20 Months, hundreds of rejections, and thousands or resumes later . . . .

There is good news to report!! My Hunny got a job teaching at a Christian college in a VERY small town in the deep south. I am so proud of him. The teaching portion of his interview was flawless (in my completely unbiased opinion!!). You know how you watch a sports event and you realize that the players seem to make their "job" look so easy??? I always think, "If I threw a ball . . . it sure wouldn't look like that!! How do they do that and make it look so easy??" That is what Shannon did!! He taught a mock class on a given topic. I sat in the back and observed with tears in my eyes!! He did amazing!!

He embarked upon this journey 20 months ago when he was struggling at his job. He was working himself to the bone day and night and NEVER receiving the benefits promised him from the beginning. He was promised employees to help with the work load, an office space, just to name a few. While dealing with those unfulfilled promises, he was being degraded and demoralized on a daily basis. It was one dramatic scene after another. Since he was working from home it became a family affair. He had no co-workers to bounce things off . . . there was chaos and confusion everyday. We know that isn't from God, so with very heavy hearts and timid spirits, we agreed that he would quit that job!!!

I am sure that most people thought we were crazy!! But we took the step of faith!! The Lord had showed us a Scripture that confirmed the decision. So we felt . . . . timidly confident!!! Of course we thought that he would have a job within only a few months. We never dreamed it would be a journey that would last nearly 2 years.

Through the months, we have had our ups and downs and our faith and doubt. There were times when we wondered if this season would EVER end!! Sometimes it feels too surreal and we wonder if we are dreaming. But we are alas so thrilled at the opportunities that lie ahead.

This is a dream come true for Shannon. As a professor, he is looking forward to doing life with people on a new level!! His humble spirit, energy for life, and creativity are going to keep him learning and mentoring for a long time!! I am so proud of how he has been faithful to obey the Lord during this time and keep our family afloat during this very LONG roller coaster of emotions and circumstances.

WHAT AM I LOOKING FORWARD TO?? Well, I am looking forward to taking my kids out of the city and into the country!! I am looking forward to new homeschool field trips. I am looking forward to a change of pace. I am looking forward to meeting new people and making new friendships. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for our family in Georgia. It is going to be a blast!!

Our Souvenir from VA

Well, we have a sweet souvenir from our time in VA. We didn't plan this, but I know we will be blessed to bring another life into our family. We found out we were pregnant on our anniversary, Jan 3rd. It was unexpected and took some time to used to the idea, but we are thrilled. The other children and VERY thrilled. We were especially excited to find out that baby #5 is a BOY!! We have had so many suggestions on CA- names since all the other children have followed that pattern but we think we may break the mold . . . yes, it's true!! BUT he will still have a C- name.

We like the name CREED JOSEPH HOGAN. I know that most people won't like it at first and you won't find it in a baby naming book, but we feel like the Lord has brought us to such an amazing place in our lives. We have been through so much in the past 18+ months. It was always about trusting, obeying, serving, and doing what was right. But the anxiety of the thought of bringing another life into the world was a little overwhelming (especially when I just did it a few months ago!!). Now it was time to walk the walk. Did we really BELIEVE what we say we BELIEVE???? We took 14 weeks until we decided to tell anyone . . . but we realized that YES . . . beyond a shadow of a doubt . . . we BELIEVE!!! A synonym for Creed is Faith or Belief. These words have come to mean so much to us. Without our FAITH, we are nothing!! Our faith in the Great Creator is what has sustained us in the difficult times.

The name Joseph is also taken from the Bible. What a character he was. He went through so much. He was a cocky kid when the story of his life starts out, but he stands for what is right and he is mistreated and even feels forgotten . . . but God has not forgotten!! In the end he is placed in a place he NEVER thought possible. He was given more than he could EVER imagine. His life mattered from the beginning all the way to the very end!! He was a character of great integrity and faith.

So we are pleased with the name we have come to fall in love with. He will be loved and he will always have someone to play with!! Blessings!!!

21 Rules of this House

I found this on the internet and I am going to post it in every room of this house!!! I love being a mommy and I love my munchkins . . . but they are still learning and growing!! I hope they can get this in them! Maybe it will make life a little less hectic around here!


