Highway Angels

Constant Flux

2010-11-04T14:13:00.000-07:00

We have been working very hard to get our home listed so that we can sell it and move home!

God is always blessing us but in the last two weeks he had gone above and beyond just as his word says. Eph 3:20-21 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen."

Our deck down to the support beams. The guys turned all of the supports over and made them more level.

It is almost done!

It is so beautiful and "soft" after years of being bandaged with press board!

The old nasty, bleach stained carpet- served its purpose.

The kids!

The new beautiful, soft carpet with real padding!

Thank you Lord for all your many blessings!

Our life seems to always be in constant flux. Just the way God designed it to be.

Can it be...

2010-06-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

Wasn't this just yesterday?

We had waited so LONG for this beautiful "Angel Baby"!

She arrived on June 13, 2003

8 lbs 2 oz

21.5 in

She is such a joy!

We are so proud of our amazing big girl!

With one of her homeschool projects!

I can't believe how fast she has grown.

Mia, you are an amazing daughter to dad and I, awesome sister! We love you and are so very proud of you!

Love, Mom and Dad

Josiah turned 4 ... at the Zoo!

2010-06-08T05:44:00.000-07:00

The most adorable animal in the entire zoo!

The prettiest animal in the zoo!

This was the best habitat.

The gator was sharing his space with at least 2 snakes and a BUNCH of turtles!

We had a great day! We walked around the zoo and then had a picnic at the park just outside of the zoo. The park is at least as much fun as the zoo! It was in the 90's so we kept cooling everybody off. McKenna loved sitting on the table helping us eat our sandwiches and chips!

What a great day!

I love it when we make memories together!

McKenna, where are you?

2010-06-08T05:40:00.000-07:00

She had somehow closed the door!

Mia was slightly concerned for a moment!

What a blessing motherhood is!

Happy Mother's Day...

2010-05-08T19:34:00.000-07:00

McKenna loves playing with Daddy and posing for the camara!

I can't believe that next weekend she will be 8 months old already!
She loves playing with her "big girl toys!"

Relaxing in her first hotel room with her favorite big brother!

Playing with her best bud!

Some of our amazing hosts in Pensacola!

Our new friend Ms. Dorothy and David Eells!

Chris and I are very blessed to have our Mom's! We love you guys very much! We can't wait to be closer to you both. We thought you might like a little photographic update.

Happy Birthday to Chris' Dad!

Wish we had pictures of all of you with the kids!

Four Months Old Already...

2010-01-17T08:24:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how she grows and changes daily!

She loves to play on her floor mats.

She is beginning to enjoy tummy time!

One day she rolled about three feet to get to Momma!

She loves to sit up and stand!

She is already beginning to reach for the toys after only having been

in the activity center a handful of times.

Mia loves to see what new tricks McKenna can do that day!

Josiah loves to "look at her." Although, "looking" seems to always involve touching!!

How time flies!

Why didn't I think of that...

2010-01-08T09:43:00.000-08:00

sooner?????

Last night as I came out of the bedroom with McKenna so that Daddy could sleep. I got situated in the recliner only to have Mia who wasn't feeling well come and join me. After about an hour of all 3 of us asleep in the recliner I had a brilliant idea...

Go get in the guest bed!

Amazing their is sleep even when I can't be in my own bed!

No more back ache from sleeping on the couch. Yay!

Happy Belated Birthday, Mom!

2010-01-05T06:41:00.000-08:00

She has grown so much!

We miss you like crazy!

It seems like just yesterday that you were here...

So how is it possible that it has been 2 months already?

She only sleeps with me, in her carseat or her swing!

Please don't tell me she is going to be like her brother (in this way anyway).

I am trying to teach her things that came naturally to Mia and Josiah.

Josiah is potty trained! during the day.

He is picking up sign language pretty well.

You would be so proud. Mia is observing her own work and making adjustments accordingly. Her handwriting has come leaps and bounds in just a few short weeks.

We are in the horse club again! Can't wait to have her riding weekly again!

She will be doing barrels and poles this year!

McKenna is so fun to play with.

Especially when she doesn't have a belly ache in the middle of the night that lasts all night.

Hope you enjoyed your lunch yesterday!

Did you have giblet gravy and potato rolls for me?

Sorry I didn't think about this yesterday!

Love, your very grateful daughter!

My "Blessing", My "Sonshine", and My "Miracle"

2010-01-02T18:49:00.000-08:00

How much you grow and change each day!

My "Blessing" is holding things, putting them in her mouth, rolling over, and beginning to laugh!

Oh, and working so hard to sit up on her own!

