School Pictures

Since the kids are not in traditional school anymore, I try to take their pictures each year. We go outside at our house. I like to do the same spot as well. Here is what we got.

I like this one because it shows how tall each of them are

I love Seth in red and his brownish/blonde hair

My giant

My how he is changing

His dad told him to stand up tall - don't think that worked

She actually took a picture

That is that soso smile but this is how she smiles

Love all the jewerly

She just wanted to love on her brothers

AHHH!  that's not how you smile

The best one I guess - Ella still looks alittle silly and the sun was in Seth's eyes

I love them close up

This is really good - have to crop out the basketball goal on the left and the dog on the right

Sweet - The kiddos

Great picture

This is such an adventure - picking out clothes for everyone - getting everyone to look like they love when their mom takes pictures.

I love each year looking at the picture from last year as I put the new one in front of the old.  Time flies when you are having fun.  There is alot of fun around here.

School year 2010-2011

Garrett - 6th - 11 years old

Seth - 3rd - 8 years old

Ella - PreK - 4 years old

Boy Scout Camp Out

Seth's Boy Scout den had a camp out Saturday afternoon and night. Jeff and Seth went for the day. The boys had a great time hanging out together.

They are a great group of little boys and the families are just terrific.

Fishing, throwing rocks, roasting hot dogs, smores and other adventures

Okay, there always has to be a silly picture

The cutest things ever.  Both of them look like real adventure boys

I am glad Jeff loves hanging out, fishing, in the woods, worms and all the crummy stuff that I don't like to do.  Thank goodness for daddies.

Happy Birthday Meme

Happy Birthday to my dear Mom and Meme.  I have realized in the past few years that I have become what my mom was to me. 

My mom:

• always knew where everything was in the house - she could put her finger right on it
• always on the go
• hard worker
• always put me before herself
• loved to buy me stuff
• never say down - always moving - especially at home
• ironed and ironed and ironed
• helped me pick out clothes
• knew how to match my clothes
• had a closet full of clothes
• did school work with me
• would sit and do a project for hours
• always made me look the word up in the dictionary instead of telling me how to spell it
• always involved in anything I wanted to do
• never said "no"
• kept me busy
• trusted me deeply
• let me spread my wings but there when I fell
• took me to church
• taught me about Jesus
• encouraged me
• taught me that I could do anything
• made me make my bed
• had great birthday parties
• taught me family was important
• let me travel to wonderful places
• took me on fun family vacations
• kept a clean house
• always washing clothes
• always stopping at the grocery store
• always in the kitchen
• the list could go on

I have grown to appreciate my mom now that I am older.  I realize all the things she did for me and how she gave of herself for me.  She put me before her own needs. 

Now that I am older and a mom myself, she still does all the things above for me still.  Now she shines her light to our children.  The mom word has now become the Meme word.  Several things stick out in my mind that I am truly grateful for now. 
Mom has been a great supporter of :

• me coming home to be a stay at home mom to our children. 
• having 3 children ( this was a shock since I am an only child)
• the decision to homeschool our children

I know these things were hard for mom at first.  She has never questioned me about any of them.  She has only supported Jeff and I. 

Thanks mom for being such a great role model of a "mom".  Our children love their meme.  You make each of them feel special each and every time they see you and you don't forget about me.  We are very blessed to have you close by so that we see you several times a week.  You have taken us on some wonderful adventures over the years.  You help support our family in some many ways.  You are always there for every event.  You always have the best attitude no matter if your day has not been so good. 

So on this day, September 25th, our family wants to wish you a Happy Birthday.

Jones Life

I don't watch too much TV.  I found this show just a week ago.  I have been DVR and then watching old episodes.  By watching the show, I could tell that the family believed in GOD.  Well let me tell you.  God had placed this family in so many positions to "Let their light shine for him".  It is so nice to watch them on TV.  I found their blog tonight.  I am so inspired at their story. 

The Joneses

 

 

 

I watched Jon and Kate and then what happened. 

