyson showed me a swollen lymph gland in her neck Drop-off starts next week for my sale. Mom is OK... She has been in bad health for quite a long time . The woman is a ox. You think this might be it and she bounces back. Sadly though it looks like she might have suffered a stroke this time. They took her for a brain scan this morning and hopefully we will hear something this afternoon. I am trying to talk my Dad to move here with Mom after she gets out of rehab. He keeps turning me down but in teh same breath he saids I just don't know how I can handle her. Please pray for parents. Allyson swollen lymp gland turend outto be a infected SPIT gland ... She will be on meds for a fews weeks. If it does not go down I was told to take her to a ENT. The sale is going great.JUST BUSY. I hope by the end of the month to become a regular blogger I will try to keep everyone updated on Mom

Urgent prayer Request

http://caringbridge.org/visit/billrich Our friend from Church Bill Rich just went through a blood marrow transplant 9 days ago. He has develop a serious fungus pneumonia since his transplant. This morning he was being a placed on a respirator. The battle with the pneumonia is not going well. Please take time to pray for him and Sheri immediately. God is the great physician Bill is 45 and has 3 boys. 19,13,6 His wife name is Sheri. He is at Duke.

The Election Again

NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION... TOP 10 PREDICTIONS NO MATTER WHO WINS THE ELECTION 1. The Bible will still have all the answers. 2. Prayer will still work. 3. The Holy Spirit will still move. 4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people. 5. There will still be God-anointed teaching and healing. 6. There will still be singing of praise to God. 7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people. 8. There will still be room at the Cross. 9. Jesus will still love you. 10. Jesus will still save the lost. ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL?!!!

Our Next VP

Come on American Women . I feel like I am hearing something from the 50's These concerns and question about having a pregnant teen or how many kids they have would not be asked if this same thing happen to a man who was running for President or Vice President. Men SHOULD and do have the same pressures of being a parent ( no matter how many children they have) Men SHOULD and do have the same pressure of being a husband Men SHOULD and do have the same pressure of dealing with serious issues that effect their families. So what makes it different for a WOMAN When I read these concerns and questions it makes me think that the majority of being a parent rest on the woman's solely on a shoulder. What happen to equal partnership in a marriage and being a parent. Every candidate that is running for a office is married and has a family. It really hit me this morning as I was listening to a radio station. There were callers were saying she would make a irresponsible VP because she had a baby at 43, had five kids, carried a special need baby to term and her teen daughter was pregnant. Here I am a mother of five, had a baby at almost 44, carried my son who is mentally retarded and I am labeled irresponsible and should never be considered running for a important office or have a important role in society. I actually cried all the way home for this biggest reason I THOUGHT when we nominated a black man for president and Mrs Clinton almost won that just maybe we have started taking off blinders that all men and women are equal no matter what! I was wrong especially after what I have been reading on the liberal left wing websites and what I heard on the radio this morning....

PARTY TIME

Today we are celebrating Caroline's 10th Birthday Party a month early. Her birthday is actually Sept 29th. She wanted to have a swimming party and here even in the South can be "iffy" So today we will have 10 ( maybe more) screaming silly wonderful Caroline's girlfriends here. I have games, crafts , Hannah Montana and a extra dose of Tylenol ( for me) plan today! More later

1st Grade Language

Elijah's teacher came around the driver's side of the van yesterday and said I need to tell you what Elijah said.. I thought of dear what has he said now ..... She shared that a little girl at school had to have surgery the first day of school . She told the class that they needed to pray for her. Of course the kids had question why she had to have surgery. She said Elijah raised his hand and she thought he might knew her and why. He said... Mrs Brown. I sure hope it is not that plastic surgery. That sure would be terrible. Mrs Brown said it took everything in her power not to burst out laughing... I told her LOOK at me it is obvious I have not had plastic surgery and I have no idea where he has heard of plastic surgery! LOL.

Glorious!!!