I hear the dryer door shut and I head in to find out what my "Sonshine" has put in it

only to find...

What are we going to do with you, Mr. Sonshine?

Love you, of course!

Such a helpful big sister, my "Miracle". Always asking:

"Can I hold her?"

"Can I change her diaper?"

"Can I feed her?"

"Can I get her dressed?"

What do you know: Mommy and Miracle time!

I'm off to play Candy Land!

What a blessing to nurse each of my little ones! God gives Mommy's such keen ears to hear slight differences in breathing. Such amazing bonds he builds sometimes over time and sometimes instantaneously. How awesome is my God! He has given me the priveledge of being Mommy several times over!

What I love about McKenna ~~~ 5 weeks

2009-10-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

I love how alert you are.

So aware of who and what is around you!

No one can say my girls are tongue tied!

I love all of the new sounds you are making.

Finding your own voice in this family.

Get him!

Go ahead bite big brother's nose!

I love how you are interacting with Mia and Josiah!

And of course I love you LONG hands

and

feet!

So soft and sweet!

My Blessing!!!

McKenna means "able".

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Phil 4:13

Our Miracle has ARRIVED!!!

2009-09-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

McKenna Jubilee

September 15, 2009

3:44p

8 lbs 13 oz

21.25 in

McKenna at 1 week old getting ready for bath time.

She was going to her 1st doctor appt.

McKenna (12 days old) and Mom

Dad and McKenna enjoying there favorite passtime: cuddling!

McKenna enjoying the ducks hanging over her swing.

3 or 4 days old.

Big Brother Josiah holding his brand new bundle of joy!

1 day old!

Big Brother Josiah, Big Sister Mia

and

Baby McKenna

the night she was born or the day after.

McKenna was born at home on Mom and Dad's bed with the help of our wonderful midwife, Colleen. Colleen got to our home at 2:45p.

Checked Mom about 3:10p.

Called Dad at 3:10p to say "Come home, NOW!"

Dad arrived at 3:25p.

McKenna arrived at 3:44p.

Anyone wanting more information on Colleen, midwives in general, homebirth, etc. please feel free to ask.

We don't by any means have all the answers but can share our experience.

Thank you for setting such a Biblical example...

2009-08-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

My morning Bible reading was especially sweet this morning. I was reading I Thessalonians 2 and this jumped out at me:

11For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

God had a 2-fold message for me this morning: 1) thankfulness for all of the people in my life who have done exactly this and 2) reminding me that this is how God wants me to treat other people in my life.

So I would like to thank a few of the people God brought to mind: Uncle Ray and Aunt Ruby, Pastors Mitzi and Lynne, the small group in Michigan, and of course our home fellowship group here in Mississippi.

Lord, please help me to follow your leading today and every day! Thank you for everything - even those things I don't understand. As I teach my children your ways are not ours and your plans are perfect - ours are flawed.

Blessings!!

Tiara...

2009-08-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

As perfect as we thought Tiara was for us... we had to send her back. She attacked Saint. We miss her and our hearts are healing from her loss but we had to protect our family.

Please pray that she finds the perfect home and is healed of her thunderstorm anxiety. As another blog I read today says: Lord: You give and take away

You give and take away

My heart will choose to say Lord,

blessed be Your name

One addition to the family before the much anticipated addition comes in a few weeks!

2009-07-27T07:19:00.000-07:00

Saint, has enjoyed being the only dog but we continued to feel he would be happier with a buddy.

So after many months of waiting for the right timing and the right dog - God put us together.

Last week we found a Great Pyrenees, named Petunia.

We knew after reading her story on petfinder that we were interested in her.

After we talked to the nice folks at Zeus' Place in New Orleans we were 90% convinced she was the right one for us.

We met "Petunia" on Saturday and we were convinced that she was "our girl." She answers to "Tiara" better than she did to Petunia.

She is a year and a half old and so the "hard part" of getting a new dog isn't an issue.

She is potty trained, crate trained, calm, and laid back!

She chews appropriately or drops it when asked to.

Saint who is equally wonderful is used to having been the "puppy" of the bunch in his previous home and the "only" here for over a year. So he doesn't know what to do with the "new puppy" that dwarfs him by 3 times in weight and about 5 times in body size.

We are already working on the finishing touches so to speak with Tiara.
So far she has proved an absolute joy!!!
The biggest challenge: getting her to realize that a thunder storm is no big deal.

Thank you Lord! You have answered another prayer in the Sodini family prayer requests.

Human baby update: 33 weeks and counting. We are waiting to meet you little one!

Baby...

2009-07-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

Can I just say I am ready to have this miracle!

