Family Updates!

Well, school has been in session for 2 weeks now and it seems that our 3 oldest have adjusted quite nicely! I'm thankful to our great God for their teachers. The kids really like them, and they all seem to be awesome teachers. Our baby girl is excited to be starting preschool next week. We went to "Meet-the-teacher" night for her a few nights ago and she is very excited to begin. She still seems so young to be in the pre-K class. She has a wonderful teacher this year, and we are excited to see how God is going work in her little life.

We also started Upward soccer. Bradley and Brenna are playing again this fall and they are excited to be on the soccer field again. We love the Upward organization and are glad to have the kids playing. John is helping coach Brenna's team this season and she loves that. Of course, this subject came up at the dinner table last night and Bradley told his daddy that he was going to help coach his team next year. Brenna chimed in to say, "Daddy, we'll see if you do a good job and then you can coach my team again next year." (or something like that). That girl is very funny, and I never know what she might say. They played their 1st games this past Saturday. Each of them scored 2 goals. Bradley's team won even though they don't keep score in Upward. Brenna's team did not win, but she played very well too. I missed their games because Brandon woke up sick that morning and I had to take him to the dr. So, I'll have to see them play next week. I've posted a couple of pics below of our Soccer players!

Bradley's ready to go!!

Cute Brenna is ready to play!

The other day, Bethany and I decided to make play dough. She loves helping in the kitchen, so I thought this would be a fun activity to do while the others were at school. She helped pour in the ingredients and stir them up. We added pink coloring which is what she asked for. The girl loves pink. After the play dough was done and had cooled off, she sat at the table and played for a long time. We'll definately be doing this again! Here are a few photos of her helping in the kitchen!

Stirring the dough!

Look at what we made!!

Aunt Janie gave us this play dough ice cream maker at Christmas time (I think). The kids have spent so much time sitting at the table playing and playing with this. What a great gift! Bethany tried it out with our homemade pink play dough!

1st Day of School

Well, we've survived the 1st day of school! Brandon started his 4th grade year. Bradley started his 3rd grade year. And, Brenna started Kindergarten. They all woke up yesterday morning ready to go. After getting ready and eating breakfast, John had a short devotion and prayer time with them. He took them to school and walked them inside since it was their 1st day, and since Brenna is new at this "going to school" thing. They took Brenna to her class first. John has struggled with Brenna starting Kindergarten, so there were some tears. No tears from Brenna, all from Daddy. Brenna walked in like she knew exactly what to do and ended up having a great 1st day. It was even better because her friend Jordan is in her class, so she had someone to play with that she already knew.

John then took Brandon and Bradley to their rooms. They are on the same hall, which I like. As they entered their hallway, their classmates were sitting in the hall waiting until time to go into their classrooms. As Brandon passed some of his classmates, a girl who was in his class last year, said something to him that was not very nice. Brandon sat down in the hall with his class, while John walked Bradley on down the hall to his room. When he got back, Brandon was in tears. John took him into the bathroom to talk to him and to encourage him. Before John left the school, he went back by his room to check on him, and he seemed fine. When John got home and told me about that, this momma's heart was broken to know that someone had made fun of my son on the first day of school. It was one of those moments where I felt completely helpless. I prayed God's protection upon him and asked that God would bless him with a good day in spite of what the girl said to him. And, I'm so thankful that God did that very thing. Brandon went on about his day, not letting what the girl said bother him. I was super proud of him for handling it well. Thank you Lord for taking care of my children when I am not there with them.

Here is Bradley before leaving home on his 1st day of 3rd grade. He had a wonderful day. He also has a great teacher, and we are so thankful for that.

Brandon is ready to head to school. He looks so big in this picture. I can't believe that he is now in 4th grade.

Brenna was so ready for Kindergarten. She's so funny!

Posing with Daddy before leaving for school!

Off they go. I love this picture!

My baby girl is 4!

Well, I've gotten a bit behind on my blogging this summer. There are many other things I could blog about, but instead of trying to go back and catch up, I decided to just start with now. One of the most recent things that has happened in our family, is that our baby girl, Bethany, turned 4 this month. I still can't believe that she is that old. She tells me often "Mommy, I not a baby!" I assure her that she is not a baby girl any more, but a big girl.

John took her to Build-A-Bear, which is a birthday tradition at our house that all our children really look forward to. She decided on the Hello Kitty which you will see in the picture below!

Here's the silly birthday girl posing with her cake!

My little birthday girl!