The 21 Rules Of This House
by Gregg Harris

1. We obey God.
2. We love, honor and pray for one another.
3. We tell the truth.
4. We consider one another's interests ahead of our own.
5. We speak quietly and respectfully with one another.
6. We do not hurt one another with unkind words or deeds.
7. When someone needs correction, we correct him in love.
8. When someone is sorry, we forgive him.
9. When someone is sad, we comfort him.
10. When someone is happy, we rejoice with him.
11. When we have something nice to share, we share it.
12. When we have work to do, we do it without complaining.
13. We take good care of everything that God has given us.
14. We do not create unnecessary work for others.
15. When we open something, we close it.
16. When we take something out, we put it away.
17. When we turn something on, we turn it off.
18. When we make a mess, we clean it up.
19. When we do not know what to do, we ask.
20. When we go out, we act just as if we were in this house.
21. When we disobey or forget any of the 21 Rules of This House, we accept
the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

My Carley

Today Carley turned 10!! I can't believe it!! She is growing up to be such an amazing person. Her beauty radiates from the inside out!!

I remember when I found out I was pregnant with her. It was Easter Sunday of 1999. I told Shannon that I thought I was and he said that he'd bet me a DOLLAR that I wasn't!! I won!!

My pregnancy with Carley was interesting! Since it was my first, every little nuisance was alarming! A pain here and a pain there . . . what did that mean? Why is that happening?? My blood pressure began to rise too high about 6 weeks before her due date. I was put on bed rest. There were several trips to the doctor and hospital. So the doctor finally said we would induce birth the day after Thanksgiving, which was only 12 days early! That was exciting!! All the family came to TN, where we bought our first house in preparation for Carley's arrival. I made Thanksgiving dinner . . . I was supposed to be on be rest . . . but I really wanted some good food!!

So we packed our bags and checked into the hospital on Friday morning. I had pitocin to induce contractions. I had one contraction and then I said . . . I think I need an epidural now!! I was definitely afraid of the pain!! After I had the pain medicine, I fell asleep. I had my water broken and then began to push a little while after that. I only pushed for 30 minutes or so and out came my baby girl!! It was an absolute miracle!! She was 6 pounds 13 ounces and only 18 1/2 inches. What a tiny thing!!

Meanwhile, the family that came for the occasion was out in the lobby placing bets on WHEN the baby would arrive. I can't remember WHO won the bet, but that was quite a memory!! Our first visitors were grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and lots of friends!! It was our first baby and such a special time for us!!

I couldn't believe we were "allowed" to take her home with us. When we came home, I can remember our first night's sleep . . . I mean actually there was no one sleeping!! What a mess these first time parents were. There is no amount of reading one can do to prepare you for those early days. The Lord knows we can't handle them for long . . . that is why they seem to go by so quickly! (That and the fact that we are so tired, we can't remember!!)

Carley has become such a sweet young lady. She is so much fun to be around. She makes me laugh all the time. She likes to go with me to the grocery store so I don't have to go alone!! She likes to shop for clothes and loves to dress fashionable! BUT she also like to get dirty in the MUD, if I let her!! She is a GREAT sister to her brothers and sister. But what I am most proud of, is the way Carley loves Jesus. Her prayers are so heartfelt and sincere. She knows how to talk to Him and does so freely. She shares her faith with her friends in the neighborhood because she wants them all to have the Peace and the Grace that she has.

Carley has been such a blessing for me to parent and I am looking forward to watching her blossom into the beautiful woman of God that I know she will become. Hugs to my sweet, sweet girl!!!

The News it Out

We are still in VA helping to care for Christy. She is making progress each day. I really enjoy being here with her and helping her with her day-to-day tasks.

We are very excited because she was able to find a GREAT OB doctor this week. They scheduled her c-section for August 11 at 10am. We are all very excited about Addison's soon arrival. Today she had an ultrasound and they estimate Addison's weight to be 5lbs 6oz at 35 weeks. Please keep Christy and Addison in your prayers. This will not be the birth that Christy hoped for at the beginning of her pregnancy, but as her hubby keeps reminding her, "the hard part is over!!!" Addison and Christy are both alive!! Everything else is going to be a piece of cake. I am so proud of Christy as she takes on the challenge on mommy-hood! I know it is difficult without the setback of a brain injury. Christy is not letting these circumstances get her down. She is moving forward as planned.

