the Solarek's Sweet Christmas 2011

It has been a wonderful celebration of Christmas this year. December started off beautifully! We went to see the play "Scroodge" Dec 1st. Our friend gave us wonderful seats up front and we had a blast. By the end Erin was playing James' i phone, and Conor was saying "this was way too scary for me. You should not have brought me here" :0) All in all, it really was a great night and I loved going as a family. Dec 2 brought the lighting of the Christmas tree in down town Roanoke. I felt like I was in a cartoon when the Mayor of Roanoke told Santa his number one wish for christmas was snow... we went down town with Elijah's family (one of conor's best friends) and then we came back to our house and built ginger bread houses - What a wonderful start to the holidays! Oh - I don't remember if I mentioned on here that our christmas tree fell down in the middle of the night and scared the life out of me?! The kids didnt hear a thing and james didnt even want to go down and check what the huge crash sound was??!! My tree sat naked for two days - it was naked while we had friends over to decorate the gingerbread houses... it bugged me but not enough to stress out. If you know me and james by now - it is our motto to enjoy life and not stress out about silly things like undecorated christmas trees.
A fun thing I like to do during the sundays of Decemebr is entertain the teen girl's sunday school classes (i did make sure the tree was re decorated for them!) It is special to have them into our home and hear from each one of them about their lives.
One of our teens organized a teddy drop off - the teddys would go to children who lost everything in a house fire or natural disaster. This was a wonderful thing for us to do with our children bc they have so much. It was special to collect some of their teddys and send them to children who really need them.
We went christmas carolling a few times which is always fun to see people smile at our small gesture. Singing at the old folks home was awesome and the macdonalds on 460 :)
James and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. We went to Olive Garden, came home and watched our wedding with the children. It was precious. This kids thought we were the prince and princess... We (thank you Ashley and Kathy!)painted the basement and hung a world map, map of ireland and map of america - that was our gift to one another and we are delighted with how that room turned out! When we were in mexico the leaders talked about putting maps up in your home and teaching your children there is more to life than their neighborhood!

Now to the good stuff - Christmas Eve. We went to our friend's house and baked some cookies and they made a feast for us! I love being around people so for friends to have us over on christmas eve meant so much to me. We did leave earlier than expected bc our kids were whiny and we put them straight to bed when we came home! :) Christmas Eve we went to the Baptist Community Center to watch the children perform a play for us. James, along with the youth group and Smith family go to the BCC each wednesday so it was special for James to come and watch their play. When we arrived, James did not see (i did - ahem!) a concrete ditch between the road and the curb. He popped the tire good let me tell ya! Well, being the stress free people that we strive to be (it is a decision/choice people) we went in and enjoyed the play and said we would worry about it after. For those of you who know where the BCC is located you may be smiling! The Smith family gave many hours on christmas eve to help the children prepare for the play and helped serve the food and clean up. This family is a wonderful example to me and I love their heart for God and people! Mr Smith helped James after the play and God blessed us fix the car for 15 dollars. Being at the BCC was precious. The children did a great job sharing the message of Christ. Their parents came to watch them and I pray that someone came to Christ through their efforts and the Truth they spoke of.
We ended the night at i hop with more friends who ministered over at the resuce mission. I love all of these people and I love being around like minded believers. We are blessed. We came home, put the kids to bed and prepared the dinner for the next day.

