CHEETALICIOUS!!!

Friday night in the midst of Tropical Storm Faye, who by the way was not invited, we had our long awaited Cheetah Premier Party. The Cheetah Girls new movie was set to premier so we had a Cheetah Celebration. Despite the weather, we had over 40 kids come and share pizza and get down with some great karaoke singing. About 30 minutes into the movie, our uninvited friend Faye took away the power. It was very exciting as you can imagine. We had to end our celebration early but the kids still had a blast! Here is a picture of all of the hosts and hostesses for the big event.

Yes......BUT

As I have written about before, I have a hard time letting go. I like a plan and I like to know what the plan is going to look like. For the past several weeks I have really been trying to focus on really letting go and letting God. I know that sounds trite, but for me it is a true test of obedience. I found myself giving God a lot of "BUT" responses. Yes Lord, I will follow you....BUT. Yes Lord, I trust you.....BUT. My pastor is doing a series of lessons on Sunday mornings about what it means to follow God. It has been a very timely, thought provoking series for me personally. Sunday morning he spoke specifically about answering God with a "yes....BUT". The BUT really negates the yes. Either I trust Him to lead me or I do not. Period. No BUT. I am so thankful that God is so patient with me! I really do feel like I have had some major victory in my life with this issue but it has been a long time coming. :) I want to answer when He calls with a YES. Period.

Carrot Patch Snack

I saw this cute little snack idea in a magazine. Since carrots and ranch dip are one of Gracie Lynn’s favorite snacks, I made it for her class. It was a huge hit. Mommy points for me! :)

Leaving Home

I love Thomasville. We have been here for almost 8 years which is the longest that we have ever lived in one place as a family. :) Thomasville is our home. This morning as I was taking the kids to school I was thinking about how much we have enjoyed this community and the amazing friendships we have built here. I know most of the kids that my children go to school with. Tim and I have relationships with the teachers that influence their lives. All around us are friends that are dear to us. Thomasville feels very safe to me. It is going to be very hard to leave.
One of my favorite Donald Miller quotes…..
"We get one story, you and I, and one story alone. God has established the elements, the setting, and the climax and the resolution. It would be a crime not to venture out, wouldn't it? It might be time for you to go. It might be time to change, to shine out.
I want to repeat one word for you: Leave.
Roll the word around on your tongue for a bit. It is a beautiful word, isn't it?
So strong and forceful, the way you have always wanted to be. And you will not be alone. You have never been alone. Don't worry. Everything will still be here when you get back. It is you who will have changed."

Back To School

The kids started back to school today. Trinity is beginning her 6th grade year, Noah his 5th and Gracie Lynn will be in 2nd grade! My goodness, where does the time go! They were all excited when we dropped them off this morning. Eden is going to preschool 3 mornings a week. She went a little more reluctantly, but it was without tears so we will take it. I am looking forward to hearing lots of stories about their first day. The kids will go to school for the first 9 weeks here in Thomasville. When the school breaks for fall break, we will head to Virginia to begin our training. The timing is perfect. Isn’t God good?
Tim and I have 9 weeks to wrap up life here in Thomasville. I have a list several pages long (those of you who know me well are not surprised) and can not wait to begin crossing things off of it!

Making Memories

Wow, we have had a few fun filled weeks around here! Most recently, my mom came for a visit and brought my 2 nephews from Texas. We had so much fun being with them. The kids all had a BLAST! We swam, made homemade pizzas, created a band, had Wii tournaments and last but not least caught a Braves game. Great memories made by all. I am so glad that they were able to all come out.