Christmas Morning

We started Christmas off by reading the Christmas Story from the bible. We want to make sure the kids know its not all about presents.. but about our Savior being born.

Merry Christmas!!

30 days of pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 24

Random dance sessions. At any given time to any given music from the tv, or cell phone ring, my kids will break out into a full fledged dance off. This morning it was to Mighty Machines theme song. It is so much for to join in with them and let out a little energy but mostly have fun. And it is fun. I pray that I am never too busy to join in.. Thankful for the joy they bring me. Its blurring because they were going to town. lol

30 days of Pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 23.

Children at play. Yesterday we were outside most of the day playing with the kids. Zip lining at neighbors house, playing tag, digging holes with Kenny. It was so much. I am so thankful my children are healthy and able to run around and play. What a blessing.

30 days of pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 22

Visitors. Today for Thanksgiving we had our first, out of town guest, come for dinner. It was so good to see my parents and to have my mom's help with the feast. Mom painted Sydney's nails. Dad played Cards with Daniel.. and we all had fun watching all the dogs interact. We sure did miss the rest of the family who normally came into town for dinner when we lived in NC, but we are thankful to still have some.

30 days of pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 21

God's Art work. Being thankful for the small things has been on my mind. I have been really paying attention to the landscape around me and all the beautiful colors. I realized last year that Fall is my favorite season. I was searching for a picture and remembered my trip to Austria and I knew I wanted to post a picture of one I took of God's Art work. Its not a fall picture but still one of Gods beautiful creation. Breath taking. Thank you God for being in all the details.

30 days of pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 20

Homeschooling. I am thankful today that I am allowed to homeschool my children. I am thankful I live in a state (SC) that not only allows it but has so many programs available for the homeschooling students. Its is not at all easy and I have more challenging days than not, but the reward is so worth it. I NEVER thought I would be homeschooling, but I know God called us to do it and so, obey, we did. Thank you God for the direction in our home school and for calling us to "train up a child" this way...

30 days of Pictures of what i am THANKFUL for . Day 19

His Amazing Grace. I am so thankful that the Lord is patient with me and the grace He extends is unmeasurable. It amazes me sometimes why He would extend His grace to me...and yet it is hard for me to extend that same grace to others. Lord help to me see others as you do and to give them grace, as you so freely gives me.

30 days of Pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 18.

Forgiveness. Today I am thankful that no matter what I say, do and think, that the Lord will always forgive me. That forgiveness, does in fact redeem me in God's eyes, thanks to what Jesus did for us. May I be more forgiving of others, just as God forgives me even before I ask.

30 days of pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 17.

Today I am thankful for The Word of God. I am thankful for the hope, love, understanding, courage, peace, joy, truth and conviction it gives me. I am thankful that I live in a country where we are not punished for reading it and can speak of its contents freely. Thank you God for your words of wisdom you left for us.

30 days of Pictures of what I am thankful for. Day 16

To be an American. This morning caught me by surprise. I was trying to catch the local weather and turned to the Today Show and watched a segment on 30 people becoming US citizens. While watching this I was crying listening to their stories and thinking about how blessed, I am, living in America. Again something that I dont think about on a daily basis, but something so important. There were several service man and women taking the oath and it made think they are fighting for our country and dont even have citizenship. Wow, so many American's wont sign up to fight for our country but these people love America so much. So today as the song says, "I am proud to be an America where at least I know I am free, I wont forget the men who died who gave that right to me."

30 days of pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 15

Eyes. Today I am thankful for my eyes. I never really think about them and what a blessing they are and what they allow me to see.. my children, God's creation.. ect, but for the last couple of weeks I have thought about my eyes a lot and my dads eyes. Boy am I thankful to be able to see. He recently learned that he is 99% blind in one eye and the other eye is heading in that direction. It is very sad for me to think that he might be blind.. soon, that he might not get to see my children grow up, get married. My dad is not an old man. He is in his mid 60's. He has a lot more years left here if the Lord allows it. And I pray He does. My dad works with his hands .. he is currently building a home in SC...what will he do without his eyes. He had an emergency appt today with a retina specialist and I pray if its in the Lord's will that they will be able to do something that can help save the other eye or slow down the progression of the blindness. His name is Jack if you will join me in praying for him.

30 days of pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 14

Cousins-I am thankful for my sibling's kids. Although we live far apart and we dont get the kids together but maybe 1-2 times a year, when they do get together they have a blast. This was around Thanksgiving last year. Not sure if any other kids will come into the picture or not, but I am sure they will be loved just the same. Jennifer and Jef we need to commit to get together more often. Love you guys and these kids.

30 days of Pictures of what I am THANKFUl for. Day 13

Today I am thankful for my immediate family. This picture was taken last Thanksgiving and we couldn't stop laughing...we were all trying to look skinny. lol. We do have a good time when we get together. I wish we lived closer together.. of course we might not get along if we did. I still imagine what this would look like if my brother Kenny was still with us, but its because of his death, that when we do all get together we try to make the most of it.. And if any of you all want to come to the beach for Thanksgiving a little further drive than NC, I am here.

Free Disney Tickers

30 days of pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 12

Today I am thankful for my Grandma. She is my last living grandparent. She has meant a lot to me in my life. I called her last night around 10:30pm and we talked until 1am this morning about random things going on in our lives. I use to live close to her, but with the move to SC it took me away from her. I am so thankful God has blessed me with her, by keeping her around. She has survived cancer, thyroid issues, strokes, her colon burst, along with a lot of other issues with heart and diabetes. She lost her husband(married almost 50yrs I think), several years ago and lives by herself with the help of a day nurse. She is an awesome cook. I get my pound cake recipe from her. She is a card shark(kills at poker)and it doesn't matter if your her grandchild or not.. she will NOT let you win.. You have to bring your A game for sure and try and hope you can beat her. She loves to do puzzles. She taught me how to crochet along with my mom. She loves to shop. And for the longest time made her own clothes just for fun.(like suits and dresses)She loves the computer and has been on facebook longer than me. She is down to earth, generous, loving, kind and the best grandma ever. Love ya Grandma.

