Road Trip

I have been dying to see my friend Amy since her and Jason had their baby boy, so last Friday I packed the boys up and drove to Hartwell, GA. I have never been to Hartwell and didn't actually realize that I would practically be in South Carolina! :) The boys did so good in the car and Boo, well, he just couldn't wait to see little Max and more importantly - Jason and the farm...no offense Amy. :)

We arrived, we loved on little Max, took pictures of the boys, had lunch and then headed to the dairy farm...cows, think lots and lots of cows. Boo "purchased" one and wants updates on it...ha ha. :)

Here are the pictures...

Here's Max!!! Ain't he full of cutness? I think so...him and Peanut are 7 weeks apart.

Peanut and Max together

All 3 of the boys...

Up close and personal....

One of several cool things...according to Boo. This is the feed machine. They mix the feed up for the cows and then place it on this machine which drops it into all of the troughs for the cows to eat it...pretty neat, huh? He totally had to figure out how it all worked.

Boo driving the tractor with Jason...the second highlight of his day most likely

Last but not least...the mommies...

May the Lord bless you today!

--Karen

Election Day

Kids are out of school, so my 2 good friends and our 8 kids met at the Children's Museum for an outing! This was a big deal for Boo since I didn't get to take him this summer before Peanut was born and I had been wanting to...the joy on his face when we got to downtown...it just reminded me how we don't venture down there as much as we used to. I wasn't sure if he was more excited about the museum or the buildings and stuff.

It was really cool...they were having an "election" of sorts for the game to be played at Noon. So, when the kids got there, they had to go and "vote" in the booth and then at Noon they announced what game won...it was Musical Chairs and Boo was so happy since that was what he voted for...at least one of us got what we voted for. :)

The day was filled with much laughter and giggling, which made my heart swell. My two friends and I did forget though that at a place like this we don't get much catching up and talking done, since we are busy chasing little ones around. OH, and you will never believe who showed up...Bob the Builder! That was worth the price of admission for my son...he's been playing with those toys ever since!

Here are a few pics of the day...

Boo and C working on the crane to collect and dump balls into the bin

Boo and J playing near Bob the Builder stuff...

It's Dizzy!!

Boo and R on the slide...so adorable!

It's BOB!!!

Enjoy! More to come...

My Friend

Last Friday my friend at the Five Powell's gave birth to a little boy! So cuteness! She just rec-created her blog, so I would love for you to drop her a visit and comment. I just spoke to her on the phone and she is in great spirits...maybe it's because it's her third child.
Don't you know how the phone calls are when it's the first child?? Come on...you remember...

Catching Up

Whew...the weekend is not over yet, but I have some catching up to do! :) I was tagged by Terri from In His Hands the other day for 10 things that have happened to me...so, here goes something...

1. I got my license suspended for 6 months when I was 20 years old for going over 22 mph. On my way to church, no less.
2. I was rear-ended in my brand new car just 2 days after getting it.
3. I absolutely had the wedding of my dreams just six years ago.
4. I have met many famous baseball players and their families, because of my grandfather.
5. I carried a baby for 41 weeks and never had a contraction. He was 9.8 pounds!
6. My parents are divorced, but remain friends. It certainly makes life easier.
7. I am an only child and one of the closest relatives I have is my aunt. She's more like a sister.
8. When I married Jeremy, I gained instant brothers and sisters.
9. I sang a solo on one of our choir tours, and I don't think I sing that great at all.
10. When Christ entered my life and heart some years ago, I was forever changed.

My friend, Christine, gave me a complete blessing by honoring me with the Nice Matters Award! I am so excited, this is truly an honor!

The Nice Matters Award is given to "those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you've been awarded please pass it on to others who you feel are deserving of this award."

How exciting!! There are so many people that bless me each day! Here are just a few:

Havard Family and The Preacher's Wife

In Him-

Karen

BIRTHDAY MONTH!

Oh my gracious! It's AUGUST 1st! PEOPLE! PEOPLE! Do you know what this means???? IT'S BIRTHDAY MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Crowd goes wild! Ballons and streamers EVERYWHERE! And this year, I am excited to say, I will be 30!!!! WAHHOO! Not that I think anything great comes with 30, except more wisdom than the previous year, but I enjoy birthdays...can you tell? Really? You can tell? hm...


Attention Family: In honor of birthday month, I will be accepting cards, gifts, flowers, notes, money, mail, email, blog love, etc. beginning today and ending on the 31st. Even though my actual birthday is before the 31st, I will still accept some lateness from the fam....it's a gene we can't control.


