the Basham family

2011-09-29T13:58:00.002-05:00

Most of these pictures, Karyss took with her new camera.. She did a nice job, I think!!

My little buggle is back in soccer!! Tooo cute!!

pictures

2011-09-29T13:51:00.004-05:00

It's been a LONG time since I posted pictures.. Here are some from our trip to Canada

Riley and Karyss LOVED the amusement park we went to .. NO FEAR!!
It was great great great to see Papa.. Doing great at 93!
Enjoying time with Nanny.. Don't ask but he actually did shoot her with the nerf gun. I won't say where !
LOVING Grampy!!!
This is not from our trip but this is a shot of our family outside of our church.. Isn't Karyss growing up??

2011-09-09T08:40:00.002-05:00

We are in a state of constant uncertainty and change lately. I am so thankful
to have the Lord with me. These verses have really been with me lately:
" But thou O Lord art a shield for me; my glory and the lifter up of mine head" Psalm 3:3;
" I will both lay me down in peace and sleep ; for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety"
Psalm 4:8
"But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice; let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them; let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee" Psalm 5:11

These verses have really helped me and comforted me and showed me His leading! What are some of your favorites?

Wisdom: the principal thing

2011-09-08T13:06:00.002-05:00

I think maybe I am beginning to finally learn.... God is concerned not with the same concerns that I have but that I am seeking Him and His wisdom!!! I have been reading in Proverbs about wisdom " my son, if thou wilt receive my words and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom and apply thine heart to understanding; yea if thou criest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures; THEN shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord and find the Knowledge of God" Proverbs 2:1-5
God has been teaching me to fully rely on Him and I am finally beginning to learn that as I start drawing closer to Him our desires are lining up. If I am asking for God's wisdom He will give me knowledge in difficult situations! He will show me the right path if I seek His way! So this is my new goal ; to keep wisdom before me and Seek God's plan and his wisdom before being concerned with the trivialities of life!
Be blessed friends!

It's the little things

2011-09-07T12:43:00.001-05:00

As you know, I have been spending a lot of time thinking lately and I have come to realize that the little things in life are where God is really the most evident! The laughter of my children when they are getting along and playing, the quick phone call during the day just to let you know someone is thinking of you, a hug, even a smile... These are all things that sometimes bring the most comfort in difficult times and joy when things are good... I am noticing more and more that I can be content with very little as long as I have my family by my side and God's direction in my life. I am desperately seeking His will in these trying days but trying to see Him in the little things... Be blessed my friends!

Still thinking

2011-08-31T17:29:00.002-05:00

So after my extensive blog about how God has taken care of us, I am still thinking about that very topic... Why do I spend or waste so much time worrying about things that may and usually do not ever happen??? I am really trying to put into practice " Be STILL and Know that I am God....." Psalm 46:10. How many times have I actually sat and listened for God's leading in the midst of my panic and worry over silly little things??? How many times have I been STILL??? This is something I need to work on....
We are in the middle of some trying times in our life in case you hadn't guessed that already.. I need to be listening for HIS voice and HIS call and I know I can't hear it if I am too busy trying to "fix things" on my own... God is still near.. He is just waiting for me...
What a journey we have had through the years and yet God has been by our side every step.. I know that. I just need to listen for His voice and be prepared for whatever answer he may give.
Help me Lord!

How far we have come and I still don't trust enough!!

2011-08-30T01:27:00.002-05:00

I posted this same thing on my facebook page but I need a constant reminder so I thought I would post it here too!
As I stop and look back over everything God had brought me through in these past 14 years, I am ashamed of myself! After all God has done for me, how could I ever doubt him? What is wrong with me that I wouldn't just believe and trust that He would take care of me?
14 years ago I left my parents home and protection alone and set off to a new place to which I had never been... Joliet, Illinois. I fought that move for a full year before I finally gave in. The day my parents left and I was truly alone , I was shattered. God was watching out for me then even though I didn't know it! If I had not taken that scary step of faith, I never would have met Dan... Which takes me to the next part of my journey...
December, 1997, I accepted a marriage proposal from the man of my heart, Daniel Basham. That was a step of faith because we had NO idea where God was going to take us and what we were going to do. We searched and prayed for God's plan and in the spring of 1998 we accepted the call to Paddock Lake Baptist Church in Wisconsin..... Next part of the journey....
We didn't have much in Wisconsin but we were young and in love and we really felt God working in us! Then, the unexpected news in November .... We were expecting our first child! That was certainly faith-shaking! If that wasn't enough, 3 months later we were informed that Dan's position was being terminated.. Where would we go? What would we do? Where was God in all of this? More worry but God continued to lead and care for us. We moved to Greenville, South Carolina when I was 8 months pregnant and moved in with Dan's sister while Dan looked for work and we waited for our baby to arrive! Karyss Sofia graced us with her entrance on July 22,1999. Dan found a job and we moved into our own little place. He stayed with that job until he was terminated without a good reason... Again, Lird? Here we were dependent upon God for every step. He continued to provide for us through our wonderful family, church family and in many other ways. Three more more jobs came and went in the next two years and yet we never went hungry or homeless! Again, I was not trusting!!! When will I learn?
When Karyss was 3 years old we received a call from a Christian school on the area looking for teachers. Somehow they heard about us, we never found out how! We were nervous but accepted this as God's will and set out to teach again. It was wonderful and we loved it therebut we again were told the devastating news that they could not afford to keep us on past that year and we were jobless again!
New journey, one month later the Pastor of Dan's parents' church called and offered us positions at their Christian school. This was a long distance move but we had no alternatives and felt it was God's leading so we went. God, again, worked out every detail and yet at the end of that school year the Pastor decided to close the school! We were unemployed again! You would think by this time we would be used to it but we were blindsided each time! It was scary and worrisome and I did not have trust like I should have! We went to several churches and schools and finally wound up in garden City, Michigan. This was a rough year both financially and personally. How could we be surprised when the Pastor told us (again) that they couldn't afford to keep us on after that year? But we were . This was a longer stretch of uncertainty but finally in September of 2005 we came to Pine Grove Baptist Church in Stockbridge, Georgia. Smooth sailing ahead right??WRONG!! Five days after we moved here Dan became seriously ill and the Pastor's wife had to help me take him to the hospital! This was the most fear I have ever known! I was alone! I barely knew anyone here and yet the church people became my family and came alongside me! They should me God's presence! It was very serious and the doctors were unsure but finally were able to take care of him with a lengthy surgery! God was with me ! I never could have made it through that dark time without Him! What a way to start a new ministry!!! We have been here for almost 6 years now and we have had many ups and downs. One of our "ups" was the arrival of our son Riley in December of 2006 after many years of praying for another child. We have faced many different uncertainties both financial and otherwise.. God is faithful! He will take care of us! He will provide!! I must trust Him!
God please help me to trust you!!!

My trip to Canada

2010-07-04T13:50:00.005-05:00

My wonderful trip to Canada with my children was sooo wonderful. Here are some highlights of our trip

At the beach with Nanny and Grampy.

My adorable kids.. At my most favorite place on earth

Loving the beach

This is my favorite spot. I used to spend a lot of time just staring at this beautiful ocean.

Playground time :-D

This is Riley with my cousin's son, Rylan. He is 4 months younger than Riley

One of the highlights of this trip was getting to spend time with my 92 year old grandfather

My buddy enjoying time on the deck

I had my birthday while we were there.. Great time!

My parents had visitors in the back yard.. Deer!!! Mommy and Baby.........

My boy loved spending some nice time with his Aunts and his grandparents

Doesn't she look happy??????

This was in front of the place they dubbed "The Secret Garden".. Cute

Beautiful flowers from my mom's garden.. So gorgeous!!!

We got him!!

2010-06-01T14:12:00.002-05:00

Dan's 40th birthday is June 9th and soo I wanted to make it extra special for him this year. Since February I have been planning a surprise party for him at church and been begging friends from all over to send cards... We wound up with a decent number and his sister came and made a BEAUTIFUL board with pictures on it as well as two wonderful cakes.. The church people all came together and did food.. It was WONDERFUL!!! Enjoy the shots! The photo board Lynn made.. What an adorable guy!

Cards from all over.. You all still have until the 9th :-D

Of course the cake had to be orange and blue :-D

Riley helped blow out the candles

Don't ya think he looks happy??? And not a day over 39 :-D Just kidding... It was great fun!!!

Girls Night out!

2010-05-15T19:17:00.004-05:00

We had the best time last night and I just had to share with you!! My sisters bought Karyss tickets to see Mary Poppins for her birthday. We had the best time.. Our friends Joy and Karis were able to go with us. We had a yummy supper out and then went to the play which was spectacular!!! What a great time!! Highly recommended!

Me and My girl

Joy and Karis

Karyss and Karis

Me and my girl

Pretty girl.. all dressed up

Riley does school work

2010-05-05T10:58:00.005-05:00

Hi... Riley and I started doing some "school" at home today just for fun and learning right now.. I would love to hear from other moms out there what you have used for 3 and 4 year olds and what works well.
Just had to share the pictures!!!

A quiet day of prayer and reflection

2010-05-01T09:06:00.002-05:00

Dan will just love that I found these photos to post but it is kind of neat that they are sooo similar in pose and location.. Can you tell which baby is Riley and which one is Karyss???

Today we are just having a quiet day.. It is overcast outside and inside we are just having a calm day. We plan to go to the library later but for now Daddy is at a Men's prayer breakfast and we three are here together . The quiet of this morning is giving me pause to reflect on the past years of my life in ministry and as the wife of Dan and mother of Karyss and more recently, Riley... So many things have happened and I am trying to remind myself that God has always been and will continue to be in control. At this time we are facing an uncertain future and my tendency is to worry and fret but I am trying to remind myself of God's constant overseeing of our lives and that His plan is best rather than try to stick my hands in and stir things up myself... That is so hard for me... I want to "Show God" what to do.. Isn't that ridiculous????