31 weeks and counting! Anyone care to join me in praying that our newest angel will come closer to 37 weeks than 42 weeks? All prayers always welcome!

Oh, by the way, I am finally showing. At least when I wear the right maternity tops. Most of the time I just look big not pregnant.

Chris got to go HOME to Michigan!

2009-07-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

Chris got to spend time with most of his family!!!

His parents, Beth and Fred are both enjoying our niece drawing pictures.

Jen was very happy to see her dad, sister, and grandma and grandpa!

The girls, Bekah and Jen cooking for Chris and his parents the night he arrived!

The whole reason for Chris' trip:

Our oldest graduated from Midland High School :)

We could not be more proud of Rebekah!

She has put in so much hard work and grown up so much!
Rebekah we know that you are going to make an excellent chef!

We love you, Bekah!!

Dad, Mom, Mia, Josiah and Baby

God Always has a Purpose

2009-06-03T12:16:00.000-07:00

We just don't always see it right away. We began our day at 0400 thinking that we were placing Chris on a plane to Michigan. After a curve ball or two and several changes in course we have arrived at a place of peace. I believe we have both grown today. Thank you Lord! You, Lord, have guided us and directed us and kept us on course. You have taught us to go with our gut- not because it knows all but because it heard You and understood your course. Thank you, Lord.

Your son is driving home to Michigan. We both know that this is your plan. We are not second guessing ourselves we are moving forward in faith.

We still don't see your purpose in today's events. But we do see the light for the step we are on. Please bless my sweet husband and our girls and his family this weekend. Have thine own way.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

Everything but the kitchen sink...

2009-05-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

goes into an evening that happens once every year or two. This particular evening came almost exactly 18 months after the last one of this kind. So we did everything from eat dinner together, to celebrating birthdays to swimming.

My Mom and Dad - have been married 37 years!

The original 4!

"Papa" and Josiah

Josiah, "Nana", Mia and Me

Mia and Grandpa

For not intending to get wet-I was soaked~!

We had a blast!

Mia showing off for Grandma.

Both of the kids got comfortable enough to put their faces underwater!

Josiah is our fish but this was huge progress for Mia.

Rob's day was made when he got to play with his nephew.

Josiah is pretty happy about it too.

All in all we had a beautiful evening! Short and sweet!

Have a beautiful rest of your vacation- Mom, Dad and Rob!

We love you!

"Mom, when will you teach me to mow?"

2009-05-19T08:14:00.001-07:00

"When you are dressed appropriately and we are mowing."

So as you can see the very next time Daddy mowed she was dressed appropriately. And so was Daddy~!~! In our house "dressed appropriately" means wearing long pants (preferrably jeans) and tennis shoes and socks or in Daddy's case work boots.

Of course the lesson included the basics: when the mower is running you only touch the handle!!!

She did great!

Tot School

2009-05-06T08:24:00.001-07:00

I think it is safe to say Josiah absolutely loves Tot School! ~not to mention having his picture taken! He wants me to read "cocoon" all the time and he loves to follow along with the book's predicatable pattern, counting what the caterpillar eats and of course the cocoon and butterfly parts! Our friend gave us a life cycle set for the caterpillar and that just makes him love the whole thing even more!

I am sorry I waited so long to start doing things like this with the kids! But you know what ...

that just means that the possibilities with the new baby are absolutely endless~!~~!

God is so good!

I am amazed at how pieces begin to come together when you are not even trying! Once you start doing this kind of thing you find materials all over the house. He loves to have me write "Aubrey" on anything and everything. He loves using magnets on cookie sheets. He wasn't too sure about the spagetti noodles in the parmesan (sp) cheese dispenser (an empty plastic seasoning container of any size with holes 1/8 of an inch wide or bigger may even work better).

The best parts of the whole process are his enthusiasm and Mia's joy at being able to teach him all kinds of new things.

Isn't God Great?!?!

2009-04-29T07:28:00.000-07:00

I got up with my Honey this morning. A rare event in itself these days. When I walked him to the door I noticed our neighbor across the street. Bless her heart she is a single mom of a teenager who has just inherited custody of her two young niece and nephew. They were headed to the car in a hurry as "Aunty" has to be at work. "Aunty" says, "Don't run!" The two year old little boy stops running and stands in the sidewalk. The four year old sister who is watching "Aunty" turns forward just in time to knock over little brother. "Aunty" says, "See I told you not to run." Lord, I pray deep breaths and a patient peaceful heart for my wonderful neighbor as she begins motherhood all over again.

I know we all have hurry moments. But I am so blessed that I don't have to get my children up at the crack of dawn every morning and rush them out the door to spend the day with someone else. My heart broke and overflowed all at the same time this morning.

Thank you Jesus for all of your many blessings. Children are a blessing from the Lord, now if in my hurried state I could just find the address for this scripture. Psalm 127:3 "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him."

Catch up...

2009-04-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

Many days I think what can I post on my blog and draw a blank. Other times I know there is an event I want to post and don't get it posted right away. Today is no exception. I have wanted to post about the last horse show (last Sat.) and now that I download pics to the computer I have 10 things that should have already been blogged on. So here goes...

Josiah took 3rd in the 8 and under Assisted Barrels! He had a blast! He doesn't care which horse he is riding but today it was Patches!

We thank the Lord for protecting the 3 year old little girl who had just fallen off her pony minutes before he rode.

Josiah had fun all afternoon!

Mia is having fun riding in the cake walk or warm up time. (above and below)

Mia took 2nd place in the 8 and under Unassisted Barrels! She loves riding Popeye.

Mia (Popeye) and Chris (Blondy) are enjoying riding together!

Just because I love him and he looks so handsome in this pic!

Mom you have asked for pics to show you how tall the kids are. I took them probably six weeks ago and forgot to put them up for you.

A few weeks ago we had several days of severe thunder storms and as a result had a mighty rushing river through our backyard. When I looked to see just how mighty and rushing it was God had a surprise for me.

This beautiful crane (I think) was sitting at the edge of our property next to the lake. He just sat there for several hours. How beautiful God's creatures are.

Oh, and in case anyone doesn't know I figure that at almost 18 weeks its high time to say...

we're expecting!!!

Mia took 2nd Place in the Barrells

2009-03-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we all spent the entire day at the horse show. We had to help out for a shift and then wait most of the day for Mia to ride Blondy in the 8 and under Assisted Barrells. I tried taking pics of her riding but that didn't work so well! I'll get some still shots at the next show.

Josiah had a ball playing in the dirt all day! He climbed up and down bleachers! Ran through the rain and had an absolute blast!

My learning curve continues as I have let my computer work for five hours attempting to process a video that is all of a few seconds long.

Can Mia be old enough?!?! Oh yeah!

2009-02-18T07:52:00.000-08:00

We were enjoying dinner last night when Mia said "Mom, my tooth feels funny." I leaned over and checked and sure enough she has a loose tooth. A few minutes later I felt that I needed to check further. And there is not just one loose tooth but 2!!!

So here's our quandry.

While we look forward to celebrating this amazing milestone with her we don't want to go the "Tooth Fairy" route. Any suggestions!?!?

Mia

2009-02-11T07:42:00.000-08:00

Of course you all know that Mia is my right hand girl.

She is my helper no matter what my project.

Here you see her practicing for her upcoming barrel race!

So excited... now if she could just concentrate.

But in her off time from horseback riding she is helping me make sure our newest angel and I get all of our protein every day.

So as I sat down momentarily this morning to handle a computer task:

she asked if she could put my eggs into the pan for me.

I said sure!

Boy, was I amazed when I walked over to find not scrambled eggs but an actual omelette!!!!

Her finished product!

Thanks for all of your help, Mia!

Mommy loves you very much!!!

I'm It... How did that happen?!?

2009-02-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

Mary Grace has tagged me this morning. What a wonderful surprise.

1. Go to the 4th folder where you keep your pictures on your computer.

2. Post the 4th picture in the folder

3. Explain the photo.

4. Tag 4 fellow bloggers to join in the fun.

This is my AngelBaby looking absolutely eccstatic about her very first day of Kindergarten in the public school. She couldn't have been happier. I have the absolute best pictures of her from this day. Oh, I only paid $4.00 for her cute little dress. (for those bargain shoppers among us).

Little did she know that she would only attend this school for 2 weeks as Mom and Dad heard the Lord say "Pull her out and homeschool her!" And so we did. Six months later we are thrilled that we have brought her home.

So now I get to tag 4 lovely bloggers:

1. JoyfulChaos

2. Jodi

3. Denise

4. Angi

Enjoy and have a blessed day! Thanks MaryGrace for making me smile today!

You know your babies are growing up when...

2009-02-10T07:01:00.001-08:00

They have to pose everytime you pick up your camara:

When they are sound asleep minus their previously ever present thumb:

I Am...

2009-01-22T09:44:00.000-08:00

I found this meme at cusmyle this morning and thought I would continue. Especially since I can't seem to think of what to write lately.

I Am: having an off day.
I Want: Pepsi- but I am trying to control it.
I Have: Kids.
I Wish: to visit MI and all my loved ones there.
I Fear: snakes.
I Hear: static on the movie my 5 year old is watching.
I Search: for truth and knowledge.
I Wonder: what our family will look like in a few years.
I Regret: not having learned how to control my weight years ago.
I Love: my family and friends (yes husband, kids, parents and in-laws, too.)
I Dance: with my 2 year old.
I Sing: rarely.
I Never: scrapbook-even though I have a ton of stuff to work with.
I Rarely: am on time.
I Cry: for any old reason.
I Am not Always: Kind.
I Am Confused: by coupons.
I Need: to be healthier.
I Should: go for a walk.

Fiesta anyone...

2009-01-09T08:20:00.000-08:00

We were invited to a friend's house on Tuesday to enjoy a Fiesta. And what fun we had! Mia didn't know what to expect despite my telling her repeatedly about the party we were going to.

When we arrived we found little girls dancing in beautiful spanish/ mexican dresses, chihuahuas, Mom and Grandma and older sister all decked out in their Fiesta wear. We had tacos, played lots of games, and danced and listened to Mexican music. Suddenly Mia didn't want to leave. Even though she had more adventures awaiting her.

Then Mia had a princess evening with another friend of ours. She was bell of the ball, spoiled rotten. She got treated out to dinner, taken to the toy store, made to feel special and got to sleep in the big bed! Then she met me the next morning and we were off on more amazing adventures.

Amazing late night!!!

2008-12-22T13:34:00.000-08:00

Wow! What an amazing time of fellowship we all had last night. We carpooled and drove to Pensacola to meet David Eells and his fellowship group. www.unleavenedbreadministries.org We had a blast yakking all the way there. How refreshing!

We arrived at David's in plenty of time to enjoy meeting him and some of the brethren that gather every Sunday and Wednesday. I learned much about the Jubilee! And here I thought it was every 7th year. It is the 50th year! We discussed Leviticus 25:10 and Joshua 3:7. Simply amazing!

Cat, the Lord is talking directly to you- we just talked about your thoughts on Jubilee the other day!

We had the priveledge of having a local celebrity along for the ride- Kristie God has truly blessed you what a pleasure to spend several hours with you.

I want to say thank you to my boss, Jeremiah @ Golden Gulf Limousines (www.goldengulflimousines.com) for allowing us to use the van.

We are old-fogies we fell into bed when we got here about 1:45am. I can't tell you the last time we got home that late. The Lord blessed me thought as my friend had kept both of the kids and for the 1st time in years I woke up on my own- no phones ringing, no knocks on my door, and no screams from down the hall.

Have a blessed day everyone!

Snow!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-12-11T08:30:00.001-08:00

It snowed in southern Mississippi this morning!!!!

Mia thinks we can go ice skating and have a "snow fight."

If only we could!

The kids are becoming more independent...

2008-12-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

And we are all enjoying it!

They are little hams as this proof shows: Ok, so this one was obviously staged but they do come out and play just the 2 of them on their own accord.

And sometimes, Mia comes in and says "Mommy, I need you."

And I say "What do you need me for, Mia?"

"Josiah fell off the ramp."

And as you can see he just laid there waiting for me to come and "unhook" him!

They are letting me have a little more time even in the house.

Now that Josiah can make the Jeep go- he loves to drive all around the house.

Too bad he can't steer and push the pedal at the same time.

But that is coming and then I'll say:

"I wish he would stop growing and stay little- just a little while longer!!!!!!!!!!"

And in no time flat, I'm going to hear Mia reading him a real book.

Part of me can't wait and part of me can wait a little while longer!

Livestock Day!

2008-12-09T06:48:00.000-08:00

Stacey and Wayne loading Sassy.
The kids and I helped Stacey move last week. It was hard work but I loved moving all the horses! Last Tuesday we moved 13 horses- 4 trailer loads! We had a few scary moments, loose horses, 1 broken lead rope, 1 near trampling, and most of the horses loaded and unloaded like they do it every day.

I wish I had a picture of Mia leading a horse out of the 30 acre pasture! And another of her pushing the goats her dad and I were leading to the trailer!

Thank you Stacey for this opportunity!

A New Journey!

2008-11-04T06:57:00.000-08:00

A new journey, does that mean that the old ones ended? Or does it simply mean that one has been added? Or could it be a combination of both?

I have been inspired this morning reading a couple of other blogs (Joyful Chaos and Cheaper By the Half Dozen) to enjoy the learning and creative process I am in right now.

New journey; well our new journey is that 2 full months into homeschooling we have ordered, received and begun using the new curriculum. So far (after one whole day of using it) I love it and Mia seems to enjoy it too!