Show the Love: I have lots of friends, some of them have blogs, that have birthdays also...so, I would enjoy it if you would show them some bloggy love this month, too.

Mandy - she is a wise, dear friend of mine who lives in Texas. She is due to have her third child in about a month and she needs to blog more. :)

D - he has a real name, but that's what his name is for this summer. :)

Laura - She is my brilliant/wisest sister-in-law and I love her dearly.

Meg - My neice Meg, who is Laura's daughter.

LeRay - friend and wife to a pastor, who just got in to blogging - you sent her some bloggy love a few weeks back through Thankful Thursday. Her son was born on her birthday!

Jim - my father in law; my neice (his granddaughter) was born on his birthday!

Michelle - a long time friend with twin girls and a little boy - her birthday is between mine and Jeremy's.

Kim - friend of mine with two little girls - they just moved to Alabama...:(

and lest I forget, my beloved, Jeremy, his birthday is 5 days before mine.
If you are an August baby, leave a comment and I will be glad to send the blogosphere, or the 10 people who actually read this, over to your blog!

Additions 8/2: Terri - She is one of my favorite people in bloggy land!!! Her and her family are in the final stages of adopting a little girl from China! Praise the Lord! And guess what - TODAY, 8/2 is her BIRTHDAY!!!

Happy Birthday to us! Happy Birthday to us! Happy Birthday to UUUUSSSS! Happy Birthday to us!

Love,
Karen

My husband, The Preacher

Wow...what an incredible Sunday we had! The Lord blessed us by giving Jeremy the opportunity to preach yesterday! We had two rows full of our best friends, while Jeremy preached to the women about the "stud" in their life. It was awesome. We had a dear friend of ours, and passionate worship leader, help lead the worship and it was just the sweetest thing looking down the row of our dear friends, who pretty much knew us before we were in ministry. We got to have lunch with some of them too, and I went away and rested in the afternoon with my cup overflowing. God was so good to give us such sweet friendships that began long ago in the single part of our life and have carried us through the worst and best days of being married and having kids. Between the five familes, we have 10 kids total and still one on the way (my friend Jae). I registered the other 9 into preschool yesterday...it was so much fun!



I think Jeremy's sermon will be on our church website later today, so I will update this if I find that to be true. And for friends and family that would like a copy, please let me know and I will get you one - I have a small list, in which some of you who read this are probably already on! ;)



Have a great Monday! P.S. - Change is coming!

--Karen

Love on Heather

Today is "Love on Heather" Day in bloggity world. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor just a week ago and although battling the tough decisions and issues of doctors and tests, her and her husband are headed to the Mayo Clinic in just another week. We, in bloggity world, are helping send them off in a sweet way with much prayer and funds. If you would like to contribute to Heather's Love fund, you can click on the picture below and make a donation. Everything is anonymous and internet safe.

Heather-We love you girl!!

Serving Him-

Karen

Life

Life is crazy...it's corny, it's fun, it's tiring, it's long, it's short...
It's all kinds of things at all kinds of times.
Can I get an AMEN? I can't hear you!!

I suppose I would be remiss in saying it's not always fair, right? That's how the saying goes, normally. I haven't so much been caught up in the unfairness of life, but just the "I don't want to's" of life. Some times I just get tired of doing the same thing, having the same feeling, and it's time to say I have had enough. Most of the time I sense the Lord saying, if you just would have handed it over to me a week ago.... I am still learning!!
So, we all agree that life has it's ups and downs...which brings me to my point...
God is allowing some very serious storms for some special people in my life - Marla and Heather. Marla is a fellow pastor's wife who is dearly loved by so many people. She is married and has two beautiful boys and her battle with cancer is coming to a close, but God is ever proving Himself faithful and glorified in her remaining time. You can visit her Caring Bridge site at the link provided above. Heather is a sister in Christ that I may never meet in person. She does web design and I met her through the 5 Minutes for Mom site and she helped start and design Moms of Grace and Faith Lifts with her friend Laura. I have enjoyed getting to know her through blogging and was saddened to find out this week that she has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. I was in shock, as was the rest of the community of people we all blog with.
Would you please join me in praying for these two wonderful ladies.

Thank you Lord, that because of what you did on the cross, our life is in your hands.

In Him-
Karen

It's MONDAY!