For now, I am enjoying the calm quiet and my children as they play...

What Have I gotten myself into???

2010-04-23T18:42:00.004-05:00

*** UPDATE**** Well, I made a complete fool of myself and cried during the poem.. UGH!! What a disaster.. But the luncheon was nice

I had to include this picture of Karis and Karyss as the poem I am referencing below is about little girls .. Please read on.

Well now I have really done it :-D

I have volunteered myself to read a poem at our Mother Daughter Luncheon tomorrow.. I have been trying to prepare myself but those of you who know me know that public speaking is NOT my thing and I am more likely to cry than anything else.. Of course the poem is also a very emotional one... See what you think

Tea for Three

Come sit with me and we'll have tea

And talk of things that were and things that are to be

Of places we will go and things we will see

Just the two of us, my dear daughter and me

A little wooden table

With chairs for two, not three

Yes, of course you may bring your bear

and place him on your knee

No longer just the two of us

It's tea for three I see

My dear daughter, the bedraggled bear and me

The years passed be and you grew up

Framed in memory I still see

Cherub hands, dimpled daintily, clutching ivory cup of tea

Twinkle laughter owns the moment

Baby faced and full of glee

Starshine dusted by the angels

Oh, God's gracious gift to me!

If I live to be a hundred

I shall never richer be

Than when I shared your dazzling presence

And together we sipped tea

My dear daughter, the bedraggled bear and Me!

Lee Scott C 1998

Hope you all will be praying for me tomorrow as I attempt to get myself through it!!

Let me know what you think of the poem

It's been awhile again.....

2010-04-21T10:00:00.004-05:00

It's been a little while since I have posted again. Here are some photos from our spring visit from Mom and Dad and my sister Lori as well as a picture from our trip to Florida where we saw Shelley my sister.

All of us minus Shelley on Easter Sunday

My two cuties on Easter morning

We ate Easter dinner on Saturday which made for a relaxed Easter Sunday YAY!!!

So nice to have family round on Easter

Riley enjoyed having his Grampy to play with!!!

SOOO glad to have seen Shelley in Florida.. The kids really love her! (and we do too)

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

2010-03-25T10:27:00.002-05:00

Hey.. I think I have a theme going here with Hymn titles...
That is truly one of my favorite hymns.. As I mentioned in my last entry that is also one of my favorite verses..
In these days of turmoil in this country and lots of worry and fears in the minds of people, it is nice to remember that the Lord is in control of each situation... It is sooo easy to complain and murmur against things going on but why is it soooo hard to say "Let's commit to praying about it. "? Does anyone else feel that way?? Thank you , God, for Your continued faithfulness to us..

How Great Thou Art

2010-03-23T11:26:00.002-05:00

I am just sitting here reflecting on the Goodness of God and listening to a beautiful rendition of "How Great Thou Art".. We are so blessed and I am sooo grateful for the goodness of God.. I have watched with awe and prayer a possible tragic circumstance unfold in the life of a friend this week (see withsometack.blogspot.com) and have seen answered prayer and the grace of God in the life of this family... It has caused me to look back on the circumstances surrounding my son and my pregnancy with him and how gracious God was to allow him to be born with no defects and prove the testings incorrect.. I know every day people receive devastating diagnoses and test results and I don't think we spend enough time just thanking God when things are going well in our life.
How GREAT You are God... I thank you.

Another verse that I cannot get away from in the last few weeks is " It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness" Lamentations 3:22-23

I am just soo thankful and so blessed.

I would love to hear how God is working in your life.. Feel free to post a favorite verse or blessing

Look what we did today!!!

2010-02-12T18:02:00.002-05:00

And yes.. For those of you who are wondering.. We do still live in Georgia :-D

Preparations.....

2010-02-10T09:04:00.002-05:00

We are starting to get excited here!!! In less than a week we will be in Florida.. Now if only the weather would cooperate... My sister Shelley will be there too. We are so excited and Karyss is counting down the days. So wonderful that she has a break from school while Mom and Dad are in Florida. I am looking sooo forward to it.. Now if I could just get myself motivated to clean house and pack!!

New challenges

2010-02-08T14:03:00.002-05:00

Today we took the poor boy for allergy tests. This grouping was for environmental allergies. He will have food allergy tests in one month. So now we have new challenges. My poor son is allergic to dogs, dust mites, Oak, birch , maple and hickory tree pollen, timothy grass, rogweed pollen and english plantain pollen as well as 5 kinds of mold. So my new challenge is killing mold and mildew. We don't have a lot of it in our home but of course to keep it out of here is the big trick and the dust mites... Lots of things to consider.. Poor baby was such a trooper with three groupings of needles to test him and then six additional on his arm.. It's probably really good there is a month before we have the next round.

Stages of change at our house.....

2010-02-05T10:06:00.002-05:00

Our God certainly has a sense of humor. We are going through different stages at our house.. Of course, that is what happens when you have a young lady entering her tweens.......

And a little boy who is STILL potty training (This has not come easily for us!! UGH!)

So I could just sit and cry and wring my hands or I suppose I could actually seek God and ask HIM for help.. It has been a rough few months with Karyss.. We are struggling in many areas and the poor dear is just a mess at this point. I am very excited about a book I was able to find to help her through this time..

As for Riley, we are just being consistent and I think he is training me. I am tied to the clock and running to the potty to make sure we make it in time.. We are progressing.. Strange to have such a large gap and see what a difference it makes.... God knows best. It was His plan for them to be this far apart but.. I guess we just have to get through each stage

I am excited to see what lies ahead for my sweet children.....

Riley's big week

2010-02-04T11:10:00.003-05:00

Wow!! What a week it has been. Riley had outpatient surgery on Tuesday. He is fine now and recovering but I am so grateful for God's hand on him. Mommy was quite nervous.. It is at these times that I really need to take a moment and reflect on all God has done and how He continues to care for us..
Now on to Allergy skin tests on Monday. YAY :-(

Riley reading up on Anesthesia in the waiting room..

Just after the nurse gave him some versed to calm him during the procedure

Feeling the effects.. The sweet little lion was given to him by the nurse.. Isn't that sweet. He calls him "Lance a lion"

Holidays at our house...

2010-01-16T13:58:00.007-05:00

Hello Everyone.

Just wanted to take some time to post some pictures from our holidays together.. We were so blessed to have Dan's parents and mine here for Riley's Birthday through New Year's.. It was so special for us to build these memories together as we live so far apart.

Dan and Karyss on Christmas Eve

Me and my boy on Christmas Eve

Everyone on New Year's eve.. I could have taken a happier picture maybe ???

Karyss and her best bud Karis with their matching sweaters.. Riley in the background

Grampie playing with Riley

Riley's Birthday.. Lori made the decorations, Nanny made the icing and I made the cake (It was rice Krispies since Riley is allergic to cake)

Karyss showing her presents to Grandma, Aunt Lynn and Grandpa

Karyss with her doll she saved her own money to buy.. American Girl Emily

Another shot of Riley's birthday cake

And that was our holiday :-D

Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T14:44:00.004-05:00

So, How was Christmas at your house?? Here are a few pictures of our happenings..
We began Christmas Eve with dinner out followed by a visit from our special Santa and then some family time with Daddy reading the Christmas story and singing some carols by the tree

Of course we were up early Christmas morning to open our presents. Riley got his first "bike" It's a smart cycle but the poor guy is so little we still have to help him pedal because his legs don't reach!

Karyss was thrilled with all her gifts and was excited to wake us up and get to opening them

I trust you all have had a blessed holiday today and taken time to remember the reason we celebrate! Blessings to you all from our family to yours!

Merry Christmas to us!

2009-12-03T11:19:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone.. Just wanted to share our beautiful new floors courtesy of my mom and dad for Christmas.

Our floor before we put down the new floor. It was AWFUL to clean and just worn out!

The first tile is laid!!

Dining room complete!All finished!Don't ya just love it??? Dan did such a good job putting it down and I just can't stop looking at it!

Can't wait to read what you all think!

Hey Ms Faye!!! This is for you!!!

2009-10-01T15:36:00.004-05:00

Haha! I had to do it.. I know it has been ages since I have posted anything and I have to admit I really have missed this... I don't know if ANYONE is reading at all but I thought I would try again to get this together....

Have you ever just had weeks where you look back and reflect on your life?? I have found myself doing that a lot lately and reflecting on how God has taken care of us ... I have been rebuked for my lack of faith?? What is wrong with me that I spend more time worrying and less time relecting on how good God has been and how He has ALWAYS provided for us?? What about spending time really counting my blessings??
Here are a couple:

How blessed am I to have these beautiful smiling faces to see everyday??? Really, I know there are days....... Don't we all have those but my children are such a blessing to me! I am a lucky girl!

I am also a big time worrier! I would love to hear any encouraging things anyone has to share (verses etc..) that have helped you over come worry! Please comment and let me know you were here! I will try really hard to do better! I promise!

hmmmm What to say??????

2009-06-07T19:51:00.002-05:00

I realize I have been remiss in posting to my blog lately.. wow it has been such a long time.. I am trying to think of things to say and lately I have been without words.... I know for those of you that know me that is amazing.... Haha

Today we had a wonderful homecoming service at church.. It was great to see the Lord work and the way He did... I am praying for continued zeal among our people and to see God's hand continually.

This Tuesday marks a major day for our family. My mom and dad will celebrate 53 years of marriage which is a milestone for any marriage. They are such a blessing to me and their faithfulness is such an example... Dan's parents, on the SAME day celebrate 46 years of marriage. How blessed we are in a day when so many marriages are falling apart to have both of our parents remain so faithful and be such an example for us.. Are you still with me?? That is two major events on Tuesday, June 9th but I am NOT done.. Also on Tuesday, yes, the same day.. My Daniel will celebrate 39 years of life! Yes, his birthday is also the same day as both of our parent's anniversaries.. Hard to believe that isn't it??? I am soooo thankful that God brought him into my life.. As much as I fuss at him or complain, I know how lucky I am and I am thankful...
Wow, for not having much to say, I sure ended up saying a lot huh???? I keep saying I am going to be more faithful to this blog and I really mean to but all I can say is I will try :-D
Thanks for reading!

