"The Rest of the Story"

I have to go back about five years in order for you to appreciate the story I am about to tell. When we left TN and moved back to Fl we had great aspirations of owning our own home. We moved into a rental home while we looked at our options. We very quickly found out that homes in our price range were in bad repair or in neighborhoods that Harold wouldn't feel safe leaving his family alone in when he has overnight trips. So we opted to keep renting for awhile. About a year later we decided to start looking into putting a double-wide on campus. We did some research and found the manufacturer that was most highly recommended, their closest dealer was a company that had put a couple of others on campus. We found a lender, went and put a down payment of half the total amount down. During this time we moved out of the house we were renting and into a very small trailer, that since that time has been condemned and torn down, to save money. It was a couple of months later that we found out that we were number 36 in the line of victims of a fraud scam. Not only were we not getting the home we ordered, but we now were also out $36,000 that we had to make monthly payments on. The amount of our debt greatly limited our options for housing, FEA had nothing else available for rent, so we found ourselves in a desperate situation. Our furniture was stored in the Tabernacle and we needed to get it out soon, the trailer was so full of mold that I was constantly worried for the kids health (Collin had tubes put in his ears and his tonsils and adenoids removed during this time), besides the fact that we couldn't even fit enough beds in for everyone. It was a blessing from God when someone came to us and said that they were taking a pastorate and would like to sell us the double-wide that they had put in a couple of years before. They offered us a wonderful deal with payments we could afford on top of the money we had lost. So even though it was 700sq. ft . smaller than the one we ordered we moved in and it has been our home for the last 3 1/2 yrs. We went through years of litigation as crime victims before we were able to recover most of our lost money. During this time the housing marked skyrocketed out of sight. It was a situation that Satan used against me to the fullest extent. I became obsessed with looking for houses, I had my eyes on what everyone else had and I lost peace and contentment. Finally one day while driving down US1 I said "God you have to take away this obsession and help me to be content with what I have". I was finally able to release the situation to God and experience the power of being able to forgive someone for a wrong done. Since that time I have been content with the home God gave us. That is not to say that there are no problems, but the resentment I struggled with for so long is gone.
Now for the part you've all been waiting for. Back in Nov. while Harold was on a break at work, he decided on a whim to check out some real estate sites. This house suddenly popped up. His response was "No Way". He called our friend Arnie, real estate agent, to inquire. Arnie said "there's nothing like that in Hobe Sound", but he did some quick research and called us back. It was a foreclosure that had been listed in the wrong county. Therefore we found it before the real estate people did. He got us in to see it that afternoon and we decided to make an offer. After a few negotiations we had first option at the house for less than the asking price. We talked to all the financial experts we know and the answer was the same, "there's no way you can go wrong". Now our problem was to sell our trailer so we wouldn't have two payments at the same time. The next miracle is that someone offered to finance the house for us until we sell the trailer, therefore giving us only one mortgage payment to make. This is also great since we have to do some remodeling on the house, we have a place to live until the house is ready. Everything was going along great until the job I had been on for the last 2 1/2 yrs suddenly ended. I won't go into the details, but it was an unjust situation. Our monthly income was cut in half, but we were under a contract that we couldn't get out of. God has been so faithful to us through this situation. Our monthly support for this month was enough to cover the bills. Harold started working 8hrs on Sat, and just yesterday I got a job offer that will last until March. So the monthly income is made up.
We closed on the house last week and now are in over our heads remodeling. The people who lost the house must not have been too happy. They took the toilets, sinks, hot water heater etc. etc, etc. Thankfully our mortgage was enough to cover the cost of renovation. We are having the time of our lives. We would much rather remodel it ourselves and have the reward of living in our own design, to our own taste. It mostly needs cosmetic repair, flooring and paint, besides the toilets and stuff. I will be keeping a record of our renovation progression for all who are interested. I might even ask for your opinion every once in awhile. I promise that there will be before and after pictures for your viewing enjoyment. I realize that this has been a rather long post, but you couldn't get how wonderful God has been to us if I didn't tell "the rest of the story".