We are planning a baby shower in the next few weeks. It will be simple with only the family, but we know that Christy will enjoy filling Addison's room with baby stuff!!

Our family has decided to stay here with Brian, Christy, and Addison for the next 6 months or so to continue to help out. We have seen God move in a mighty way as we have made the decision to serve our family in this way. The details can only be chalked up to "The Lord and His PERFECT will!!!" I am excited to see where Christy will be in 6 months. I believe that she will make a full recovery eventually. I can't wait to share the stories with Addison (when she is a little older) about how her mommy fought through the odds for her. Our family will never be the same!!!

Thank you Lord, for unfortunate circumstances. They always seem to make us into better people. You can take something that was meant to destroy us and use it to help us change the world! You are amazing!! I love you, Lord!

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO??

We have been doing a lot to stay busy . . . besides NOT sleeping! Here are a FEW of the highlights.


We have all been adjusting to having a new member of the family! The older children think it's so cool to have a baby in the house and the younger one . . . he knows what it means to get into trouble for being careless around his infant sister. He is adjusting too!! Cater loves his baby sis though and just wishes she could wrestle like him and Daddy and Camden.


Carley and Camden have been in sports this past spring. Carley did girls fast pitch softball. It was her first time playing a team sport and she LOVED it! She did awesome too. She started out a little nervous when she would get up to bat. But by the end of the season she was hitting like a pro and making it to base!! She wants to play in the fall, so look out girls . . . here she comes!!



Camden played basketball and Shannon coached his team. Camden did AWESOME!! He was the tallest kid in the league and had the second highest score of any of the players in the entire league!! He is definitely a talented athlete! He made the all stars team. His team WON against the kid that had the highest scoring points for the entire season! Camden did awesome!!


We have had LOTS of homeschool events that took place at the end of the school year. At our talent show Carley played a piano solo, "This Little Light of Mine." She did awesome!


We had tragedy strike our family about 2 months ago. Shannon's brother Brian's wife Christy had an anyerism. She is 28 years young and is 30 weeks pregnant with their first baby. She is on the road to recovery. This has taken up a significant amount of time for us. We will be going to VA to help out the family for appx 6 weeks or so when she is released from rehab. We know that with God's help and healing power she will make a full recovery.


In May we celebrated the life of Camden Andrew Hogan for the seventh time!! HE is such a joy!! His friends came t the park and we had cake, presents and games!! He was so happy to be the center of attention!!


Then yesterday we celebrated the life of Carter Scott Hogan for the third time!! What a sweet blessing he is in our family! He kept calling himself "The Birthday Boy" all day. Then when he woke up the next day, he reminded us that he is STILL "The Birthday Boy!" He makes us laugh everyday!!!


That was a little of the highlights! I hope to post at least once a week now! Caydence likes to watch the computer screen while I type!! Thanks for your patience!!

Caydence is THREE months old now!!

These are by best girls . . . Carley and Caydence

I know I have not posted in almost three months . . . but I haven't had any sleep eitherand life just seems to get busier and busier!!

Caydence is such an amazingly sweet baby! She is pretty easy going and seems to be going with the flow for the most part. She still wakes up 2-3 times per night, so I walk around in a sort of permanent FOG!! I am always tired!! . . . the woes of a new mommy . . . I think we forget how tiring it can be. God sort of tricks us mommies into doing it again!!!! PLUS I think that the more kiddos I have the more tired I have been with each new baby!! I know it is but a short season!! The Lord know we can't handle it for too long. That is why "it goes by so quickly!" Here are some pics of my newest sweetheart!

Our Baby Caydence Lynne

She has finally arrived!! She was 6 pounds 10 ounces and 20 1/4 inches long. She arrives on Monday March 23 at 10:27PM. We had been anticipating her arrival for 9 months, and we are so excited to have her join us! She is our tiny princess and we are all enjoying our time getting to know her.