Erin woke us up Christmas morning and she got to look at the goodies in her stocking. Then she woke Conor up saying "it's christmas conor!". He came in to our room with his stocking and dumped it out to see his treasure. We came down stairs, read luke 2 and prayed to God, thanking Him for His gift to us. Conor took this seriousally because he realizes what this day is really about. We skyped my family and they got to see the kids open their gifts. Conor got a remote control dinasour from our neighbor. Her boys were finished playing with it and she thought of us. How sweet of her! That was conor's favorite gift! They each got a new Bible, dress up clothes and a pillow pet. They had a lot of fun!
We got to go to church which was so special to me bc we do that in Ireland and I love it! The kids sat in with us and were far from angles but it was special for james and i to share this with our children. Conor was wearing a tie that sang jingle bells when you pressed the button... bad judgment on my part haha. Erin has learned that we will take her out if she says "i gotta go potty" so she uses that to her advantage ;0) life with a 2 and 4 year old - gotta love it! I really enjoyed singing with the kids and letting them be apart of the worship service in that way.
We had a feast of a christmas dinner and were joined by two sweet families. I felt blessed to the top of my soul being with these people. Our turkey looked (and tasted) so good and very pretty if i do say so myself! it was one of those turkeys that deserved a spot on the table for all to admire :) last years thanksgiving turkey tasted great but didnt earn a spot on the table. So where are my pictures? my camera is broke (note to self - dont let the children use the camera in the future)... sorry folks! James took some christmas pics with his phone so i will put them up soon. After dinner three familes visited friendship manor and sang christmas carols to the elderly. It. was. priceless.
You know my kids by now... far from little angels. All the children were marvelous but since this is my blog I will brag on conor and erin. Erin was as sweet as can be and sang all the words and the people loved watching her precious 2 year old self. Conor was a gentlman. He handed out lots of candy canes and made sure he gave them all big hugs. As a parent, I was soooo very proud of them and how kind they were. All of the children knew the candy canes were for the elderly and didnt moan about it. They loved singing and blessing others - so precious! At the end conor said we didnt tell them about Jesus and we didnt share the story of the candy cane. I told him we would do that next time and that we told them about Jesus through our songs. To say we were blessed would be an understatement. Then we went to our friends house and watched a movie while the kids played :) We have a lot of friends whose families are not in the area so our kids are like cousins. God always blesses!
We had a great christmas! I loved being at home and getting to celebrate the way James and I prefer.
Some blessings that happened for our family were 1) we recieved a christmas card with 100 dollar bill. We wanted to buy a cow from the compassion book to give to a neady family in Africa and God blessed us with that 100 dollar bill - He provided for us! :) 2) James recieved some gift cards to restuarants from some friends in the church. if you know james - he loves eating out (no wise cracks about my cooking) so that was God's gift to him!
3) we got some precious cards from people sharing how much they love us and how thankful they are for us. Being in the ministry, those cards always mean so much. Thank you! James got a plaque for his office from one of the guys he is mentoring with the sweetest note.
That was our christmas. Beautiful. Filled with Christ. Filled with family and friends. Thank you God for your gift of Jesus Christ and thank you for the gift of knowing you now and forever more. I love you!
I am just like my mother and i will go out this Christmas Season singing 'oh i wish it could be christmas every day!' :0)

Tuesday Morning Outreach

Today was the end of our first season of ladies' outreach. We went to the Mall to hand out candy and say thank you to the cashiers. I bought something in Old Navy and was not brave enough to hand the lady candy and a Bible tract. I was talking to her but was too nervous to do something out of the ordinary - I'm slow sometimes! I met my kids at the mall - their teacher was having them buy christmas presents for a child whose parents are in prision. What a great idea! (the angel trees by the train). I helped them shop for their gifts... I went into the dollar store to buy a big bag for the gifts and while I was there God made me brave. I was able to talk to the cashier about christmas and what his plans where. He said he will not get much time to shop because he is so busy working. I gave him some candy and a Bible tract, along with our christmas program invitation. I said you may not be able to come but maybe your children can. He said he was off sunday night and would like to bring his family to our church. I was delighted! I wont win any prizes for being the most out going christian in the mall today... but I am praying the little I was brave enough to do will be alot for the sake of the Gospel. Little is much when God is in it??
Be brave, friends and ask God how you can be a light in your ordinary activities.
Next season we are going to focus our efforts in three places. The first and fourth tuesdays will be spent at the Baptist Community Center. I will tell you all about that sometime. Our teens go there each wednesday and I am so very proud of them. The second tuesday will be spent at the rescue mission doing various ministries. Our church goes there tuesday nights so we love going and seeing the residents twice in the one day! The third tuesday will be spent at the Roanoke Child Development Center. We have gone there to read to the children and make a craft with them. Our time there was so very precious that we would like to invest into that ministry each month.
God has blessed us with alot of women who have a heart for reaching out. It has been an honor and a blessing to work alongside each of the ladies. May God bless you and if you would like to join us on tuesday mornings from 9 am to 11 am - let me know! We will be starting back Jan 10th :)

I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my Dreams...

