'hawk

We had a great Memorial Day weekend. I have to admit, since my brother went into the Army and served in Iraq, I have a new appreciation for such holidays. In some ways, it's made for a more somber holiday because I feel a little guilty having time off for the sacrifice others have made - I mean, I didn't do diddly.

But one thing we did accomplish was a hair cut for Hudson. I wish I had taken a before picture, because he was about the most ratty and shaggy he's ever gotten. I was in the shower when they started this (daddy always cuts H's hair). As I had just rinsed my hair out, I had a little visitor pop in the door of the bathroom, and the conversation went like this...

"Hey, Mommy."
"Hey, Hudson. I thought Daddy was cutting your hair? Are you finished?"
"Yep, I have a 'hawk."
(Insert mom's brain whirring...hawk, hawk... what the heck is he say - insert light bulb flash, deep breath, and bulging eyes - he DOES NOT have a mohawk! I'll kill 'em both...mom opening door and seeing child with mohawk cut into his hair). I closed the door, "Hudson, Daddy's going to cut that off, right?"
"I think I like it. It's cool."
"Tell daddy that was funny, and he can finish now."

Well, at this moment I cut my shower short to go and get a picture before this was gone. So, excuse the bad lighting - it was a point and shoot type of moment, and the camera was on full manual.

Spring Break

Okay, so we're a week after spring break. I've learned to procrastinate! Yea!

We had quite a full spring break. We went ice skating and camping. Here are some pictures of our ice skating trip. They are not masterpieces because I was more concerned with staying on my skates than operating the camera. I've dealt with it, memories are memories, no matter how fuzzy!

The kids about killed us as they learned. Really, they were relying on us to balance them, so after some very tired thighs and back, I told Jenna she was going to have to stay up by herself. She caught on really quickly after that. I don't know many years it's been since I had skated, seems likes I might have gone in early college back in '94 or '95. I prefer not to count how many years that's been because '94 or '95 sounds more recent in my mind than a number of years! I'm as good as I always was, which isn't saying much. I only fell the time Jenna fell and stuck her skates under me...sweet girl, at least I didn't fall on her!

After lunch we let the kids all take a ride on the carousel. You can tell that Makaul and Jenna were really showing out. And, from looking at Brent and Hudson, you can tell that they didn't just sit and ride - the sampled a few different locations on the carousel!

No camping pictures. I just didn't want to keep up with the camera. It was fun. For the first time in 3 camp outs, Hudson did not make me wet in the middle of the night! We DID get cold - very cold. It was the most fun we've had camping with the kids, so I think we might do it again this spring.

Can we have a re-do on spring break? I'd like another week, please!

Excuses, Excuses

I promise I'm going to get some information here soon...so far for spring break we've gone ice skating and camping. I've shot 2 maternity, 1 newborn, and 1 engagement. I have 1 bridal tomorrow. We had our hot water heater fritz on us...when we needed showers from camping. I've done lots of laundry, and we've had MORE FUN being together than I can tell you!

Stay tuned for pictures of our adventures.

Hudson - soccer man update

Although Jeremy and I missed it, Hudson's first soccer game was a success. He scored 13 of the 16 goals for his team to the 5 of the other team. Remember, we don't keep score in U6. While Melba was giving us the update on 3 she said, "Oh, wait, make it 4." Then just minutes later, "Okay, now it's 5." We're going to work on assists.

Hudson - Soccer Man

Hudson has been ready to play soccer since Jenna did, and that was 2 years ago. This year is finally THE YEAR. So, we got him signed up, and in the process we signed up Dad to coach. Our team is the Sharp Shooters, and we have 3 boys and 3 girls. The first practice was one week ago, and we had two players show up to practice!

Like any good coach, Coach Dad started with stretching...





And, just as stretching was finished, Hudson said, "I need to go and potty." Jeffrey agreed, "Me too!" And, they were off...

Here's the little soccer star in action:

And, today, if I hear, "Is it time to go, yet?" one more time...well, I'll smile and be happy that's he's so excited.

Clarification

On the CD player - in the Protege and truck, you just put the CD in. I tried that in this car, and it wouldn't go in. I'm into manuals, so I took to reading. You have to push the DISC button, then it will open its mouth wide!