Bethany with her Papa John!

I'm so thankful to God for the gift of this precious little girl! I love you Bethany!

The Summer of 1989

What a summer it was. The summer of 1989. The direction of my entire life changed that summer. I changed schools, I changed majors, and my career path changed forever. Much of it transpired with a trip down Tenneryville Road between Longview and White Oak that June 17 Saturday evening. I had just finished my sophomore year in college, and God put a song on the radio that He used to speak to me so clearly about the direction of my life. I wanted to go into some kind of field that had to do with math - most logically accounting. God had other plans. And when Steve Camp's song "Don't Tell Them Jesus Loves Them" came on the radio that evening, I finally surrendered to what I knew God was calling me to long before I actually gave in. He wanted me to be His servant as a minister of the Good News of Jesus Christ; and do it for a living. All my excuses were no longer legitimate; and I had no choice but to obey. And I'm glad I did. The next morning, June 18, I made that calling public that God was calling me into the ministry; and six weeks following (July 30), I was licensed as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One month later I was enrolled at East Texas Baptist University (thank you Don Page), and the rest is proverbial history.
Now here I am 20 years later and still on the journey. I am honored and overwhelmed at where God has taken me and what He has done through me. I am privileged to be the husband of a great wife, Jennifer, and four beautiful adopted children (Brandon, Bradley, Brenna, Bethany). I serve at a great church, and God continues to faithfully use me. Amazing. 20 years of ministry. Some words that describe the journey so far: incredible, painful, overwhelming, rewarding, children, mentors, salvation, camps, Longview, Breckenridge, Paris, Pflugerville, Kelly, Jonathan, Jenny, love, friends, faithfulness, joy, tears, hope, family, eternal, life, fun, investing, family, God. The list could go on and on and on.
God doesn't call the equipped. He equips the called. I'm living proof of that. Thank you God for 20 great years of ministry - for using me beyond my wildest dreams or expectations. I pray for 20 or more years of faithful ministry to come. May I be found faithful to the call - so that when the summer of 2029 rolls around, I can look back at the summer of 2009 the same way I look back today at the summer of 1989 to the present - with no regrets and great anticipation. You are a great God, and I love you.

Happy 8th Birthday to my sweet boy, Bradley!

Today we celebrated my baby boy's 8th birthday. What a fun day it was for him, one he will never forget. He started his day with his best friend Austin. John took them to Austin's Park and Pizza where they played mini golf, rode bumper boats, rock climbed, played video games, hit in the batting cage, ate pizza, etc., etc., etc. What an awesome time they had together. Then, John took Bradley to Build-A-Bear, which has become a birthday tradition for our girls and now for our boys. This was Bradley's 1st time to go so it was extra special. He's been planning since January which animal he would get and how he would be dressed.

After that, they came home for supper. Bradley chose chicken-n-dumplings for his birthday meal, Yum!! We ate, opened some gifts, sang Happy Birthday, and then enjoyed birthday cake. Hope you enjoy the photos of Bradley's Big day. Oh yes, he also got a new Longhorn t-shirt from Papa John, some new swim goggles from his brother, and an MP3 player from his dad, sisters, and I.

Bradley and Austin cooling down on a bumper boat ride!

Soaked!!

Bradley dressing his puppy in a Dallas Cowboy uniform. It even had a helmet and cleats! Too cute!

Bradley and John at Build-A-Bear with his football dog "Max".

This year, Bradley wanted a simple cake that he could put his Lego creations on top of. I thought that would definately be easy for me. He built this pirate ship, shark, and treasure chest. They made great cake decorations!

Happy Birthday Bradley! I love you and I'm very proud of you! I'm so thankful God gave you to me.