I watched The Lachey's and then what just happened

 

Well it is nice to see this couple and how they are truly following God's plan for their life.  I am so a fan.  I am so thankful this family is on TV. 

 

The link above goes to their blog.  The stories are faith are so heartwarming. 

 

To hear his stories of his business and this economic times, hit home so hard.  Jeff and I are striving everyday to be smart with our money.  Times are not easy but through God's strength and guidance, we will get through.  I know our family is seeking God in all of our plans.

 

We want to be that shining light before men.

 



LEAD ME

I have been hearing this song on the radio just a few times lately.  I kept turning it up and trying to hear the lyrics.  I really listened to the words this afternoon.  At the same time I was thinking it, Garrett said, "It sounds like a prayer." 

When I got home today, I Google the group, the song and the lyrics.  Just read below to the beginning. 
Sanctus Real - “Lead Me”




I look around and see my wonderful life

Almost perfect from the outside

In picture frames I see my beautiful wife

Always smiling

But on the inside, I can hear her saying...



“Lead me with strong hands

Stand up when I can't

Don't leave me hungry for love

Chasing dreams, what about us?



Show me you're willing to fight

That I'm still the love of your life

I know we call this our home

But I still feel alone”
 
This is exactly how I feel about my husband.  We are so a team together but a true team with God as our center.  Take a look at the song performed.  sanctusreal and look below at the interview with lead singer and his wife.  So touching.  Marriage is such a journey but what a wonderful place to be now that we are on the other side of the difficult time. 
 
This couple also just had a baby boy that was born with a Heart Defect.Read the full story here.  bowensheart  I have also heard this on the radio several times this week but didn't put the two pieces together.  WOW!!  What a testimony and a true walk of faith.  Pray for this dear family as they walk beside their son in the hospital and nurture two other ones at home. 
 
Pray for Bowen and his parents.

Hockey Season BABY!!!

It is hockey season BABY!  We are one the ice.  The boys are so excited to have their gear on and be in that 51 degrees.  Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays will be our days at the rink.  They love being around their friends. 

I just love them getting excited about the game they love to play.

Congratulations on your child’s selection to the 2010-2011 CMHA Charlotte Jr. Checkers Pee Wee Select Team!

We woke up to this email this morning.  Garrett was the first one up.  He is so excited to be traveling again this year.  We have three away games and one home game.  One home tournament. 

Seth tryouted out as well but there was not enough skilled players at his level to field a team.  So he will play house on Saturday morning.  Full ice will be a new venture for Seth. 

So the Weddine Family is signed up for another exciting season of Hockey.  

Go Checkers. 

SMILE

S   M   I   L   E

Yesterday at co-op we were challenged to smile.  Why smile?  Because we have a hope we need to share with the world.  I need to smile about the many blessings and trails that God has seen us through.

Things I need to begin to smile about (that sometimes I don't even want to try)

*  unloading the dishwasher for the third time in a week

*  hearing my name called for the 1,000 time that day

*  folding clothes

* changing Seth's sheets once a week

*  vaccumming his room and the house 2 times a week

*  washing dishes after I just stood in the kitchen for 2 hours cooking it

*  hearing the grumble and complaints about the load of school work we have to do

*  my husband wanting 5 minutes of my undivided attention

*  reading the same book for the 10th time in a week

*  asking my son for the 10th time to clean up his sock, underwear, dirty clothes

*  staying on a budget

*  not buying stuff for myself or the kids and having to say NO!

*  my list could go on and on and on but these are the ones I am struggling to SMILE about

I have soo many blessings.  I need to be salt in this world of trouble.  I think smiling will be that salt because so many people have nothing to smile about each and everyday.  As I do the list of things above, I want to reminder the blessing that I am given by doing that task.  I am so priviledged to stay at home and Jeff support us week after week.  We have so much when some people have so little.  I have truly seen those people smile and I wonder how they do it. 

What do you have to smile about today?  DO  TELL!!