Christmas is my mam's holiday. She LOVES Christmas. I know. Who doesn't? Last year I planned on going home for Christmas but Ireland had so much snow that my flight was cancelled for a week! Craziness! Needless to say I did not get to spend Christmas with my mam. This year James and I will spend Christmas in our home in Virginia. Christmas is a wonderful time of the year... It's a little sad for me too. I know so many who have burdens this time of the year. I feel for you. May we fellowship with Christ during HIS holiday. May we fellowship with each other and share each other's burdens.
Happy Monday, friends. If anyone from Ireland wants to suprise me for Christmas - come on over! :)

The happenings of November

What did November bring? Well, it brought our family car new tires. Then the very next day the transmission died while I was out with three teen girls with the under the bridge ministry. Made for a fun car ride! Anyways - it would have been easy to say goodbye to the dumb car if we hadnt payed 900 dollars the day before on the thing! We put a transmission in the car the week before Thanksgiving. The same week brought a hair cut to Erin (given by her four year old brother Conor) She brought the scissors to him and asked him to cut her hair... he said why not?! James had to take a trip to Georgia the same week, where someone backed into him and put a hole in the borrowed car he was driving. Friends of ours allowed us to borrow their car to visit James' family for Thanksgiving in Indy. Family gatherings are a sweet and precious time. James got to see his grandma on his mom's side and his grandma and grandpa on his dad's side. Special memories. We thought about cancelling our trip because of all the unexpected bills but we are very glad we got to visit with James' family.
We also got to visit people from our previous church and got to attend a Sunday service. It was a precious time! Hugging the older people brought a tear to my eye because some of their friends have passed away since we have been gone. What a blessing to hug Betty Hough, Aurand and Woods :)I was so proud of the teenagers and how much they have grown in the Lord. It was great to see David leading the music time and wonderful to hear of how well Ashley Bliss is doing and to hear of Brett's engagement. It was a shot in the arm to see teens as adults and know you had a small part in helping them be where they are today. We had a lovely visit with so many. We drove by our old house and it looked like she was away for the weekend. Yes, I would have knocked on the door and invited myself in :) you know that country song 'the house that built me'? i would sing that to her - ok, i wouldnt go that far but i would def knock on the door! :)
The week of thanksgiving brought special guests to our house. His Little Feet ministry had four of their orphan boys stay with us and two chaperones. Having them in my house kept me very thankful for all God has given me. In Christ I am very rich. In Christ, I am a part of the family of God. One of the chaperones is from Ethiopia and grew up in an orpahange. He told me he scribbled out the word 'complain' from his english dictionary. He said we have no reason to complain. So true!
I read the book 'Made to Crave' during the month of November. Very good book and it applies to all of us! Food may not be your issue but we all go to other things at times (most times) instead of crying out to God.
That was my November. It was a full month and it came with a few downs... but the thing I love about downs is the sweet fellowship with God. For some reason, downs help me focus on what it's all about.

Under the Bridge

We have had a few weeks of under the Bridge ministry since my last post. We have always been blessed by God as He uses us in this ministry. This past Sunday I told Rachel I felt led to go to Friendship Manor, which is a nursing home for the elderly. I told her I didnt feel comfortable going to the park today with out a man with us. To be honest, I was discouraged and tired. I believe God wants me to go out on Sundays to visit the homeless and I bleieve He wants more than me and two teen girls to go. So before we went into the nursing home, we prayed. I said 'Lord, I dont know what this is going to look like but lead us and guide us and we will see what you have for us.' (Those of you who know God - Know He showed up and blessed our hearts!) We walked in the door and there were these beautiful teenage girls there with christmas hats on. They were there to sing to the residents! I was blessed by that because God said 'you are not alone'. Then Rachel K saw someone she knew and that girl told her she was in Teen Challenge. Then Rachel K and Rachel B knew another girl that they had been in school with who was in the program. Rachel B had a picture of this girl on her phone as her screen saver and she had told this girl that her picture would remain on her phone for her nine months of treatment and Rachel would be praying for her all the time. You should have seen the sweet reunion of these friends! I was so blessed. God wanted us there and He wanted us to hug on these teenage girls and cheer them on in their journey of recovery. I walked in carrying a cup of tea because I needed a pick me up - let me tell you, friends, I left singing and praising God because He came and met us there!! It was so awesome! The girls had pictures and candles they had made as well as some jewlery. We got to buy some of their crafts and plan on putting the picture in our Sunday school class to remember to pray for these sweet girls. What did I learn today? Be obedient to God, even when you are unsure of what it is going to look like. Allow Him to lead and be ready to see His miracles. The girls in Teen Challenge are not allowed to talk to people from their past but because it was so random, the teacher allowed them to talk. Random? God!! :0)

