It's a Golden Life

I have had the indescribable opportunity to see unbelievable destruction. I have had the incredible pleasure of serving people who have lost everything. I could not even begin to realize what devastation took place until I had the chance to serve the people of Joplin. There are those whose homes were left unscathed by the F5 tornado that touched down in Joplin almost a week ago. The reported 200 mph winds ripped bark off of trees, moved entire homes off of their foundations into the front yard, crumpled whole cars and trucks into unrecognizable balls of metal and completely demolished over 2,000 homes, schools and businesses. It is unfathomable that only 156(ish) people died. Although, there are still over 105 people missing and unaccounted for, it's hard to even imagine how anyone survived this. The news does this disaster NO justice. I watched the news reporting early Monday morning, first thing, on the local 4029. As well, the Today show had a 15 minute special to start off thei...

I was always the kid who loved some warm spring rain. I couldn't wait to go outside barefoot and run through the puddles. There's something about running crazily through muddy, dirty water while rain is pouring over you that gives a child [and sometimes adult] a sense of joy. Malachi usually flips out when he is wet-from drool, food, drink, accident...He does NOT like being wet. It was strange on this day. He was already hyped up about watching daddy play softball, so I think carefree attitude stemmed from that. He was soaked from shoulder to toe by the time we left the ball field. Caked in mud. Covered in sand. Drenched in water. And he loved it.

A title I thought would never happen. Well, I have officially been involved with daycare since Malachi was 18 months old. He's now 3 1/2. In that time, I have had another little one and have another one on the way. It was a long process, but I have been doing daycare at my own home for a year and a half. I honestly never thought we would ever be in the position for me to be able to stay at home. With doing daycare, it works out great financially. The greatest benefit is getting to spend the entire day with my kids. The days are long right now, but they won't always be. This is a chance of a lifetime that I need not take for granted. Eventually, *sniff sniff* Malachi will go to Kindergarten and just 2 short years later, Halynd will go to Kindergarten. They will no longer be spending the entire day with me! There are many benefits of doing daycare at my home. I am able to see my children all day and care for them. I am able to teach them new things. I am able to love...

So, this week for Kelly's Korner SUYL Friday-it's all about churches! I just want to take this opportunity to share about our amazing church community. Metro Church has a great pastor, Andy Swart. He preaches a majority of the time. My husband, Donovan, preaches for Andy in his absence. I love the style of preaching. Straight from the Bible. There are no verses skipped over because they may be controversial or seem rash. I have learned SO much about God's word just by learning to read the Bible verse by verse. God's word is alive and reveals so many great aspects of Christ. Another aspect of the Metro that I enjoy is the outreach to the community. There are strong members of leadership that are constantly and consistently searching for areas in the community that we can come together as a church and help. We have been taught to be humble servants to the community. Having two children myself, I am very interested in the children's ministry. I love the lessons that ar...

I am barely pregnant, 5 weeks 2 days to be exact, and the excitement has not worn off. This has made me realize that there is another being coming into this home in 8 months. Although it seems like November is very far away, I'm sure the time will pass quickly and I'll wonder where to time went...and what I did with it. Being a rainy day outside, this gave me time while the kids were playing in Malachi's room to make a list of "Spring Cleaning". We have so many things that we don't even use! I am planning on gutting out this house and leaving only the things that we use or need! My list so far: Kitchen Reorganize pantry Reorganize cabinets (Get together a goodwill pile of dishes, cups & bakeware I don't use) Put away and sterilize bottles (planning on nursing as long as possible!) Clean off refrigerator Polish all stainless steel (Yuck!) Living room Organize desk to stay clean! Dust and Pledge all shelves, tables, Mantel. Clean windows inside and out. ...

Well, we're settling back into our routine back at home. We got some exciting news yesterday and I wanted to share. Come December, we will have three little Golden babies 4 and under in this house! God, help us! We are very excited and feel very blessed. My first Dr. appointment is in the morning bright and early, so we'll know more after that! We feel like this is our first baby again. So, the only question is...Will we have another one of these.... Or another one of these.... ? We're waiting until December to find out! There are few surprises in life, why not enjoy this one...one last time?

I have seen quite a few bloggers posting a random a-z list. This seems like a fun idea to me! So, here it is: A. Age: 24 B. Bed size: queen. C. Chore you dislike: I LOATHE putting away laundry. Separating=no prob. Washing=no prob. Folding=no prob. D. Dogs: Bug (Boston Terrier/Pug mix-3 years old), Romo (Boxer/Beagle mix-1 year) E. Essential start to your day: There's just something about the Today show that I love! F. Favorite color: green G. Gold or silver: silver. H. Height: 5'3" I. Instruments you play(ed): Does the recorder in the 3rd grade count? J. Job title: full-time daycare owner at home and momma. (Bill organizer, chef, maid, yah know..) K. Kids: two little stinkers, Malachi-3, Halynd-20 months. L. Live: northwest arkansas M. Mom’s name: Sue N. Nicknames: Meg, Moo, (some even get so creative to call me- "Megamoo". O. Overnight hospital stays: Tonsils and adenoids out when I was 9, Two births. P. Pet peeves: Smacking gum! Using the corre...