Long time!

2009-04-16T08:53:00.002-05:00

Wow, please let me apologize again for not posting in so long. Things are going well here just getting into that busy season for us.
The devotional went fine. Thank you so much to Kelley especially for your ideas and help. It was much needed and appreciated.
The kids are doing well. Karyss is winding up her fourth grade year and I cannot believe how much she has grown up this year.. Soon she will be 10 WOW!
As for Riley he is learning and changing daily;however, he REFUSES to potty train. Here's a funny or maybe not so funny story for you. Yesterday he was on the potty and I stepped away for a minute to check something in the kitchen. A few minutes later he came into the kitchen saying "peed mommy" . Sure enough he peed but not in the potty.. ON the carpet. UGH! I don't even know where to go from here. He just is not interested.. He's 27 months old now.. It's time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
Dan is continuing to love doing what he is doing and he is really working hard to light a fire for God under these teens. He is deeply burdened for them
As for me, God is working on me a lot lately. How often in a day I fail!! I need His guidance over my mouth and over my actions. I am trying to be consistent and trying to follow His plan for me in every step.
In one week I will fly to New York to meet up with my mom and sisters for a weekend away. Now this may sound crazy but I am dreading it a little bit. I am excited to go with them but this is the first time I am leaving Riley and Karyss and I am a bit of a wreck about it. Do y'all think I am nuts???
Thanks for reading.> I am really going to try to do better with this

Devotional help

2009-03-03T19:43:00.004-05:00

So I am wondering if anyone out there has any advice for me.. OH PLEASE I hope so. Next Saturday, March 14th, I have to speak at our Ladies' Fellowship meeting. Those of you who know me know this is NOT something I enjoy doing... I get so nervous I almost ALWAYS cry. Anyway, this year our theme has been "Instruments of Righteousness" The last lady who spoke spoke on the tongue and the mouth and using it for God. I am considering speaking on the Eyes.. And how we can use our eyes to see the needs of others around us.. Does anyone have a poem, scripture or song to go along with this thought? Also any advice for a nervous, knees knockin' speaker?? I really hope I get some responses from this. HELP!

Learning.....

2009-02-13T09:53:00.002-05:00

Does anyone out there ever have days where you just feel like you can't please anyone?? Today was that day for me and it isn't even 10 AM! A series of things happened, none of them bad but I felt the "pleaser" in me so torn I felt like I was going to break down.. I realize from this that this is an area I need to work on.. Pleasing God should be my main focus.. Beyond that as long as I am pleasing to Him, I should know I am doing the right thing. I am struggling in this area and I have for more than 30 years... I know this is having an effect on my children. I see my daughter already becoming a "pleaser" like me.. so I am learning and I am trying and I am praying that God will help me learn to be satisfied with what He gives me and not worry so much about what people think..
Thanks for letting me ramble on.

Adventures in Potty Training

2009-02-07T12:28:00.003-05:00

This is NOT fun!!!! Potty training that is.. We are a week into it and so far it is not going well.. My baby boy, as adorable as he is , is STUBBORN!!! I am not sure what to do with him at this point because he is refusing to be trained.. Maybe I should stop and try again in a few weeks?? I don't know. I am already tired of wet pants and him going in his pants after sitting on the potty for a while.. UGH!
I'm sorry if this is too much information but I need help! HAHA you all already knew that didn't you??
It is not going well. We will keep at it but I am frustrated!

This week also marked the passing of two Godly men I know.. One being my Uncle Howard. He was a quiet, gentle man and even though I did not see him often, I will miss him greatly. Another, a man in our church who was suffering with Altzheimer's passed away yesterday.. His marriage was a beautiful story of devotion and love and as I watched how his wife cared for him, I was reminded of my grandfather's constrant devotion to my grandmother when she had Altzheimer's. It led me to a question and maybe I am wrong but I am wondering... do you think when we get to heaven we will be able to or even think to ask God the reason for any affliction we may have suffered on earth.. What was its purpose?? Things like Altzheimer's and Cancer that there seems to be no rhyme or reason to those that are affected?? I know in Heaven we will not care but I wonder if we will ask or be told the purpose ?? What do you think??? I'd love to hear any imput on that.

A new year and I am exhausted already :-D

2009-01-17T10:40:00.002-05:00

Wow!! Can you believe it is a new year?? When I think back on all God has done for us in 2008 I cannot imagine what He has in store for us in 2009.. I am so thankful to Him for everything He brought us through last year. WOW! A lot of changes.
This year is starting off to be a busy one. I just finished a week of subbing at Karyss' school. It was actually really fun but HATS OFF to all you working Mamas out there. I don't know how you keep up with everything! WOW! I am awed by you. By last night, I was DRAINED and EXHAUSTED.. Mentally more than physically. I guess when you go from talking to a two year old all day to being out with adults and teaching 10 year olds... it is a drain on the brain.. HAHA!
In just a few short days my parents will be here to visit on their way to Florida for 2 months. It's nice that we are actually on their way to Florida and they don't have to make a side trip to come see us. I always worry about them driving the long distance but I know that God is in control of all things and I try very hard to leave it with HIM.
The kids are doing great. Riley is not getting any taller really but he is gaining a little weight. He is just going to be a little guy and that's okay. He is saying a lot of words now and when I read he says letter names. Not always the right ones but at least he is associating ..
Karyss is still loving her school and I am so thankful for that. She is doing very well with all A's except penmanship but that is gradually improving so maybe we will get there eventually. I love her school and her teacher is quickly becoming a special friend. That's always a nice thing to have.
Dan is still enjoying his ministry here and we have seen some growth and potential in our youth group lately. YAY!
Well, this is starting to sound more like a Christmas letter than a blog post but I thought it was time to catch up with everyone.
I will try to keep the blog more updated this year. That is a goal but whether or not I will hold to it, who knows ??

Guess who came to our house last night???

2008-12-24T09:45:00.002-05:00

Yep, Santa came to our house!! A sweet dear man in our church dresses up for our kids and comes to our house and brings gifts. He did this last year as well. I think he looks great! and Riley didn't cry at him YAY! Karyss was so excited and the gifts he brought for them were very thoughtful.. snacks that Riley could have even with all of his allergies so that was wonderful!
Maybe I am finally going to get into the Christmas spirit now.

Christmas at our house so far

2008-12-23T14:36:00.004-05:00

Wow, it's been a long time between postings again. I guess this is likely to be my last posting for 2008 so I guess I should make it memorable huh?? The holidays are fast approaching (only 2 days left now.. hard to believe) and yet I am still not really in the holiday spirit.. It will just be our family alone on Christmas day this year and I am looking forward to the fun with the kids and all but still I can't quite get myself excited like I usually am. It has been a busy month since my last posting with Christmas parties and programs and a wonderful visit from my parents where we had Christmas with them since they can't be with us this year. My adorable Grandfather will be 91 in February and of course can't travel far so they always bring him to their house for Christmas so they can't be here with me and there with him which I understand. Dan's parents will be coming to visit us after Christmas and staying through the new year. His sister will be with them as well for part of that time. I think maybe I just need to see some snow.. Dan would have a fit if he saw this because he HATES snow but I would like just a few flurries of it to make it feel more Christmas-sy..
Anyway, I am hoping that 2009 is a great year for everyone who reads this and for our family and that in my life it is a year where I am drawn even closer to my Saviour who is the reason for everything.. May we all celebrate Him all year and every year.
Enjoy the pics!

Riley with his working goggles.. Mom and dad bought him a work bench for Christmas. It is ADORABLE Home depot tools and all

Karyss and Riley in their Christmas card pose

Dad opening his present from us.. a tie with the kids' picture on it

Kids in their Christmas jammies from Nanny and Grampy..

Mom with her present from us... a plate with the kids' picture on it

Our tree

Princess Karyss all ready for her close up

My little boy.. growing so fast

I am thankful

2008-11-08T18:46:00.003-05:00

Soooo this has been quite a week here in the house of Basham and at our church. This was our annual missions conference week. We are a very small church and yet our church supports over 80 missionaries. It is a very missions-minded church and I love this time of year even though it is super busy. I love to hear from the young couples and families ( and sometimes not so young) who are preparing to go to the mission field. I am constantly in prayer that the Lord will show us if it is ever His will for us to go. We are willing but so far He has not called us to that ministry. We had some wonderful families this week and I was so touched by their burdens for the countries they are led to go. We had some going to Puerto Rico, some going to Taiwan, some going to Boston, some to California, and some to Italy. What a sweet spirit as they shared their hearts with us.
As I thought about these missionaries I wondered what God has in store for us.

But most on my mind this week has been something completely different. I have been just so thankful this week for my children and their good health. There was a time we were unsure of what Riley's life would be. Test results were inconclusive and we did not know for sure really until Riley started walking if he ever would walk. I have been following several stories of families with desperately ill children and it has made me so burdened for these families and desiring to be a help and minister to them in some way. I have no way to really do this so the best thing I can do is pray for them and that is what I have been doing.
Here are some websites I am following:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/brianacolin
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/coleruotsala
http://www.colesfoundation.com/
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hayleyhunter
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sarahparker

Cole was a precious little boy who suffered with cancer for only a short time before God took him home in September. His family's story is amazing and a huge blessing it has been to me personally. I found him through Briana's website. Briana is a precious little 6 year old fighting cancer who came to our Vacation Bible School this year.. She couldn't be there the whole week because the first few days she was in the hospital getting chemo.. Bless her heart. I have actually found Hayley's site through Briana as well and Sarah I just found out about through Cole's site. It looks like the fight may be almost over for her. I find myself wondering, "why these little children Lord??" but I know it is not mine to reason out but I certainly can pray and I will continue to pray.

