Kylie Loves Me!

I was in the shower and didn't realize Rob taped this. McKenzie is starting to interact so much better with Kylie. It's a blast. Again, another example of how great of a dad he is too :) I am so blessed......

Lightning Bugs and Popsicles

Rob is such a great dad! McKenzie and Kylie are so blessed and they're not at the age where they can fully appreciate it yet, but I think McKenzie and Rob had one of the best daddy/daughter moments last week when they were running around the yard at 10:00 at night trying to catch lightning bugs. We had a blast. McKenzie also is really into Blue's Clues (and Backyardigans...and Dora...and....) so we were yelling, "Is that a clue?" She would scream back, "No! It's not a clue!" It was awesome. Then, we put them in a jar and she carried the jar around the house for the next two days. They also had popsicles to celebrate before bed. When it was time to release the ligtning bugs, she accidentally pushed too hard trying to help one off our step. It lit up really well, even after spending three days in a jar! :)

Our "New" Camper

"I like it up here!"

"Or....Maybe this will be my bed!"

Outside view

We recentlyu "upgraded" our camper. We needed the space. The coolest thing is, this camper is nearly identical to the one I grew up in with my family. It's great. We'll be camping very soon!

Trip to the zoo with Gramma and Boppa

In an unexplained quick series of events, I was able to go visit my parents over the 4th. It was planned to go to the zoo with them later this summer, but we ended up being able to go that Saturday. We had a great time! Thanks Gramma and Boppa! I don't know why I didn't take more pictures....

Mama and the girls in front of the elephant :)

How does this thing move?

The most gigantic turtle we've ever seen

McKenzie and Boppa on the cow...McKenzie loves cows :)

10 Packages of Diapers...10 Packs of Wipes (3 in Each Pack) = $52.15??

You read the title right -- Thanks Shelby and my Grammee!! :) Shelby let me on a deal at Target for pampers. So far, what would have cost me $209.90 has only cost me $52.15! There are diapers in there for both Kylie and McKenzie, so all is well. If you haven't received the coupon email from me and want it, just let me know :) I am sooo geeked! It does not end until July 31st, so you bet your bottom dollar I'll be back there :) You can use as many as you want.
Not much else is going on around here.
For those of you who asked, Abby is hanging in there, but she can no longer make it up/down stairs and in the car. Please pray. She doesn't seem to be in pain per se (Doggie vicodin is working there), but her legs are giving way. I think she is over-compensating by not walking on her back left so Rob said tonight her right front was hurting. Please pray that she is not in pain and we will have wisdom to make good decisions.
August 1st is coming as well. We pray for God's will....not ours. :)
Ok. Gotta jet. Will write more later :)

Rob's Grandpa Amos...Abby Dog...and Life

Grandma and Grandpa in the 1930's

Last Christmas with Rob's mom, and two sisters Nickole and Brandy Jo (and their kids)

So sweet...I love this picture! :) They are so in love :)

Our beloved Abby Dog....

So, as most of you know, Rob's grandpa Amos passed away last Thursday. The funeral was held Monday in Ohio and was absolutely beautiful. What a wonderful man. I seriously thought he was so cool...and I only knew him for about six years. I know it's so difficult to lose someone you love, but I also pointed out to Rob that he got 40 years with a grandparent. That's rare and far between. God rest his soul and be with Rob's grandma tonight. She misses him dearly after 67...yes....67 years of marriage. And I thought it was weird sleeping without Rob for a few nights last week while he was on vacation in Atlanta.

We also found out on Thursday that our beloved Abby-dog has cancer. We are looking into all the alternatives, and if money weren't an issue, we would do all we could to save her life. Unfortnately, as her vet says, we're not wealthy, nor are we those un-wealthy risk-takers. It's such a challenge and a difficult decision to make to pursue treatment (i.e. amputation, bone scans to determine more cancer, etc.) when ultimately, we all lose our animals. We are just looking for a less expensive procedure to see if the cancer is contained in her leg, or has reached other parts of her body. She is in a great deal of pain now and is on doggie-Vicodin, but she is still thriving and tonight chased a squirrel for a bit. We're not ready to let go yet.

Doomsday is approaching at Ford Motor Company. We should know by August 1st if we have survived this round of cuts. I am prayerfully sharing that Rob is not sure of his possibility to make it through this round. We need to prepare if that doesn't happen. Thankfully, he was actually offered another job (though we're not sure how serious they are) with a company in Charlotte (or Raleigh...we can't remember) North Carolina from a man who came to tour the plant a few weeks ago. Was this a sign from God? Does God give us choices? We're not sure. One thing we are sure of is God. And His promises. I am also sure of my husband. He will do all he can to provide for our family, no matter what.

So...we're reeling here a bit and each day we lean on our God. The creator of all. Our Prince of Peace. In church on Sunday (praise God I went!!!) we had the most powerful worship ever. The pastor asked all who needed prayer to come up front near the end of our worship. I went up and we were singing the song "Mighty to Save". Boy....have I ever felt the Holy Spirit? It was there. People were praying over us in tongues. Our pastor prayed for us. God is mighty to SAVE...in so many ways.

Here is an excerpt from the song. You can also find it on our "favorite songs" to the right. Powerful. I'm telling you. May it encourage you tonight....



Savior

He can move the mountains

My God is Mighty to save

He is Mighty to save

Forever Author of salvation

He rose and conquered the grave

Jesus conquered the grave

Just chillin', mom....just chillin'

That's my girl! :)

Woot! Woot! Going back to OCC this FALL!!! :)

Hey everyone! Good news!! I will be heading back to OCC (sorry...Oakland Community College) this fall to teach stress management again! I am soooooo excited I can hardly stand it! I LOVE working at Sylvan, but it's not teaching, you know? It's great!! :) I can't wait. Now, we just need to find a reliable, awesome babysitter because it's on Thursdays from 10-12. Please be in prayer for that. In the meantime, I get back in the classroom again and shouldn't need to take another "break" until Kylie goes to school, at which point, I am leaning toward the middle schoolers again. Am I crazy? I LOVE MIDDLE SCHOOLERS. I think because they are the only ones taht really, really laught at my jokes. :) But, hey, if it doesn't pan out with that, I still plan on keeping ALL DOORS open with OCC, Sylvan, and my online tutoring. That way, I can still contribute to the family income ;)
Ok. Gotta go! McKenzie's calling!!!