Just couldn't have you thinking I was that confused.

Ava

I've named the car Ava.

Let me give you some background of cats I've named. In my life have been Tom, Christy, Dinky, Grey, Kali, Tahoe, and Maggie. Tom was a tom cat. Christy was originally snowball (she was white). Dinky was a runt of a kitten whom we found before she was weened. Grey was, well, grey. Kali is a calico. I met and married Jeremy. He looked at my track record and ended my naming of animals. Tahoe and Maggie were named by Jeremy. I haven't told him I named the Avalon "Ava." I can imagine the smirk I'm going to get, but he'll be supportive! Ha!

As Ava and I have gotten to know each other, these are the number of times each incident has happened:

• I tried to open the door to the wrong car: 3 (luckily they've all been locked and no alarms have gone off)
• I have almost backed into someone because I get reverse and drive confused: too many to count, but today was the closest I've come (remember, I drove a standard for years and now on the console gear shift R is where 1st gear used to be and D is where reverse used to be)
• I have almost driven through the garage and into my closet: 5 (see above)
• I looked like a dufus trying to figure out where to put the key to open the trunk: 1 (there is not a keyhole, by the way, but I looked for several minutes, trying to move the license plate, tail light, etc.)
• I have forgotten that I started the car & "started" a running car: 2 (I wonder if the Protege still screeches? A student in my class that lives across the street asked me if I like my new car that was actually quiet. He then proceeded to explain to the rest of the class how my car would "scream" until you couldn't see it anymore. I love humility.)
• I have sat in glorious wonder that when you get in the car after dark and close the door, the interior light stays on and there is even a little glow around the ignition so you can put the key in: 2
• I have had to see how loud I could turn up the stereo and hear all the speakers work: 1 (it hurt my ears, but I got it to 45, and it could have gone louder)
• I've thanked God for the ability for the kids to watch a DVD with earphones on: 4 (every time they've used it)
• I had to get the manual out to get the CD in the stereo: 1

Today was my favorite "first." I have a moonroof. I try to use it whenever possible. Today is gorgeous, so I opened it up. After a quick trip into the post office, I hopped in the car. As I started the car, one of my favorite songs was on the radio. (some of you see where this is going - just laugh) I started belting out a new favorite tune ("You're hot then you're cold...") and when I looked up from carefully putting the car in gear (see above) while ROCKIN' out, I saw a woman smiling at me, laughing. I thought to myself, "I think she's laughing at me." I try to stop those types of egocentric thoughts when it hit me, "She IS! Your roof is open and you're singing W-A-Y louder than the music because you thought you were in the privacy of your own car." I gave a sheepish wave & she waved back and yelled, "I like that song, too!" Lesson - keep the radio turned up really loud to avoid awkward moments like that :)

Hmpf...

Let me set the stage:
Monday night both kids were running fever. Literally, every hour and a half to two hours one of them was in our room to tell us "I don't feel good." Each time, we escorted them to bed, got water, sometimes meds, and patted & loved back to sleep. That started at 10:00pm and lasted until 4:30 am (I get up at 5:00 am). When my alarm went off, Jer said, "That was the WORST night EVER." (Clearly, it has been many years since we've had newborns or kids who don't sleep. We're blessed with good sleepers.)

Last night (Tuesday):
I went to bed at 9:15. I like sleep. I need sleep. LOTS of sleep. Really, we've established I'm just a 8-9 hours per night type of girl. I heard Howdy start barking his "I really mean it" bark. As I was getting out of bed, Jeremy did. "Good, he's got it under control." I was about to drift off when Howdy started another spasm of barking. When Jer didn't stop it, I got out of bed. "Are you going to do something about that?" I said in not-my-nicest voice. "Shhh. There's something out there," says my husband, peeking through the back blinds, blind as a bat. He gets my glasses (long story, but he doesn't have any right now). We have solar screens, so you still can't see out of them at night. Howdy spasms his barks again. I had it - I was going out, "It is 11:45. I just want to sleep the whole night." He stopped and lead the way. We followed Howdy's determined gaze...and there was a opossum on our shed.

It was "playing opossum," standing up. Jeremy went to get the BB gun while I kept the flashlight on it (I'm currently blind because Jeremy has my glasses, remember). Every now and then I can make out that it's looking at me from the reflection of what I assume are eyes. Jeremy comes back, aims, fires. You can hear the BB hit something in the yard next door (reminding me, I need to ask Teresa if her windows are okay). Fire again; (me) "did you get it?" (Jer)"I don't know, it didn't move." Fire again, (me)"That definitely hit it" (Jer)"How do you know, you can't see?" (me) "It just sounded like it." (Jer)"It's not moving." (me)"It is a opossum." I think I got one of those, "you did not just make a dumb joke" looks, but I couldn't see :) He hit it at least three times.

(me) "Go knock it off." (Jer) "With what? I need a shovel." (me)"Don't we have one in the shed." (Jer)"Rats in the shed." (me)"Oh, yeah. Use the gun." Jer walks over, hits it with the gun, I hear scraping, see a fuzzy white thing again. (Jer) "Huh." (me)"Hit it again." After three or four whacks with the gun (PETA is going to have a field day with this, but it wasn't hard enough to hurt it, just trying to get it to move along off our shed so our dog would stop barking so I could SLEEP!), it starts walking across the top of the fence line. Howdy is jumping, trying to get it. Maggie, who is in my arms, has seen it and now decides she's going after it. Since it's larger than she it (I think, at least the blob seemed to be, my glasses were on Jeremy, remember), I hold Maggie. It totters on, in the flashlight beam, to the neighbors fence. Now their dogs start barking.

We turn to go into the house. Turn knob, it's locked. (Jer)"Hmpf." (me)"It's not locked, is it?" (Jer)"Appears so." (me)"How did that happen?" (Jer)"I locked the knob before I knew what was out there." (me)"Isn't that what the top bolt is for?" (Jer)giving me a "not now" look - I think. (me)"You know you're my hero, right? You saved me from the barking dog. I can sleep on the trampoline." [The kids are inside, sick, asleep, and would FREAK out if we banged on the door for them to let us in. Nighmares for YEARS, so that's not an option.] (Jer)"Do we have a key hidden anywhere?" (me)"Do we have a key to the back door?" (Jer)"To the front door?" (me)"No, I put it on my key ring this morning." (Jer)"And I locked my truck or we could get the garage door opener." (whirring brains of Jeremy and Misti. Both in our night clothes, standing under our porch light with a BB gun and a flashlightat midnight - classic. Neighbor's porch light comes on.) (me)"Is the bathroom window unlocked?" Jeremy disappears around the side of the house. After I stand there trying to force open the back door (like, maybe this, time it will magically open), picturing myself kicking it in (like I could even do that), and trying to figure out how to pick the lock with a tree branch (too many movies), I think that he might appreciate a flashlight and walk around the side of the house. No Jeremy. So, I proceed to go back to the back door, which he has opened for meand is waiting to escort me in.

We laughed, and then we went to sleep.

The End.

New & Old

Oh, and I took this last weekend. We walked out of the hotel the next morning to see the Avalon and Protege parked side by side. I HAD to take a picture, and laughed about what conversation the two had during the night...Do you notice they were quick to take off the A&M sticker from the Protege?

Horseshoe Bay

I've been trying to figure out how to blog this since Thursday night. You see, I do not want this to sound arrogant, I don't want to get in to name-dropping, and I don't want to misrepresent something.

Basically, Jeremy was asked to come and share about StoneWater and what God has done. So, we were treated to a night at Horseshoe Bay Resort where Jer spoke at a banquet Thursday night. We arrived at the resort, and already we felt like little kids. We reported to the banquet, and the man in charge welcomed Jeremy by name, before Jeremy had his name tag on! We were seated, which ended up being at the head table. The man in charge and his wife sat beside us, I sat beside her, and she was very gracious and endearing. She kept calling me "sweetie" and even commented, "I know you're young, but do you have children, yet?" I LOVE when people think I'm that young. Jeremy got to meet Ed Stetzer (a church planting guru that he's got man love for). After the banquet, many people came to encourage and inquire.