The Young, The Old, and Between

My day started with a 10 a.m. appointment with 7-year old Kacey Stewart. This beautiful 2nd Grader to be wanted to visit with me about becoming a Christian. (What a great job I have to be able to get to visit with children about the most important decision they'll ever make in their life). After about 45 minutes, Kacey left my office with a helpful book to help her continue on the journey to becoming a Christian. It won't be long, Kacey. God is working in your life.
Immediately following that appointment, I had to go make an unexpected hospital visit to another beautiful child. This one; however, is only 2 years old and has cancerous tumors on her brain and brain stem that are terminal. Unless God miraculously intervenes (and I know He can), little Amber Rendon will leave this earth for her eternal home very, very soon. Would you please pray for God's best for Amber and for God's sufficiency and strength for parents Virginia and Art and the extended family? Thanks.
I made it back to the church just after 2 p.m. for our first "Seize the Summer Service Project" with our pre-teens. After some team-building activities, we went to DQ for a quick blizzard fix and then on to the Pflugerville Care Center to play bingo with the residents there. All of them elderly and many of them hurting, it was a time to love, encourage, teach, learn, and play. What a blast it was to help these beautiful senior adults in an afternoon game of bingo. We were able to escort them from their room and back to their room. My 'tweens did a great job as did my Children's Ministry Assistant Kristie LaGrone.
Here are a few life lessons God reminded me of today: (1) Children are precious to God. (2) Life is valuable to God. (3) Life begins and ends with God. (4) I am very blessed and have much to be thankful for. (5) I am not in control. (6) When all I can do is pray, praying is enough because God is enough. (7) Pre-teens love ice-cream (and other assorted DQ treats). (8) Senior adults are serious about BINGO! (9) People all around me are in great need. (10) A person's greatest need - young, old, or in between, is Jesus. (11) I am helpless to help people in need on my own; but I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (12) It is more blessed to give than to receive. posted by John

Happy Father's Day!

We had a great Father's Day! We started our day with a Celebration service at our church. We've been anticipating the completion of our new Worship Center, and Sunday was our 1st service in our new building. What an amazing time of Worship it was.

We came home to a yummy lunch that was waiting for us! Gotta love Crock Pots!!! After lunch, the kids gave their Daddy some new board games that he loves! One of them, he's not played since he sas a kid. It's fun getting to teach our children the games we played when we were little!

Here's the proud Daddy before church!

I love this photo! Look at the smiles on all their faces!!!

Daddy with his new gifts!

We also had John's dad here with us on Father's Day! John got him this football magazine and a big box of Coca-Cola!

Father's Day reminds me how thankful I am for several people. First, I'm so thankful for my Dad, Don Brown! Thank you Dad, for the investments you've made in my life. I love you!

I'm also thankful for my husband, John. I'm so glad you're the father of our children. You are a great daddy and I thank God for you! I love you!

Vacation Bible School - Boomerang Express

Last week, we travelled on the Boomerang Express to Australia and had some VBS fun!!! We didn't really travel to Australia, but that was our theme for VBS this year. What a great week we had together as a church family. We had lots and lots of children come (close to 300 I think). We also had about 8 children come to know Jesus as their Savior for the 1st time. We serve a BIG God and we thank Him for an amazing week of Vacation Bible School!

Here is one of the extremely handsome guys we had in crafts! And yes, I'm proud to call him mine!

And here's another handsome young man who came to crafts. I'm also proud to call this one mine too!

Brenna is posing for the camera at the closing worship ralley!

Bathany coloring her boomerang during preschool crafts!

My "Goofy" children after family night!

Catching up with Brandon & Bradley

John posted earlier this month about Brandon & Bradley's 5 year anniversary of being in our home. Here is a photo of them with their balloons their Daddy brought home on June 1st. They were so surprised to get these. John found this huge #5 at the party store and knew it would be perfect for this occasion. He also got blue balloons and a baseball balloon for Brandon, and red balloons with a soccer balloon for Bradley. We are blessed to call them our sons. I still find it hard to believe that they have been mine for 5 years! They are growing up so fast!

Here is Bradley participating in Reader's Theatre on the day of his awards assembly.

Bradley with his sweet teacher Ms. Wilson. This is his certificate that he received at his 2nd grade awards assembly.

Brandon receiving his certificates from Ms. Ballew, his 3rd grade teacher.

Brandon drew this hippo picture for a contest the 3rd grade students had at their school. In case you don't know, the hippo is our school mascot. The winners of the contest, got their pictures on the cover of the yearbook. Brandon's drawing came in 2nd place and was placed on the back cover of this year's yearbook. Pretty cool, huh?? Brandon is very detailed and particular about his work, and I guess it paid off. We are extremely proud of him! I was a very excited Momma when he came home and told me his picture won!!! Way to go Brandon!

Brenna's Preschool Graduation

Well, it's hard to believe that Brenna is already old enough to graduate from preschool. Her graduation from WeeOnes was the end of May. What an amazing little girl she is and we are so proud of her. She had a great year with a great teacher. Ms. Robin, Ms. Sonya, and Ms. Kim were so good for Brenna and I think she is more prepared for Kindergarten because of her time in preschool. Thank you Lord for Godly teachers who take their time to invest in the lives of my children.