Contractions started and stopped twice over the few days preceding her birth. I thought she might NEVER arrive! On Monday, Carley had a softball game and I decided to go! I was tired of sitting around waiting for the "real thing" to start! Contractions started again before we left for the game. They were mild and only 7-10 min apart! They were getting a little stronger throughout the game, but still 7-10 min apart. I went to the van to sit in silence b/c they were really starting to get to me and they were still 7-10 min apart at about 7:45PM. BY the time the game was over (WE WON!!) they were just starting to get closer. They were now about 5-6 min apart. BY the time we got home, at 8PM, they were 4-5 min apart and they were about 1 min long! So we called the midwife and she was on her way in no time! I had continued contractions and the little princess was born in a birthing tub at 10:27PM. My water broke as I pushed her out. That was different!! I could feel it POP in the water and it freaked me out at first!

It was such a great experience and the Lord answered our prayers! Caydence is healthy and strong and ready to take on the world! She fits into our family already and we feel so blessed to have her!

Thank you to all who have prayed, bought gifts, brought meals, or said an encouraging word! We will hold the memories in our hearts forever! We appreciate you and your generosity!

. . . now, I am gonna go get some sleep!!

Labor Update

I know you are all as eager as I am . . . well maybe not QUITE as eager . . . but I thought I would give you a quick update.

Yesterday the midwife came over and checked me in the morning and I was 7cm . . . yeah crazy! Contractions started at 2:30ish yesterday and have been about 7-10 min apart since then. They are growing in intesity, but not quite intense enough yet. She stayed all night and I didn't really progress at all. In fact I was able to sleep through a lot of the contractions, and only woke up for the more intense ones. I woke up at 5:30AM with some that have been a little more painful, but still only about 7 min apart! She said this could continue for "a while!" (no definitive answer!!)

So we are all TRYING to be patient and wait on this little angel . . . Thanks for your prayers! We are all doing good! I will update when we have a baby! Till then we sit and wait!!

Carter was checking out the baby!!

Carter was looking the baby over very good! He wanted to SEE him, but he didn't want to touch or hold him. So he kept standing over him . . . just looking and sighing long deep sighs!!! It was really funny!! Then when my sis went to change his diaper, Carter saw his belly button and said, "Look, he as two p*nises!!" He was fascinated!! We all got a kick out of that one and I just HAD to share! Life from the perspective of a two-year old is very humorous!!!

My Nephew - Raleigh Blake was born TODAY!!

My sister is 4 days away from her due date (as of yesterday) and she was MORE than ready to bring this baby into the world!!! She had an appointment with the midwife, Rachel at 6:00PM at her house. Rachel was telling Shannon that she would not strip her membranes because it was painful and caused painful labor, so she would rather let her body go into labor on it's own!! My sister, in all pregnant hormones, began to cry!! Rachel felt bad because the last thing she would want to do is make a pregnant mommy upset!!! So she decided to check her cervix and see how far she had dilated. Shannon said that Rachel's face said she was either NOT dilated at all or VERY dilated!! The latter was the case!! Shannon was 6 almost 7CM dilated!! Rachel couldn't believe it!! Then Shannon got up to get dressed and . . . her water broke!!! She thought she was peeing all over Rachel's floor . . . but she was officially laboring!! Rachel thought she may not have time to make the hour long trek home, where she planned to have the baby, but Shannon really insisted that they hurry home. She wanted to have him at home (not at Rachel's house)!!! She they made the trek and got home about 7ish. I meet her there! We all hurried to do the preparations to make the birth go smoothly!! Shannon wasn't really having a lot of contractions though!!

Then all Shannon's girlfriends showed up!! Lots of 'em!! Let me try to paint the picture accurately!! Shannon's house is VERY small!! The midwife and her 2 assistants showed up and that made 6 adults (sis, her hubby & me, midwife + 2 helpers) in the house. Then 5 more ladies!! The excitement and energy filled the room!! There were 11 adults in the house!!

Shannon wasn't really having a lot of contractions and things seemed to slow way down!!! So she kept going for walks. She walked about 6-8 times with different people. Finally she began hard contractions that were about 1-2 min apart at 1:30AM!!! Those that weren't walking with her were crashed on the floor!! So . . . after hard painful contraction began . . . we had a baby at 2:36AM!!