PS Please help us pray that we can sell our trailer. Maybe God can use it as a miracle for someone else.

Roller Coasters

Roller coasters are one of those things in life that you have to acquire a taste for. Just think about the first one you ever rode on, you stood in line with your heart pounding and your stomach churning. If you're like me someone had to plead with you not to run away. Finally you got on board, strapped on your seat belt, and the car started to move. You thought that surely you would have a heart attack as you climbed the first hill, but amazingly you made it through every hill and every loop. As you climbed off you said, "that was awesome, what a ride!". The problem is (at least for me) that it is usually a few years before you have the opportunity to ride one again. That means that once again you have to talk yourself into climbing aboard. As you stand in line you remind yourself of all the other roller coasters that your rode on and survived. You watch the people in control of the ride and realize that they know what they are doing. You listen to the people who are getting off the ride and hear them say "what a ride!". Your confidence builds until you are able to climb aboard once again ready for what is in store. In life it seems that we have our own version of roller coaster rides. For the last few weeks we have been on one of these rides. This week we are headed into one of the "upside down loops". We are confident that when the ride ends we will find that everything was under control the whole time and we are better off for having stayed on to the end. I promise that there will be a story to tell, but I won't start it until ,in the words of Paul Harvey, I can tell "The rest of the story". I've included a little video called "Assisted Mobility". Sometimes it's nice to know that there is another person out there who can relate to the ups and downs of life.

Chain of Command

Why is it that the oldest child in a family always seems think that it is their responsibility to make sure the younger siblings tow the line? Ethan is constantly reminding his younger brothers that he was born first, as if this entitles him to first dibs at everything. The other day he was preaching poor Collin a sermon about something, I'm not sure what. It wasn't long until Collin's patience was at an end. He looked at his "boss" and said "You're not the boss Ethan, Mommy and Daddy are the boss and Jesus is the Colonel". So if anyone happens to see Harold or I suddenly jerk to attention and salute before we discipline one of our sons you will understand that we are just following the established chain of command.

Scenes Around the Manger

A few years ago we decided to invest in a Nativity Set that the kids could play with. We were hopeful that the interaction would help them to realize the true meaning of Christmas. They really enjoy playing with it, but there are some concerns about the way their imaginations work in regards to Bible times, geographical issues, and so on. As I was cooking supper the other night I couldn't help but hear the conversation going on the other room as they played with the Nativity Set. I heard such things as "It's time for the eagle to fly" and "Baby Jesus is the winner". These statements seemed somewhat strange, but it wasn't until I went and looked at the scene on my coffee table that I fully realized just how strange it was.
I had to ask "What in the world is Hamburglar doing?". The response was "Oh, he looks like a bad guy so we made him Caesar".
It was also very enlightening to see that the Wise Men brought along a couple of giraffes and a parrot. And how refreshing to see Santa there as well.
Speaking of the Wise Men this picture will give you a new vision of what the "three" could have looked like. It is definitely different than anything I have seen before, but hey you never know.
Okay so that was the head Wise Man from the Singing Christmas Tree along with his little page and the prestigious costume designer, but it does make a funny picture.
As most of you know last week was the eleventh year our church has put on the Singing Christmas Tree. It is an event that everyone greatly anticipates. All of the boys had some little part this year. So for those of you who were not here to see them in person I will share just a few pictures. The kids who are in the Academy always do a song, this year they sang "Come and See What's Happening in the Barn". It was definitely a crowd pleaser. They all had to wear their Sunday best, preferably red or green. Ethan and Collin looked so handsome that I had to have my picture made with them.
Dylan was a snow baby during the first song. Tara H carried him around behind the sleigh. He was always mesmerized by the falling "snow" and bright lights. As you can see we are still having tongue issues.
Landon was an elf. He was supposed to wave and blow kisses. Instead he limped around on his red and green cast and looked a little dumbfounded the whole time, but he was still adorable. Here he is with all the other elves receiving their last minute instructions from the costume designer.
My Mom and I went to the mall with the two youngest munchkins. Santa was there luring innocent Moms and Grandmas to buy pictures. This one was definitely a keeper. Dylan felt very "jolly" about sitting on the lap of one who also has an issue with body parts "jiggling like a bowl full of jelly". Landon on the other hand was a bit overwhelmed to be with one who has a "list".

