Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Are You Gonna Be an Eagle in 2009?

This was sent to me my brother, Pastor of Marsden Baptist Church, today, please feel free to pass it on! It's content is adapted from a devotion from the Facts of the Matter.......
Eagles
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If you are placing your hope in the Lord, then your life may resemble that of an eagle:

Eagles Love to Play with the Wind — They ride thermal updrafts to an altitude of 14,000 feet. The Golden Eagle can reach a speed of 180 miles an hour in a dive.
"Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

Eagles Travel Light — Their bones are hollow and filled with air: The 7,000 feathers on a Bald Eagle weigh only 21 ounces.
"Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us." (Hebrews 12:1 – Living)

Eagles have Keen Eyesight — They see eight times better than human beings. They can spot a mouse in the grass a mile away. "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" (Matthew 6:22, 23)

Eagles are Focused — Once an eagle has spotted its prey, it does not take its eyes off the creature until it strikes.
"This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13b,14)

Eagles Prefer Peace and Quiet when Raising a Family — They build their nests in high hard-to-reach areas.
"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life..." (1 Thessalonians 4:11a)

Eagles, Male and Female, Work Together Building their Nest — The backbreaking task takes several weeks to several months.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10)

Eagles Keep Improving their Home — They continue to bring fresh green sprigs through the nesting period. Some think the sprigs are simply for decoration.
"Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools." (Psalm 84:5, 6)

Eagles Fiercely Defend their Nesting — They stand up against any animal that might be a threat to their young.
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep… Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be… Jesus said, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love me?' He answered, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Take care of my sheep.'" (John 10:11; 1 Pet 5:2a; John 21:16b)

Eagles Mate for Life — An eagle takes a new mate only if its first mate dies. "A married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage… Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife… " (Romans 7:2b; 1 Timothy 3:2a)
New Years Application

This year it is my prayer for your life as well as mine that all of our hope is in the Lord. That each one of us has our strength renewed, that we all never grow weary in living and serving Christ Jesus as our Lord. I pray that we soar like the mighty eagle in serving our God .

1. What ensnares your life or keeps from placing the Lord first in your?
2. What object needs to be moved for you to gain greater vision in seeking the Lord?
3. What is the one thing that you can focus that will ensure greater service to God?
4. What can you do to lead a more peaceful and tranquil life?
5. Do you have a spiritual partner walking with you in your journey towards growing and serving the Lord? If you don’t who could be one to trust and confide in? If yes, how can you better work with them to support them and help them walk closer to God?
6. What one way can you make your home a place that causes other to look to the Lord for their strength?
7. Who are those that God has given you responsibility to shepherd? What is one way you can help them grow closer to God?
8. How can you grow closer to your spouse and encourage them in their relationship with the Lord?

Wishing Everyone A Happy, Safe & Blessed 2009!











New Year's Countdown & MySpace Layouts





Tuesday, December 30, 2008

6 Boys + 2 Sister's + 2 Mommy's + 2 Daddy's + 1 Grandma = Braden's 8th Birhday Pary!!!

Down, Set, Hut....


PIG, anyone?



Yep, those are the number in attendance, all 13 present at The Crow's Nest yesterday to help celebrate Braden's 8th B-Day-18 days later. Why did I not think better when I decided to have children? I should have had them in the Summer and not in December and January! For Braden especially, it has always been really hard to fit in a party, what w/Christmas, bad weather, travel etc. I had almost decided that I was just going to wait until January and have a double party for my kids. But now, is that really fair? So, Sunday night, I pulled up the weather and 64 degrees was the forecast, so I start thinking......hmmm......outside party, hot dogs on the grill, cupcakes & ice cream, new basketball goal, football, kids driving their mom's crazy during Christmas Break, this will make a perfect party. So, late notice for party, but I am so glad Braden's friend's have understanding parents, or really desperate ones to get a two hour break! And then of course, what do the boys want to do? Playstation 2 and Nintendo DS in Braden's room. It's 64 degrees outside, it is sunny, get out & enjoy the weather, come on, be boys, get dirty! And they did, and I think they had fun doing it!

Hot Dog Time!

The Girls, a table for two...

Cake time!


Sunday, December 28, 2008

Where Are You Christmas?