He had a full head of hair and was gorgeous upon arrival!! He weighed in at 9lbs and 4oz and 21 1/4 inches long! he is a big guy!! He is surrounded with love and seems to be happy and content pretty much all of the time!!

I have to say, that birth is miraculous!! I have birthed three children of my own and I have baby #4 in the oven, so I have been there!! There are so many things that must go into the making of a human life that only a Sovereign Creator could put all the pieces together as He does. I cry every time I think about it!! I personally think that a natural birth environment (at home with friends and family) makes it even more amazing!! I often think about Eve. How did she know how to move the baby out of the birth canal or how to feed her infant?? When her daughters began to have children, I bet she was the "midwife" with all the answers!! It's just all so fascinating to me!

I pray that Baby Raleigh Blake stays healthy and safe in the hands of his loving parents! The Lord has a purpose for his life and I pray that He would lead Blake in the path of righteous for His name's sake!! Amen!

What Christmas is ALL About!!

Our Christmas was probably the best one ever!

My Hunny and I said several times that the hustle and bustle of gift-buying, wrapping and exchanging that we are used to, is way over-rated. This year, my Hunny is jobless so that means being creative this time of year. We decided to only give gifts to our kids (not to our parents, in-laws or outlaws!!) and we were planning to only give them 3 gifts each even before he lost his job, so that is what we did!! It was SOOOO hard to stick to it!! He wanted to fill their stockings in addition to the three gifts. I wanted to buy just "one more thing!" But we did it!! Our kids know the financial crunch that we are facing too. And do you know . . . . they were SOOO thankful and grateful for what they got, which wasn't much!! They never cease to amaze me!! There were plenty of other gifts to unwrap. Nana and PopPop sent their gifts in the mail and so did aunts and uncles, so we still had a sea of wrapping paper amongst the gifts.

I was talking with someone else who only buys the children one gift each and he totally agreed with us! When you "tone it down" you feel out of touch with others that over indulge in the commercialism! I watched Charlie Brown with a new perspective this year! "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about??"

Life is so busy!!

I just love this blogging thing! Becky introduced me to it almost a year ago and I really love to post what we are up to! But life is getting the best of me right now!! Things are so hectic and it doesn't seem like it is going to slow down any time soon! I have a habit of thinking, "When we finish . . . . this event . . . things will calm down and they won't be so busy!!" But they never really do! So I am thinking that things are just going to stay busy!! Maybe if I think more along those lines . . . I'll get more done!! :o)

So here's a quick update:
Carley and Camden just finished up their Christmas program at church. They did awesome, of course! Carley did a dance with the cheerleaders. She looked so cute in her little costume! Camden was in the choir. He got to say a line to a bible verse and hold up a card that had letters spelling a word on it. It was so cute because he held us his "E" backwards!! So did half the rest of the children!! It was so Camden!! This was his first time in the Christmas program and he did a great job!!

The kids have also been invited to a plethora of birthday parties this month!!! It's crazy! One of them have a party almost every weekend! Those December babies have to make sure they aren't overlooked with the Christmas season so they make sure everyone gets a big shin-dig party!! FUN . . . but busy!

This week Carley has her fist piano recital! That is exciting and the piano has been in constant use!! She is excited and nervous all at the same time!! I am so proud of her! She has practiced and she will do great!!

We also went on a trip to Ft Lauderdale about 2 weeks ago! That put me behind more than anything!!! The kids had fun and we all got to see the family again!! The kids loved going to the "Swamp Safari" and getting to hold a baby alligator!! I even held it!! I have a pic! I have been so busy, that I haven't even downloaded the pics off the camera yet!!

. . . AND between all of this . . . Christmas is next week!! Yeah that's right next week in like 9 days and I am not finished shopping! SO I am trying to find time to check off my "to do" lists that keep choking me!!