Well it's late and I'm tired, so goodnight for now. More Christmas scenes will be coming in the future.
PS I added the Cajun Caviar recipe on the sidebar. To those of you who have been asking for it, I'm sorry it took me so long.

Monday Morning Syndrome

Does anyone out there hate Monday mornings as much as I do? I will never understand how the house falls apart every Sunday. The laundry is piled to the ceiling, the dishwasher is full, and there are Christmas ornaments all over the living room. I thought the boys rooms were at least halfway clean, but upon further inspection I find that my "little deceivers" took the shortcut cleaning route. Boy will they be surprised to come home from school and find that Mom is ready to stand at the door and watch the job done right. Over the weekend my two little ones are entertained by their older brothers so come Monday morning Mommy becomes the sole source of entertainment. That of course means that everywhere I step my foot seems to land on some little body part that should not be there. Just thought I'd ask, in case someone else is having the same trials that I am this morning. Rest assured Tuesday is on the way.

If you are tired of my picture posting please bear with me. There are a few who are interested in the goings on of HS. I was thinking the other day that if the house burned down or a hurricane hit and we lost everything all I would have to do is find a computer and there is the record of our existence. So here goes, last weeks events appear for all "wondering eyes".
Tuesday was my Mom's birthday so the I made cupcakes and the boys decorated them. This is what you get when you let little boys loose with decorating supplies. I would have included a picture of her, but she preferred that I not. Happy 69th to her anyway.
That evening was Rochenda's baby shower. It was very special to have a small part in hosting the event. She is one of those mutual friends who saw us through our dating years. Harold tries to claim her as more his friend than mine since he has know her longer. She actually picked out my Christmas present from him one year while we were dating. I think things were a little shaky in our high school relationship at that time and he wanted the perfect present, so he went shopping with Jose and Rochenda. I still have that present.
Anyway the shower was beautiful. Charlene did all the decorating and did a fantastic job. Here she is with her Mom and Angela.
The ladies who helped. Charlene did most of the work and the rest of us helped with the food.
Chenda and me. The next two are a before and after duo, they are mostly for my own amusement so please bear with me.
In a day and age when everyone is upgrading and upsizing there is at least one thing that we have both downsized. I think that this is a positive thing.

Thursday was of course Dylan's first birthday. Here are all four brothers ready for the party.
"Man is this cake good!"
Saturday was the annual HS Christmas Parade. The boys were asked to wear their "military" uniforms on the float. These are actually the lapels from Harold's old flight shirt, his bars, blue ties, and hats from the local souvenir shop, but they seem to move everyone. Here they are ready to go.

Here is the float. Seanna did a really good job with it this year.
Here they come!
For those of you who don't get the joy of seeing the parade every year, here is Anthony H's Port-o-Let on the go. I get highly amused when this "thing" passes" by.

On a more serious note, today marks three years since I stood with my parents by Dawn's bed and watched as the doctors backed off and let her go to be with Jesus. Looking back over the past three years I am so aware of the sustaining hand of God on our lives. It never ceases to amaze that God's grace is sufficient for the things that we could never handle on our own. In his sermon yesterday Pastor Wolfe talked about the Promise of Reunion in one of his points. I'm so glad this morning that one day that WILL become a reality.

