Good Times, Great Friends!

12 years ago when I moved to Orlando the Lord brought 3 very different, very special friends into my life. I have learned so much from them and have been so grateful for their love, their insight, the way they have shared so honestly their struggles and victories, their heart for the Lord, their families and the church. In the last 12 years, between the 4 of us, we have all graduated, gotten married, there have been so many moves I can't even remember, this year there are 12 children between us, and when Steve and I move next week we will all be in different churches. When we were all single, Kelly, Dena, Praise and I always went out for a Christmas dinner and to exchange gifts. Well, no matter who has lived where, by God's grace, we've been able to carry on that tradition every year! And our amazing men get to come with us, too (and they get to pay for the dinner, coffee, etc!)! For this year's get together, after church one Sunday Derek, Dena, Steve and I met Kelly and David at Panda Express for a quick lunch and then we headed to Titusville to hang out with Chris and Praise at their house. Time flew as we talked and talked and talked! I don't think there was a break in the conversation at all! Then we were going to go to this new arcade place, but it was packed and noisy, so we went to dinner at Olive Garden and then went to Barnes and Noble for coffee - and of course, more talking. We all took $5.00 per couple and 10 minutes to find a gift for another couple. That was pretty funny and we think David came away with the most appropriate gift - a book full of useless facts! We had so much fun and I can't wait 'til next year. Oh, and we'll see if Derek and Dena or Chris and Praise add any more kids to the mix! (Ha ha!!)

The Magic Kingdom!

On Friday, Reagan, Sydney, my mom and I headed out to the Magic Kingdom! It was gorgeous outside - a little chilly - but beautiful and we were ready to have some fun! We started out a little slow...we got on a monorail that broke down (that kind of stuff is not supposed to happen at WDW, is it?!?) and so we had to get off and wait and then get on another one. Then that one stopped halfway between where we started and where we needed to end! The girls were being much more patient than I was! So, about 11:30 we made it into the park! Yay! We had a blast! The girls were so much fun and there were hardly any lines to wait in, which made it even better! We saw Mickey, Minnie, Pooh, Tigger and 3 Princesses. (Which if you haven't been to see the Princesses, it is well worth any line you have to stand in in my opinion! They were so sweet to the girls and spent so much time talking with them and taking pictures with them!) We rode the barnyard roller coaster - over and over and over again! Every time we would get off Sydney would ask to ride it again! And of course, we couldn't miss Toy Story, the Pirates of the Caribbean, the flying carpets, the merry-go-round, having hot chocolate and stuffed pretzels, and no trip to Disney would be complete without a ride on It's a Small World! Oh and Reagan rode Thunder Mountain Railroad with her Grannie! Sydney may be tall enough for it next time we go!!

Cling

Cling as defined by Webster's 1828 Dictionary:

1. To adhere closely; to stick to; to hold fast upon, especially by winding round or embracing; as, the tendril of a vine clings to its support. (Two babes of love close clinging to her waist.)

2. To adhere closely; to stick to; as a viscous substance.

3. To adhere closely and firmly, in interest or affection; as, men of a party cling to their leader.

Cling. When I think of that word I think of Reagan. She clings to me. She wants to hug on me all day long...whether it's when I'm getting her up in the morning, or reading the girls a story, or brushing her hair, she is always quick to embrace me. She wants to be where I am and involved in what I'm doing. Oh, and her hugs are the best! The are the tightest, best hugs I believe any 4 year old could ever give.

So, tonight I was listening over and over to a song on a new CD Steve and I bought on Sunday. It's off the Paul Baloche CD "Our God Saves". And the word in the song that kept sticking out to me was...drum roll please..."CLING". So, here are the lyrics...

I cling to the cross and everything it means
I know it's the only hope there is for saving me
For without Your great mercy
I would be forever lost
With a thankful heart I come
And cling to the cross

Standing at the empty tomb
Promises I have in You arise
I was made alive in You
Everything You said was true
You suffered, died, and rose to bring us life

I cling to the cross and everything it means
I know it's the only hope there is for saving me
For without Your great mercy
I would be forever lost
With a thankful heart I come (Jesus I come)
With a thankful heart I come
With a thankful heart I come and cling to the cross

The world behind me, the cross before me
The world behind me, the cross before me
The world behind me, the cross before me
No turning back, no turning back

Oh, how I want to truly cling to the cross in every situation! I often find myself at times clinging with one hand but then grabbing for something else with the other - whether it be idols or selfishness or what I think is comfort. But at the cross such peace is found! At the cross is where my Savior died so that I can cling to Him and grow to bring Him glory and honor and praise. When I am clinging to the cross, my heart is full of faith and hope. So Lord, I am thankful. I am so thankful that because of your mercy I can cling to...adhere closely...stick to...hold fast upon...your cross.

The Girls and Luke!

Today we were able to watch little Luke for a few hours. The girls just love little babies and did so good playing with him and Jordyn. It was amazing that all 4 kiddos went down for a nap at one time. Surprisingly, Sydney does so well with little ones. She wanted to make sure he and Jordyn were happy and had plenty of toys, blankets and burp cloths. And when she realized Luke uses a paci she wanted to make sure he had it at all times!

Psalm 37

I read these verses this morning and was just once again reminded of the goodness of the Lord!

"Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend
faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of
your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as
the light,
and your justice as the noonday.
Be still before the Lord and wait
patiently for him."
Psalm 37:3-7

When we trust Him, we see He is faithful through all circumstances and seasons of life. When we delight in Him, He does give us the desires of our hearts - as they align with His good and perfect will. As we commit ourselves to Him, He proves himself trustworthy and active! When we are still and patient and wait upon Him, we will not be disappointed, for He answers those who wait upon Him! What a kind, merciful Savior we have!

Reagan Makes Dinner!

For Christmas my mom bought Reagan Paula Deen's Kid's Cookbook, so earlier this week I let her pick out what she wanted to make for dinner one day this week. She picked Ambrosia Salad and Personal Pizzas. Not the healthiest for sure, but what of Paula's is?!?! When we went grocery shopping, the only thing she was concerned about was making sure we found the little marshmallows...and then she carried the whole time we were at the store! Well, last night she made her dinner and she did such a good job! She read all the directions and helped me measure, pour, stir and serve. She even picked out the ingredients for our pizzas - we could have cheese, pepperoni or pepperoni and black olives! She was super excited and dinner turned out really good! We all enjoyed it and there was hardly a crumb left on the girls' plates! I'm hoping that she can start helping make a meal once a month! It gives us some good one on one time and helps her learn, too!