I must confess that my house is in shambles and I am beginning to get ANNOYED with it!! It seems like we are bursting at the seems! All the Christmas decor is out and makes for a cluttered garage for now!! The clutter is . . . everywhere, really! I never had clutter before!! I think it is a combination between living in a small house with all these kiddos AND not moving in almost 4 years!! (That is what helped me keep the clutter down before . . . when you move, you throw stuff away in order to NOT have to move it!!) . . . and now we are going to add another baby to the cluttered mess! I told my Hunny . . . We have got to make room for this baby!! So, I am tossing stuff left and right!! Thanks to Flylady.net I have a plan of attack on the clutter and I plan to take it one area of the house at a time!! I am going crazy!! . . . . But not for long . . . I am on the prowl and if it is dusty or is still in it's box . . . it probably means we don't NEED it!! :o) I will post on my progress!!

Somewhere within all this mess my husband and I have found some time to seek the Lord MORE and listen to Him MORE!! Shannon has been job searching for several months now and we are taking the time to seek God in ways we never have before! Just being intentional and diligent in seeking Him has made such a difference in my heart and the way I see Him!! He has spoken to me because I have taken the time to sit and listen!! I am in awe at His providential hand!! He is Jehovah Jirah - my provider! I am so thankful for all he has done for us this Christmas season and always!!

I hope you have a great Christmas too!

Lots to be Thankful for!!

We had a great thanksgiving! My sister and her family came over and we all ate the day away! It was probably our nicest Thanksgiving in a long time. There was no stress here because my sis and I split the menu. We are both pregnant and we don't need any more stress than possible. We played games and the kids played outside with all the neighbor kids for like 3 hours! We all had a blast!! It was nice to be together and a great reminder that we all have so much to be thankful for!

Another Bunny Dies

I guess it is a good way for children to learn the cycle of life and death. Pets help them know that all creatures are born once and then eventually die. But it hurts all the same!

This morning we had another bunny die. But I am not sure I handled it all too well. I went outside to let the dog out and the bunny cage was open. Camden, our 6 year old, fed them yesterday and apparently he didn't shut the cage back tight. Usually Carley does it, and yesterday he helped her with her chores. I don't know when she got out, but she was stiff as could be in the middle of the yard. I could tell it had been awhile since it happened. The dog was out last night for quite a while and our guess is that she chased the bunny down in her instinctual way. I'm sure the dog was just playing, but Star, the bunny, was too fragile to "play."

When I saw her (THE BUNNY) in the yard, I immediately called for Shannon. Carley was still sleeping, so I thought we could dispose of the bunny before she saw what happened. He ran outside and got rid of her, but Carley looked out her window and saw him. In my desperate attempt to protect the kids from the trauma that they incurred the last time a bunny died, I lied to them (not knowing that Carley saw the whole thing out her bedroom window.) I told them that the bunny got out of the cage and must have run away (because dying seemed so much more traumatic to me!!). Carley asked what Daddy picked up in the yard. She said it looked like the bunny. Ugh!! I blew her off and tried to get away with it. She asked a few more times and I was feeling extremely guilty, so I told them the truth. They cried and mourned, but it was nothing like our last bunny death.

Why did I lie to them?? I didn't really think about it. Time just seemed to stand still, so I tried to protect them. The last time a bunny died was the first time we had a pet die and it was extremely traumatic for the children. They actually found her and didn't realize she was dead for several minutes. All I wanted was to protect them from that. They realized that I make mistakes too (if they hadn't figured that out already!!) and I prayed and asked them to forgive me . . . and they were eager to. I am glad for the conviction of the Holy Spirit and I am still asking myself, "WHY DID I DO THAT??"

The good thing is that we still have Hope, the other bunny. She will just have to get used to being alone.

It's a GIRL!!

We were so excited to find out on Thursday, that we are welcoming a baby girl into our family in March! The tech said she is measuring at a due date of March 20th instead of the 30th! "I say come early sweetie!!" Her name will be Caydence Lynne. She will be named after her mom, dad, and paternal grandfather (Pop Pop)!! We are so excited for her arrival! Carley and Camden got go to with me! They were both hoping for a girl so they were thrilled! I let them take turns making phone calls. They felt so BIG!!

Well, I gotta go shopping for girl stuff!! More later!

Vacation Update

We just got back from Myrtle Beach with my Hunny's entire family (pretty much). Every year they go on a golf vacation. We have been before, but it has been about 6 years since our last time. Every year it's the same thing . . . the men (and a few of the women) golf all day and most of the women go SHOPPING!! It's fun but no one else takes their kids. So the whole shopping till ya drop for 8 days in a row . . . my kids were not interested. So I knew I was going to have to find other things to do to keep them entertained.