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. I love Christmas, I love the hustle and bustle, the decorations, the gifts, the wrapping, the giving, the receiving, I love it all! I just hate when it is over. I was really thinking how depressed I was about it until the message in church this morning. Well, not really the message, but a comment my brother (the preacher) made at his service. He said that regardless of whether the world believed or not, Christ was celebrated this past week. Yes, Christians and non-believers all celebrated Jesus's birth and saw evidence of it one way or the other. How awesome is that! Yes, the tinsel and lights, may be gone, but Jesus was, is, and always will be.....so therefore, CHRISTmas will be right there inside us!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas Eve Gift

The antibiotics have kicked in and the pain killers have worked wondrously, so this morning I got up and made chex mix, puppy chow, Crow-Bars, and Jesus's Birthday Cake (red cake w/white icing)!
My MIL has a traditional saying on Christmas Eve, "Christmas Eve Gift". When we talk, it is a contest to see who wishes the greeting to the other first......So Fun! Well, she got us first this morning.
The 4-Crow's passed out their annual "Christmas Eve Gift" today to our neighbors. I put together a few Crow-Bars and Chex Mix in a pretty container. Braden pulled Kaybrie in the wagon and passed the gifts out. It makes me so proud of my kids to see them get into the spirit of giving of themselves to others! I hope all of you have a very happy Christmas Eve, and I pray that if you don't already have HIM, that you receive the greatest "Christmas Gift" ever, JESUS CHRIST!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Sorry no Posts......I'm a little drugged UP!

I have been putting off going to the Dr. for over a week. Couldn't hear, massive pressure in my ears, extremely irritable. Did I mention that I hate going to the Dr. Well, I made sure I got my workout time (girlfriend gab time) in yesterday morning, then the hubby took the kiddos to go Christmas shopping for me, and I went to Urgent Care. Yep, a busted eardrum. So, I'm on the couch, in front of the TV, trying to read a book, high on Darvocet......Not a lot going on here at the Crow's Nest.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Christmas Party, NOT.....ARRRGH! It's Now Called Winter Celebration

If your child attends public schools, like mine, you probably have been made aware that the party they have the last day of school, before Winter Break is not called a Christmas Party, or is the break called Christmas Break......This is where my ARRGH! comes in! No Jesus, No Santa, only snowflakes and candy canes. The event is officially called "Winter Celebration" at Braden's school. Okay, so I'm over my bitterness, just had to get that off of my chest.

I volunteered for HomeRoom Parent this year, and guess what I am officially Braden's 2nd grade HomeRoom Parent! So, I am in charge of planning 2 parties this year. 1st party, today!We had a popcorn, hot cocoa party. The kids added their own seasoning to their hot-air popped cord, stirred their own hot cocoa & marshmallow, snacked on raisins, cupcakes and candy canes. Those second graders had a blast. And you know what, that is all that matters...


Christmas through an Almost 2 year old Girl's eyes...

Nativity Scenes:
Every time Kaybrie sees Jesus in a Nativity Scene, she says "Happy Birthday, Jesus"!

Christmas Songs:
One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Baby, it's Cold Outside". It is not uncommon when this song comes on the radio that I crank up the volume, turn down the rearview mirror in the car to look at Kaybrie, and sing it full of animation with a little bit of shoulder movement! Well, Kaybrie has certainly learned the chorus line. The other day, during the "ice" storm, Kaybrie was wrapping her baby up in a blanket and said, "Baby, It's Cold Outside".
Santa Claus:
Santa is simply "Claus" to Kaybrie. Tonight though, she caught Jason shaving......
"Daddy, Claus"? "Ho, Ho, Ho". I can see the resemblance in the Tim Allen version, but my man cannot fit the big red suit. Do you think Santa's secret is safe?

Who is your Role Model???

Okay, this is a great find. Much thanks to my Cuz, Tonya....Try it without looking at answers!

1) Pick your favorite number between 1-9
2) Multiply by 3 then
3) Add 3, then again Multiply by 3 (I'll wait while you get the calculator....)
4) You'll get a 2 or 3 digit number....
5) Add the digits together

Now with that number see who your ROLE MODEL is from the list below :

1. Hillary Clinton
2. Nelson Mandela
3. Tony Romo
4. Pres. Bush
5. Bill Gates
6. Gandhi
7. Brad Pitt
8. Brett Favre
9. ShaRhonda Crow
10. Barack Obama

I know....I just have that effect on people....one day you too can be like me.... :-) Believe it!!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

My New Blog Signature

What does my new signature look like?

Here's How:
mylivesignature.com
create an account & form signature
get HTML code
Go to your settings page on blogger, then to formatting, input the code into post format. Hit save.

Then you will have to go to Layout, Edit Post, unclick posted by.
Then everytime you go to create a new post your signature will appear.
Yes your name will go away from previous posts, but I haven't figured out how to fix that one. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need any help! I finally put my email address on my page!

This is What ALL of Us Hard Working, HotMomma's.com Need! Hope you get one soon!

Thank the Good Lord that school was back in session today, now only one more day until Christmas Break! I cannot believe we had three "snow" days that weren't even worth calling "snow" days...I hate ice!

So, now you are wondering about the title of my post. Well, a picture is worth a thousand words, and the action I did last night, was worth a Million $!



Yes, I did it. I took a glorious relaxing, 25 minute bubble bath. I had the jets going, steam rising, candle burning, latest read and a glass of wine! And guess what, Kaybrie did not join me. Thank you hubby........Now fellow bloggers, take some time for yourself......

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Have You Elfed Yourself Yet?

So I had to stick w/ the country theme (yes, I'm from the country and I like it that way;)......Merry Christmas from The 4-Crows! Make sure you design one and send to all your friends & family, and post on your blog. You can download a permanent copy for only $4.99. Love it! (In order to hear the music, make sure you silence my playlist)

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Monday, December 15, 2008

Headline: Trinity Restoration Closes Doors

I typically would not write about the following event, but it has touched my heart and home. It is 10 days before Christmas, and over 40 employees of Trinity Restoration lost their jobs today. My husband has been in the auto business for almost 20 years, and today was probably the hardest blow he has ever experienced in his career. Although he had only been the Parts Manager at this place for 3 weeks, the relationships he formed and the respect at this position genuinely made him love this job. Grown men and women broke down and cried, cried for their families, their livelihood, and for an uncertain future. Please pray for all of the former employees of Trinity Restoration, pray that they will receive comfort during this time of unemployment and that Jesus will work in each of their lives during these troubled times.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Today is the 1st Official "Snow Day" for school year. We should really call it an "ice day". I can't believe that we had record high temps yesterday in the upper 70's! Here is the view from "The Crow's Nest"! We have a chance of Wintry Precipitation almost every day this week......

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Sunday, December 14, 2008

Wilson, OK- Christmas Memories

I grew up in a really small town in southern Oklahoma, Wilson. One of my favorite Christmas memories, was driving through the light/Santa display at the first house located on 70A off of Hiway 70 West. The home belonged to Bo & Be Ward, local merchants of Wilson. There were all kinds of Santa decorations, a house for Santa with a live Santa giving out candy canes, and on the Ward's home, they actually had a reindeer hoisting Santa into the chimney, there was also "A Little Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe...". Mrs. Ward lost her husband this year. I really don't remember when they shut the display down and then sold their home, but my Moma surprised me w/ something this weekend when I went home...

Braden got Tree'd at Nana's House

Today was a breezy 76 degree day in Southern Oklahoma. The kid's and I stayed the night w/ my Moma after my brother's graduation. Braden & my niece Jadyn took advantage of the beautiful weather to play outside before we headed back home. And boy did they take advantage. I think they decided to chase each other up the tallest pine tree in the yard! Braden got stuck and MBL had to help him choose the correct route down. We left to go home at 2PM and by the time we got to OKC, the cold front had hit, the temp was down to 43 degrees, by the time we got to Tulsa.......34 degrees!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

"Festival of Lights"

After eating a wonderful meal at "The Fish Place", we went through the "Festival of Lights" in Ardmore. These are all light sculptures sponsored by the merchants from the city of Ardmore, OK. This is a beautiful scenic drive along I-35. What a wonderful Christmas display!