For me, it was also one of those times to reflect. You know, I've always heard that God uses every experience you have to prepare you for the life plans He has for you. Can I admit that there are some life experiences that I've been trying to place for a while? Namely, the twirling and pageant training. Well, Thursday night it all came into focus. See, I had enough formal training in proper etiquette to use all the proper utensils for the proper course, to formally indicate I was finished, and to maintain conversation in what was for me, the most stressful of situations. HA! Really, on the inside I was still thinking, "oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh." "It's outside in...right?" "Ooo, the fork at the top...hmmm...I think..." We left and as soon as we were inside the car, out of ear shot, we both started giggling like little kids. Then, we shunned our "elegance" of the evening and went to see a movie! But, God really does use everything to prepare...and I'll be more careful what I try to figure out next, not all of my lessons may be that fun!

And, when we returned from our movie, this gift basket was in the room...

Loose Tooth!

Jenna has another loose tooth. I guess she was feeling adventurous because I've tried to get her to tie her tooth to a string and slam the door before (when a tooth was f a r more loose), but this time she took me up on it. She left after I mentioned it, and when I next stopped to observe her, this is what I saw:

No, we did not actually pull the tooth this way. It's still in her mouth because, like me, it has to pretty much fall out on it's own. We did, however, get the string stuck on the tooth and almost pulled the tooth trying to get it off.

Rodeo!

We had amazing seats to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Really - we parked about 20 feet from the entry, and about 20 feet from that were our seats. We could have pet the animal in the ring (if we wanted to lose an arm!). AMAZINGly generous gift from the Simmons' - thank you!

Hudson's checking out the situation. Yeah, he's a little blurry, but it was too cute

Miss Jenna needed her jacket, so she's not happy, yet. Daddy went to get her jacket, though, and it was all better! Then, Daddy took her on a trip to the concessions...and, you can tell it's ALL wonderful! And, she ate the WHOLE cotton candy alone (Miles & I had a little, but not enough to count)!

In awe of it all...



And this, this is after we left. As you can see, nothing earth shattering or life threatening - just a little uncomfortable. And, Jenna's not crying, just allergies. They each had a dose of Benedryl, and all was well in the world (they fell asleep on the way home).

The moral of the story: next time we go to the rodeo - ask the doctor for a couple of days of steroids so we all live it up! We still had a good time despite the poor parental planning, and Hudson wants to know when we're going back!

Ice Day

I can't tell you how excited I was last night at 8:00pm when the ice started falling so heavily. Jeremy and I were watching a movie in the living room with the space heaters blasting; the kids were in their rooms watching movies. I believe I jumped up and down with excitement, really. I was so desperately hoping for a delayed start to today. My last check of the GISD website indicated no delay, so I carefully put my cell phone by my bed for "the call." Sure enough, in the 5:00am hour, I got the text that school was delayed. Then, a little later the home phone rang with the automated call of delay. It was sooooo nice to snuggle down under the covers and go back to sleep! Then, sometime later, the home phone rang with the second automated call of cancellation. I have to admit I'm a little bummed about an all day cancellation because now we have to make it up, but I was excited to have a WHOLE day with no commitments!

So, what did the White family do?

Well, first H came and got in bed with us around 7:15. He had a coughing fit, and then settled in. Next thing I remember is he was tapping me. I was very annoyed as I was in that state where you're just about to drift off to sleep, so I said, "Will you please stop?" He said, "I'm gonna throw up." I sprinted to the kitchen to get a bowl. Sure enough, just as I returned with the bowl, he did. He's accurate in that way. If he says he's gonna, he IS gonna. Then Jenna came to bed. Jer got up with them, and I stayed. At 8:45 I woke to the smell of breakfast cooking. My man made me an egg and diced potatoes. Mmmm.

So, we had some family fun - the kids ran around outside a little, Jer and I did our quiet times and read, the kids watched cartoons, built houses on the couch with cushions, played Webkinz, and typed. Then, we reached that moment. You know the one - "Mom, how do you spell 'mommy." So you tell them, and then a second later, "Is this it?" "Yes." This is repeated for many other words. You watch your daughter come through in roller skates, go backward and fall, and then she wants to give you the verbal play by play of what happened, complete with what she was thinking at each moment and it has a lot of filler words such as "like," "and then," and "isn't that funny?" but you just witnessed the whole thing, so it's painful. I guess you say we began to get on one another's nerves. The funniest moment was when H poked Jenna, just a little poke, and she started chasing him. In our house there is a circle, and it was so comical to see Jenna chase Hudson in two perfect circles. It caught Jer and I so off guard we stood with our mouths open, not really knowing what to do or say. Then, we laughed.

Next, Mom and Dad reached the end of their wits, and this is what you saw:

Both kids were sent to their rooms for some time to play in their rooms.

Even Howdy & Maggie got a break: this is in the garage (yes, there is a book shelf in the garage). They had the hook up with a heat lamp & blankets.

We had a great soup lunch, nap, and then the child I can't convince to go play outside when it's gorgeous because she wants to watch TV, gets bundled up and heads outside. She's her father's child - loves the ice/snow. I wanted to take some pictures, but this wasn't even a pretty ice...and it was SO cold!

Overall, we had a terrific day! I think God knew how badly we all needed the time off and time to rest.

The Joy of Surrender

Step of faith:

http://thejoyofsurrender.blogspot.com/

Thank & Changes Ahead

Thank you for your encouraging comments and emails that have let me know that God has used me to touch your heart, challenge, and/or encourage you. Jeremy and I have talked, and we think God might be using my blogging for more than my "therapy." So, in the coming weeks I'll be starting a separate blog for my "deep" thoughts, keep this for a family blog with fun family stories & kid pictures, and one for photography stuff.

Photography Blog: http://mistiwhitephotography.blogspot.com/ (but nothing is there, yet)

I need some good name ideas for the other one. I've tried to be alliterative (it's the English teacher in me). Misti's Meanderings (sounds like I'm lost); Misti's Musings (sounds too lighthearted and not serious) - ideas?

Humility Brings You Closer to God

Jeremy and I have decided to purchase the car. I find it no coincidence that what was asked for the car was almost exactly what what we had in savings and excess checking. Of course, our savings is a money market, so the funds aren't readily available. It will take probably until the end of the month for the funds to be available, and I figure this is another one of God's plans to teach me something, like, maybe, patience? He knows I need a good dose of that!

I do have to rejoice and share a moment of what I feel is successful parenting in the middle of this story. On our way to look at the car last week, we were talking to the kids about what we were doing. "We're going to go and look at a car to buy." Hudson's immediate response was, "Dad, we don't need a new car. This one is perfectly fine, and, besides, cars cost a lot of money. We should save our money." At this point I felt my heart swell, and I thought to myself, 'We've taught him so well.' Jenna quickly responded, "Wait a minute, Hudson. This new car might have an air conditioner that works!" HA! If you're not familiar, the Protege's air conditioner is somewhat unstable - okay, it hasn't really worked the last two summers. There is a freon leak, so it doesn't cool well unless we've just had a charge of freon, and that weekend it had been in the 80s with no recent freon charge.

Can I tell you that cars really don't matter to me? Really. Lexus - don't care. BMW - whatever. I want safe, economic, and durable. I didn't even know what a Toyota Avalon was when Jeremy asked me if I would drive one (I'm pretty adamant about something small and highly maneuverable - I can parallel park the Protege ANYwhere). I know the Corolla and Camry. Well, when I saw the car with its leather seats, DVD players in back for the kids, and sunroof, I got uncomfortable. I shouldn't be driving a car like this. Too nice. I guess as a "pastor's wife," I feel like people are watching to see how I spend my money. Too nice a car might make us start looking like some of those TV evangelists that live too large. You're right; I'll never please everyone, but those are the thoughts I have.

I did love the way it drove - smooth, quiet, turns quite sharply. Though I don't think I'll be parallel parking for a while! We took the car on Sunday, and I think by Wednesday I let myself get excited about it. I spent the first two days worried - what will others think? should we really spend the money, I mean, my car is still running? too nice? On Thursday I even took the liberty of driving with the sunroof open and started using the radio and AC controls on the steering wheel. I LOVE it. We returned the car Thursday night. Once we have the check in hand, we'll go and make the exchange. They offered to let us go ahead and take it, but that didn't feel right.

So, in the last week, God's messed with me a little. The car is such a gift from Him. He watches out for us all the time (not just material things - though He's blessed us with an amazing grill, an amazing camera - friendships - my job share - my children - their health - on and on). Gifts from Him are all around me, everywhere I look. This most recent blessing has really done a number on me. I've been very open that I've been searching for what God wants me to do. I've been open that I haven't really surrendered it ALL. God has put me in such a place of humility and praise, that, can I tell you, I will do w-h-a-t-e-v-e-r He calls me to do. Full, total surrender.