Monday...ugh...and to make it even more a Monday...it's the Monday after Daylight Savings time where we lost an hour from Saturday to Sunday. This Monday is even more a Monday than that, because my bosses' (the husband and wife team that I work for) are out of town this week. This means I have project managers all up in my stuff when I walk in the door...they have learned to give me my 5 minutes or they will be sorry...and yet, I managed to get them all in order and send them on their way. I felt accomplished. I joyfully announced that it was Monday, although no one batted an eye and everyone did huff and puff...remind me not to EVER be like this. Is God still not in control of the whole universe? Is He any less in control just because you (or I) are feeling out of control? NO! The answer is NO. So, my prophetic self says...GET OVER IT. :) Nicely. I say that nicely. :)

All my girlfriends who I have been partying with all week at the Ultimate Blog Party are tired too...my feet hurt from jogging to so many places and wearing those cute, but uncomfortable shoes...yeah, I am that girl. I may have cute shoes on, but they probably hurt my feet. :) hee hee. Not today, though. I have sandals on. HEY! Did you hear me? I HAVE SANDALS ON!!! I am sure we will get another cold spell before Easter, but today, I have sandals on. Thank you very much!
So, you wanna meet some of my new friends? Oh you just gotta!!!

1. The Preacher's Wife - now you all know immediately why I like her. Lisa and I have lots in common and she is absolutely beautiful. She just started doing some writing for CWO in the Jehovah Java Cafe, and I just like her style.
2. Guinevere Meadow - This girl is hysterical!!! I spent hours on her blog catching up on her pregnancy (I have baby fever) and just fell in friendship with her. She is real and talks about raising that sweet thing she refers to as Lancelot. She just justified buying a new dress for Lancelot's christening and I can so remember being like that when Boo was born.
3. Terri @ In His Hands - Terri is an introvert, so she flourished at this party, where you could stay in your PJ's, if you wanted. She stated how much of an intovert she is like this: "It took me YEARS to gather up the courage to order a pizza because you know, the pizza man might talk back to me. So, this is the perfect party for me." I laughed out loud so much that I cried. I can't imagine ever being that introverted, so we are total opposites.
4. Lisa-simply His - notice the small s in simply? You know why she said it's a small s? Because the focus is not on her, but on God. We were kindred from the point she said that and that she was a dreamer - dreaming of scrapbooking, writing, and speaking. HELLO??? Those are all things I sit and dream about too!!

I met other pastor's wives, Susan and the above mentioned Preacher's Wife. I met Laurel, who I actually have seen around but never chatted with, and Barbara who share my great love of Mexican food! And so many more...

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and keeps stopping by. It's been such a pleasure getting to know you all.

In Him-

Karen

Thoughts

It's Wednesday! FIVE MORE DAYS till vacation!! WOO HOO! I am not excited or anything...can you tell? It being Wednesday also means that I don't have to cook tonight. Yippie!
I hope the weather is changing for all of you as it is here. It was a crisp 55 degrees out this morning. I suppose it's time to pack up the capri/flood pants, although, I am waiting till we return from Florida. My dad said it was still in the 90's there.
Yesterday Boo Bear had his school pictures taken. I won't know for a few weeks how they turned out, but his teacher said he did a great job and the dolphin made him laugh. I guess the photographer had a stuffed animal with him. Hm.
Speaking of photographer...I won a free photo session!!! The photographer's assistant called me the other night and reminded me that I filled out a little card to win the photo session and they drew my name. Yippie! :) I was thinking of just doing Boo Bear, but have changed my mind and would like to do the three of us. We will see what happens...we are set up for October. Nice, crisp weather...it should be grand.
In the past 24 hours, God has absolutely, with out a doubt, wrapped his arms around me and gently nudged me to tell me how IN CONTROL He is. He's not a glory hog. He's not all puffed up. He is God and there is absolutely NO ONE like Him. I stand in awe at His Love and how much He cares about the little things. The most awesome thing about what has been going on with me is the fact that the Lord had surrounded me with such great friends that I hadn't really worried and had been very calm about things. Only the Lord can do that and only He can grant me true friends who take this scripture to a whole new level...

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his
friends." John 15:13

Have a great Wednesday!