So before we left I did some googling and found a few things that the kids would enjoy. We did all kinds of stuff!! We found a Children's Museum and the kids loved that!!! They spent an entire afternoon in that place! It was awesome too! There was so much to learn and see. We went to a Zoo. It was more like a preserved piece of land with lots of exotic animals to see. It wasn't like a regular zoo. It was right up my kids ally because they love to feed animals. They love to see baby animals and they got to do both. I also found a Civil War Museum and Shannon's dad just loves that kind of stuff. So he took the kids one afternoon after golf. They said it wasn't super exciting, but they always enjoy being with Grandparents. Then there was the Mall on Halloween night. They were in out of the cold and they got a little bit of candy. That was a lot of fun! They taught Carter how to say "Trick or Treat!" It was really cute!!

We were invited (don't ask how) to a "Get out and vote Rally" for the Republican party. It was a cool experience for the kids. There were all kinds of local politicians and the kids got their picture in the local paper!! We have been doing lots of learning about voting and the elections so this was interesting to be a part of.

This is Shannon and I enjoying the festivities!

We even found the local library in MB!! (I think homeschoolers can spot one miles away!!) Well, come to find out . . . they have several, thank goodness!! The hotel we stayed in didn't have a business center with computers, like most hotels do, so we used my new GPS and simply typed in "library" and vioala . . . a long list of possibilities!! This is a funny story . . .

The first library that came up was the closest one so we went there and found that on rainy days . . . it doubles as a homeless shelter!! The place was full and packed with homeless people sleeping all over the place!! AND there were only 2 computers that could only be used for 15 minutes at a time!! That's not even long enough to check your email!! So we went to the next one on the list and it was a beautiful new library with 24 computers. We left the kids with family and we each spent an hour on the computers!! It was still a strange experience . . . the people that we there that day . . . . were making noises and snoring while awake . . . I could go on . . . it just seemed like everyone that sat near us was . . . making some strange noises OR they had strange smells coming from their direction . . . . it was memorable . . . let's just put it that way!! We did go back another day and we took the kids to explore the kids books!! That was an experience too! It was one of Carter's bad days . . . I know we are all entitled to them sometimes . . . his was library day!!!

I will post more later . . .

MOPS Meeting

I was asked to be a guest speaker . . . that is exactly what I did . . . I almost spit out my coffee in SHOCK!!! The MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Director at the church called to ask me to speak about time management, organization, and finding time to spend quality time with the munchkins! She told me that I just seem to have all those areas under control in my life!!! BOY have I got her fooled!!!! And you too if you think the same thing!! So, today was the big day and I was up on the stage as Me*i*sA interviewed me. I am not sure what came out of my mouth, but the message I wanted to get across was this:

I am a simple ordinary mom of 3. I wish my house was cleaner and my cabinets more organized and I had time to clip coupons, but life is too short to worry about EVERYTHING!!! So I only worry about a few things!! I concern myself with people because they are the ONLY thing that last forever! My relationship with Christ, my husband, and kids are my main concerns. There is no "super-mom" in this family. Just a forgiven, simple, hopeful, faithful, passionate, mommy that is surrounded by loving people. I make mistakes! I yell at my kids sometimes. I don't always do the dishes before I go to bed at night! I am just like YOU in so many ways.

I am not sure that all of that came across because time was short. BUT if this is your first visit to my blog and you were at the MOPS meeting, let me know you stopped by.

Childish or Careless?

Daddy & Camden on the Cruise

Camden making funny faces!!

My Camden is so full of life and energy! He is 6 years old and his goal is to make you laugh! He has come home from church telling me that he made the whole class laugh!! He is sweet and sensitive. He will run outside to give me a hug and kiss before I leave to go ANYWHERE, even if I am only going to the store for 15 minutes. And he will tell me what Jesus is speaking to his heart, whether it is to pray for someone or some deep truth about life!! He is protective of his little brother too. He told me that a friend at church was saying, "dang!!" Well, that isn't a "bad word" and Camden knows that, but he also knows that certain things don't sound nice coming from the mouth of a child! Dang . . . is just such a word. His friend was saying this word and Camden politely asked his friend not to use that word in front of his brother. He said, "I don't want my brother to say that word!!" Isn't that sweet??? He is destined for great things!!