Bear Scouts

Scouts started back this week.  We had to draw any state other than NC state flag.  Seth picked Alaska.  We are a little partial to Alaska.  He had to present his important.

This is him pointing out the state bird, flower, and tree.

We even had real picture of the state tree.  Nice to have visited the state before.

Good job Seth.

Our Ottoman

Our ottoman has become our family altar at our house.  This is the place where we start our day.  Before we begin school each day, we meet together to do our Walk Thru the Bible study.  After reviewing and learning, we each tell what our devotion was about then share what we think this devotion was telling us.  Then down on our knees, holding hands, each person says a prayer, including Ella.  Let me just tell you how proud I am of my children.  I feel like I have an inside look into their hearts when I hear them pray.  This morning I just got the feeling of what an incredible young man Garrett is becoming.  He still has his days, like all of us, but I just was amazed.  What amazes me is how each child will pray for the other.  They realize trails, fears, praises, or troubles that the other one is going through. 

WE BEGIN OUR DAY ON OUR KNEES

WE END OUR DAY ON OUR KNESS

As bedtime draws near, we meet together again in the same spot.  The ottoman is the meeting place.  We go to our knees, hold hands and Jeff leads our family in our prayer.  He ends our day with praise of thanksgiving and then for prayer we need for guidance and wisdom with the things we tackle each and every day.

We have come to realize that this really brings our family together.  A new tradition.  Our children now remind us that we need to pray.  Bedtime is not happening without everyone together to pray.  

We lead by example.  I use to be very shy to pray in public or out loud.  Now by praying in front of my children and letting them hear my heart, I hope one day they will have the courage at a much younger age to pray out loud.  

There truly is Power is Prayer.  Ask and you shall receive according to God's will. 

Enjoying Family

We had a great time visiting with Noni and Papa.  Each child wants to be the one that has the full attention of their parents.  It is alittle crazy at first.  Everyone tries to talk at one time.   After eating supper, everyone got settled down.  Game time was on.

Seth played Monoply with Noni

Ella "the master Candy Land player" got Papa.  Do you know, she won.  She wins everytime.  How is that?

We had a fun weekend.  It is such a blessing to be close to family.  Our children love and adore their grandparents. 

Such a trooper

Seth had his allergy retest today.  He was such a trooper.  No grumbling or complaing at all.  He was incredible. 

Here he is getting ready for all the little shots. He even has a smile on his face.  The funniest part is him picking out the movie to watch.

We learned a great deal today.  The best part is that he is not allergic to any foods other than shellfish.  So the strict diet I have had him on the past two weeks is over.  He was thrilled.  The best part is that he doesn't eat shellfish.  But he is highly allergic to dust mites.  So a total makeover to his room is in order.  The next biggest thing is Gabby.  We are going to have to discuss the dog.  AHHHH!!  Not fun.  He is highly allergic to Gabby. 

We have a new plan of attack with medicine and cremes and household changes.  We feel really good about he visit. 

You can see all the little wet spots on his back.  Allergy testing is an amazing thing to see.

So onto the new plan. 

The best part of today is that Jeff showed up at the doctor.  A total surprise.  He was there to support Seth and I as we tackle this as a family.  We were there from 9:15 until 12:00.  Pretty impressive for Jeff to take himself from his busy day and be with us.  Also, took us to lunch.  What a treat.  We love seeing daddy during the day.  The other ones were at Noni's.  So nice just to spend time with Seth.  He was a trooper.

Prayers were answered but more praying to do.

Hard Work

I have been crazy the past week trying to get ready for a consignment sale. It is alot of work. Thanks to my mom for hanging everything up so nice and neat. She has stood for the past two weeks washing, ironing and hanging up clothes. It is so crazy. Each year I say, I'm not going to wait until the last minute but guess what. I was still pricing today at 4:30. My stuff was due today at 5:30. Crazy. I don't like working under pressure like that.