Hug your kids a little tighter today and don't forget to be thankful for them... even when they are driving you crazy... :-D

The Kids dressed up....

2008-11-01T08:57:00.003-05:00

Well, I know there is a lot of controversy about Halloween but we do let our kids dress up. We take them to another town and let them walk around in the downtown square of this place where the businesses and stores give out candy. They looked so cute this year and I just had to share some pictures.. Here they are:

Just a quick hello

2008-10-23T16:51:00.002-05:00

Today nothing special or unusual happened but I felt like I should post something seeing as it has been a little while. Kids are funny. I taught 7th grade two days earlier this week and there was one in there who was just a drama queen (you know you have someone you are picturing in your mind when you read that!). She was becoming annoyed with a boy in the class who really wasn't doing anything to her. She raised her hand and when I asked her what she needed she proceeded to tell me that "Matthew is making fun of me and bothering me and I wish you would do something about it".... While trying to decide whether to laugh or scream at her I am thinking "Did she just say that???" I couldn't believe her nerve to try to tell me what to do... It was too funny. I proceeded to tell her that if she would stop turning around to stare at him (which she was doing constantly.. I am surprised he wasn't teasing her for that!) she would have no idea what he was doing and furthermore it was not her place (little miss princess, I was thinking) to tell me what I should or should not do.. If you could have seen her face... It was all I could do not to laugh.. I found out at lunch that this is her way with everyone... she is a spoiled princess at home and expects it from everyone else as well... But it was just funny. I didn't have anymore trouble from her after that.
Kids are just funny...

pictures through the house on Open house day

2008-10-18T12:43:00.004-05:00

Karyss' Room... It actually was clean!!!
Our room
Karyss ' bathroom. You can't really see it but her name is on her towel

This is the painting Sara did based on the verses I told her about that I liked... It is at the entrance of our house
Down the hallway
Living room
Kitchen
Riley's room

There it is... our house on Open House Day. We had about 20 people show up to celebrate with us. it was a nice time. We are so thankful for our home and we desire to use it for God and hope we can keep that promise.

Now I am off to take a bubble bath.. I'm exhausted...

up late and so thankful...

2008-10-09T23:06:00.002-05:00

Crazy title right?? I'm up late tonight simply because I can't sleep. I think God is having me stay awake to pray for others (in particular the Brokering family who are going through a terrible impending loss as I type) and to count my blessings. Dan and I stayed up a little later tonight just talking about how life may have been different for us if we had taken one small step differently in our lives.. I am so thankful for a husband who loves God and who can encourage me. I know without the grace of God I could be alone now. God spared my Daniel just 3 short years ago and I know but for His grace I could be grieving.. I am so thankful for my husband. I am thankful that God allowed us to have our two children.. our daughter who is quickly becoming a teenager and our baby boy who is growing a little more each day. I am so unworthy of God's goodness to me. I need to spend so much more time thanking Him for what He has allowed me to have rather than complaining and being depressed that I don't always have what I want or am not always treated the way I would like to be. I am unworthy of all that I have. God has been gracious and merciful. I am so blessed.
My sweet friend Sara just made a painting for me ( Check out her blog to see it sara-mincy.blogspot.com) I had her use a verse on it that says "This is the Lord's doing... It is marvelous in our eyes" I am hanging it just inside my front door.. God is good to us all the time even when it doesn't make sense to us. He is good and He is just and He knows what He is doing. He does best for us.
I am thankful that God has allowed me to stay awake tonight to think on this. I am so rebuked and hope I can walk more worthily....

If you've read my ramblings this far you deserve a medal:-D
Blessings and prayers to you. I think maybe I might be able to rest now :-D

the funnies in training.....

2008-10-07T19:14:00.004-05:00

Yes, we are at that stage.. Riley is potty training. He did great yesterday. The first time I put him on he was still dry and he went potty almost right away.. I walked away for a second ( the phone rang or something.. I don't know but I didn't get a diaper on him right away).. All you experienced mommies out there know what's coming don't you.. yep. a few seconds later he comes walking to me all wet.. he had wet again and this time on my favorite chair... I guess I should be happy he knew to sit down.. right?? It was funny after and the look on his face was PRICELESS!!!
Anyway, that was our adventure so fare.. We are learning.. Had visitation today so no scheduled time to really train but tomorrow we are back at it.. hope you all are praying for us! Any advice???

God's plan for me

2008-10-03T08:27:00.000-05:00

I spent some time this week counselling a young lady about allowing God to use her and seeking His plan for her life. This led me to some reflection about the way God has led in my own life. Could I ever have imagined being the "baby" of my family that I would be the one to move over 1000 miles away to go to college? Could I imagine that I would graduate and still move away from home to work or fall in love with an "American" and leave Canada and still be living so far away. The answer of course is NO! I know some of you have been through similar experiences but as I stressed to this girl, God knows what He is doing and His plan is the best plan even if it is not even close to what we would have dreamed for our life. I truly hope and pray that I had some impact . I continue to desire that God would use the lessons I have learned (and there have been many) to show Himself through my life.
And how are you today?

God's goodness

2008-09-29T17:21:00.002-05:00

What a challenging and wonderful week we had last week. We had revival services with Evangelist Mike Manor and if you have never heard him, you are missing out! I was so challenged and blessed and God is really working on me.. Lately I have been worrying a lot. (Dan would say, "lately?"..... This is not a new thing for me. ). Anyway, God has really worked on me in this area. A while ago, Dan put on the church sign, "worry is an insult to God" . Now imagine, preaching at your wife like that on a church sign ... HA! But it is true. When I worry I am telling God that I don't trust Him and I don't think He is able to perform this or that.. Today something happened and I was rebuked. Completely. I was surprised when something turned out so much better than I had anticipated. Where is my faith? This is something I am going to be working on. A book I read recently compared our trust in God as that faith our babies have in us when we are carrying them in our arms. Does Riley ever expect that I would drop him? Of course not! It never crosses his mind. It is the same with us and God. God is holding us. He is not going to let us fall. I had a wonderful time venting this all out with my friend Ashley on the weekend but I am still challenged by it and wanted to share it with anyone that still reads this blog.
Hope you are all enjoying your week.
Be BLESSED!

We finally are moved in!

2008-09-20T19:21:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone. No, I didn't really fall off the earth. It has taken a while to start getting settled in our new house and we also just got back from a wonderful restful vacation in the Smokey Mountains. Dan reminded me yesterday and today that I haven't done any blogging for ages so this is for you honey!!!!
Anyway, if any of you are still out there and checking on us, I thought I would post some pictures of our house as it is now. We have lots to do yet but we are starting to get settled. Please take time to send a comment if you visit and let me know what you think. I need all the help I can get!
Here's some pictures:

Our dining room
Our mantle.. That is a hand drawing of our children. It's GORGEOUS!
Our bedroom
Guest Bathroom

Karyss' Room
Karyss' Border. She chose it herself!!

This is Riley's room
Riley's Room
Riley's Room
Our bathroom
Our bathroom

2008-08-07T15:20:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone.. or anyone???
Lots happening here in the Basham family. We have finally found a house we may actually be able to close on. Our date is August 22nd. Karyss just started back to school at a new school and so far she is loving it. Riley is starting wonderful potty training and is currently teething with his 12th tooth. UGH!

Also, just a couple of weeks ago Dan and I celebrated our tenth anniversary. I am so blessed and happy to have such a wonderful husband. Here is a picture from our anniversary:

And here are some pictures of the new house:

Just borrowed.

2008-06-14T08:50:00.003-05:00

Well, today is the day to post pictures of my grown up girl and I am struck with the thought that our children are not ours... They are on loan. God has given them to us for just a little while. I have been reading friends' blogs this week and catching up on their struggles and joys with their children and it seems we all have the same frustrations. I know I am very far from a perfect mother and there are days I want to run away and hide. I am trying to look at my children through God's eyes today... I need to teach them His ways so they can grow closer to Him.. They are not mine. They are His gift to me so even as I watch Karyss who is so grown up now I can know that I have done my best for Him.

sorry, my little sermon for the day :-D

Here is my grown up girl!

more pictures of my little girl

2008-06-12T09:01:00.003-05:00

Here are some more pictures of little Karyss who is now so grown up!

This was in K-3 . I am not sure of all the girls' names but the one right next to Karyss is her friend Kayla.
At her 4th birthday party
With her K-3 teacher, Mrs Scrivner
Playing ballet with Kayla! They were such sweet friends!

Why do they have to grow up???

2008-06-07T15:10:00.003-05:00

I have been finding all kinds of old pictures lately and I just cannot believe how much my little girl has grown up!! Who tells them they can do that???
Over the next week I am going to post some pictures of my little girl after I scan them and then I will post a recent picture.. I cannot believe how much she has changed.

The banquet

2008-05-05T10:36:00.005-05:00

Hi All!!! The banquet was a great success I think.. There was such a sweet spirit among the ladies and our special speaker, Sherry Huggins, was great! She is a mother of 7 daughters, yes , you read that correctly, 7 daughters ;-D Here are some photos from the event. I should have more coming later.

Thankful

2008-04-25T08:50:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone
Just counting my blessings today:

1. Thankful for God always being there for me and forgiving me when I mess up (OFTEN!)
2. Thankful for my family who loves me even when I am crabby
3. Thankful for health for me and my family ... I have been thinking of this a lot lately .How blessed am I to be here and have my family be healthy ! I think of this young girl, Meredith Rankin and her young husband and even though I did not know either of them, I am captivated by their story and blessed by their testimony.
4. Thankful for the privilege of prayer. How lucky am I that I can go to my Father, a KING and bring my requests to Him.
5. Thankful for God's word. So many do not have this.. How unworthy am I?
6 Thankful for God's direction and working in my life.. Where would I be without His correction
7. Thankful for friends to encourage and help me to grow
8. Thankful for my husband. I know he is covered under friends and family but I am extra- thankful for him too :-D
9. Thankful for God giving us some of our wants along with providing our needs :-D
10. Thankful for each new day and anyone out there who actually takes time to read this and check on me and my little family!

So, WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR TODAY??

Giveaway

2008-04-24T15:40:00.006-05:00

Okay, so I NEVER post links to giveaways or things but this one was neat. So for all you mommies out there , here is a link to a great toy giveaway contest!

http://www.5minutesformom.com/3198/2weekstoys/

Thanks for praying.. She's in Heaven!

2008-04-22T11:59:00.001-05:00

Meredith who I asked you all to pray for has passed away..

Please pray for her young husband Justin only 23 and her parents and family.

My little man

2008-04-21T11:12:00.004-05:00

Riley had his second haircut.. He was sooo good in the chair.
What do you think????

Praying for others

2008-04-20T13:59:00.003-05:00

I have been reading a caring bridge journal lately of a young woman who is battling cancer. I found her through a facebook friend. She was diagnosed with cancer less than a month before her wedding in 2005.. She is only 25 now and her husband is 23.. They lived in Greenville, SC when they were first married and he was still in school at BJU.. Now they live in Indiana and hospice has been called for her final days... Her attitude and that of her family has been such a blessing to me. It has made me look at my problems and realize how small and inisgnificant they are. I am writing this to ask all of you to lift up Meredith in prayer. If you want to visit her site, this is the link http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/meredith I am deeply burdened for her at this point and for her family but they are all trusting in the Lord.. What a testimony!

Friday

2008-04-18T09:13:00.002-05:00

Hey, I survived the week! YAY!
Many happenings this week, including our car deciding to be sick but we are on the way to fixing it now, after a lot of $$$$$. But God knows and He cares and I am so thankful!!!
On another bright note, I have noticed the last several days that Riley's face is clearing up! YAY! Now if I could just get him to stop scratching his knees, ankles, elbows so that they could clear.. Anyone have any suggestions. I have tried the scratch mittens but they are a joke to him...
Banquet plans are finally almost together. I have the program put together, I just need to print it out and the 85 bees are finally made .YAY!
That's it for me for now, Hoping you are all having a blessed day!

just breezing by....

2008-04-17T14:05:00.002-05:00

to let you know I am still out here :-D
Lots happening this week as I already said and now our car is in the shop!
Banquet plans are finally coming together (THANK YOU SARA! and ASHLEY!!! My right hand girl !)
Y'all should stop over at Sara Mincy's art blog and see the painting she did for me for the banquet. It's awesome. She is uber-talented.
Here is the link
http://sara-mincy.blogspot.com/

Anyway, Just wanted to say I am still here !

Catching up

2008-04-14T10:09:00.005-05:00

With Laundry and bill paying today..

This is a busy week for us.

Ladies Fellowship tonight,

Visitation tomorrow

Church Wednesday

Nursing Home service Thursday

Something to prepare for the banquet on Friday

Young Adults activity on Saturday

Church on Sunday

So, I am trying to get most of the household stuff done today! Can you say PILES of laundry!! I don't know why we wore so many clothes this weekend but here is my basket...

And the clutter in my living room!!!

Not to mention I need to start packing for our (eventual) move.. It is crazy lately.. We are still waiting on an answer. We have been trying to buy this house since FEBRUARY!!! CRAZY!

Here is a picture of that too :-D

So I am sure you are all thinking "GET OFF THE COMPUTER".

Absolutely right! I need to get at it. Hope you all have a Happy Monday!!

Sunday....

2008-04-13T14:18:00.004-05:00

So how is everyone's ( all 2 of you who may be reading this) Sunday going?? We are having a fairly decent day but it is COLD here today and it might snow tomorrow.. IN GEORGIA!! Can you believe that???
Otherwise it is busy. We are still trying to get ladies to commit and buy their tickets for the banquet but so far.. only 5 sold.. UGH!
I am trying to do an art project for the tables but anyone who knows me knows that I am NO GOOD at art and these projects are meant for children and I am having trouble. I need a GLUE GUN!! HELP! And guess what I just noticed????? There is a spelling error!! On the pattern..GREAT!!
Here is a picture.. It's not finished because I can't find my glue gun but can you see the error???

Anyway, That's my day so far and I am about to be late for choir practice so I had better go!

Saturday fun!

2008-04-12T09:32:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone!

Today I am working on the mother/daughter banquet with my friend Ashley. It is coming together but it is coming up quickly and we need to get things together. So far, ticket sales are not going well. We have sold only 3 tickets so far.. I am hoping these are last minute ticket buyers but we need a count quickly for the caterer!

Our theme is "Sweeter than Honey"

here is one of the decorations we really like...

It is really cute don't ya think??

Anyway, that is my day. I am looking forward to getting organized and being ready.

THANK YOU SARA for all your help... You are such a blessing to me!

A relaxed day

2008-04-11T12:21:00.003-05:00

I am just so enjoying today. We cleaned the house some and then Karyss and I have been baking ever since.. She got to use her Easy Bake Oven which she hasn't had much opportunity to use lately and we also made Jan's Ginger Crackle cookies (Dan's most favorite)

Here is a picture of my baking girl !

and another

Today I was reading in Philippians and I read
" Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" Philippians 1;6

I am so glad He is still working on me... Isn't that a song somewhere?

By the way, still no news to report on our house but I KNOW God is working on that too.

just a couple of pictures

2008-04-10T10:31:00.004-05:00

of my kids!

My beautiful little girl...... Growing up too fast!!
My son is walking!!!! Go RILEY!!!!

God is good to us!

2008-04-10T10:24:00.003-05:00

Today, my mom and I were talking about seeing God.. I mean, seeing Him in our everyday lives. She was saying how when the snow melts and her flowers start blooming she sees God at work. For me, it is watching my children, especially Riley who was not supposed to walk, RUNNING around. What a great God we have and how well He takes care of us! How unworthy are we and yet He takes care of our needs and even our wants .... It is amazing to me how some can say there is no God..
This morning I read Proverbs 10:3. It says "The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish". What a blessing that is! He will always take care of us. I have been very forgetful of this lately. I have been relying on myself entirely too much and looking at circumstances rather than remembering that my Father is a KING!
How blessed we are.

Thankful for my friends!!

2008-04-08T10:01:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to say how thankful I am for friends. Recently we have been struggling with some discouragement and lack of joy. Mostly this is because of the whole mess with our house.. Will we ever get to move?? Will the loan stay affordable? What could possibly go wrong next?? It has been just a series of things with us lately but the one thing I have been able to count on is encouragement from friends so this is to say

THANK YOU!!!!!!

Some of my friends I have never met in person, they are online friends yet they pray for me and encourage me and are such a blessing. Some I have met and rarely get to see anymore as our lives have taken us to different corners of the earth and yet I know I can count on them to be there when I need them.

I just want all of my friends to know that I am thankful for each one of you even when I don't say it or don't even keep in touch. You are a blessing to me. Thank you

Enjoying mommyhood

2008-04-02T09:58:00.005-05:00

So is that a word?? Mommyhood. I have just been reflecting on it today and I am so enjoying my children. Karyss is at that stage between little girl and adolescent and I am completely not ready to see her grow up. Last night I decided we needed some little girl time so we sat down and colored together for over an hour. It was quite a nice time. Even Riley wanted to get in on the action so up in his chair he went too with pictures and chubby crayons.. so cute to see. I am just so grateful to God for what He has blessed me with. My son is growing so fast and now that he may finally have some relief from his eczema and allergies then he can enjoy life a little more.

I have been reading some of my friend's blogs this morning and I am so enjoying that! Reading the stories of your kids makes me smile.

Thanks!

Thought I would post a couple of pictures of my cuties here. Enjoy!

My boy .. I love those curls and his shirt says it all for me :-D
See how she is growing up already?? My sweet girl.

Okay, I am determined to stick to it

2008-03-25T17:16:00.002-05:00

THIS TIME I PROMISE to be more faithful to this.

Hmmmmm How can I update you on what is going on with us?? We are still waiting to close on our first house. VERY exciting but the delays are driving us crazy. At least we have had some time to put money aside to pay the mortgage..

Riley is growing like a weed and now that he has finally been diagnosed with all his allergies, we can help him heal from his rashes and take better care. I feel so badly that it took so long to get this taken care of but at least he is on the road to recovery and.... HE IS WALKING!!!! I will try to add pictures soon so you can see him!!!

Karyss is this week taking her SATs at school and so this has already been a long week for her. She is growing taller I think by the day!!!
As for us, my Reverend husband is doing well and as always, loving his work here in Georgia. I am loving life at home taking care of things here, working at church often and watching my baby boy grow up in the day and helping my daughter with homework and piano at night.

Thanks if you are actually reading this!!

Back to Blogging

2008-02-25T10:18:00.003-05:00

Hi.
Is anyone left out there reading my blog?? Big things are happening in Basham land :-D We have bought our first house. We have not closed yet because there were liens placed on the owner that we did not know about . Those should be cleared within the next few weeks and we can finally move to our first ever owned property! We are so excited!!!
Also, we found out this week the reason for Riley's severe eczema!! He is allergic to half of what we were feeding him!! He has a major allergy to peanuts (which we hadn't given him yet, thankfully!) He is also allergic to wheat, egg whites, soy, dog danger and dust mites! In the last few days that we have eliminated all of these things, his skin has cleared dramatically!! It is amazing!
Also, for those of you who prayed after my last blog, I am now the Reverend's wife !! Dan's ordination was a sweet time and a huge blessing to us! He did great!
Next week we will be registering Karyss at a new school. Please pray that next year in a new school closer to home will be a great year for her! We are trying so hard to be wise in our choices and decisions!
I also have a burden weighing on my heart. I wish I could share it here but too many details to really get into. Suffice it to say I am concerned for a situation in my church and I am praying that it doesn't cause major divisions!
Thanks to any of you who are still checking on me. I am really going to try to be more faithful to this!
Please let me know you stopped by!

Dan's ordination

2008-02-01T08:04:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone. Well, this is it. The big weekend my husband goes from being a Mr to be a Reverend :-D I just wanted to write something quickly here to ask you to pray for him especially during the ordination council tomorrow. If you would like to drop him a line and let him know you are praying or to congratulate him or whatever, his email is DBasham1@bellsouth.net. I am so proud of him. We have come a long way from where we were 10 years ago. Wow!

Sorry again

2008-01-26T11:46:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone. Sorry it has been so long since my last post. This house-hunting is a crazy task :-D Thank you all for your prayers. We need them more than ever as we seek what He has for us and that we trust Him in everything.
Let me update you on everything else:
Karyss is enjoying third grade and doing GREAT! She is very smart and doing very well in all her schoolwork except when she gets lazy.. HA! She is also doing very well with her piano lessons and has progressed into the next level already.
Riley is growing taller now but still is a skinny guy. He is still struggling with eczema and we are taking him for tests next month.
Dan is busily studying and preparing for a very special day next weekend, he is being ordained! I am very excited for him and for this time in his life. He has waited a long time. I am proud of him
As for me, I am much the same except that I am trying to get on track with exercise and diet. This is the year I finally get in shape :-D
And how are you ?? Thank all of you who are still taking time in your lives to read about mine! I am really going to try to be more consistent and I hope we can learn and grow together .

here is my request for the day:
Please send me a verse or quote that has helped you or been special to you in times when you were worried or stessed.
THANKS!!!
Make it a great day!

I've got a Mansion

2008-01-11T21:06:00.000-05:00

Well, some of you out there know we are in the process of trying to find and purchase our very first home. It is an exciting and daunting task.. I was thinking about it today while I was having my devotions and I was reminded of that song "I've got a mansion, just over the hilltop...."
Isn't that a nice thought?? In Heaven I won't have to go house hunting! God already has my Mansion prepared for me.
How blessed are we????

Please, if you read this, please pray for us that God will show us just the right house and we will follow his leading .

Please send me a little note to let me know if you are praying. We appreciate it so much!

God is good

Music

2008-01-07T16:55:00.000-05:00

Today I am sitting here listening to good music and being so thankful that we have music that can encourage and bless us. I am thankful for people God brought into my life to instruct me and show me what good music is. I am always blessed and encouraged by music. so that is my thankfulness today. I am blessed with good music. Thank you to all who continue to strive to make it available.

Saturday's Blessing

2008-01-05T12:15:00.000-05:00

I am reading a new book called "Be my Refuge Lord" by Bob and Emilie Barnes.. It has been such an encouragement to me.
Today's reading was about Let go and Let God
It reminded me of a poem I read once called that same thing

Let Go and Let God

As children bring their broken toys,
with tears for us to mend;
I brought my broken dreams to God
because He is my friend

But then, instead of leaving Him
in peace to work alone;
I hung around and tried to help
with ways that were my own.

At last I snatched them back again
and cried
"How can you be so slow??"
"My child", He said, "what could I do?
you never did let go!"

Author unknown.

This is a small verse but it spoke so much to me today
Matthew 8:26 " Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith"

Today my blessing in God's teaching in my life

A new year

2008-01-04T13:52:00.000-05:00

Wow, it has been a LONG time since I have written in here.
I am trying to turn over a new leaf (just for you Kim).
God is working a lot in my life lately. I am striving to draw closer to Him in 2008. I have spent a lot of time lately reflecting on just what God has done for me and how He has worked and changed me so much. I am blessed in so many ways and there are so many things He has given me that don't make sense... I am truly unworthy and so thankful so this year I am going to try to use this blog to count my blessings :-D
Here is one for today:
I am blessed with parents that love me even when they don't always agree with what I do. They have always supported me through the good times and the bad times. As we are all getting older, I am so thankful to have them in my life. So that is my blessing today :-D

pictures from the summer

2007-08-28T18:06:00.000-05:00

Karyss and Riley are so cute together!!!
Karyss got a new haircut and she loves it!!!
My adorable Riley!!

Riley and Seth in nursery
Dan thinks this outfit is girly but I LOVE it

We loved our time at the cabin in Tennessee
Riley loves church nursery

Karyss LOVED her birthday party in Canada...
My parents, sisters and my kids

My grandfather will be 90 in February... So great for him to spend time with us and my kids!
My cousin's baby, Rylan is 3 months younger than Riley!

Karyss already loves my cousin Derrick and Riley really enjoyed him too!!!

So sorry

2007-08-22T14:04:00.000-05:00

Wow, is there anyone still reading my blog?? I am so sorry that I have not blogged in so long.. Almost two months. That's scandalous!! Sorry.
Things are going fairly smoothly here for us. Karyss has started 3rd grade and has a WONDERFUL teacher this year. We are really excited for her but I cannot believe my baby girl is in 3rd grade. Wow! Riley is growing and changing every day.He is almost 8 months old now. He isn't crawling yet but he creeps along and is pulling up and wants to walk. Hard to believe. Dan is doing well . I am so so lucky to have him in my life. I am just thankful every day but more lately as we come close to the 2nd anniversary of my almost losing him .... I am just very grateful for all the blessings in my life.. Too many to count.

I know this is a short blog but duty (Riley) calls and I must stop writing. I will try to keep up better and include pictures next time. Hope there are some of you out there still reading.

Riley is 6 months old!!! And he has something new!!!

2007-06-28T17:03:00.001-05:00

Yes, it's true. My baby is half a year old and he has something new, actually two somethings....

See..

TWO TEETH!!! I know it is hard to see here but there are TWO TEETH IN THERE!!!!

My baby is growing up.. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Camp

2007-06-22T11:20:00.001-05:00

Hi All!! I promised I would blog about camp so here it is!! Camp was FABULOUS!!! I had never been "camping" at a place where sponsors stayed in a hotel like accomodation and were treated so well. We really were. The messages by Tom Farrell were fantastic and challenging to both us and to our teens. It was great. Meals were rushed ( I think we had 15 minutes to get in and out) but overall it was WONDERFUL!!! Karyss has a BLAST. She had so much fun and Rileywas such a trouper. I am so proud of how well he behaved. Here are some pictures of camp:

The auditorium where we met for chapel. There were over 700 teens at camp.
One of our teens making a silly face (center)

It amazed me how they were able to get all those "too cool" teens to play these games and really participate even when they looked silly :-D

This is not a clear picture.. This is less than half of the stairs from the main area of the camp to where chapels and many games were held.. UGH!!! Noone told me I should have joined a gym a month before I went to camp:-D

Riley did so well but he was not always thrilled to rise and shine in the mornings :-D

Karyss had such a great time. She LOVED her counsellor, Becca. She had fun!!!!!! YAY!!!!!

A long time absent

2007-06-07T12:58:00.000-05:00

Sorry I have done it again.. gone a while without writing. This week we are deep in the preparations for Camp. We leave on Monday to go to the Wilds in North Carolina. Having never been there, I am really looking forward to it. This will also be Karyss' first time at camp. She is at Junior camp while we are at Teen camp. I am nervous for her and am trying to prepare her to be a "big girl" while she is there.. Is it just me or do kids just grow up WAYYYYY too fast.?? I am looking at her and seeing how tall and grown up she is with her little pre-teen face.. I can't believe how much she is changing.
Riley is growing too so much that I can't stand it. We were finally able to find something to clear up his eczema. It looked so painful. I know he is feeling much better now.
My Daniel's birthday is Saturday so I am also in the middle of packing and preparing, trying to figure out a way to make his day extra special. Anyone out there have some ideas??

As I said we will be gone all next week but I promise to blog when we get back all about our wonderful time at camp

Karyss is finished!!!!

2007-05-26T08:15:00.000-05:00

She is done with school for the year. Can you believe it?? She finished on Tuesday with her awards assembly. It is hard to believe my little girl is a third grader now. Wow.

Here are some pictures of her special day!

This is Mikayla, her best friend. Mikayla is not coming back next year. She is going to be homeschooled. Karyss is DEVASTATED by this.

She LOVED her teacher this year. Ms French is a first year teacher and was so special and sweet to Karyss. She is going back home to Utah and getting married next summer. Karyss will miss seeing her as well.

Sorry I haven't blogged much lately. A LOT has been going on. I will try to get back in the swing of things now.

Hope everyone (all 3 or 4 of you that read this :-D) are doing great !!

Riley is eating "real food"

2007-05-10T10:28:00.000-05:00

Hi! Riley's doctor wanted him to start on "real food" now. He is only in the 20th percentile for height and weight. Anyway, I fed him bananas yesterday... I am not sure if he likes them or not.. You decide ;_D I am looking forward to the comments on these pictures :-D

Riley is 4 months old!!

2007-05-02T15:43:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it?? He is 4 months old... Here are pictures from the weekend!

Karyss and Riley all ready for our Spring Picnic!!

Riley all ready for Sunday school :-D

Long time no Blog!

2007-04-26T09:57:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone. Did you think I fell off the earth?? It has been really busy around here with church and activities and all.. guess we're just gearing up for summer.... I took up the task this week of clearing out Karyss' toybox! There were things in there from YEARS ago!! I couldn't believe the amount of junk she had stuffed in that thing.. Which led me to ask.. Do any of you have any good ideas for helping kids stay organized?? I was terrible at it as a child myself and I am not all that great at it now but Karyss is really struggling. Her room is small and it is so hard for her to keep it clean. Any suggestions???