Brenna receiving her diploma from Ms. Carrie (our preschool director)!

Here is Brenna marching in.

Brenna with her sweet friend Lauren!

Here are Brenna's certificates, photos, etc. Lots of great memories!!!

Splash Day

Well, I'm a bit behind on my blogging, so I'm going to back-track a bit and catch you up on a few fun things that have happened in the lives of the Woods'. The girls finished their preschool year with Splash Day. What fun it was! Here are a few photos of Brenna and Bethany playing on the water slide.

Weeeeeeeeeeeee!

Cute Bethany sitting on the edge of the slide!

What FUN!!!

Brenna with her sweet friends waiting to slide!

20 years

Father's Day 20 years ago - June 18, 1989 - to be exact. That was the day I surrendered my life to God to follow His call into ministry. I didn't know what exactly that meant at the time; I just knew that was His call for me. I only had one viable answer to His call - obedience. I had come up with every excuse to that point why I couldn't, shouldn't, or wouldn't. No excuse would suffice. Only yes. My college major changed from numbers (accounting) to people (ministry). Because of His call, I've had the joy of serving four different churches full-time and reaching out to people with the Good News of Jesus in seven different countries (USA, Canada, Mexico, England, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Australia) on four different continents (North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia). I've traveled through four different schools (Kilgore College, East Texas Baptist University, Southwestern Seminary, and Southern California Seminary). To think about the numerous people who have encouraged me, invested in me, helped me, prayed for me, and believed in me on this journey overwhelms me. To try to name them all would be impossible, so here are the few I can think of: Margaret Rhodes, Betty Berry, Don and Marie Page, Tim Snowden, Wayne Gooden, Dorothy Acree, Merle Moreland, Johnnie Henderson, Allan Thompson, Dr. Don Potts, Dr. Bob Utley, mom and dad, Dr. James Pierce, Jerry Campbell, Robbie Wooten, Diana Jennings, Don & Doris Bearden, Don & Diane Brown, my wife Jennifer Woods, Eric Luptak, Kevin Preston, Michael Julian, Michael & Helen Young, Neil Thornburg, Chris Moore, James Dawson, Gary Newman, Jerry Newman, Andrea Jones, Carl Glaze, Mike Westbury, Brenna Dossey, MeMaw and PaPaw, Greg Bell, Erik Roddy, Alex Hamilton, Carla Early, Paul Rotenberry, Alita Hacker, and my children (Brandon, Bradley, Brenna, Bethany). This list could go on and on and on. Thank you from the depths of my being to these family members, teachers, pastors, professors, counselors, judges, attorneys, mentors, co-workers, deacons, friends, students, and children who have helped shape my life. Someone wiser than me once said that God does not call the equipped, but He equips the called. I'm so glad. I'm so grateful. I serve a great big God. O God, help me to remain faithful to Your call - wherever you lead, whatever the cost, for however long. Help me to pour my life into others just as so many others have poured their life into me. I am honored. I am humbled. I am yours. Give me 20 more years and beyond to follow you, serve you, and lead others to do the same. posted by John

Mission: Ecuador

In 1956 Jim Elliott, Nate Saint, and three other commrades adventured into the jungles of Ecuador with a heart to reach the Auca Indians with the Gospel of Jesus Christ - because they had never heard. They gave their very young lives doing so. Their story and the rest of the story that follows is captured in two movies The End of the Spear and Beyond the Gates of Splendor (also in book form). Now these Indians are believers. Their story, in part, can also be heard on the album "Declaration" with emphasis on the song "No Greater Love" by Steven Curtis Chapman.
And today, 22 friends of mine (teenage students and adults) from East Paris B.C. in Paris, TX are leaving for an 8 day excursion to Ambato, Ecuador and beyond to continue the journey of sharing the Gospel there in Ecuador. You can keep up with their journey beginning today through the end of next week. Please check out their Mission: Ecuador blog and pray for them. http://epstudentmissions.blogspot.com posted by John