(picture taken right before we left NC)

30 days of pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 11.

The Veterans. Today I am thankful for all the men and women who have fought for our country. Who as the pastor at the church we are visiting said, "who signed their life over to possible die for our country." Thank you for fighting for my freedom to go to church and open my bible and profess my faith in Christ without being afraid of any prosecution. Thank you to my grandfather, dad and brother for fighting this fight. I am thankful for you.

30 days of what I am Thankful for. Day 10

My Feet. It might be silly but today I am reminded to be thankful for my feet. For those that don't know I have been in extremely pain suffering from plantar fasciitis since March in both feet. It started off in the left, bad and a little in the right, but quickly became bad in both. The pain does at time subside, some, but most days I am in awful pain and can barely walk. If I do much running around with the kids, I can barely walk up the stairs to bed and the next morning... forget.... getting out of bed in a hurry for a crying child, I fall to the ground in pain. I have to do a series of stretches to even be able to stand and the pain is still there but it is bearable to walk to tend to the kids. I sleep with a HUGE splint at night rotating between feet every other night. I wear support tennis shoes that cost me 2 weeks worth of groceries. I have had cortisone shots injected directly into both heels TWICE and although for a couple weeks it is better, the pain comes back and it feels worse than before. I say all this to say that I have had a bad couple of days with my pain level and I was walking into Walmart with Daniel today and there was a person in a wheel chair, I stupidly joked, but kinda serious, that "I need one of those" Daniel quickly said back.. "why mom you can walk." And he is right. Even though I am in so much pain at moments that I cry each step I take, I CAN IN FACT WALK WITHOUT NEEDED A WHEEL CHAIR. I am not sure how much longer I will have this pain and I am in the process of researching my options, but I am thankful for my feet and whatever pain level I am at.. I can in fact walk. Thank you Lord for this reminder to be thankful in all circumstances. (by the way.. not my feet in pic)

30 days of what I am Thankful for. Day 9

Today I am thankful that the Lord allowed us to sell our home in NC in just 4 days, and He also allowed us to go under contract officially on Thursday, to build a new home in the Charleston, SC area. We will be building in Mount Pleasant, SC in the "Rivertowne on the Wando" community. Below is the house plan, we haven't chose an outside color yet, but this is what the outside will look like, but will also include 2 palm trees out front courtesy of the builder. ;). When you live at the beach you have to have Palm trees, RIGHT?! In looking back on this move to SC in just 30 days from the time we found out until we were here in the hotel and seeing God in every step is simply amazing. This has been a crazy journey, but as long as we are following God we are in good hands. House to be ready somewhere between end of March-April time frame. Thank you Lord for your provisions for our family in our home wants and needs.

Sydney starts Dance

I heard from a fellow homeschool mom about this dance program for Sydney's age. Well I signed her up and she just loves it. She is the oldest in the class but since this was her first year she couldn't join the 5-7 year old homeschool class, although after a couple weeks the instructor said she would be fine and that we should have put her in there. Its ok. She has enjoyed learning and her little dance mates.

30 days of Pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 8.

My brother Kenny. Boy am I thankful for you. You forever changed my life, by introducing me to Jesus. I will never forget every detail of that night late Christmas Eve when you showed me in the bible who Jesus was and what He did for me. Never knowing that just 2 short years later you would be with Jesus. I often wonder what would have happened to me if I walked away from you and Kirsten that night and didn't repent. Scary thoughts. But I am thankful for your Love for Jesus that you were bold with me, yet sincere and loving. That you cared more about my soul than me being your sister. You Forever changed my life.

30 Days of Pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 7

7. My Kenny. You have been so much fun. You love to giggle and talk like you are a big boy. You love to show me everything and its fun discovering it with you for the first time. Your named after my brother, and I know he would be proud. You love to make me laugh. And I am thankful for your growing personality.

30 Days of Pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 6

6. My Daughter. My Princess. I always wanted a daughter and God chose the perfect one for me. She spunky, fun, energetic, athletic and when she calls me mommy, I feel so blessed.

30 Days of Pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 5

5. My First Born Son. You gave me my title of mom and you have not let me sit down much since you started to walk. I am thankful for your energy and your love for Jesus.

30 Days of Pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 4

4. My Husband. He is a hard worker, great father, and patient husband. Can't imagine life without him.

30 Days of Pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 3

3. I am thankful that Jesus is my Friend and Comforter. No matter what I have ever done or will ever do, His love for me Never changes. He is ALWAYS there for me, even when I dont turn to Him. He will Never... leave me, hurt me, deny me, or reject me, even though at times I do all of those to Him. He is without a doubt the best thing that ever happened to me in my life...and He can be all of these things to you as well. Invite Jesus into your life...you will never be the same again. I often imagine myself just as this girl...Jesus holding me tight....boy I am thankful for Him.

30 Days of Pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 2

2. I am thankful for what Jesus did for mankind on the cross. He took OUR SIN PUNISHMENT. Even though this picture breaks my heart and brings me to a sobbing mess, to know Jesus loves me this much to willingly come down from Heaven to take on my punishment is beyond words, but for sure a great thing to be thankful for.

30 Days of Pictures of what I am THANKFUL for. Day 1

1. I am thankful for God. The Creator of the Universe. Through Him all things are possible.

I am back

I have been away for way to long. Been using FB as a blog and well that's not good. So I am back for good. Be patient as I update you on what has been happening around the Schilling household. Slowly but surely I will have it all updated.