Almost Party Time

Well Emily's 2 year Birthday party is this Saturday, we're having it early so it's easier for family to come from out of town. The theme is "sunflower" if you didn't know already, and I'm up in my head with sunflower stuff. I just finished decorating sunflower cookies...what a task especially since I spent all morning baking them. Emily was a good girl and helped me for a little while but then I relieved her of her duties to go play (she was getting into everything). I think I baked 50 cookies and gave myself a backache and headache too. The decorating was the fun part. Tomorrow is the cake...I'll bake it in the morning and decorate it in the afternoon (well that's the plan at least). I hope it all turns out. Glenn's parents are probably already in town, and my parents are on their way. My aunt and uncle will be coming over tomorrow. I'm really excited about everyone coming, I just hate I've been sick.

On the sickness I hate to even write about it....but I don't think it's been a virus after all. I think I have gastritis again, and just hope I can get over it without going to the Dr. I haven't had any trouble since June and am not happy about this pain again. It is my fault as I took Motrin several times a few weeks ago (b/c of a cyst on the ovary), and I have been drinking ALOT of coffee lately. I'm suppose to stay away from BOTH of these things....Motrin and Coffee. Well I did it to myself, so I'm trying to deal with it myself...please pray it clears up soon though.

I hope you're all doing great and that you have a great Labor day weekend. If any of you are free on Saturday drop by for our "sunflower party". Here are a couple of pictures of Emily playing her dulcimer...it's so cute.

What a past 48 hours

I am glad to now be able to type as I have been sick with a horrible stomach virus since Sunday night. I started feeling ill that afternoon, but had to go lead a Sunday School training in Warner Robins till 6:30pm. God was gracious in how I didn't get sick until the night but I literally slept all day yesterday and last night, and I just got up from a 2 hour nap today. WOW I've really been hit hard and pray that it's on the up now.

I won't write much today, but will try to get the strength up for tomorrow, I hope you're all doing well and haven't gotten rained out over the weekend. Have a great Tuesday night. Emily however is doing alot better. She threw up in the car right when we pulled in from church on Sunday...is it related to me??? I don't know but she only did it once and has been bouncing off the walls since. She's been a great little girl for daddy and I've been blessed to have him stay at home yesterday and today. Hopefully it will end with me as Emily's big party is this weekend!!! Thanks again for your prayers.

It's Friday...yeah!

I can't believe it's already Friday, don't get me wrong I'm excited, it's just this week flew by. I'll be glad to have Glenn at home this weekend that is for sure. It's been exhausting all week since I didn't get a break over last weekend. Emily is running a fever and don't have any idea of what it could be...probably UTI again. I know many of you think I'm procrastinating carrying her to the Dr. BUT I know what they'll have to do, so I'm waiting as long as I can and trying to make sure it really is something. The last time I carried her like this they catheterized her to get urine, that was clear, so they took blood and that was clear...so I'm trying to wait and see what other symptoms she might get.
We did go to story time this morning and we thought Curious George was going to be there but it's not until next Friday...oh well. We had fun and enjoyed seeing other moms and kids. Afterward Cristy and I took our girls to Mabel White to play on the playground, it was fun and cool outside so we enjoyed it. Emily is really doing well with potty training. I think she only used her "pull-up" once so far today...and it's 2:00. We did have to find a potty twice while we were out, but she did good telling me and it went smooth. The thing I've been using with her is if she tee tee's in the potty she can wash her hands in the sink and make bubbles with the soap. I know that sounds silly but it's working so far. Hopefully we'll continue to progress as diapers are SO expensive and things aren't getting better.Hope you all have a great weekend. Pray for me as I lead a Sunday School training on Sunday from 4-6:15pm. I'm a little nervous, and always get nervous before things like this. I'm expecting a larger crowd and have never lead a group of this size. I updated my power point yesterday and it looks really cool (Glenn even said so). Now I've got to get to work on my handouts. Take care and hope you're getting the rain wherever you are (but no flooding). Enjoy these few pictures.

I am tired!

Well I started my new job today, and let me say I'm tired. Ha Ha, gotcha!!! Well I did start helping at Mabel White on Thursday mornings with childcare for women's Bible study. It will be fun for Emily and I to have something to do during the week, but doesn't require much preparation!!! I had 3 year olds today (along with my own 23 month old almost 2, and another 2 year old), 9 kids by myself...WOW. I feel like I need a nap now. Next week I'll have babies, a little more challenging, but it'll be ok. I'm trying to relax now and gather some energy for a bigger job that I have this weekend. I'm leading a Sunday School training down in Warner Robins. The children's director called yesterday and said she had someone back out and really needed some help...so I was like, "sure, bring it on!!!". I love doing trainings and wish I could do them more often. Maybe in the future. So now I need to be working on power point presentations and visuals instead of blogging.