The first two boxes and a bag of shoes

This is two more boxes in my car

The back of my car

We had to take Jeff's truck.  The whole back of his truck was full.  About 7 boxes in his truck

I printed about 300 tickets to price items

It took Jeff and I one hour to unload and put things in there place at the sale. 

I enjoy doing this so much.  It is such a blessing to clean out the closet and earn money to buy more goodies for my kids.  If any of you reading this know Garrett, he just keeps on growing.  All I have done is buy clothes for Garrett. 

New Blue

We have the new blue leotard.  She was very excited

Her little expressions are the best.

She loves Mrs. Bonita

Long Weekend

I just love the weekends when Jeff is home with us.  We have a great time as a family.  This weekend is a long weekend.  Labor Day adds another day off for Jeff.  Just love it.  Labor Day weekend means something at my house.  THE DOVES ARE OUT SO PULL OUT YOUR CAMO.  Since we were in college, Jeff has hunted doves with his old roommate at his house.  This tradition has now been instilled in our children.  Garrett was so excited he could hardly wait. 

Jeff and Garrett coming back from the field.  Ahh!  He is still just 11 years old.  Almost catching Jeff.

Garrett counting his birds.  He amazed me.  He was dirty. He was bloody.  He was just handling the bird by the whole hand not just by the tail feather.  Killing the number of birds was a topic of discussion for us.  Garrett wanted to know what they were going to do is they reached their limit (15 Birds).  Jeff went uhhhh!  Usually this had never come up.  Jeff usually kills 15 takes them back somewhere and then goes and kills 15 more.  Not this year because there was little eyes watching you and trying to teach a lesson of following the rules.  As Seth was counting Jeff's birds, 15 was the number.  We serve an awesome God. 

Garrett's pile of birds - 8 with his dad's gun.  He was so excited.  He loves this stuff.  He was sitting on the couch Friday night after they had been getting all the hunting stuff together.  Garrett and Jeff were the only ones in the room.  Garrett said, "Dad you're awesome"  Jeff asked why?  Garrett said, "because you take us to hunt, teach us how to shoot a gun, hold a gun, and go hunting with us."  Simple little time spent in a dove field speaks volumes to our children. 

Seth is hunting right now.  First time ever.  They got up at 5:00 and left at 6:00.  Hope the day goes good.

What do I do while the boys hunt?  We head to the lake.  Seth and I went with friends tubing.  Ella stayed and played with Cooper and meme and rode the golf cart.

Seth with one of his best buddies, Danny

They look so much alike.

2nd Year of Ballet

Yesterday was much better than last year this time.  Ballet!  Ella was not thrilled that I had signed her up for ballet last year.  She screamed when I put on the tights and leotard.  That quickly passed.  Screams turned to smile and a few cow tails. 

She was so excited to start another year of ballet.  We added tap this year too.

We are getting ready to head out the door.  She knows all about putting her hair up in a bun.  She holds the pins and hands them to me one at the time.

I could just squeeze her.

Meme got her a new ballet bag with her name on it.

(We really are supposed to be in Blue but Lebo's ran out of our size) 

So I will post when we have blue

God so knows the plans for our life.  I so wanted a little girl so that she could dance.  I danced my whole life growing up and couldn't wait until I would be able to be the mommy and take my daughter to dance.  Mrs. Bonita was my teacher when I was little.  God know the desires of our heart.  He will give us the desires of our heart.  The verses doesn't say when we want it, we will get it.  God gave me a little girl but not 1st and not 2nd.  He had the plan all along.  He gave Ella to me 3rd so that I would be a much better parent than with the 1st child, I would be able to be at home, I would be much more relaxed and able to enjoy the sweetness of a little girl.  God is so in control.  Thank you God for this precious amazing little girl that bring incredible joy and happiness to my soul.  She makes me an incredible mom.

Psalm 37:3-5

                                                                                    3 Trust in the LORD and do good;

dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4 Delight yourself in the LORD

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the LORD;

trust in him and he will do this: