Drive-in Movie

Andy and Carrie and their kids, Krystel and her boys, Grandma, my 3 oldest kids and I went to the drive-in movie to see "The Smurfs" and "Zookeeper". Grandma brought Grandpa's backpack sprayer filled with bug spray because the last time we went we were attacked by mosquitoes. Not a single bug touched us this time. We also learned from last time (when we only stayed for one movie of the double feature) to bring LOTS of food and drinks. We had a table set up with all kinds of dessert bars and candy. Andy brought bags of his famous popcorn and we had a cooler filled with pop, water and juice boxes. Both movies were cute, but more importantly the kids had a blast! Some sat in the back of Andy's truck, some laid in beds made in the back of vans and others (who might be a bit too big) sat on their mom's laps. Oh forget it....I loved every minute of it!!!!

Modeling New Clothes

Everyone wanted to model some new clothes. I could not help myself with the boys. When they all lined up, it looked just like, well......a line-up. A terrible thought, but I still chuckle when I see this picture. I pray that none of them will ever be in a real picture like this.

Girl's Birthday Party (5 & 8)

The girls had their party at the pool again. As if we would go anywhere else. The day started with Grant and I getting a poolside massage from Greg. How nice, but I sure was glad that I did not break the kids picnic table. Uncle Jeremy brought the bottle launcher that his students made. Grandpa filled the bottles and Jeremy and Greg launched bottles out into the front yard. The kids all stood waiting to catch one because if they did they would get $1. Jacob was the only one who caught any and he caught 2. That was a lot of fun. The biggest hit was Jadyn's lunchbox filled with candy and Grace's bag filled with nail supplies. The girls just flocked! Great idea, Grandpa! It was a beautiful day filled with food, friends, swimming, volleyball and tons of fun.

Jadyn's 5th Birthday

For Jadyn's 5th birthday, we had Grandma and Grandpa, and Krystel and her boys over for dinner. Jadyn requested macaroni and cheese and corn......so I also made pork chops, because for some members of the family pasta and corn would not cut it. We had "sprinkle" cupcakes with sprinkle frosting. Again, not the first choice of some members of the family, but then again it was not HIS birthday, right, Dad? We had a nice evening and Jadyn got lots of clothes for kindergarten, way too much candy and even a $5 bill (what she was dreaming of).

I hope my butt doesn't hurt

Greg is going in for his colonoscopy today. He seems a little nervous. He doesn't want a 24 foot snake going in his behind because that's what friends told him on vacation. I think Greg believes his stomach will explode like he is pregnant. Michelle loves to talk to mom about greg's butt. Not sure why she does that ut the guy next to us now knows that I have fissures. Not sure why you want to talk about my poop with people around us. now luaughing about my behind. Another lady just went in for a colonscopy. she didn't look very happy when she was called in. Just found a plug for the computer. It is very important that michelle blog about this wonderful experience. I'm now going to sit until I get put to sleep. Don't want this done butt you got to do what you got to do. over and out.

(written by greg)

A Battle With Sin - Lessons from Romans

Struggling with Sin (Romans 7: 14-25)

So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.

I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power[e] within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.

So.....basically this sums me up. What I want to do, I don't; and what I don't want to do, I do. When I read the footnotes in my NIV Bible, it became more clear to me. I do these things that I do not want to do, then feel terrible about them, then try to change, but always fall back into my sin. The problem is that I am trying to stop myself from sinning. I am a sinner. We all are. And the only way to be free from the power of sin is to turn to Jesus. He is the ONLY WAY. The footnote said, "Jesus Christ, who has conquered sin once and for all, promises to fight by our side. If we look to him, we will not have to give in to sin." There it is. I cannot do it on my own. I have proven this over and over again. Everything in my life needs to be committed to Him, His Will and His plan. EVERYTHING. He Promises to fight by my side. Can you hear this, Michelle? Jesus will fight this for and with you! Turn it over to Him. Even the things that seem to simple to give to a powerful God. Lest I forget that He already has control anyway. So, these areas that I continually fall into sin in are the very areas that I need to be taking before my Lord and Savior, hourly, maybe even minutely. God is faithful - He WILL keep His promises. In that I am very sure.

So Much to Praise Over

I have had so much good new lately! I am so thankful that God has allowed me to be in this place at this time. Otherwise, I would have missed out on this excitement!

1. I had an opportunity to share Scripture with and pray over a friend who is really in need of God's grace. She is struggling with some MAJOR issues - and God is the ONLY answer.

2. I heard from another wonderful friend that he "may have said a prayer or two". Praise God! I have been praying for him for over 10 years and even though he thinks is doesn't mean much - it sure does! Praise God alone!

3. My momma has an interview! Now, while I hate that she has to work, I am so excited because since she HAS to work, this appears to be a very good fit for her. I pray for God's will in this situation (and every situation and second of my life) and that He will guide her in His path for her.

WOW!!! I am talking about some SERIOUS EXCITEMENT! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!