I hope you all have a great Thursday and have enjoyed watching the Olympics as much as I have (what I've seen of it). I never have really gotten into summer Olympics, but did this year (mainly swimming, gymnastics, and diving). Emily loves to watch the diving...funny because she hates to get in a pool. I don't know if you've been watching the running, but we did last night, and it is probably my least favorite. Don't get me wrong I love to watch and see how fast some can run, but most of them have such arrogant attitudes that I really hate to watch it. (sorry for all that, don't know where it came from).

Have a great rest of the week.

New Blog Template!!!

Well I decided to spruce up my blog a little bit. I know some of you still think it's cheesy as many of you have "cool" blogs, but it will have to do. I thought I would never get tired of my little bird template, but I am always about some change. I hope you like my new, Pink and Mocha template. We have had a pretty good day so far at the Walker household. We went to the library this morning to return books and get new ones. We stopped in the Foodlion after that, then we came home to clean and get things ready for Ms. Janice who came to eat lunch with us. The menu wasn't extravagant, salad, sandwiches, crackers and some cake I baked last night (Sweet Potato Almond). We enjoyed having company for sure. It gets lonesome some days eating by ourselves. Any of you who read this blog who want to come over for lunch, feel free to come one day.

On a not so lighter note...Emily's got a 100 fever. Probably another UTI...I'm just procrastinating taking her to have urine tested because they'll have to do a cath on her and that is NO fun. Pray the fever will go away miraculously. Hope you all have a great day and I look forward to seeing you at Emily's b-day party...whoever can come. August 30th, 2pm---sunflower party!!! Whoo Hoo.

Here are a few verses for you to all meditate on...

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly love, clothe yourseleve with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And OVER ALL these virtues put on LOVE, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14

Being "Set" on Jesus

My Bible study is now in Colossians...and I started reading chapter 3 this morning. It was so filled with the truth that I couldn't read but through verse 11. I just wanted to share a little bit of it with you. It's talking about having your whole self "set" on Jesus.

"1. Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2. Set your minds on things above not on earthly things...4. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5. Put to death, therefore whatever belongs to your earthly nature..." Colossians 3:1-5. It thens goes through a list of specific things to "put to death", like immorality, lust, anger, bitterness...etc. As I was reading this my mind began to think of ways it's not been "set" on Him lately. I've been focusing over the past week about getting Emily a table and chair set for her birthday. I know that there is absolutely nothing wrong with this...but I asked myself the question does it come before Jesus? Hmm, I have to admit that I probably was thinking too much about her birthday when I should be thinking about Him.

It is hard to not focus on "earthly things" since we are in the world and consumed with it all the time. A friend of mine told me the other day that they do not have cable T.V. I was real impressed with this...and it has caused me to start thinking about it for our family. T.V. hardly ever does anything "good" for us. The only thing useful we have it for is the "Weather Channel" (which by the way is about all we watch if anything during the day). I haven't even brought this up with Glenn, but is something I think we as a family should consider.

I pray that I may keep my heart, mind and body "set", "fixed", and always seeking Jesus. By the way, I did find some kiddie chair kits (build your own kids chair...solid wood) at the Michael's this morning ($17.00 a kit). Just a little "fun" to through in here. Hope you all have a great Monday. Oh for those of you that blog...I would love to know how to "spruce" up my page...adding links, videos, slide shows, etc...I can't seem to figure out how to do it.

Emily's Birthday table

I am attempting to make Emily her own little table so that she can sit at to color and do whatever. I'm sure I've mentioned this before but I'm tired of sitting on the kitchen floor to color and use markers. My back has had it...so I started thinking about getting Emily a kids table a week or so ago. I got to looking and pricing them and the cheapest one I could find (with 2 chairs) was $85 from Toys R Us. Well I didn't really like this table all that much, and the ones I found on the internet were all over $100-$200. Well since we are on a "tight" budget i thought, "hey why can't I do this myself". So after looking at the Goodwill for a used one last week, I found myself in Lowe's determined I could do it. Well believe it or not I found all the materials I needed. I knew the measurements of what most kids tables are and based on that I figured out everything I needed. I tend to do things my own way anyway, so forget going by any directions. Materials for the table cost around $60 if you average what I used and didn't use.

Since I can't work the drill I had Glenn attach the metal work onto the table top for me. From there it's all me. It's a real simply table, rectangle with legs...hey it doesn't have to be fancy in my book, and I personally don't like tables painted...it takes away from their natural state. I'm in the process now of staining and varnishing it. I just put a 2nd coat on and think it is starting to look pretty good. I can't however get all the dust particles out so I'm not happy that there is a few rough spots...we'll see after this layer dries.It's been fun, I hope it turns out. I am however still in need of 2 chairs. They are very expensive on the internet so that option is out. My moma and daddy have 2 old chairs from the school that I think will work, but they are painted wood. I am thinking of just repainting over them in a chocolate color or some brown to blend with the natural table. I may look at Michaels too because they actually may have some unfinished kids chairs that would be perfect...we'll see.

