WHAT A MESS. . . . .I went to head upstairs to take a shower and walked into the entryway of our home to a huge haze. I freaked a bit and yelled for Scottie. He ran in and we proceed to head upstairs to find more of it! We searched, thinking it was a fire, yet it just didn't smell like it and then. . . . .Scottie found the culprit.. . . . .a fire extinguisher that had "mysteriously" gone off! Of course we knew exactly who had done this (three guesses and the first two don't count). . . . . . Colson! I quickly ran downstairs and found him all sedate like nothing happened. Upon grilling him he finally fessed up to the truth, what's hilarious is that he tried to blame it on Victoria! She can't even lift the thing. He did say to Scottie, unbeknownst to me, "just 'cause I'm a kid doesn't mean I did it." Ok. . . .like Benjamin did it! This kids amazes me and honestly it was hard to reprimand him because it was so darn funny, well some of it anyways; because I did just vacuum and clean the entire house, all 3000 sq ft. of it, from top to bottom this week. Whats a mom to do? get mad or just chalk it up to an inquisitive 7 year old and deal with it.

Never a dull moment around here either!!

Its been a busy time around here lately. Brett is graduating on Sunday and his open house is Saturday. I've been busy buying and browning hamburger, Nachos is on the menu. I finally finished the last of it yesterday. WHEW what a job. Sunday I spent the afternoon picking up odds and ends and have one more Kroger's run to finish off everything. We are having his open house at church so Brett and I dropped off all the "stuff" on Sunday afternoon, now its just sit and wait until Thursday when we can set-up and organize. Since this is our 7th graduate I have learned that simple is best. No elaborate decorations! No huge menu and it works great, less stress, less clean-up and less costly.

We are giddy with excitement, not only for Brett and his accomplishments, but Daniel and Elizabeth fly home Friday morning, Friday night Bryan flys in and this week Dave and Casey move in with us for two weeks (they are heading to NC as she took a teaching job there and needed a place to stay until the BIG MOVE). FUN FUN FUN there will be 15 of us under one room and for, the first time in months, I am thankful we have a large home to house us all. We are getting family pictures taken too this weekend. If Bryan is able to fly in early we will do them Friday evening, otherwise they are scheduled for Saturday after the open house.

There is so much to blog, lots rolling around in my head, lots to share, and unfortunately it will have to wait for another time, but for now this is it!

Since schools been finished I seem to find many things to keep busy and little time to catch-up on blogging. I thought once I didn't have to study that I would have lots of free time. NOT! I am pushing Colson alot harder in his homeschooling. I just want to make sure he's where he needs to be when school resumes in the fall. He's doing great and he's always very eager to work and get it done. Most of the time he is finished with all of his bookwork by 9am, then we read off and on throughout the day. If we run any errands he always sits in front and reads to me! I love hearing him read and listening to his progression. The kids usually watch vidoes in the car, but the systems is getting repaired I've realized how much I miss their chatter and what a prime opportunity for Colson's schooling to continue.

Brett's open house is the end of the month and I've been browning hamburger, everyday, freezing it, and getting myself organized for it. So far I've got 35lbs browned and still have 35lbs to go. Not too bad, it will definitely alleviate alot of extra work the day before especially since Daniel and Elizabeth fly in later that morning and Bryan later in the evening. I want to make sure everything is in place before they arrive. Our time with them is short and we want to take advantage of every minute they are here, I guess we're a bit selfish that way!

Den is busy busy busy with a new ministry he is developing. He's full of passion and excitement these days and its a blessing to see him this way. For too long we've allowed our circumstances to control us, our emotions, our thoughts, our feelings and now we are controlling our circumstances! YEAH for us! certainly it isn't going to change overnight but we are on our way to a new adventure, a new life and a new journey. I am all about journy's, yet when they don't quite go my way, I get myself side-tracked; I loose sight of the vision. I'm a "here and now" kinda person and Den is a "see the future" kinda person. I'm ready to jump in with both feet when my mind is made up, and his decisions are long and full of thought. I guess that's what has made our marriage work for almost 31 years. I think we compliment each other well, although I would like to encourage him to "hurry it up a bit!"

With a family our size there are always issues, changes, frustrations, challenges, laughter, concern, regret, apologies, and forgiveness. I love how God has uniquely made each of our children different, yet with so many similarities. They amaze me with their tenderness, their concern and their unwavering love and support. I am constantly touched and humbled by their generosity, no only to each other but, to their dad and I. Almost everyday one of them gives from their heart! and they teach me many lessons on selflessness!! Every minute of it! (thanks Renae for that precious phrase it's stuck with me since our CO days)

UPDATE: Bryan passed his test Friday, it was tough, he had to fight off 10 men at once and what he went through to do it, I honestly don't think I could have done it without freaking out! PTL he is through with all the extremely challenging sessions. Thank you for your prayers.

WOW what a weekend and it went by way too fast! I woke up Saturday morning, 4:30am to begin Benjamins laundry and found a surprise sleeping in our basement. Unbeknownst to me, Bryan flew in the night before for Mother's Day! What a great gift and I was totally surprised! Ben was going to fly Daniel and Elizabeth home too but he had to preach this weekend so he wasn't able to get away. We were able to connect via computers and cameras! How fun! (I love how my children are so self-less when it comes to their family, they would give and do anything, no matter what, for the other)

In two short weeks everyone will be home for Brett's open house and graduation. It will be fun to have a house full, not that we don't already, but to have everyone here and all the craziness that comes with man-boys!

It was hard to see Bryan off last night. Victoria and I rode along, with Den, to take him to the airport. We had tearful goodbye's. Victoria was so cute with him this weekend. He couldn't get out of her sight and she was like glue to him the entire weekend. I think he loved it too! Once we got back from the airport Den and Branden left to take Benjamin back to his apartment in EL. That was another tearful goodbye. He isn't that far but its still "not home" and we so miss these guys. Each one adds a special "something" to this family and when one is gone there is a definite hole left.

Mothers Day. . . . .I am always humbled by the love my husband and kids show me. My mind plays out each scenario that shows my shortcomings and faults and I feel so undeserving of their love and admiration. PTL they forget better than I and still love me and still want to be a part of our lives, even as adults. Though, by the worlds standards, we have nothing, I am rich in my husband's and children's love! What more could a person want????

QUICK UPDATE: Bryan has his final "redman" test today and its, by far, tougher than Mondays. Please pray that he will be chosen the first to go, his request, and that he makes it through and passes. He will be fighting off many men at once and will fight until he can no longer fight. Its a pass or fail exercise. Monday he passed both. I know once its over he will be so relieved. Thank you for praying and caring. It means so much!


My heart is heavy this morning as I contemplate an exercise my son will be going through today at a state police academy. As we prayed together last night, not only for his needs, but our families, I realized just how much we need Christ in everything we do. How could we make it through an entire day without Him? How could my son face what he will face, today, without the grace and peace of Christ?

As a mom of 12 children its sometimes overwhelming praying over and for the needs of my children. Most times its an hour of prayer just for them, yet if I am not praying for them, daily, who is?

I was perusing a magazine this morning (in all my spare time) and came across this poem by Ruth Bell Graham. It so fit me; the thoughts and feelings that are prevalent in my life, so I thought I would share it with you in hopes that, it too, would encourage you as you bring your children before His throne.

"Like other shepherds
help me keep
watch o'er my flock by night;
mindful of each need,
each hurt, which might
lead one to stray--
each weakness
and each ill--
while others sleep
teach me to pray.
At night wolves and leopards,
hungry and clever, prowl
in search of strays
and wounded; when they howl,
Lord, still
my anxious heart
to calm delight--
for the Great Shepherd
watches with me
over my flock
by night."

Look what Jacqueline, Victoria and I got today!

What an amazing surprise to find these beauties delieved today! and what a surprise that one of my sweet boys sent them to us. Thank you Benjamin. I love you so much and so do your sisters.