Dylan

It is hard to believe that a year ago tonight I was in the midst of preparing to be at the hospital at 4:30am. The feeling of anticipation and dread at the same time were overwhelming. Those of you who have had C-sections will understand what I mean. Poor Harold was sick most of the night, so I lay beside him and went through a list of people in my mind that I could possibly call up at 4:00am and say "Hey, would you like to get up and take pictures in an operating room this morning?". Thankfully he revived in time to personally see his fourth and final son make his entrance into the world. He was born at 7:05am a whopping 7lbs. 11oz. He was of course one of the four most beautiful newborns to ever grace this earth. The hospital was so full that they had to keep me in the recovery room until 3:00 that afternoon. My poor parents who were dying to get their hands on him had to wait in the lobby. I on the other hand had him right beside me and was too sick to hold him. I know how frustrating it must be to not be able to see your baby right after he is born, but to have him right there and not be able to pick him up is torture.
People often ask me if I am disappointed that we didn't have a girl. I truthfully can say that it doesn't bother me at all. There were a few hours after we found out that he was a boy that I mourned a little. Once I got used to the idea of four boys I never longed for a girl again. Dylan has been such a joy that I can't even imagine what life would be like if he was a girl.
He is truly the "baby" of the family. I can't leave him in his bed crying for any amount of time before his brothers nearly collapse with sympathy for him. Ethan is his all-time hero, all he has to do is walk in the room and Dylan starts laughing. I absolutely love the interaction at this age, he would give high fives all day if there were someone so accept them. On Veteran's Day at church he was sound asleep on my lap, everyone started clapping, he woke up clapped for about five seconds and immediately zonked back out. There is no food like Cheerios for him, just put him in his high chair with a handful and he is as happy as if he had a slice of cake.
He loves his Maw maw and Paw paw dearly. They have started keeping him at their house sometimes when I work. He thinks he is the "King" getting to sleep between them.
So on November 29 we celebrate his first birthday. Please help us pray that he will grow up to be a man that God can use to do great things through.

Thanksgiving Week Pictures and a Broken Ankle

I thought I better get a few pictures up from last week's events before I get overwhelmed with this week's events also.
This will be a brief pictorial account of all of our Thanksgiving celebrations. We started out on Tuesday with the annual "Feast" for the Kindergarten class.
Here's the whole gang including the teachers.
This is now one of my all time favorite pictures. Don't they look like quite the crew.
On Wednesday we had the annual MFI Thanksgiving dinner. It's a great time for all of us to be together and bond.
Here is the gang of MFI kids. As you can see it looks like we breed our own pilots from the number of boys.
The newest recruits, Brian and Terah. He just started as a maintenance specialist.
She is supposed to give her testimony at our ladies cookie exchange next month. She seems like a sweetie so I am excited to get to know her better.
Ray and Tammy were in TN at the same time as us. Their son Micah was born a week after Collin. We both started at MFI within a few months of each other.
Kenny and April are MFI's fun couple. They are always a load of fun to be with .
On Thanksgiving Day we ate at Harold's parents house. It was smaller than normal since Carla's family was out of town, but Wanda put on quite a spread. All I had to make was a pie. After all the other activities I was okay with that.
My Mom and Dad ate with us also. It was their forty-fifth wedding anniversary. You saw a picture of them before, so here they are now. Still looking good.The boys on Thanksgiving

On Friday Harold decided to go ocean fishing. I'm sure there are those of you out there who might be interested in seeing his catch. He was quite proud.
I worked Friday night, so Sat. morning I went of my Mom's house to sleep. For some reason it seems much quieter there. I had just woke up when Harold called and said "you have to come home now, I think Landon broke his ankle". Needless to say I rushed home. Harold had been riding him on the front of his bike when his foot went into the spokes. It stopped the bike with enough force to throw Harold over the handlebars. Landon landed face down with his leg entwined in the spokes. After a few hours he started walking on it some so we thought that it must be a sprain. We went to church Sunday, but it was swollen so much he couldn't wear a shoe. By that afternoon the swelling had increased, and he was favoring it more, so off we went to the hospital. He actually fractured the fibula, it wasn't a major break, but it was in the growth plate. Monday morning we went to a Pediatric Orthopedist. They couldn't put a cast on because of all the scrapes and cuts on his leg, so he is wearing an air cast for a week. We will take him back the beginning of next week to have a regular cast put on. I guess my diet plan for the holidays is to carry a four year old around. We are so thankful that neither of them were injured more seriously. Harold is feeling better, but was pretty sore for a couple of days.

Tonight is Rochenda's baby shower and Thursday is Dylan's birthday so I will have more to post in a few days. Stay tuned for the ongoing saga.