I have just been encouraged that the way I do things is perfectly ok! I can have 6 books going at one time. I can start and stop books as I see fit. I can learn about homeschooling, raising boys, horses and God all while I through a good fiction work in the middle. Guess what, surprise! All of this just might encourage my kids to love learning as much as I do! And guess what else, the way my Mom chose to do it is perfectly okay too! At least it sure gave me a love of learning that takes on many facets and even though I am 33 and haven't take an official class in several years I learn and grow daily and use all of that knowledge in some form or fashion!

Thank you Lord, for teaching me that I can do things differently than others and its okay it doesn't mean I am wrong.

Weekend of Blessings!

2008-10-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

Where to begin???

Well, my Dad's surgery went even better than the first one! NO swelling! (Is that actually possible- I guess so since that is the report I received.)

We had a very successful yard sale!

I was able to stay home on Saturday and spend a day with the fam!

Sat night was a royal adveture complete with a palace. As we wished Bryan best wishes and prayers as he ascends to the sky to journey to Israel.

We got to eat out! ... more than once! (We'll have to pull that back into line - quickly.)

Josiah is doing very well with potty training!

Mia is learning, learning, learning!

We have groceries!

We have gas!

We have the Lord!

We have family!

We have friends!

We are truly blessed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please pray for my Dad!

2008-10-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

My dad has his second knee replacement this morning! His first was in Aug and they are completeing the second almost as we speak.

Please pray for a smooth surgery with NO complications, NO blood clots, and a quick and thorough recovery!

Love you Dad!

Hair cuts... may not be perfect but they work.

2008-10-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

Shaggy is how Josiah appeared to me this morning. With bangs hanging in his eyes and sides covering his ears it was definately time for a hair cut. Easier said than done considering his neck and ears are about the most ticklish I have ever seen.

So I got brave and got the clippers with combs of course and set to work.

Quit a while later and with a few wispies here and there this is the finished product.

Not too much the worse for wear if I do say so myself. How mature he looks (minus the sippy cup). Well, there he is my "son - shine."

Fear- how quickly it grows.

2008-10-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

I opened my email this morning and read an e-mail from Jared. Welcome surprise since we haven't heard from him in a while. The subject of his e-mail: fear and how with God it can quickly be overcome.

As I sit reading I hear a distinct rattling in the foil that remains on some of my windows to block the Mississippi summer heat. I decide to go investigate expecting a tree roach. But when I raise the blinds I see ... a tail hanging out from under the foil. My first thought - scaredy cat that I am - mouse. But silly me realizes that if it were a mouse I would see a bulge in the foil.

So I begin to remove the foil to find exactly what I am now expecting, a gecko. Lizard - mouse almost equally as repulsive and scary. For the first time - I am very grateful there was no screen in that window!!!!! I just opened the window and directed the gecko out into the bush.

Thank you Lord, for the small things like a missing screen in the right place and time.

Josiah! Such a big boy!

2008-10-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

Josiah is doing well with his potty training! He knows where and when to go and what to do when he's done. He stands over the flushing toilet hands on the rim watching his accomplishment go down the tubes! Then we all (Mia, Josiah and I and sometimes Daddy) hoot and holler and clap and tell him what a good boy he is.

Now if we can figure out how to get him to do all of this when he has on more than his birthday suit.

Wonders never cease....

2008-09-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

When I lay things down at my Lord's feet it is amazing what happens. Several weeks ago I was laying down my self esteem or lack there of. When the gracious one himself showed me exactly what my husband and I accomplish together.

raising children
running a household
two jobs

And suddenly he added homeschool to that list of things that we do together with him and guess what? The three of us are pretty competent.

Now today he adds a new one:

I can function on about 5-6 hours of very broken sleep and handle the busiest day at work I have had yet. Amazing!

Thank you Lord for using me as a vessel. Thank you for giving my boss confidence in me to allow me to see that I could handle what has been dished out to me. Lord I pray that I have handled all of this with grace and dignanty and treated each person involved as you would want me too. Please forgive me if I mishandled the dispatcher last night.

Amazing revelation! I am woman hear me roar! I am on a mission with a vision and a passion.

I can't wait to see what's next and yet I am ready for a nap.

Thank you, Lord.

2008-09-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

For libraries, horse-back riding lessons, for women's resource centers, for husband's who are incredibly patient, for children who love you even when you didn't handle the discipline right, for times of reflection, for groceries, for friends, for miracles, for flexible jobs, for mercy and grace.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

My God shall meet all your needs through his riches in glory. Phil 4:19

Thank you for your Word- I don't have to remember everything- I can just look it up.