Facebook - Take Another Look

Facebook is a social networking website that boasts over 200 million persons that are connected to it. That number has more than doubled from 100 million just since last August. WOW! In less than 10 months, the number of people "Facebooking" is up to 200 million. And it is only four years old, having started in 2oo5. When I heard that statistic, it got me to thinking. This week in our Vacation Bible School, themed the "Boomerang Express" (Australian theme), I am responsible for, among other things, the Missions Harbor each day. That is where we teach the children (and adults) about how God is at work through missionaries in this country and around the world reaching people with the Good News of Jesus. When I heard that Facebook touts 200 million plus persons as a part of its network (and growing), I thought of another number as it relates to missions. 8 x 200 million is 1.6 billion - that's the staggering number of people on the planet that have never heard the Good News about Jesus - that He loves them, died to save them, and has a plan for their life. 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 says that "...we are His ambassadors..." That means it is my job, responsibility, and privilege to make Christ known to those who have never heard. How are we doing? Facebook numbers are growing; we don't want this number - 1.6 billion - to grow. Maybe we should take another look at spending so much time facebooking and a little more time proclaiming Jesus to those whose faces represent names that need to be written in another kind of Book - the Lamb's Book of Life, which is only filled with names of those who have trusted Christ with their life as personal Savior. Are you networking because your name is in this Book? God help us. posted by John

Where'd the Time Go?

5 years later

(National Day of Prayer rally with Brad McCoy

at our church)

May 21, 2004

(the day I met my boys for the first time at their foster home)

It seems like every week that I'm celebrating (and maybe mourning) an anniversary that is yet another reminder of how fast my kids are growing and how time flys and how critically important it is to, as Scripture implores us to, "...make the most of every opportunity, for the days are evil..." Yesterday the boys were out of school, so we took them and the girls to Texas Jumping Bean for an afternoon of fun and celebrating. That's right - I can't believe it has been five years either since the day I met Brandon and Bradley (see picture above). It was May 21, 2004. Brandon was 4 1/2 and Bradley was soon to be 3. Ten days later on June 1 they came to our home to be a part of our forever family. Where did the time go? Brandon is finishing the 3rd Grade and Bradley is finishing the 2nd Grade. Both are doing incredibly well. Brandon is making straight A's, playing baseball, and is as handsome as ever with those dimples he came with at age 4. Bradley has been tearing up the soccer field (he scored all three goals in our final game of the year), doing very well in school, and does everything he does at Mach 1 speed. Brandon will actually be old enough this summer to go to Pre-Teen Camp; Bradley will be starting T & T in AWANA at church in the Fall. WOW! I wish I could slow it all down. They grow right before my very eyes; and there's nothing I can do to stop it.

Dear God, help me to not be so busy that I miss the moments to enjoy and treasure. Help me not to be distracted by things that don't matter and neglect the things that do. Help me to leave work early from time to time instead of staying so late so often to get one more thing done and miss the treasure of moments at home in the process. Help me to be more patient and not get upset about things that really don't matter. Help me to love my boys unconditionally and train them up according to their way - that is, the way You made them to be. I need Your help God to give my very best with them and for them and to them - just as You have done and do for me. These boys are worth it; and they just don't need to hear it from me, they need to see it as well. I can't change the past and I don't know the future; but I know that right now in the now I need to cherish my boys and teach them to be godly young men - in word and in deed. I love them, God. Help me to show it and say it more. Because before I know it, it'll be May 21, 2018 and then 2019; I'll be blogging about where'd the time go, and these boys will be leaving high school and embarking on life away from home and living for You, Jesus (I pray!). Time may be the most precious commodity I have. Help me to use it wisely. So that as the time goes by, I will have no regrets. posted by John

When Its All Been Said and Done

I sat on the back row of our FBC sanctuary today (Monday) and listened as one person after another came to the front to share about the impact, influence, and investment that their deceased friend had made in and upon their life. Compassionate, minister, faithful, musician, kind, caring, genuine - just a few words that described the life of a man well-lived. It made me wonder: when my time comes to meet my Maker and men and women sat in a room around my vacated body (I'll be in heaven) at that event called a funeral/memorial service, I wonder what they'll say. If they are honest and truthful, what words will be uttered from their mouth or in their heart when they reflect on my life? What will my friends say? What will my co-workers say? My acquaintances? My family? My children? My wife? I don't know about you, but that's a convicting thought. The truth is this: I've messed up a lot. Often times more than I'd like to admit. I'm thankful for a God who gives grace and second chances and do-overs. Even still, the Bible says in James 4 that my life is like a vapor - here for a moment, then gone. When will that moment come? I don't know. You don't know. Only God knows. According to Psalm 139, He had every day of my life numbered (and yours) before I even had my first day. My days on this planet will be brief, whether my time comes sooner or later. And question begs to be asked: will I be ready? What will really matter then? Enter the lyrics to a song entitled "When Its All Been Said and Done" by Irish worship leader Robin Mark:

"When its all been said and done, there is just one thing that matters. Did I do my best to live for truth? Did I live my life for you?"