We left last Thursday for a long weekend of camping with two other families. We camped near Grand-Fathers Mountain. The camp ground we stayed at was VERY nice and you really did feel like you were in the mountains. We went to Grand-Father's Mountain and the swinging bridge! We also went hiking to the Linville Falls. We had a great time! My friend Renee brought her parent Along . ( Grandpa Chuck and Grand Maw Ruth). What a blessing they were to us and the kids this weekend. Allyson, Caroline and Elijah just took to them immediately. They both took the time to play , talk and making them feel special. Grandpa Chuck is 79 and Grand Maw Ruth is 76. You would never know it though. Grandpa Chuck went hiking with us and hardly loss his breathe. ( unlike me) Grand Maw Ruth was always doing something around the camp . What a busy bee she is. When we left they both compliment how well behave our kids were and how much they enjoyed being with everyone. I was so touched! Yesterday was a glorious day I was very sad but the kids started school. But it was glorious that they privilege too attend a private school and have great teachers that love the Lord. I got to eat lunch with my husband We also close the deal on a great location for our consignment sale. God is good always!

One more thing

To add to the stress Robert went to buy lunch and our credit card did not go through... Called the credit card company and someone got hold of our our cc # and went on a shopping spree in FL. The cc company actually notice all the charges in FL and stopped our card.No we did not lose our card No telling how it happen but our guess someone hack a site that we have used our cc on. We are not going to have to pay all the charges . We will have to contact every billing agency we used Can anything else happen this next week????

Do you feel the heat????

I know I have been a bad blogger but I have a good excuse. It is a 4 letter four.... BUSY! As you know we came back to air conditioning problems after our vacation. You ever heard of air conditioning drama??? Well we have experience it. A friend of a friend came to look at it . To make a long story short this guy has not follow through . The person we wanted to work on it was actually doing contract work out of the country. The freon ( sorry for the spelling) is now gone again and the system is not cooling. The good news the person we original wanted to fix it is back and we will have it fixed hopefully by Sat. The bad news we have to put in a whole new cooling system at $2,000. We are now even broke because I had to pay school tuition this week. The kids this week have been at music/ drama camp a the Cove Church. They have had so much fun and made some new friends. Tonight we will be going to see a musical presentation. They are pretty excited and the kids say it is really cool what they are doing... This past week I have set at my computer for at least 6 HOURS a day working. I am getting ready for my consignment sale in September. I am using a new and very cool system called My Consignment manager. The consignor tags their items on-line and then we upload the information into our computer. We have scanners that will scan their own personal barcode as the items sell at our sell. They can also set up their drop-off and volunteer time in my system. This is saving me a ton of work. That is what I have been busy doing all week setting up the system. I am finally finish and will be opening up links for them to get busy this coming Monday. We are having a pool party this Sunday with friends. One of my sweet adopted daughters ( Rachel) is bringing her boyfriend over to meet our family. I have know Rachel and her family for many years. ( The Robbins). They are actually our family too. I hear wedding bells in the future very soon! Morgan is coming home this weekend for a visit. I need to post about my special son. He is such a blessing and actually he brought me closer to God. I will do a post on my man Morgan soon Well Later! Have a great weekend

Just a Quick Note

We are back from a WONDERFUL vacation . Came home to a VERY HOT home and broken air conditioning unit. Right now things are cool in the house but is temporary until parts can be found. I will be back to blogging as soon as I catch up after vacation. Thanks for checking on us. I promise I will be back with Julian NEWS!

Caught Up!

Good Morning! I caught up with all the wash finally. I got everything unpacked BUT I have started packing again. This Saturday we are going to Topsail Beach for a family vacation. In St John I took so many pictures that we had to load them in Eric's laptop. I am still waiting for them so hopefully I can get started on my slide show after we get back. So keep checking back!!! Something cool happen in my e-mail box. I got a e-mail from one of the ladies I worked with in St John Sister Merle. She is my new friend and we had instant connection. I will tell you more about Merle later. Well I better get to cleaning my house and packing AGAIN! I will post again before I leave for a much needed family vacation.