My 'Lil Brother's College Graduation

Many of you read the post in October regarding my introduction of my little brother Jason. (if not, feel free to go to my archives and read) Today he graduated with his bachelor's degree in General Studies from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Congratulations Jason! During the 10 years since he graduated from high school, he has married, has had 4 children, and is a pastor of a small rural church in southern Oklahoma. I say this is a glorious achievement in our family. (Of course, I was the 1st to receive my bachelors, many years ago, 13 to be exact! ) So, to share in this celebration. Braden, Kaybrie & I left at 6:30 this morning to make his 10AM ceremony in Durant, OK. We were met by my parents, my SIL, her father, and my niece and 3 nephews, my Aunt Gracie and cousins Tonya & Angela. At 7 PM that night we met at "The Fish Place" in Tishomingo for a celebration dinner. We also celebrated my cousin Robert's Master's degree. Congratulations to both of you on your Achievement!

Tristan, Liz, Mika, Jason, Judah, & Seth

Friday, December 12, 2008

Happy Birthday Braden- My Baby Boy is 8 years old today!

What was I doing 8 years ago today? Anxiously awaiting the arrival of my precious baby boy. I was induced at 6:30 that morning, the audience included my Moma, sister, and my 19 month old niece Jadyn. All day long, we waited in great anticipation, while watching the ice storm of 2000 outside Mercy Memorial Hospital in OKC. We had many phone calls that day, including my SIL, who was also at a nearby hospital w/ my nephew Seth, he was still in the hospital after his premature birth August 18. And then, at 8 PM, I knew it was time. We begin the counting literally, Jadyn learned to count to 10 that night! At 8:20, I delivered the most beautiful baby boy in the world. 7lbs 9oz. Now 8 years later, he weighs in at 78lbs, is active in football and basketball and video games!
We kicked off his 8th B-Day celebration w/ a birthday breakfast of scrambled eggs w/ cheese, bacon, toast & jelly, and chocolate milk. I placed a football candle in his eggs (he was not about to eat the melted wax). Then he was off to school. His spelling test was a little tough, he scored 14/15. When he got home that afternoon, he was so excited. He came home w/ 20 homemade cards from his classmates, some of them have really great art work! For dinner we had Braden's choice. Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, and Grandma's rolls. Then we had birthday cake. Yes, I made it. A football made out of cupcakes (I need to take a cake decorating class).
Then, it was gift time. Braden humbly opened his one box from us, filled w/ 4 shirts, and then moved on to his Grandma's Kung Fu Panda PS2 game. Then Jason sent him outside to take the trash out, it took Braden a few try's, but he finally realized that his Daddy's hatch was up on the van and contained a basketball and a portable basketball goal, he was so happy he cried, I mean it, he cried! I caught it on video! Guess what, Mom and Dad outdid Santa this year, we ROCK! Happy Birthday Baby Boy! (I know you hate that, but at least I have refrained from doing it at your sporting events)

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Gas to Gas!

Today, I filled up my car w/ gas. I was amazed that I could actually fill it up with only $18. I found a receipt from this time last year w/ approximately the same amount of gallons. Check out the savings, $15.50 to be exact. Of course, we paid a lot more for a gallon this past summer, but I wanted to compare apples to apples or gas to gas!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Christmas Tour of the Crow Home

From October until January is my favorite time of the year. If you are one of my blog followers, you have seen how I decorate my yard for Fall, now I am going to give you the Christmas tour of my home! I have a total of 6 Christmas trees, 4 Nativity Scene's, a couple of animated snowmen, and a Christmas Village, I really need a bigger HOME........
Merry CHRISTmas!!!

1st Tree-Living Room - All the Presents Are Wrapped!

2nd Tree- Braden's

3rd Tree- Guest Bathroom

4th Tree- Kaybrie's

5th Tree-My Bedroom


6th Tree- Kitchen w/ a couple of Village Pieces

Christmas Village and 2 Nativity Scenes (don't you love that calculator image on the TV?)

I guess I have 7 trees! Nativity & Moving Snowmen, and Stockings (not a great pic)

Jason's B-Day Present (our newest addition to decorations)

Outside Nativity

Our Outside lights, no that is not snow on the ground, but very dead Bermuda grass it will help make the snow we get look whiter, :)!

Guess What? Only 16 Days Till Christmas!!!!