There you go. Did I do my best to live for truth? Jesus is the truth. Did I live my life for You? So what will people say when that day comes? Awards, accomplishments, degrees, education, family ties, political ties, powerful and prestigious friends, abilities, portfolios, bank accounts - none of those things will really matter.

I hope and pray that, when its all been said and done for me, that I will have left a legacy - Like Daniel Nash. Nash was the behind-the-scenes man who traveled with evangelist Charles Finney in the mid to late 1800's. He would come into town several weeks or more before Finney was scheduled to preach a revival. His one purpose - to pray for God to do great things through Finney when he preached. The result - the 2nd Great Awakening. Thousands upon thousands of lives won to Jesus Christ as a result. According to Jim Cymbala's book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, if you were to go find Daniel Nash's tombstone in a secluded cemetary in upstate New York today, here's what it says: Daniel Nash, Laborer with Finney, Mighty in Prayer. That's a legacy.

So what will people say about you when its all been said and done for you? A better question might be: what will Jesus say? I pray the words of Scripture from the lips of Jesus might be the words He utters to me when I stand before Him: Well done, my good and faithful servant. posted by John

2 Sweet Years

Two years ago, this week, our sweet little Bethany came into our home permanently. I will never forget that day. We waited for her since the day she had been born, knowing we would eventually get her, but didn't know when. Her caseworker drove her all the way from Abilene to place her with us, her forever family. Her proud big brothers and sister were so excited she was coming. Brenna greeted her at the car, took her by the hand, and walked her into our home. So sweet!! What a blessing she is! I can't imagine our lives without her. Thank you God for the gift of this little girl. I'm so thankful you've allowed us to be her parents.

Here is the proud big sister walking Bethany in. She was 20 months old.

This picture was taken the first time we met Bethany. She was 11 months old.
Under the circumstances of her case, we did not get to keep her then. We had to wait a little bit longer, but when she came back, it was for good. I'm still very thankful that I had the opportunity to have her as an 11 month old baby, even though it was only for a few short days.

Where's My Baby????

I'm sure that most people who are reading this blog know that soon after we began to pursue foster care/adoption, the 1st child God placed in our home was a beautiful little 3 month old baby girl. That beautiful little baby is now 5 years old, has lost her 1st tooth, and is now registered for Kindergarten, "sniff, sniff"! I can't believe it! Time has gone so quickly. It doesn't seem that way, until I begin to look back at the day a caseworker placed her into my arms, and I wonder, where has the time gone? I'm sure all of you ask the very same question, but this week, it has been very real to me. On Tuesday, Brenna's tooth was barely holding on. She finally let me get a good grip on it, and with a loud holler and a firm tug, the tooth popped right out. She was so excited!! That night was Kindergarten Round-Up at our elementary school. Brenna Woods is now registered for Kindergarten and will start this fall. She thought she would be meeting her teacher and all her new friends that night. When I explained to her that she would not be starting until late August, she thought that was entirely too long to wait.

Here is Brenna showing me the hole in her mouth!

Brenna sitting on the hippo after registering for Kindergarten

One Blessed Mommy

On Mother's Day this year, God reminded me of a few things. He reminded me that I've been so blessed with a wonderful husband, 4 amazing children, and a mom who encourages me. Wow, what blessings from the Lord. I was treated like a queen on Mother's day by John and the kids and I thought I'd share my day with you. It started the Friday before when John took all 4 of the kids to do their Mother's day shopping, leaving me with some wonderful time to myself. Thanks Honey! He even took them out again Saturday for a little while to finish up. On Sunday after lunch, the kids presented me with picture frames they had painted themselves. John had pictures of them printed to put in their frames. What treasures!! They also made Mother's Day key chains for me. John had lots of pictures printed of the kids from when they were small until now, and placed them in a huge collage frame. You can see my treasures in the pictures below.

Me with my 4 gifts from God! John took this picture after church on Sunday.

My two very handsome boys!

My beautiful little ladies!

Here we are with my hand-painted picture frames. I also got the "Woman of the Year" Certificate. My family is so great!

Here is my collage frame that John put together for me. I love it! Thank you John for making my Mother's Day very special. I love you!

I also wanted to take a minute to say that I have the greatest Mom in the world. I didn't get to see her on Mother's day, but I'm so thankful for her! She has taught me how to be a wife and mother and I'm forever grateful. I love you Mom!