Love,
Karen

Tags: Friends

A Song in my Heart

I don't go long without the Lord giving me a song for my heart. He did it again yesterday at church! The first praise song my heart lifted up was Hallelujah, Your Love Makes Me Sing, words and music by Brenton Brown and Brian Doerksen. It's a great song and the words just flow from my mouth. It was a joyful moment between me and the Lord and He spoke volumes to me as I stood there. Worshipping. Loving. Accepting His unique plan for us, even though I don't know the next step or all the answers. I trust You, Lord.
The church had the Deacon Ordination Service last night and I gotta tell you it was a moving experience. The only other ordination service I have ever sat in was when Jeremy was ordained and that was a particularly special moment that we celebrated and were able to celebrate with some of our dearest and closest friends, who were also serving at FBA with us. It was a joyful time, but filled with tears. It's humbling watching men of God bow and place their hands over your husband and pray for him. And pray for me. And pray for our marriage. And pray for our ministry. It was an amazing experience and last night I got to share that with one of my dear friends at Duluth. Her husband was ordained as a deacon in our church and they are such an awesome couple. She stood by him as each man came by to bow and pray over them and she would stand up after each one and smile and pat her husband on the back. She was a rock. His best friend, and already ordained deacon, came and knelt and the three of them lost it. She was strong, but her tears were tears of pull joy and elation. These are people who have walked some tough roads together and the Lord has been faithful. They are grown men who care about one another. Who say I love you to each other. It's a precious site.
May the Lord continue to call people to Know Him, Love Him and Serve Him.

In Christ's Love-

Karen

Tags: Church, Friends, Ministry

Friends and Place I visit...

So, as the blogging continues, I feel it's time to tell you a little bit about my sidebar to the left. I have seen very desolate sidebars and very large sidebars, so I will try and keep mine to a minimum. Key word: Try. :)
On to the friends...
Obviously Jeremy is first, since he is the man. He is my second love, Christ being my first, and I am grateful each day for the man he is. Last night we had the most enjoyable time sitting on the couch and talking with no TV and no little one. It reminded me of the good ole days. Oh, and honey, you need to update your blog. :)
My sweet friend Kaci is next and she and I met at Wedgwood while at seminary. She used to work at the seminary before the Lord blessed her and Clay with cute little Jonathan. And he really is a cutie...see the pictures!
Emma, Stacy and Eric are all some of my new friends at Duluth! Emma is a lovely single girl who just got back from Africa like a week ago. She just blogged about it. She got bit by the mission bug - I love it! Stacy has two little girls who adore David and I admire her for all she does at church and home. Eric, well, Eric may just be one of the funniest person I know. His blog is awesome and I love him and Heather! I think they are bit by the mission bug too...so, I am anxious to see what God will do in their lives.
Mandy...I think we are to the point now where I can say "Mandy and I go way back!" We met at FBA, were in a small group together, met boys and got married the same year. Her and Michael are wonderful sweet people and loving Austin, Texas. They have two precious girls.
The next two - Intemann Family and Greenwich Family are missionaries serving overseas. Both of the familes we met in seminary and have had the joy of praying for them as they seek the Lord's direction in serving overseas. Brian Intemann has a special place in my heart...he dropped a box when helping us move and I have never been more grateful for what he broke. :) I didn't really like that thing anyway (I can't mention what he actually broke, because it's possible the person who gave me what broke might read this. :))

On to the places I visit...
Atlanta Braves - this is a given, although, some people have not had the pleasure of being at a game with me! :) I am a huge Braves fan. It started long before I was born, and if you want more details, you can go to the Musuem and Hall of Fame at the stadium and look for Lew Burdette...he's my grandfather.
Blogging Baby is a site I recently found when searching through other blogs. I have found a few articles I liked and decided to bookmark them.
Christian Working Mom is a site I also found recently. I like the topics she facilitates and I agreed to be interviewed for the May newsletter! :)
First Baptist Duluth and First Baptist Atlanta for respective reasons...Jeremy and I serve at Duluth and we met and keep in touch with those at Atlanta.
Georgia Tech Sports - keeps me posted on what Jeremy likes to do. :)
Globe of Blogs - huge site that you can list your blog on...and read a bazillion others when you have time.
IMB, NAMB and Lifeway are on there for resource purposes...we support them through Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong and are foundations of the Southern Baptist Convention. Lifeway is the ultimate bookstore for us and Jeremy has been able to visit the HQ in Nashville.
Logos Church Website and Blog - Logos Church was started by good friends of ours- Danny and Derik. We have all known each other for a long time and had the privelege of serving in ministry together.
Scrapbooking - my favorite pastime, behind Baseball. :)
Southwestern Seminary - Where Jeremy and I spent our first few weeks and months as a married couple. Jeremy was there a whole year before me, but it was still like experiencing a whole new world when we got there together. Jeremy graduated from there in May 2003 - wow! Three years ago!
Weblogs, Inc. - another place that has lots of blogs to look at.
Google News - all the latest happenings in the world.

So, that's the scoop!
David's birthday is officially tomorrow at 1:01 PM and I am off on Friday. I will do a big post tomorrow for his birthday.
Much love...