Appreciating the "little things"

2007-04-17T18:32:00.000-05:00

The very recent events in Virginia have made an impact on me. I remember when Columbine happened, I was home sick from teaching school, pregnant with Karyss.. I remember thinking how horrible it would be to be a parent of one of those students there. Now that I am a parent and have my two precious children, my heart breaks for those families, wives, friends, children, and especially moms and dads of those who were mercilessly killed in Virginia... It has made me appreciate the little things in my life so much more... especially the little things named Karyss and Riley and the slightly larger thing named Dan and my parents, and my sisters, and my friends.... It gives me pause to thank God for what he has given. I know there are days I grumble and complain about things in my life but God has given me so much and I am so blessed. This tragedy has caused me to pause and appreciate what I do have and I am truly thankful.
Hug your children a little tighter today . I know I will and also pray for those families and that this may cause some to look to God for strength and turn to Him for help and salvation

My babies

2007-04-13T11:39:00.000-05:00

Just found some pictures of Karyss as a baby and thought I would post. Do you think she and Riley look alike???

Karyss was probably a week old in this picture and Riley was less than a week old. What do you all think?? It probably would be a better comparision if I had done a picture of Riley with his eyes open.

Our Easter

2007-04-08T19:19:00.000-05:00

Karyss loved coloring the Easter Eggs.. Riley helped by supervising :-D

She LOVES Green

Finished Product! Aren't they pretty??

Karyss' Easter Basket

Riley's Easter Treat

All Ready for Easter Sunday! She is so proud of her "princess dress"

Our little Easter bunny :-D

It was great day

What I did today

2007-04-06T17:37:00.000-05:00

Hi All This is going to be one of those frivolous posts so if you are easily bored you may not want to bother reading but I was so pleased I had to share.

Today I decided to take on the task of cleaning out Karyss' dressers. As I mentioned before I am a big "Clean House" fan right now. I LOVE how they have been folding the clothes so you can see EVERYTHING in the drawers when you open them and they look neat. I just have to share some pictures because it really turned out GREAT in her room...

If you could only have seen what these looked like in the beginning!! I hope she keeps up with it.

Here is what Riley was doing while I was working:

Cutie pie

2007-04-04T12:28:00.000-05:00

Hi .

Just had to share these adorable pictures of my adorable son. He is really growing up! I can't believe how fast he is growing. Doesn't he look cute???

Riley's Dedication

2007-04-01T22:22:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone
Sunday was an eventful day for us . We went forward during the invitation as a family to dedicate Riley and ourselves as his parents to raise him for the Lord. He was sooo adorable. The whole time Pastor Howell was talking to us he stared up into his face with this expression of wide eyed awe, like he actually could understand what was being said. I wish I had my camera then. Here are some pictures of Riley and our family today. It was so nice as each member of the church came by afterward to share their love and pledge to pray for us as we raise our children. I know I need their prayers daily. Both of my children are answers to prayer. I know I will fail them so many times but I earnestly want to do my best to raise them to know Jesus.

Quiet day

2007-03-30T16:25:00.000-05:00

Hi all. Just a quiet day here at the house of Basham. We are sitting just listening to a Mac & Beth Lynch CD while waiting for dinner to cook (Cheesy Shell Lasagna... DELICIOUS). Karyss and I played some games today and mostly just hung out together for her last day of Spring break. I took on the horrible task of cleaning out the computer hutch and right now I must say it looks wonderful. The worst part about our computer is that it is in the living room so anyone coming in to our house can see the clutter... Not now.. It is DE-Cluttered. What a nice feeling. I can sit down and pay bills ( with all the stress that goes with that) and not be stressed by the clutter. Does anyone out there watch "Clean House" on the Style network??? I don't know how some of those people live.. I think there might be a slight exaggeration before the designers get there.
Anyway, just wanted to check in with everyone about our quiet day.
Have a great weekend everyone!

A cute thing

2007-03-29T10:34:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone. My daughter did the cutest thing this morning and I just had to share . I was back folding laundry in the bedroom and Karyss was in the kitchen eating her cereal. I heard her coming down the hall and much to my surprise she arrived at my door with a bowl of cereal. She wanted to give me breakfast. Isn't that sweet?? I must have looked hungry this morning or something :-D It was very sweet and I just had to share it. Here is a picture of her and Riley .

Happy birthday!

2007-03-28T08:31:00.000-05:00

My baby boy is 3 months old today... I cannot believe it. Seems like we were just counting down to his birth and now he is here and 1/4 of a year old! Here's a cute picture taken today .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RILEY !!! We love you

A thankful family

2007-03-26T17:24:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone. Sorry I have been MIA the last week or so. I don't know where the time has gone. Anyway, I am posting today because something something interesting happened.... I cooked a meal and my husband and my daughter both loved it at the same time and both thanked me. Now, to be fair, my husband almost always thanks me for dinner but sometimes I know he is just being polite.... Tonight I was thanked and appreciated.. And it was a trial run of something new! Can you believe it?? Okay, maybe I am getting a little too excited but my world is very small these days so I take joy in little things. Are ya'all dying to know what I cooked?? Probably not but I will share it anyway. I found the recipe in Light and Tasty magazine. It was Pita Pizzas which I thought would be more pizza like but it is actually a mexican flair. Here is the recipe in case anyone is interested:

Pita Pizzas

1/2 pound lean ground beef
5 whole pita breads
1 16 ounce can fat free refried beans
1 c chunky salsa
1/2 c shredded Mexican cheese
5 T fat free sour cream
2 green onions, sliced
IN a nonstick skillet cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain. Place pitas on a baking sheet. Spread with refried beans. Top with beef, salsa and cheese. Broil 4 inches from the heat for 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Top with sour cream and onions.
379 calories, 8 g fat, 26 mg cholesterol, 52 g carbohydrate, 7 g fiber

Also, on the cooking front, we had an activity with the young couples on Saturday evening and our wonderful friends' Chris and Joy's house. I wanted to bring a dessert and so Karyss and I set off in search of something scrumptious... We came upon another recipe in Light and Tasty. It was for Caramel Brownie Pizza..... This also met with several compliments. We have just finished it at our house and several ladies took some home with them. It was VERY easy to make and fun for Karyss to help with. here is the recipe for that:

Caramel Brownie Pizza

1 package reduced fat brownie mix (13 inch x 9 inch pan size)
1/2 c fat free caramel apple dip
1/2 c miniature chocolate chips
1/4 c chopped pecans
Prepare brownie batter according to package directions. Coat a 12 inch pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray. Spread batter over pan to within 1 inch of the edge. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted 2 inches from edge comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack. Spread caramel apple dip over the top; sprinkle with chocolate chips and pecans.
330 calories, 8 g fat, 2 mg cholesterol, 63 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber

Let me know if any of you make these and what your families think. Enjoy :0D

Proud Wife and anxious mother

2007-03-19T15:12:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone out there! I must say that this weekend I played VERY proud wife! My husband's sister came to visit us on Friday. We were all set for a weekend of doing things with her but it didn't exactly work out that way. We knew there was a memorial service/funeral on Saturday. Pastor asked me to play for it but told Dan he didn't necessarily need to be there since neither of us actually knew the person that died. Saturday at around 11 o'clock Pastor called Dan to say "Guess what?? You are doing a funeral today!" Dan was shocked speechless ( those of you who know Dan know this is a rare thing!). Anyway, he spent the next few hours trying to prepare for the unknown. The funeral was at 2 O'clock. He had never done anything like that before. Luckily, another church member was asked to sing at the funeral and she is one of those people who know how to take charge and she helped us figure out how the service should be planned and how it should take place. That was a huge blessing. We survived that together and I was so proud of how he boldly proclaimed salvation at this funeral in a room full of people that were mostly unsaved.

Sunday morning, we were woken up by the phone ringing.. Guess who?? Pastor.. still sick.. Guess who is preaching today?? Again Dan had to pull it together to preach the Sunday service. Again, I was so proud of him.. leading singing, the choir and preaching without much notice. I just had to share how incredibly proud I have been of him this weekend.

Riley got a new outfit this weekend. I saw it at Walmart and just couldn't leave it in the store. I think it is adorable. Don't you ???

By the way, is it possible that my baby, not yet 3 months old is teething already?? He is drooling and chewing and crying for no reason! Anyone have any good comfort tips for teething babies???? HELP!

Riley

2007-03-09T09:06:00.000-05:00

Oh my!! Riley is growing so much! I am so amazed every day at how much he has changed and grown!!! Here is a picture of him today all dressed up and ready to go.. (not that we are going much of anywhere today but still...)

The shoes on his feet are really cute. They have Maple leafs on them. They are special shoes almost like mocassins that children can't kick off. Here is a shot of them

Karyss

2007-03-09T08:50:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone.
Karyss got her hair cut the other day and I was struck by how much of a young lady she has become. She just marched herself back to the chair and chatted away to the stylist. It was adorable to watch.
Here is a picture:

Wednesday updates

2007-03-07T11:07:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone.
Karyss has half days at school this week. I have been enjoying that because we finish up with homework and all so much sooner that we can spend time together. I am going to take her to get haircuts probably tomorrow but may even do it this afternoon. Riley is finally sleeping 6 hours most nights and that is making everyone feel better. Poor Dan has been fighting the flu this week but seems better today and GUESS WHAT?? He joined the gym!! I am so proud of him for taking this step to better himself and his health. Please pray with me that I can get healthy and fit as well. Anyone have any good links for healthy recipes?? Or healthy recipes to share?? I feel like I am stuck in a rut with cooking . Anyone else out there feel that way?? I could use any suggestions you have .

Well, need to go get Riley up so we can go get Karyss from school. Thanks for reading!!

Riley

2007-03-05T17:45:00.000-05:00

My baby smiles now. It is soooo cute!!! I just love it! He is growing up so fast!!! STOP!! I'm not ready :-D

Riley has found his thumb!!! I know I shouldn't encourage it but it looks soooo cute!!!