Did I mention that Camden is HUGE for his age!! Not huge, like pituitary giant huge . . . but BIG!! He is the size of an average 8 year old. He proudly tells me he is the biggest kid in his class at church! He thinks that somehow makes him "better!!" He also wants to be JUST LIKE HIS DAD and it just so happens that his dad is 6'5" and so he seems like a giant to Camden!!

With this "big-ness" comes a slight bit of clumsiness! At least that is wear I am hoping it comes from!! It seems like he is being very careless at times. But when I analyze the situation . . . post lecture on "being careful" . . . I wonder if it is just because his body is bigger than he realizes!!

Anyone out there with more experience than me?? Will he grow out of it?? Are all boys like this? Is this normal childishness or is it carelessness?? I don't want to punish him if he REALLY can't help it!! But I don't want to grow a careless boy that has little respect for the things of others around him. (He breaks everyone's stuff!!) I don't know about this? It is baffling me!!

Any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions would be awesome!!

I realize what I have got

Shannon and Camden went on a "boy's trip" to Arkansas to see Shannon's grandma. Shannon's dad and brother met them there and they are having a hum-dinger-of-a-time!! I don't know if you have ever experienced Arkansas, but it is one you would NEVER forget nor want to repeat!!

Shannon's grandma Hogan has Alzheimer's and lives in a nursing home. She really isn't that bad, but she can't be left alone because she looses stuff constantly!! She mixes people's names up and asks the same questions several times a day. It really quite funny . . . comic relief!! She hates the nursing home! It is full of invalid elderly people that sit around and do nothing. Grandma is up and moving all the time!!

She lives in Hardy. It's a tiny little town!! She talks about how people are moving in like crazy and building stuff . . . but I think she means the McDonalds, Taco Bell, and KFC!! That and Walmart are the high lights of the town!! Shannon said they went to Walmart 2 times the first day they got there!! It is Grandma's favorite place to go. She loves to shop . . . and buy lots of junk that we don't need and give it to all of us as gifts!! Sweet, huh? Well, her whole family lives there and they have since the beginning of time!! She tells all kinds of stories about that place as you drive down the road.

Shannon's dad wanted to try and save some money and not stay 5 nights in a hotel, so he booked a resort that is just outside of town!! He said it was half the price of the only hotel in town, so they gave it a try!! Shannon says that the "resort" is a hum-dinger too!! He says it's a little old 2 bedroom and 1 bathroom house that creaks and squeaks at every move. He says that you can hear everything through the walls, including Grandma's terrible coughing (just like a smoker's cough because Grandpa smoked in the house for 50+ years). So he isn't sleeping much!! (I forgot to say that Grandma is staying at the resort with the boys. It's like her vacation away from the nursing home!! She hates it there!)

This is Camden sending me some love from the great state of Arkansas!!

The fun part is that they boys are going fishing, golfing, and creekin' (that is the official Hogan term for looking for critters in the creek!). They are having a blast and Grandma is tagging along to each event! Camden is having a blast because he LOVES everything BOY and messy and gross!! He is keeping everyone in stitches!! Whenever they are creekin' or fishing Camden is the first one to fall in the water and get as wet and messy as possible!! It's a little boys dream!!

I am at home with my oldest and youngest Munchkins! We are bonding in different ways, of course! We made lots of sweets in the kitchen and on Monday we are going to make a "Welcome Home" cake for Daddy! Carley has been keeping me company in bed at night and we have been staying up till about 11 and even eating snacks in bed!! (She thought that was so cool!)

But in the end . . . I miss my Hunny!! Since he works from home now, we are pretty much always together!! We talk about everything and nothing all at the same time!! He is the source of laughter in this house and the source of silliness!! I just miss him!! I hate it when I put something down . . . and it's there when I get back to it!! No one has moved it because no one is here!! I am looking forward to seeing his face on Monday evening when he gets home!!