I think the change has made my husband more attracted to me. We've talked more about giving to the church building, and I'm not even flinching at anything. We've talked more about what God might be calling me to do in a ministry sense, and I'm not flinching at anything. It's also VERY weird because I'm not even flinching on the inside. I just want to give back to God. I want to show Him how very, very grateful I am. How very much I see Him as the Lord of my life. It feels really good.

I challenge you - look to see where God is blessing you in your life. How can you show God that you are grateful? What can you do for Him?

Humility & Greed

God really knows how to do a number on me. I don't like to think of myself as greedy; let me explain & justify myself at the outset. I don't have to have designer handbags (or anything designer, actually). I don't have to drive a fancy car. I don't have to have a lot of things that I think of greedy people having (housekeepers, lawn boys, pools, the biggest or nicest house, so forth - and if you have these, don't think that I think you're greedy; unless you have ALL of those things, then you might be on my list - HA). I do, however, enjoy having money to spend at my leisure. For instance, Sonic if I want it (and I'm trying to quit for both health and finance), a new camera/photography gadget that's not in the budget (and they never are, and they're never cheap, either), a random shirt, some new Bath & Body, you get the idea. I know that greed is really deeper than how much an item costs, though.

For instance, as a child I remember a rough time for my parents and seeing dad put $50 in the offering plate. I remember asking him why he did that when we needed that money. He taught me an important lesson that day, you always give to God first because it's the right thing to do. I remember our first few months of marriage when Jeremy and I began to tithe. We made $1250 a month. I remember thinking, are you kidding me? But we did. It's been a discipline we've followed our whole marriage. Last month Jeremy asked me to start thinking about how much to contribute to the building campaign that's coming up at StoneWater. I named a figure (a very conservative figure) and he named a figure (a very liberal figure). I remember being ticked off that he would even think of that per month for 3 years. It simply was not possible. I mean, we know some great givers, amazing givers, and I am always in awe that God has blessed them to give the way they do; I can't conceive of it. But, I guess I've never thought of the sacrifice they are giving, and how my sacrifice can and should correlate to theirs.

Okay, so one of the things on our list for the last two years has been to purchase a newer car. I LOVE my car - a 1997 Mazda Protege that has 153, 279 miles on it as we speak. Dad & Mom bought it for me as a graduation/wedding present, and I know it was a sacrifice/huge gift on their part. I love that car. Yes, it has it's quirks/loud noises/issues, but it runs well, and I'm emotionally attached. But, this year is the year we've said we will buy a car. We'll pay cash. We've been saving. We have no idea what we want. I've had a feeling for a month that it will be soon despite our real plans for mid to late in the year. I've listened to the ads on the radio for that "great deal," but I haven't felt the need to test drive and really don't know what I want. Okay - here's what I want - good gas mileage, safe, affordable, last a long time (like another 10 years, 150,000 miles). Otherwise, I'm good - standard or automatic, power all or power nothing, some neutral color, but, whatever.

Here's where I start crying, again. Jeremy shared our car plan with a friend of ours. Friend of ours today says they have an extra car they need to sale - at a good price. So, tonight we went to check it out. First, I'm always blown away at the way people take care of us. I don't know why I ever ask questions of God, but sometimes I do, then something like this comes along, and He sets me back in my place. This is a terrific car at a terrific price. As a matter of fact, this car will allow us to give closer to or at Jeremy's figure for the building campaign. I couldn't help but almost weep when I drove it tonight - a gift from my Father, yet again. When I get wrapped up in what I am able do and what I will have to give up for His kingdom, God steps in, slaps my hand a little, and blesses me in the process. Talk about humility.

We're still praying about it, but good grief is He giving me a lesson right in the middle of it all!

Welcome, 2009!

Jeremy and I had a great date on New Year's Eve, and on our date, we talked about how God blessed us in 2008, people He used, and our goals for 2009. Since I just mailed out our Happy New Year's cards today, with a slip inside about our blog, I thought it would be fitting to share those things for anyone who cares to do a "quick" catch up on our year.