Under the Bridge- take 3

Rachel and I got to talk to the two people who asked Jesus to save them the week before. It was so sweet. What I loved was when the man saw Rachel he ran to her and told her where he and the lady were sitting and asked Rachel to come up to them. We were honored to talk to them and I was blessed by how much Rachel had touched their lives the week before.
Then we met this guy who made us think... We told him 'for all have sinned' Romans 3:23. He said 'no, that's not true. I have never sinned'. I told him I have and he said 'well, I know people struggle. Thank you for being honest'. He said Noah, Job and Daniel were perfect. He said 'if we entertain angels unaware then they must come in the form of human beings and are without sin'. I told him my story of how I came to God and told him he had a Bible, a brain - and the Spirit of God would reveal Himself to him. I wasn't there to argue but to spread the Gospel. What was so interesting about this guy was that he had his Bible wrapped in a few plastic bags and the Bible was well worn by him and he knew each story inside and out. He had his sleeping bag rolled up on the top of his bag. This guy was homeless. He had the Word of God and he read it. What would you have said to him?

Tuesday Morning Outreach

I love Tuesdays! I have to admit, I do not love it when I am waking up Tuesday morning... But something happens as I get out of my comfort zone and ask God to help me, guide me, and work through me. I pray this prayer - especially on Tuesday Mornings.
Rachel joined us today. Rachel is my dear teenage friend (who many have asked if she is my daughter as we outreach together). It is a compliment! She gets a note from her mom and skips her favorite class to reach others for the Lord Jesus.
Another lady joined us who felt led by the Holy Spirit to call Donita and ask her for outreach ideas...She did not know about our Tue Morn Club :) I was blessed by meeting her today and was awed how God led her to us!
The usuals were there who are all wonderful ladies - I just felt led to share these two women's stories with you today. Not sure who is reading. I know Grandma Carma is and I know she will love hearing how God is working in Roanoke! :) You all are terrible about leaving comments by the way - I like to write on here though, thinking one day I will print it off and give it to Conor and Erin and whoever else joins our family.
Back to today. We went down by the Rescue Mission. Some of us worked in the second hand store and some of us 'hit the streets' as we like to call it :) Rachel and I had some interesting converstaions. One man asked us to bring him a large print king james version Bible. We are coming back tonight so we will be honored to do that for him. Another guy moved here from Colorado two months ago. I asked if he had family in CO. He said no. His mom died two months ago and he got on a bus and arrived in Roanoke, Virginia. Wow! How sad... to be all alone with no family, job or money in a new town and state. And grieving the loss of your mother.
We talked to James. God led us to him and it was an amazing forty minute interaction! He said he got one of our Bible tracts a few weeks ago in the park and he said he got to talk to a really cool guy (you don't know how happy I am when people say they have seen us 'SBC' before!) I love it that the homeless people in Roanoke are starting to know who we are, what we are about - that we sincerly care for them.
He told us how he has been shot six different times and how the last time changed his life forever. He said God saved him that day and he has been trying to serve him ever since. He has a son in prison. Please pray that his son will accept Jesus and change his wicked ways. He said his son will be an old man when he gets out of prison. I asked if he has visited his son and he said he cannot because he has spent time in prison and that means he can never visit the prisons. You could see how sad he was for his son and how he felt he was in some way responsable.
While we were talking to him a group of rough men walked up and started to talk to us. It was a not so good situation. Rachel knew I'd be freakin out! I remained calm :) James told them sturnly that we were talking about the Bible and they apoligized and walked away. That, my friends, is the power of God. I will add that it was broad daylight and other members of our group could see us so we were not in real danger... James thanked us for stopping and talking to him. He thanked us for praying for his son. Please pray for a job for James and spiritual freedom for his son.
The other ladies ministered to a crying mother who seemed worn out. She is going to college full time, has three children and lives at the Mission. Lord, please bless her heart and use us to do that.
It was a great day! Tonight, we get to go back and have a church service with the women of the Mission. I love seeing them and know I am doing what God has me to do today. Galations 2 says to minister to the poor. James 2 says the poor are rich in the things of the Lord. They seem to know Him more than the people who have money. I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today! Please join me in reaching out to the poor...

Dragon's Tooth

Ahhhh! Refreshing! I said to James ' thanks for doing something fun with me'. He said 'youre welcome' - haha! I was expecting something a little more romantic than that! :) So thankful to live in such a beautiful place and so thankful to walk alongside James xoxox

Dragon's Tooth

Dragon's Tooth Hike with my hubby

I love alone time with James. You know? When we are not using oxy clean and not cleaning up the toy room... We took off for a beautiful hike and enjoyed time together along with the beauty Autumn brings.

The leaves are beautiful..

James wiped out and I was afraid he was going to fall down the mountain. This hike requires better shoes than the ones James had on - just sayin.

This hike had some climbing to it. It was fun but def harder than Macafee's knob. James liked the excitement of it. I did after I completed it :)

Layman's Farm with Conor's K4 class

I bought some face paint and made conor into a tiger for halloween school day - why not? Mother's can do anything.

Look at Erin jumping so high...

This is Papa Zurg. A kind man who allows Conor to call him Papa Zurg. Conor has told me many times how he wants Papa Zurg to come to his birthday party... next july.

Conor's pals - Trevin and Elijah

Ok - I really should have packed a coat and hat for this little girl... she wore my jacket for a little while. Sorry Erin!

The joys of parenting

Meet Bible Man. Bible Man is a corny dvd that Conor heard about through a cool friend. He watched it. Loved it and is now - Bible Man. All day Every day. He used to be Spider man but he has now decided that Bible Man is waaaay cooler ;)

Conor was Bible Man for Halloween. I thought what will the neighbor's say about his costume... 'and who are you??' 'I'm Bible Man' ... hmmmm I asked him if anyone asked who he was and he said one kid in a cool pirate costume said conor's costume was awesome. I was a happy mom that someone gave him a compliment :) Erin was suppose to be Bible girl but as she was getting ready to leave the house she got her usual outfit on... a princess dress that she wears all day every day ;) I'll put a pic a her up later... although you have seen it before on here with spider man :)

This is Erin playing a game on James' I Phone. The girl knows how to use the phone better than me. She likes to get her teddies around her and teach them how to play. Most nights when Erin is supposed to be going to sleep, she sets her teddies up and reads them stories. This girl is a hoot! The other day - she pulled the fire alarm at school and everyone. EVERYONE had to leave the building. All the primary school and High school... a fire engine came to the school. I'm afraid to say that Erin is actually more wild than her brother. Last night we put the kids to bed and went down to the basement. Bad idea. Minutes later, Erin got into a diaper cream (big tub of Sudo Cream) in my room and plasterd it every where. She needed a bath and the upstairs needed Oxy clean. Oxy clean has been my best friend. She has done this many times with many items... cough medicine was last week(that was red mind you!) The child is still alive and we are learning great patience :)

Layman's Farm is one of my favorite places in the Fall. The kids have so much fun there and the scenery is beautiful!

Sharing the message of God's Love

These are some of the awesome people I have had the oppertunity of ministering with. The first group are on the way to down town Roanoke to give out some food and the message of who God is and how much He loves them. Awesome time of sharing our faith with those who need to hear. We go sunday afternoons about 1:15 - all are welcome to join us :)

Two Tuesday nights a month we head down to the Rescue Mission and have a Gospel service with the people there. This is us after the service sharing what God has done in the lives of the people there. I love this ministry and this group of people!