Back in NC

I am back in NC exhausted physically and emotionally. But I am refreshed with the Lord. I had a life -changing experience this past week. With Allyson's help I will be making a slide-show sometime this week of our journey. I came home to a very clean house thanks to my husband and daughter Caroline but I have at least 20 loads of wash! I also need to catch up with family time. So keep checking back and I promise to get a slide show up as soon as possible. Thanks to those who prayed for us during the trip. We felt the power of prayer. Good Day! PS I heard Good Day a lot on the island ;-)

Happy 4th and leaving on a plane

Happy 4th! We are so blessed to live in a country that stands for freedom. God Bless you USA! My daughter Allyson and I will be leaving in the morning at 5:00 AM for St John's in the Caribbean. The purpose of the trip will be to teach and equip the members of Calvary Baptist so in the future they will be able to run their own VBS. Most importantly the team will share the gospel with the community and win souls for eternity. Our Church mission team could have up to 250 children attending VBS from this tiny island. I am very excited to be with my daughter Allyson and serving God together. What a privilege God has given us both . I will be back in a week with pictures and updates. We will be traveling with 16 fun Southern Baptist. I am sure there will be lots of laughs with the group we are going with. The team is STRONG in their walk so I expect even more bonding through our Christian fellowship. Please pray for safe travels and hearts to be open to the gospel Love in Christ

Taking a break!

I thought I would take a break from cleaning to share our last two days. Yesterday we had the BEST time with our friends. I took the kids over to the 2.00 movie summer movies. We then rushed home grabbed lunch and waited for our friends for a swim day. Lisa, Karen, Kimberly and Kim and 14 kids bewteen us enjoyed playing in the pool. The kids were SO good and played so well together. My kids are VERY SOCIAL and enjoyed the whole event. My Mommy friends that came over is also what I needed. The kids were so good that we were able to enjoy Mommy time. Which means running our mouths ( talking). I was so sad when they all left around 5:00. The YMCA is hosting 4th July events. Tonight we are going with Melissa and Bob and their kids for a picnic and to watch the 4th of July. I am also trying to work out details for some of our other friends from Church to meet also and have a HUGE fellowship time! Well back to work! I got to get the house cleaned so Friday I can start packing for our mission trip. More later on our mission trip God Bless America.

READING!

Caroline scored in the top 97% in the nation on her SAT. Ever since Caroline learned to talk I could tell she was very bright. I think though what has helped her the most she loves to read.Elijah is starting to read also and seems to enjoy it as much as his sissy. I have been trying to be a good Mom and set time each day for the kids to read. Elijah and I have been working on his reading skills for the next school year. I caught my two "readers" in Caroline's bed reading together.

Allyson is coming HOME

Allyson has been in Florida this week serving our Savior through mission work. Her team went into a nursing home and did yard work. They also went in the home and spent the day with the residents. I have talked to Allyson several times this week and every time I talked to her she sounds excited! This morning I viewed a video that Daniel our youth pastor sent out to the parents and friends of these youth. He let us know that our kids are coming home CHANGED. They are on a spiritual fire for Jesus. It has been a long time since he could say this but this has been one of his best trips ever with the youth. Hearts have been changed. I can't wait too hear what happen. I have posted a video from Daniel of one of the "work" days. Allyson is in the video several times. ENJOY and pray for our kids!

MEET SPIDERBOY

I took Elijah to Chick-Filet this week to meet Spiderman and Batman. He insisted dressing in his TOO SMALL costume. He had fun though pretending he was a super hero. When I see how much fun these kids have pretending it makes me what to be a kid again. More than that I dread the day when he thinks it is uncool to dress-up as a super hero. I love Chick-Filet and the activities they do during the week for families. It's been a fun week again for the kids and I. Of course the swimming pool was used almost everyday. Caroline had a friend ( Brandi) over to spend the night . She and Brandi get along so well and did their "tween" stuff together. Yesterday we Elijah and I got our haircut. The girl that cut Elijah's hair went on and on how handsome he was and how she wished she had his hair color. He was really enjoing the attention. She asked him if he knew that he was so cute. He said YES I know it because my mommy tells me that all they time. Caroline had her orthodontics appointment yesterday. The one tooth that they are trying to pull fowarded still has not made it yet. He also told her yesterday that she will probably be ready for braces about 12. So start saving up Daddy! Would you know our air condition is out! It is suppose to be 93 today. So no cooking or cleaning at my house. It is too HOT. We are praying that it is not too major but I have a feeling it is. Later!

CAN!