And most of all thank you Lord for your sovereignty in all things.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance...mature and complete. James 1:2-4

You are blessed!

Lord, I lift some loved ones up to you today.

2008-09-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

Lord, I am so very grateful for your sovereignity! I could not function without you oh, Lord. I am so glad that you are ever present, all knowledgable, all able. Lord, your Holy Spirit steps in and gives me words when I have none, gives me actions when I don't know what to do. I have to do my part but even before I come to the end of me you have already started. You have guided me and directed me through every second of every day. Thank you. What is even more is that you do all of these miraculous things for not just me but for everyone else as well.

So I come to you asking for break through, direction, guidance, strength, patience, etc. I ask not only for ourselves but also for the Maag's, the Munger's, the Stuebing's, the Blansett's, Johnson's, the Cameron's, the Peter's, the Sodini's and the McDaniels' and all whom we know and love or whom we have never met.

Thank you that all bills are paid in full; all pantries supplied to overflowing; all physical, emotional and mental pain gone; all health is whole the way you intended; all are restored and refreshed in the name of Jesus. Thank you that each of us will be able to reach out to others and help them in there need. That we would all "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33.

Thank you that: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a futue. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11-13

"Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' And God granted his request." 1 Chronicles 4:10 I think other versions have the last part different in that it asks that we not cause pain for others.

Lord, I ask your forgiveness for any and all sins that I have committed both known and unknown. I thank you for the priveledge of being your child, wife, mother, teacher, friend, and sister. Lord, I love you with all my heart and ask you to be in everything today.

Daddy Time

2008-09-13T14:21:00.000-07:00

Chris and Mia worked together to change the oil in both of our vehicles this afternoon.

Thank you Lord, for Mia's eagerness to learn.

Josiah woke up about 9:30p the other night and we ended up having a very precious memory created!

The whole family playin' around! (from July)

Home School!

2008-09-09T14:16:00.000-07:00

Well, we are now in our 3rd week of homeschool! I can't believe it! The book Angi shared with me many monthes ago and her words just a few weeks ago are priceless! She encouraged me that I wouldn't know until I tried. That everything would come into it's own and yet somehow we would grow and change with it.

I'm not sure there were ever truer words spoken! I have with the grace of God changed and molded my unusual schedule to accomodate homeschool most days. Even when I feel I have accomplished little to nothing I know that homeschool was a top priority that day and had been accomplished. Had you told me 3 weeks ago that not only would I be homeschooling but for the moment consolidating my own curriculum I would have laughed and thought you were as crazy as a loon. Now I jump at opportunities to go bird watching, see brand new , 24hour old, baby kittens and anything else I can get my hands on. I was able to take Mia and Josiah on a bike ride the other day and you know what? That would be considered PE or gym! Add that memory to my lesson plans would you?!

Family... it is a many splendered thing! All 6 of us!!!

2008-09-03T08:46:00.001-07:00

The girls were here for a visit at the beginning of the summer!

I can't believe it! Bekah (redhead in the back)was 4 when I came into the picture and she has turned 17 this summer! Someone please tell her she can't graduate yet! Jen next to me, turned 16 last Feb. Jen is a sophmore in Midland, MI at the rival school to where Bekah goes. Mia is 5 and loving homeschool Kindergarten. Josiah is 2 and all boy!
Don't tell anybody because it seems like yesterday- but Chris and I celebrated our 12th Anniversary a couple weeks ago!

All of the kids with their "famous" Papa Red!

Red and his wife Nancy helped us escape Katrina in 2005.

Mia and Jen

Mia and Josiah

Bekah and Mia

Jen and Bekah! Their favorite pass time while they were here was taking pictures of themselves. They look more alike than I ever realized.

Girls, we all miss you tons:)

Waterslide Party

2008-08-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday we had a blast with the home fellowship gang! We celebrated Israel and Keeton's birthday!

My hubby! Soak and wet and having a ball!

My babies! Having more fun than they could stand!

John, Josiah, and Keeton (Happy 1st B'day! Big boy!)

The famous slide: Angi and the DellDog!

Aw, they are hugging each other!

Angi heading down the slide! Bethany going up!

Bethany, Chris, Angi, and John all preparing for take off!

Angi, the traveler and her GilGuy.

An Unexpected Adventure... Face to Face with the big guns.

2008-08-21T08:02:00.000-07:00

I had 2 bus runs yesterday. Nice. Unexpected. I went in for a normal bus run yesterday and got a surprise: President Bush was flying in and therefore my 2nd bus run would be delayed. They were closing the airspace from 4p-7p. No big deal.