I've been slackin on pictures :)

A pic of Addie,Kendra and Erin. Kendra has grown so much since this pic... i have to keep a close eye on the older two because they both think they could be her mother - it is funny to watch! I love babysitting because I get to love more children, stay at home with my children and make some extra money for the family. It is perfect for us!

Conor wanted to make a calender. This was the first time he sat down and copied words. He was writing the days of the week - Mrs Jones says she think he will be reading by the end of Jan... wow.

Erin was sitting on the wooden stool in the kitchen. She fell off the stool onto the floor - then the wooden stool fell on top of her and hit her in the head. Big screams and huge bump on the head. Things like this happen to Erin all the time.

Poor Erin...

Under the Bridge - take 2

We went back to the park yesterday with more food and more teenagers. We were suprised to find the park not as packed as the week before, so we had to spread out to three different areas which worked out well.
Rachel got to lead two precious people to the Lord - Praise God! Sommer got to talk to a pastor's kid who is living at the Rescue Mission because of bad choices. I got to talk to a man who is new to the area and is in need of finding a church - maybe we were sent to remind him to get in a good church where he can be blessed by God. I also got to talk to two teen guys who told me about all the troubles they have been in lately. It was so sad because these teens had aching hearts. They need someone to love them and guide them. One of them said he didnt care about God until 4 months ago... What a privaledge to be a little light to him and his friend. I hope I see them again. They were very hungry and we were honored to share spiritual and physical food with these precious boys.
Rachel was talking to this scary looking guy so I walked up to support her. This guy was a teddy bear! As he shared his story my heart broke for him. The terrible things that happened to him along the way... The thought I walked away with is - these homeless people are not as scary as I give them credit for. They are lost,sad,scared individuals. They need help. They need help from me. They need help from you. They need Jesus. Will you come and tell them with me?

weekend notes

The other day I said to Conor, 'I don't feel well'. He said, 'you don't FEEL well??'. I said, 'yes'... He said, 'well stop concentrating on your feelings!'... he made me laugh because this boy is me all over! :)

The other day we were playing out in the front yard. Conor saw the neighbor boys and decided he was going to go over and tell them about Jesus. We came into the house and got them some candy and a halloween joke/Bible tract. I am blessed by his desire to share about God. I am thankful that he knows about God at his young age. May it continue...

In pre school this week, Mr Hollins came in and told the children about being a firefighter. He must have used the phrase ' back in the old days' because conor has been using that phrase since! :) He said 'you don't remember telling me that because you told me that back in the old days... He told me ' back in the old days horses would carry the water to the fire and the dalmation dogs were there to calm the horses.

Hey - something to think about... what have you done today that only a Christain would do? What have you done today that could only be done through the power of the Holy Spirit? Something God has been saying to me lately.

'Let the blessings you've poured out on me, not be spent on me in vain. Let this life be used for change!'

Under the Bridge - take 1

Some of the people in our church feel led to bring food to the homeless people in downtown Roanoke each Sunday afternnon. We want to listen to their life stories and share our God story with them. This past Sunday was our first experience. We have seen a lot of homeless people 'under the bridge' before. But this past week, there were alot (over 50 people) hanging out in the park. God led us to them. It was awesome to bring them food and see them come and take that gift. It was neat to talk to them and hear their prayer requests and bring them before the Holy God who loves them deeply.

You know what's sad? Seeing homeless children napping on a park bench. You know what else is sad? Meeting a 20 year old girl who left her family in Florida and is living on the streets. But she has a job! She sells vacuums door to door. How depressing! When I talked to this young girl, I asked her if her momma's heart was breaking? She looked sad and said "yes". But she knew she could never return home. Whatever had happened? maybe this young girl had pushed her momma too far and her momma had to let her go. My heart breaks for her. She looked so lost sitting on that park bench. She looked like life was hopeless. God, I pray that I will see her again and that she would come to know you as the Father to the fatherless and that she will commit her ways to you and allow you to bless her.

I saw another young girl that i have seen many times at the Mission. She was hanging out in the park with her newborn baby. It was a blessing to see her there. We planned to get together this week but she cancelled. This isnt the first time that has happened. My heart breaks for her because she doesnt seem to realize the great plan God has for her and how much He can bless her. We are to meet up tomorrow - be praying she comes and that God speaks to her through His Word. She is a girl that God keeps bringing accross my path,mind and heart. I pray that her life is turned upside down and that she experiences the grace, love of God.

I met a lady who was high on drugs. God brought us there to pray over her.

I am honored to be apart of this group.
Next sunday we are bringing some guitars and hope to bless them through song. As the weather gets colder, we will collect donated blankets to distribute. In a few weeks, we will start making soup, coffee and hot chocolate. I am excited to see more and more of my friends join us to love on these precious people. Will you come? Will you come and see what God will do through you? Through your donations?

Yes. Sunday was a good day. A sad day but it was/is a good kind of sad - a sad that gets your bum in gear! A sad that gets your eyes off yourself and on to someone else. We have so much and we are blessed to be a blessing.
come - be a blessing...
Sunday (1:15 infront of SBC worship center) Bring a loaf of bread and some sandwhich meat.

Courageous

James and I went to the movies and watched Courageous - the movie was so good!! Daddys- lead your families!! I am blessed to be married to such a wonderful daddy who takes his job seriousally.
The father is to lead the family. I am praying for all the teens/children in our church to be lead by their daddys. God's Word gives you all the information/power you need to train up your children in the way they should go.
Invest into the life of your children and your children's children.
Mom's - if your husband is not leading your children in the ways of the Lord, pray for your husband to have the courage to lead. Pray for him to step up and be what God wants him to be.
There are families where dad is gone - those are the familes that need the church to be their families. They need the church to reach out and be the dad that they do not have. We are called to love the widows and orphans. Yes - we are called to love everyone.. but I hope you get my drift. If you come from a home where dad is involved - thank God and count your many blessings! If you have a friend whose dad is gone - ask God if they are to be apart of your family. Follow God and His Word... and dads? Be Courageous!

Overheard at my house :)

'mom, do you think I'm ready to be a soccer coach??' - conor

I called Erin 'blondie' the other day because... I'm sorry but at the age of 2... she is out there. Conor said "can we call her that forever?" ... i wont call you that again Erin - promise ;)

Last night Conor asked "who is coming to get me and bring me to Heaven when I die? God or Jesus?"

Conor said " how can I get to California? the people need to be rescued there and I am a rescue hero!"

Last night at bedtime he said he does not need to wear a pull up because Trevor does not wear one... I told him when he wakes up in a dry pull up three nights in a row he doesnt have to wear one anymore. Good luck on that one!

Conor went to K3 to be Mrs Jones helper today - he is excited to help and be the leader. That kid loves to be in charge... no idea where that comes from :)

I was getting the kids ready for bed last night and conor had snorkel goggles on and was holding his finding nemo surf board. He was jumping from the top bunk and trying to land and "swim" on the board. It might sound terrible but I find it so funny that he really thinks he can do these things. I draw the line when Erin is standing behind him and he is trying to convince her to hold on and his magic powers will make her fly. He wanted to bring his bunkbeds for show and tell today...

Andi likes boys named Jack more than boys name Conor.

It is precious to hear the thoughts from these children. Erin does not say much that I understand but she sure does smile and laugh alot and we laugh along with her!