Borrowed from Daniel When you think you can't you CAN! Get the tissue before you watch this powerful video

A simple act of love

Last Wednesday night I went to youth hang-out time at Church. Before Bible study (Daniel/Youth pastor) came up with some ice breaker games. One of the games you had to pick a partner. I was sitting there wondering if anyone would pick me. I expected the youth to pick up their buddies before me of course. I am not a game person so it was not a big deal if I sat out. I looked up and there comes my daughter Allyson across the room smiling. She picked her MOM. I know as your reading this your thinking how silly for a grown woman to almost cry over her daughter picking her as her partner. BUT I WAS so TOUCHED. She could had picked one her friends you know. This small act of love was actually a HUGE act of love. It shows me and GOD how unselfish she is. Her act of love showed how much she honors God also. There is no greater way to honor God than to honor our parents. It was awesome to spend time that night with Allyson and her friends. I also enjoyed the Bible Study and learned something too about God's word. Parents of youth I challenged you to visit your sons/daughter's youth group. I know as parents of teens we think they would be embarrassed if you walk in their youth group. I promise you they will not be. They really do want us involved in their lives. I do suggest that you warn them though first ;-) Our youth kids need us even more now than ever with the challenges in today's world. Also I let Allyson know how much that simple but HUGE act of love meant tooher Mom I cherish you Allyson Love Mommy.

Today is the BIG day

Today is my birthday. So your thinking that's great Teri but what makes this special day so BIG. Well I am 50 today. I can't believe that I am that young ! The first person to wish me Happy Birthday was Robert at 12:03 am. Jason wished me Happy B day at 6:30 am. Elijah and Caroline at 7:00 am. Then I get a call from my sister-in law June at 8:30 am. I am feeling very loved this morning and tired. So far today I got my favorite breakfast Waffles topped off with strawberries, blue berries and whip-cream. Allyson made the sweetest card . She wrote the sweetest note in the card. Have I told y'all lately how blessed I am. Sunday is also our 12th anniversary. Jason is going to watch the kids tonight and Robert and I are going on a date. 12 years and five kids so our marriage has been productive and wonderful ;-) Allyson left this morning for the week on a mission trip to Florida. Her friend Sarah also went with her. They have several projects they will be involved with. Please pray for a safe journey for 30 teens and adults. Especially pray that the families they will be working with will be touched with the saving grace of Jesus Christ. I am going to miss her also. Off to Target!

Something is going to happen BIG this Saturday June 21st

And that is all I am going to say about that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Three Days Worth

This is a mini recap of the last few days . Saturday we went to my brother Jimmy home to celebrate Father's Day with my parents . Jimmy cooked out humongous delicious burgers and I brought sides. I also got to meet my brother's girlfriend Natalie. Jimmy has begun to date . I will admit it was pretty awkward at first because I loved Robin so much. Natalie though was very sweet and my brother looks very happy. This is all that matters to me is my brother's happiness. Mom and Dad were there. My parent have really started to age. Especially my Mom. She has trouble moving around . I will say though my Mom's mobility is not great but she still keeps her home in tip top shape. She amazes me consider how fragile she has become. She told me that she is scared that if she sits down she will never get up. Sunday as you know was Father's Day. Have I told y'all lately that God has blessed me with the most incredible father to my children. We all adore and cherish Robert/Daddy. I could go on and on but I don't have enough of time to put in words how super our SUPER DAD is. The kids picked out a coffee kit mug set. They took special markers and decorated the mugs. Caroline made a mug for spare change. She drew a rainbow with a pot of gold at the end. Elijah drew a picture of Robert with a red cape and wrote SUPER DAD on it for him to drink coffee. The kids even made home-made cards. We are pretty simple people and these type of gifts means more than to us than store bought gifts. We all went out to eat after Church and Robert THOUGHT he was going to take a nap. The kids gave him no choice but to go for a swim. Our friends across the street came over and we all had a mini pool party. We had such a great time. I am so glad this couple moved in our neighborhood. Great Christian couple with two sweet girls. Yesterday I took the kids to North Mecklenburg Park in Huntersville. We met four other Mom's there with their kiddos. We ate lunch and the kids played. I belong to a group on Lake Norman Mom's called Club 35. These are Mom's who went on to have babies after 35. We all can sit and talk about how tired we are having babies at a later age or how fabulous we feel at our age to even have babies later on. Most of us have older kids too so it is nice to sit and talk about having TWO families because of age differences. Well I better get started with my day.

Where did red head Elijah come from???