When I got to the Atlantic Aviation (FBO) (a.k.a. the private airport) I was not only able to see Airforce One- I was able to take pictures, too.

The police officer who took me out on the tarmac to see it said that the 2 men on the platform were holding AK 47's (or some big guns) and that they would be looking at me to see what I was pointing at the plane. Moment of uncertainty. And then I snapped away. By the way Mom, I think my new camara takes pretty great pictures.

So we waited and waited and then they told us to go out and load our passengers. While we were loading passengers on the tarmac they told us not to drive away until they gave us the go ahead. Well, I wasn't going anywhere because there was a police car parked immediately infront of my bus. We got on our buses and waited for the go ahead and all of a sudden: AirForce One went right by us. There was maybe a 100-150 feet between our vehicles and the plane. Then it turned around and began to prepare for take off. This picture is just before take off- maybe 5 seconds before they were airborne.

And there off...........................................

What do we do when nothing seems right and yet... nothing is wrong?

2008-08-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

I am in one of those places the last couple of days where nothing feels right or even ok. And yet what do I have to complain about? Nothing! We have each other and the kids.

Phone calls and packages from home! The packages are the best!!! They have come over the last several weeks with just about everything they could possibly carry. Our mothers have sent books, crayons, clothes, toys (for young and not so young). Mia loves school! Everyone is healthy! We have a NEW roof (literally) and a home we love! Vehicles that run well and are dependable! Faith! And last but certainly not least friends and family we love!

And speaking of kids:

Josiah got a little frustrated with the sit-n-spin today.

So Mommy "stepped in" to help him out.

Thank you Lord

2008-08-15T20:27:00.001-07:00

My dad came home from the hospital today! He is doing awesome. Thank you for all your prayers, angels.

What a week... full of blessings!

2008-08-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

We have had a full week! Chris has had a full week! Praise God - he is picking up the hours at both of our jobs!!!! Mia has been waking up every morning for school even though she would rather go in a couple of hours later. Josiah and I have helped our friend move all week! Whew! I think she is almost done! Just 6 horses, 4 dogs and several cats and a few stray boxes and odds and ends to go!

The kids have worked awfully hard this week:

More importantly, the Lord carried my dad through his surgery and he should be coming home today. Wish they were here or we were there. Dad's going to be walking again in no time! Thank you Aunt Karen and Karen for being there for my Mom and Dad!

Josiah thinks he's ready for school too!

Computer Science, already!?!?!

Blessings...Sometimes I need to stop and count my Blessings

2008-08-11T05:13:00.000-07:00

Several times in the last few days I have been reminded to stop and count my blessings. I had an e-mail from my friend concerning her court date tomorrow to have her daughter placed back in her custody. How scary to have a child taken from you. I can't begin to imagine. I can't imagine what waking up and not having one of the kids here would be like. So I am thanking God in advance that in his infinite wisdom he is going to return this precious child back to her mother.

I am thankful that my father's surgery is going to go smoothly tomorrow. There will be no complications and certainly no blood clots. His knee will heal quickly and completely and be as good as new. I am very thankful that my father and mother have each other.

I thank you Lord for putting the 2 women in my path this weekend that you have. For the young woman I thank you that she is safely in Japan, fed and rested. For the other I thank you that she is receiving a home and a job today. The restoration of her belongings that disappeared in the fire.

Lord, I pray for peace to all of the many who have lost loved ones recently. Thank you that each of those that have "passed away" have had personal relationships with you and have therefore, passed into your arms.

Lord, I thank you that through all of these many trials and circumstances you make us stronger, you draw us closer to you. James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.

Josiah...The Wonder Boy

2008-08-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

Well Tim, boy were you right when you said the peace and quiet of having a girl was gone forever. And yet we love our adorable bouncing baby boy who grows leaps and bounds by the second more than we could ever imagine.

He has a never ending imagination that leads him in a million directions:

from dressing up in Mom's shoes:

playing with Mom's cooler for work:

cleaning up his own mess:

to driving:
the new trampoline:and here is our freshly trimmed handsome boy:

the object of his curiosity: "Saint"

Mia's 1st Day of Kindergarten

2008-08-07T07:02:00.000-07:00

What a mix of emotions the first day of school brings to the Sodini household. Mia is absolutely ready- hasn't had a good night's sleep in 2 weeks. Mom and Dad haven't either really but -I think our trouble sleeping is more of the "I'm not sure I'm ready for this type." verses Mia's "I've been ready since I graduated HeadStart type." Well after all of the preperation she's off... I know she is going to have an amazing day.

Way to go Baby Girl! We know you are going to have the best 1st day of school ever!!!