Vacation Photos Finally

2007-03-05T16:39:00.000-05:00

Karyss & Nanny had a good time searching out shells on the beach.. It was sooo beautiful!!!

Lori , Nanny and Riley

This is at Auntie Shelley's birthday party. He LOVED all the love he got on this trip :-D

Karyss loved reading with Nanny & Riley!!!!

Isn't my dad so cute holding him????

Auntie Lori loved him too :-D

Sorry everyone, I tried to post these last week and I finally had them downloaded and my computer "hiccupped" and they were lost. Needless to say I was too frustrated to try again. Dial up takes FOREVER.

Thank you so much to those who have commented. It is so great to get back in touch with people!

I've been Tagged

2007-02-28T16:09:00.000-05:00

Hi all,
Well, it finally happened. I have been tagged :-D Thanks Jen J! Anyway, this is supposed to be facts about my husband. Here goes.......

His age: 36
How tall is he: 6'1"
How long have you been together (married): 8 1/2 years
How long did you know each other before you got together?: We met in August, and were married in July
What physical features attracted you to him first?: His smile
Eye color: Hazel
Hair color:Brown
Hair style:As short as possible
Normal Outfit: Jeans with t-shirt or polo,Dress pants, dress shirt and tie for work
How did you meet: See previous posts about that :-D
How serious is it: Forever!
Are you “in love”: Completely!!!
Do your parents like him: Most of the time!
Do his parents like you: Yes,
Do you trust him: Fully
Would you share a toothbrush with him?: NOOOO, unless it was the last toothbrush on earth. Would he let you wear his pants?: Don't think they'd fit
Do you have a shirt of his that you sleep in?: I used to......
Do you like the way he smells?: Most of the time!
Can you picture having kids with him?: Well, we already have two so I guess Yes!
What bothers you the most about him?: He procrastinates
Does he have a temper?: Yes but it is usually under control. I have only seen him lose it once or twice in the years we have been together
Are you happy to be with him?: Of course!!
Does he embarrass you in public?:Occassionally. I could tell stories... but I won't
Does he smoke or do drugs?: No.
Does he have any piercings?: No.
Any tattoos?: No.
Does he have any scars that you know of?: Yes. He has broken about every limb at least once.
Is he a Party dude or Stay at home?: He likes to be at home, but he can be the life of the party too!
Is he Outgoing or Shy?: He’s usually very outgoing but sometimes he is quiet
Does he love his mama?: Yes
Would he hang out with you and YOUR friends?: Most of them I think he would.
Sing?: That was what first caught my attention about him.. he has a GREAT voice

Okay, my turn to tag. I tag Kim, Sara, and Jill

We're Back

2007-02-27T09:20:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone! Did ya miss me??? We had a FABULOUS time on vacation in Florida with my family. It was so nice to get away and relax. The highlight for me of course was having my sisters see Riley for the first time. It was so special for us all to be together. We really enjoyed our time together and that is what was the best part for me. Karyss had a great time exploring the beach and swimming in the pool. I enjoyed having some time to just relax by the pool and read. It's been a long time since I have had time to just read a book. Riley was wonderful on the trip and just a real joy to have around. He travels well. I am so glad for that.
I have to get going for Ladies' visitation this morning but will post pictures from our trip soon. Looking forward to catching up with you all!

Going away

2007-02-15T23:07:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone
We leave tomorrow morning for Riley's first big trip. My parents rent a condo every year in Madeira Beach, Florida. They are there now and invited us to come down. My sisters who haven't met Riley will be there too and I am soooo excited! Anyway, I will be away from the computer so won't be blogging until we come back in a week. I will fill you all in on our wonderful vacation when I get back!

The story of Us Part II

2007-02-10T14:41:00.000-05:00

Okay, now where was I?? Oh yes, he left... Well, the next day started teacher in-service but I had to go to the social security office and work out stuff for my social security number. It didn't take too long but it was a bit of a hassle. Anyway, as a result I came to the teacher meeting late. I came in just a few minutes before they were going to coffee break. Dan says this didn't happen but as we were going out to the coffee and donuts, he was skipping and I thought that was sooo weird. He swears he didn't but I know what I saw.

Anyway, we really didn't talk at all then. I was really shy and didn't know a soul there so it took me a while. I concentrated on getting my class ready and that was it. Dan was coaching soccer so he missed a lot of inservice for that and I didn't really know him but every time I talked to my parents my dad asked if we had met each other....

As the school year started other teachers started telling me about Dan. They thought since we were the single ones on staff we should get together. Apparently they were doing the same thing to him. He was dead set against dating, still nursing a broken heart from a broken engagement. He eventually asked me out but he asked me to a youth activity. I was nervous about trying to get to know him with all the teens watching and the activity was BOWLING.. Those of you who know me know bowling is about my least favorite activity so I said "no" . Did I ever catch it with the other teacher when they found out I said no. We had this thing at school where we had to choose names and celebrate that teacher's birthday. I offered to help Dan decorate the staff member's office for the one he had chosen . He offered me dinner in exchange for my help. He had a meeting after school so I went to my classroom and worked until he was done and then we met up to work on her office. We were both so nervous at dinner afterward. I really was starting to like him . Later, I went to one of his soccer games. We were in Illinois. It was cold and rainy and we sat outside the school on the steps for HOURS and talked. I was really enjoying getting to know him.... A few weeks later he asked me out again. We were going in to Chicago. It was a comedy of errors date. We went and ended up parking on the wrong side of the city for what we wanted to see. We had to walk FOREVER to get to the John Hancock building where we were going. It has a fantastic view of the city. I found out later it had been several years since Dan had been there and when we went to pay to go up he discovered it cost a lot more than he had thought so it basically cleaned him out of money.. He was nervous about what we would do for dinner. It was a beautiful view from up there so high. We enjoyed it. On the way down in the elevator a man stepped in to the already crowded elevator and he must have weighed about 500 pounds. Wouldn't you know he decided to stand right in front of me and when he did he landed right on my foot. OUCH!!

We left there and looked around the city a little before making the trek back to the car. It was really hot and humid that day. I was thirsty by the time we got back to the car and wouldn't you know, we got a little bit lost?? I was dying for a drink ( DAN LOVES to tell this part of the story). I had seen a Pepsi in the back of his car. I was really thirsty by this point and thinking
I have got to have a drink so I crawled into his back seat and grabbed the pepsi. I was so thirsty I don't even know if I said a word to him about it but I drank it all myself and never even offered him a sip.. Can you believe we wound up together after that??? We finally got back to Joliet and Dan was still nervous about money. We ended up going to a Chinese restaurant near where he lived and getting take out. We spent the rest of the evening just talking. By now I was pretty sure I wanted to pursue a relationship with this guy.. Finally , on October 2, 1997 he asked me to be his girl. Of course, I said yes. Everyone at school wanted to take credit for it. We continued to date and he was so sweet. He would leave flowers on my car and send me notes. It was adorable. Things were getting serious and on December 9, 1997 he asked me to go to dinner at the Rockwell Inn. It was a really nice restaurant decorated all with Norman Rockwell paintings. He was acting really strangely the whole night and I wasn't sure what to think. He asked for a quiet table and wouldn't you know they put us next to two guys who were being really loud and obnoxious! As we were sitting there it started to snow outside. The kind of snow with the big puffy flakes. I had always loved that kind of snow and told Dan once that I would love to get engaged outside when it was snowing like that. Outside our window you could see into the back yard of the restaurant where there was a path to walk on. We finished our dinner and Dan asked me to go for a walk on the path. As were were walking I said "Do you love me". He said "Yes and do and .. (he stopped and got down on one knee in the snow) that's why I want to ask you to be my wife" This is his favorite part of the story. He gave me the ring box and I opened it and started crying. I didn't even answer him. I just cried. Isn't that just like me?? He put the ring on my finger and we went back inside to call family. Now you know the story of us. We had our ups and downs during the engagement. I think we broke up a couple of times even but 7 months later we were married in Saint John, New Brunswick on July 25, 1998. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband. There were many times I was convinced I would always be single. If I hadn't followed God's plan and moved to Illinois, maybe I still would be. I am constantly amazed at how God works things out even when we can't see it.

The story of Us

2007-02-06T13:24:00.000-05:00

The photo above is my favorite from our wedding photos. I set up the pose myself :-D I think it's adorable. Anyway, I need to backtrack some from the wedding if I am to tell you our story.

I graduated from Maranatha in 1996. I had spent the spring semester that year working as a Nanny in New Brunswick. I LOVED my job so didn't actively search for a teaching job at that time. However, Maranatha sent out my name to several Christian schools and a school in Joliet, Illinois contacted me and interviewed me over the phone for a position teaching in their school. I was reluctant but felt that God was leading me to do this so I agreed to take the position and prepared to leave in August. At the last minute, the paperwork for immigration got messed up and I was unable to go. The asked me to wait and perhaps come the following fall. I spent the rest of that school year happily working as a Nanny and didn't really give much thought to actually leaving to go to Illinois. The school called again toward the end of the school year and told me they had worked everything out and wanted me to come in the fall to teach second grade. To say I was apprehensive about this step would be an understatement. I was scared to death but again felt God was leading me there.. but why???? It is amazing to me how God works.....

When we arrived in Joliet we went to the house where I would be boarding . The couple had housed several teachers for Ridgewood in the past. They were very kind and had a nice, large room for me. We had arrived on a Saturday. I spent the night with my parents at their hotel and we went to church on Sunday. Sunday evening I met with the principal of the school and while my parents were waiting around for me my dad encountered a young man who had also come to teach at Ridgewood. His name was Dan. He tried to get Dan to wait around to meet me but my meeting went long and Dan had lots to do so he left..........

--------------------------------To be continued---------------------------------------------