Meet Elijah our son when he was a day old. Beside being a beautiful 6.10 baby boy he was born with a masses amount of red hair. It was quite a shock having a red head child. He was the fifth child and only redhead. Elijah is now six and still has hair that women pay for. He will proudly though tell people when they ask WHERE DO YOU GET THAT RED HAIR FROM? I got my red hair from Papaw.. He had red hair but now it's white My friend sent me this joke . Warning is PG but cute. Now we know where Elijah got his red hair from WHERE DO RED-HEADED BABIES COME FROM????? After their baby was born, the panicked father went to see the Obstetrician. 'Doctor,' the man said, 'I don't mind telling you, but I'm a little upset because my daughter has red hair. She can't possibly be mine!!' 'Nonsense,' the doctor said'. 'Even though you and your wife both have black hair, one of your ancestors may have contributed red hair to the gene pool.' 'It isn't possible,' the man insisted.'????? ?'This can't be, our families on both sides had jet-black hair for generations.' 'Well,' said the doctor, 'let me ask you this. How often do you have sex??? ' The man seemed a bit ashamed . 'I've been working very hard for the past year. We only made love once or twice every few months.' 'Well, there you have it!' The doctor said confidently. 'It's rust.'

Another pool Day

Yesterday my friend Lisa brought her 3 younger children and two precious little foster boys over. My friend Melissa across the street brought her two daughters over for fun too. We had a total of 10 kids in the pool! We ate peanut butter and jelly sandwich's and JUNK out around the pool. Lisa brought a water mellow and later on the afternoon we savored it. It was really one of those FUN days. Stress free for me and the kids had a ball. Elijah had a really good time with the boys. Sometimes he is surrounded by too many girls. I need to do better about getting more of his little guy friends over here. Robert's parents called last night about 6:00 and asked too see the kids. They have a place in the mountains so in the summer we don't see them very much. That came over for about a hr. to visit. They happen to be home for a DR appointment. They leave today for the beach to see Robert's brother and his wife for a few days. It was really good for the kids too see them. They miss have the luxury of doting grandparents. Today is cleaning day. Lisa is bring her two daughters and the two foster boys here at 3:30. I am going to baby -sit them while Lisa takes her son Chad ( 2) to a birthday party for another 2 year old. I bought one of the those sand art kits and I thought we would take it outside and make sand sculptures. This should be interesting!!! The biggest news Robert is coming home today. He has been in SC working all week. We have missed him terribly. I can tell on the phone he is getting homesick. Well off to cleaning!

Too MUCH FUN at the Julian's

Sorry I have not posted in the past few days. The kids are out of school and I want to PLAY! Already Caroline is a brown child from swimming everyday.We wonder if she comes from the same DNA ? I used to tan like her but I have grown -up and decided I better stay out of the sun There has been a steady stream of families, kids and friends at our house enjoying the pool. We LOVE having our friends and their children over to enjoy what God has blessed us with. Today went to the Summer movies. Movie popcorn and drink all for 2.00. They are older movies but my kids don't care. I met one of my gal-friends ( Lisa) at the movies with all her kids. Then we went to Chick-Filet and ate lunch. Later on this evening we are going up to the Church. They are having jump houses, food and fun to kick off summer. The kids are pretty excited about going. Yesterday I had my past -due physical. Everything seems great. I need to lose 30 lbs . No kidding you can't tell. LOL. I did lose 6 lbs though in the past month. I KNOW I really need to get this weight off. Funny I never struggles with my weight until I started having babies again at 40. OH well they are worth it. I am waiting for my labs to come back and then I will know how else my body is doing. She does want me to go to a dermatologist to have some freckles and moles look at. Just to be on the safe side. God blessed me with a huge amount of pigment in my skin and I am covered in moles That is another reason I need to be careful with the sun. I will try to do better updating my blog ! I just love having the kids at home and we stay busy. In fact I have a Mom and five more kids coming to swim and do peanut butter and jelly sandwiches around the pool Thursday.

A OK with the tush

Just still a little woozy from the medications to put me under. Everything is fine, I did have a very mild case of diverticulitis. So mild I never knew I have it. He did biopsy on a place he called a "fold" . But no polyps . I will get the results in 10 days. Told me to come see him in 5 years because of my family history.

Quick Catch-up and a test for me.