StoneWater:
Jeremy can't give me a good count of baptisms, but seems to think the number is in the 30s or 40s. The rise of leaders and those whole lives have changed because they've allowed God to take control has been amazing. Plus, God blessed the church with an amazing piece of property for a church building. It was a great experience that was also quick. Compared to some of the other places we had been watching, it was so clearly God's will that we all just had to smile. In addition, we were blessed enough that SW was able to pay cash for the property. The existing house has been converted into permanent offices that will be ready around the end of the month! This continues to be an exciting step. I, of course, am overwhelmed and worried, but I know that God will do amazing things. My faith has greatly increased as a result of StoneWater and what I've seen God do in 3 1/2 short years.

Jeremy: (this will be brief)
His mostly focused on the church - the blessings of new staff, new land, new believers. Luckily, he included the family, too (ha)! He turned 35 this year, and I crack up about it. He's wanted to be 35 for as long as I can remember. Really. It's something about "35" that sounds, to him, more distinguished. I've seen him grow in wisdom and maturity in the last few years, so I guess it's fitting for him. I haven't asked him permission to share the people or his goals for the blog world, so I'll wait on that for now.

Misti:
My biggest praise is my job share! God amazed me with that one, especially since everyone around me kept trying to carefully caution me that it wasn't going to work out. It was a long, drawn out wait (I submitted the proposal in October 07, and we didn't hear anything until May 08). I just had such a peace about waiting (that's NOT the norm, waiting is not my specialty) and such a confidence. I love the time it gives me for my family. I am also realizing I don't want to be nor do I have to be Superwoman. I think realizing I don't WANT to be has been the biggest release I've had in a long, long time.

My love for running has returned after a little bout with tendinitis in my knee. I think not being able to run made me realize how much I really loved it and needed it just as much mentally as I did physically. Also, I have learned so much with my camera and about photography as a whole. It's so much more than having a good camera and snapping away! I had no idea a year ago, but I love it all the more. And, I've really come a long way considering a year ago I was still taking pictures that were completely black! Ha! Amy Coffey - thank you for all you've shared with me i the photography realm and in friendship.

God gave me some great influences this year (and I know I'll forget someone, so I hesitate to name any names) - my accountability partners through 2008, thanks for listening, encouraging, and holding me accountable. If you don't have an accountability partner - you should get one! Not only do they listen, but I know that what I share will come back, so I better take action. Thank you, ladies. My co-workers: thanks for holding me to what I need to do, encouraging, and pushing me to become better. Beth Moore, Andy Stanley, and Perry Noble - you don't know I exist, but thank you for listening to and following God because you've shaped me this year. Amy McKay - in fitness, life balance, and encouragement. Amy finds and shares the positive side in everything.

On that note, this year my biggest goal is to be still and surrender to God. It hit me when Jeremy was speaking Sunday that I really haven't surrendered my whole self to Him. Most areas, yes; all, no. I fully believe that's why I'm still in the "in between" land of "what I am supposed to do?" Andy Stanley had a great series "Discovering God's Will for your Life," and he included that most people want God to tell them what He wants so we can say yes, but God wants us to say yes even before we know. We all know that I'm not comfortable without a plan. I know where I am (outside of full surrender) and I'm still dragging my feet, but I have the knowledge, so this year I'll take the plunge. I don't even know what that means, so we'll find out!

Other goals:

1. Run a marathon. It probably won't be San Diego, but I will run one. Either April or May.
2. Learn more about lighting in photography & work on my composition.
3. I will be a more positive person and focus on other people more.
4. I will spend more time with my family, specifically my children and show them gentleness, love, and fun.

Jenna: (I'll speak for her)
My baby girl started school. She lost her two front teeth. She's a delightful little girl, and I love watching her grow. God has blessed her with health and lots of love. Her favorite things at this point are snuggles with any of us, Maggie the cat, school, and cartoons. She is kind and compassionate, and I just can't get enough of her.

Hudson:
Hudson eagerly learns from his sister, and has sided with Dad this year. Until now, he's been Momma's boy, but I lost him in 2008. I know it's a part of growing up, so it's neat to watch him walk in Jeremy's footsteps. His favorite things are wrestling, football, and hunting. He is a smart little boy, and he's all boy. I love the little moments I do get for snuggling, and, too, can't get enough.