September in a nutshell

How was the Beth Moore Simulcast? Awesome! As one of the leaders, what I loved about it the most was how many volunteers gave their Saturday and ministered to so many! It was a blessing to be a part of the team! We had a lot of visitors. Our new Tue morning outreach group got to visit with a few of the visitors and one of the ladies joined the Fall Beth Moore Bible study :)
Our Tue morning outreach has been great because it keeps me on my toes. It keeps me seeing the needs of others and helps me not be as selfish as I can be. Yesterday we made some cakes,pies and cookies and went around the community and passed them out. It was so sweet to go to the fire department and say thanks for all they do and ask them how we can pray for them. I love it! That is an activity you can do with your children but some of the other stops would not be appropriate for the kiddos... Next week we are visiting a lady who just got an apartment and we know her from the rescue mission. We are having a house warming party for her and visiting her neighbors. I am so happy to have the chance to do this and love watching God work in people's lives and hearts.
We have some new volunteers coming with us to the Rescue Mission. What a blessing! There is a special angel, Amy, who works with the children. Please pray for her as that is a tough job! She has great help but would love some more! I am praying that some teen boys would volunteer to go there. These children love hanging out with the men. Alot of them do not have a daddy in their lives which is so sad.
I have been praying for someone to help me with my kids so that james and I can go to the rescue mission and not have to pay a babysitter each time. That might sound selfish but without family here we pay for a babysitter alot and believe me, it is well worth it. God sent someone to us who volunteered to watch our children while we go there. Wow - so thankful!!
The kids are enjoying school. Conor did not get a star the last two days at school. When I asked him why he was messing - he said because it is so fun to mess! Can I say trouble maker?! He is so smart though :) Erin is loving school and always good. We ask her about school each day and her answer is always "mrs jones" - no matter what you ask her! Hopefully next year she will know what is going on :) Conor told me he leaves the tv on for his teddies so that they don't get lonely... are you kidding me? we are not paying for your teddies to watch tv - ha!
Conor asked me yesterday when are we going to have another baby. I told him we have to train Erin some more first. He said are we going to help an orphan? He has a money bank in his room the shape/picture of the world. He is saving to give to the orphans. He comes out with this all by himself. It is precious to hear his heart for others and long may it continue. We are hoping to join a foster agency soon and get our license as foster parents. We hope to be foster parents Sep 2012 when Conor is in K5 and Erin is in K3 - I will have more time to devote to our new additions. We hope to foster for a year or two (children younger than Conor and Erin) and then be availabe to adopt. I don't mind having children for a few weeks and then giving them back... if I don't do it - who will? What will happen to the baby? I am excited to get the ball rolling but I know I need this time to invest in the two God has given me and to help ground them in the ways of God.
This may come across as a post blabbing all about me but I guess that is what blogs are for :) and I want to write this down bc it is a part of our family's journey. We have talked about being foster parents since before we were married and I am excited that the time is getting closer. There is a girl in my small group whose family just started foster care and she has asked prayer for two boys to settle in to their home. My heart leaps each time I hear of people caring for others like this and I cannot wait to join them.
We went to Layman's Farm last saturday. It was a beautiful day and we had fun! We went there last year with my two sisters. I just went home a few weeks ago so my heart doesnt ache anymore... that might sound terrible but I think my heart is full of gladness that I got to go so when I think of them I am still happy. I guess I will know when it is time to go home... when my heart starts aching. I just have to pray that their heart aches first and they fly over to me and save me the trip :) Well, i hope you have a great day and I hope you follow your God given dreams.
Blessings!

Where did August go????

I can't believe I let August go without saying a single word on here. I am sure you missed me :)
We have had such a great summer that I think I was just busy relaxing... and then I jumped on a plane and headed home to Ireland. It was such a blessing to go home and see my family. I have not been in the same room as my mam and sisters in three years so it was a delight to go to our childhood holiday spot together and laugh!
I have also been busy putting together an event for the ladies of Roanoke. We are hosting the Beth Moore Simulcast Sep 10 - this saturday :0) We are so excited to have over 250 ladies signed up... I think we will have 300 by the end of the week. Beth is speaking about the Love of God. I pray we all grow in our knowledge and relationship with our Heavenly Father this week.
Another ladies' ministry is starting up September 13th. We are going to meet in the Annex, pray for the lost and then go out and share our faith with the lost in our community. It is exciting to me because we are meeting at the same time as the women's Bible study - so we can share childcare. Alot of moms would like to get out in the community but are restricted with their little angels... this gives them/me the oppertunity :)
The kiddos started school a few weeks ago (K3 and K4). They both have Mrs. Jones as their teacher. We love Mrs Jones!
Our church hired a new music pastor and a new family pastor. Both families are precious and I am so very happy to minister along with so many wonderful people. We are blessed. Very blessed to be at SBC!

Lots of fun, Lots of friends, Lots of awesome memories!

Austin is such a cutie!

Let the Fun Continue...

Let me just say that Pinatas are ALOT of fun! I would love to have one at my next birthday bash :) Wouldnt that be fun?!