We had GREAT GREAT and I mean GREAT time on our camping trip. As soon as I get Robert to load the pictures I will post a update with pictures. We have been busy unpacking and getting the camper ready for our next trip. This will be a short post because I have a lot going on and I wanted y'all to know we made it back safely. I am having a colonoscopy done in the morning. This afternoon I start the medication to clean out my system. I heard this is the worse part of the procedure. Robert has been bugging me for the last five years to get one done. My Mom had colon cancer and her Dad died of colon cancer. So it was very important for me to get checked out because of family history. I have had NO symptoms . I am just dreading the whole procedure. I have the Dr phobia you know. Have any you ever had one done. I can't eat all today so this should bring on the headache and grouchiness. On to the shower and off to the million things I have to do today. I will post a update on how everything went Wednesday evening if I feel OK. Have a blessed day

Camping!

We are leaving this morning to go camping in Asheville NC ( mountains). The kids are up early ready to go! I will be missing until Monday. Jason is coming to dog-sit and house sit this weekend. Y'all have a great weekend. I am so looking forwarded to our family time...We are having two others families with us. Bewteen 3 families we 12 KIDS! So this should be fun and tiring

Teeth , Hair and Age!

I wrote this post yesterday evening but got busy and forgot to publish it. So this is yesterday news! It is a rainy wet day here in Mooresville. I rather it be raining today than this weekend . It is no fun camping in the rain. Elijah ( 6) was watching me put on my make-up today. He said Mommy your prettier since you got older. I know your only 29 but you look more like 30. BTW I am getting ready to turn 50 soon. I am trying to decided if he was giving me a compliment ;-) Caroline ( 9)had her orthodontist appointment today. She has a special brace on a bottom and top tooth that has grown back. She wears a rubber band on it to help bring the tooth forwarded. He is just preparing her for future braces. The tooth is moving forwarded but it is taking it's time! Caroline went through the same thing with another tooth six months ago and that tooth moved forwarded in a MONTH. So she is feeling a little discourage that this one is taking it's time. I can't wait for the day she is ready for braces. She has major teeth issues ! Dig in your pocketbook Daddy! After our appointment we went to Chick Filet. I ran into half of my consignor, church family and friends while we were out. Glad I had make-up on and my hair look decent. LOL. We then went and bought camping supplies and food for this weekend. Caroline had 4 inches of hair cut off for the summer. Caroline has hair that every woman wants. THICK and CURLY. It had gotten really long and hard to manage for the summer. She cute it several inches below her shoulder but with the curl after it dries it is right on her shoulders. The cut actually made her curls spring back and she looks like she has even a head more full of hair! Very cute cut on her and she loves it! Well I better get supper ready. Later

Memorial Day Weekend

I have no pictures to share but just memories. Most importantly let me start this post in thanks to our servicemen who are serving and have serve and protecting our Country. YOU ARE AWESOUME! Also our hearts and prayers go out to those who have lost their love ones during their acts of service and courage in protecting our country. GOD BLESS the USA! My nephew Josh is currently in aviation school in the Army. Not just anyone can just get in aviation school. He was chosen. I am not sure where he will go after he finishes school but for sure he will go overseas. We are so proud of Josh. Our family prays for him daily in our prayers. He is AWESOUME! This was a fun and busy weekend! Our family was GIVEN a pop-up by our friends the Belvins. What a blessing. This pop-up was given to them by another family and they upgraded . What a blessing to our family. This weekend we cleaned up the camper and got what camping gear we have packed in. For a camper that is 12 years old it is in really great condition . We are headed off camping this up coming weekend with the Belvins' and Robbins' family. The kids are really excited. Robert and I are even more excited that we don't have to sleep in a tent! Jason our son came over the entire weekend and stayed. I washed his clothes for him and doted on him. I really enjoy giving him the Momma touch. You just don't realize how much you miss them after they moved out. So I spoil him during his short visits. The kids love having him here because he is such a big kid himself. Monday Robert smoked Boston Butts ( Southern Barbeque) on the grill. Then we had all our Northern friends over. LOL. They all brought side dishes and we had a picnic . Between 4 families we had 10 kids in the pool. I forgot to add the 3 daddies that were trying to make the biggest splash off the diving board. The weather was great and the food was even better. My kids collapsed in the bed last night after swimming almost all day. SCHOOL IS OUT FOR MY KIDS! God is so great! Later !!!!