Other family:
Dad & Mom Fulton finished building & moved to the country. I said goodbye to my childhood home.
Michael (my brother) finished his second tour in Iraq and came home safely! He is now "stationed" at A&M, married to sweet Ashley. It feels so good to have him home!
Dad & Mom White: Melba continued to work on her crafts and Bob continues to doctor the animals.
Joey & Lisa moved to California. They have planted one church and just started the second. Caden is 9, Carson in 6 and is in full remission from his leukemia, and Corban is 3.
Jacki is engaged to be married to Miles in June. She's teaching 1st grade.

If you're new to the blog - glance around & you'll find plenty of pictures. If you come back periodically, you'll see plenty of pictures and know lots (possibly more than you want) about what's up with the White family.

Cynthia's Maternity

One of the things I've always thought I would love to shoot is maternity. I LOVE newborns, and, as I suspected, I LOVE maternity. I only have 150 pictures to get through, but here are a few to start with. (Sorry, Cynthia, nothing new yet - sitting at the computer is a nemesis for my back.)

I downloaded the sample Totally Rad Actions for processing, and I LOVE them. I love them so much I've been debating since yesterday, do I just go ahead and buy one of the packs? I used to think that was cheating, but it saves SO much time. And, really I love the photography side so much more than the processing side...so...well, maybe later today.

I have some great shots...later today, more, I PROMISE, Cynthia!

Hunting Trip - caution, dead animals appearing

First of all, Jeremy loves to hunt. He's not a sport hunter; we eat what he hunts. I always feel I need to say that because I am an animal lover. I can't tell you how many mornings I've spent praying for the animals - don't come out, keep them safe. For YEARS Jeremy would either not see a deer or would miss when he went hunting. However, since the meat is good and good for us, I've changed my ways a little. This week, after church, Jeremy & Hudson, Joey, Caden & Carson, and Bob all went on a White boy hunting trip. They loaded up and drove to Old Glory to hunt, spend the night, and hunt the next morning.

Joel had a new stand from last time we were out (Thanksgiving). Jeremy said this one was amazing. It had a bed in it. And, notice the window to the left of the bed so you can "sleep" and watch for deer at the same time. Ha! I think that's where I'll "hunt" with book and camera! So, Jer took the point & shoot camera (that is 6 years old, and upon inspection of the pictures that came home and lens, was seriously smeared with some gooey fingerprints). He brought these pictures home for me to "fix." Sometimes you can't fix much, but, believe it or not, these are much improved over what came out of the camera!

Hudson relaxing with his orange:

As you can see below, Jeremy got a buck. He feels bad about this because he wasn't aware they had a 1 buck limit, and he could/should have allowed his brother to get a buck. (Especially since Joey had to pay for an out of state hunting license. Yep, he's an official, card carrying Californian now - his driver's license proves it.) However, casting aside guilt as men are able to do, he is quite of proud of his deer. Evidently this is a big one.

So, here is Hudson posing with the deer (remember, this is the old camera with a really dirty lens).

So, Jeremy brings the head from the last deer and this deer home. He & Bob have decided to do a European mount (don't ask, I don't really know or want to know), so we have the WHOLE head. I find this delightful (that is FULL of sarcasm - it's disgusting). Jeremy decided to place them in the back flowerbed for nature to take it's course. He's hoping that some of the vermin from this summer will come out of the shed and do their job. Of course, we radically poisoned them, so I think they're all gone. Nevertheless, when you look out my back window, this is what you see. Delightful (I don't open the back blinds any more).

I do find it funny that Howdy the Terrible is HORRIFIED of deer. We noticed this a few years ago when Jer got a deer and then Howdy would not load into the back of the truck. Terror and fear overtook him. Then, a couple of weeks ago after Jer had been hunting and we had taken the deer to be processed. When Howdy & left to run the next morning he FREAKED out. I did too, at first because I thought doom was imminent; then I remembered the deer had been in the truck. I mean, Howdy's hair stands on end, he tries to run, and you can tell he is SCARED. The picture below is the closest he's come. He barked and carried on, but I think it was all for show because you could tell he was really scared the whole time! And this is the dog I run with each morning to keep me safe. HA!