Hope you've all had a great Lord's day. We did and I'm glad to say that Glenn and I now have a spot in Sunday school. We've been "nomads" for a while and really haven't felt like we needed to be sitting in an adult class, so Jenny asked today if we wanted to be the 1st and 2nd grade teachers!!! YEAH. I'm really excited about the opportunity to get back teaching kids. God will definitely have to give me the knowledge and strength as I've not taught Sunday school in a while...but I know He will provided us with what we need.

Hope you all have a great week...OH did you happen to watch the mens swimming last night...Michael Phelps won AGAIN...ALL Gold for him--8 events and he won gold in them all. WOW it truly amazes me watching the Olympics...especially the marathon they ran last night. Anyway, have a great week.

It's Saturday!

Well I'm blogging this morning "just because". It's not a normal Saturday for us since Glenn's working all day. It sure is weird to get up and do the same stuff I do all week. We are however meeting a friend and her little girl at the Barnes and Noble this morning. Moms will get coffee and kids will play with the train and other toys they have. It's such a neat place to go, and Emily absolutely loves books so we can't lose.

I've been reminiscing over the past 2 years and all that has occured. This time 2 years ago I was anxiously awaiting the birth of our daughter. Although she didn't come until 2 days after her due date, on September 9, I well remember thinking about this time that she needed to hurry up. Time sure has flown by...I can't believe how much she has grown, and what a blessing she has been to my life. God is truly amazing and I thank Him daily for all He's given me.

I hope you all have a great day and weekend.Look at all that wild hair...silly girl!!!

Trip to Atlanta yesterday

We made it to Atlanta for Emily's Dr. appt, and everything went fine. I won't go into all the details, but we did see a specialist, a pediatric urologist, whose name happens to be Dr. Smith (just like her pediatrician). They are putting her on a low dose of antibiotic for a year to prevent her from getting a UTI. He said that she's been really lucky to not have had one over the past month and a half. Of course we know it's not luck, but God who has prevented it. She'll go back in a year and have the VCUG test run again to see if the reflux is better and cleared up, what we pray for. He said that her reflux is grade 2 and is very mild, which is good. There is no scarring in the kidneys and the medicine is to help prevent from any future scarring and damage. Praise the Lord for getting this handled.

We not only went to Emily's Dr., but we had a little fun too. We got to eat lunch at LaMadeline's, one of our favorite places we had in Ft. Worth. Emily liked it too, especially the strawberries. Then we made a few stops at some stores we don't have in Macon. While there it reminded me of our days in TX, but as we got home I was also reminded of how I wouldn't want to live in the "Big" city again. Hopefully we can get back up there and go to the aquarium before Emily graduates high school. I say that because we've lived in Macon for almost 4 years and I've been telling Glenn that I'd like to go to Atlanta sometime for fun and see things...and well we went yesterday for the 1st time. We don't exactly get "out" much, or away from Macon unless we're in MS or TN. Anyway, I hope you all have a great weekend. It'll be Emily and I to ourselves this weekend (for the most part), as Glenn will be helping college kids move in and getting their computers set-up and stuff...fun fun. Have a great day. OH and if you've not been watching the Olympics you need to, especially the swimming, isn't it great!!!

Ants, Ants, Go Away

I woke up this morning to a husband telling me good bye, and that the kitchen was filled with ants...and that I needed to call the "bug man" today. Not exactly how one likes to wake up, especially after staying up WAY too late watching swimming and gymnastics on the Olympics. Well I got up about 15 minutes later hoping that he was only exaggerating, but to my sorrow I found he wasn't. We had ants climbing up the sides of the cabinets, all over the WHOLE floor, and making their way around everything on the counters. "WOW, what in the world am I going to do?" was my first thought. I hadn't even gotten the sleep out of my eyes when I went in there, and yet I was getting bitten by ants before I knew it. I knew I had to kill what was there, all 500 of them before Emily woke up or else we were going to have trouble. Well we have some "magic" spray that doesn't smell that I used, and I got rid of most of them. I've still seen a few stragglers that don't want to die hanging around, but that's ok. I guess they came in last night with all the rain we had...they weren't use to it so they just fled for safety.

I'm sure many of you have experienced this same thing, and kind of craziness before, I just thought I would share it. After that the day was almost like Monday again, but not quite as bad. We are trying hard to wean Emily from her pacifier. She only gets it to go to sleep, and I can pull it out, but I don't want her even having it for that anymore. I know we're late on weaning her from it, but oh well...I had surgery in May, she has had UTI's for a couple of months, etc...excuses excuses I know. After I saw a little boy probably almost 4 yesterday at the Barnes and Noble I knew we have to get rid of it. I could tell by looking at his front top teeth that he still takes his, and it's probably the same kind Emily uses. I don't want her teeth to end up looking like that!!!! I know she can get braces one day, but my goodness by the time she can get them they'll end up costing over $10,000.

Sorry for venting today...I just had to take a few minutes to share my thoughts of the day. I am SOOOO grateful for the rain we did get!!! Isn't it exciting to finally have some relief? I don't like COLD weather, but I do love the cool of autumn, and its reminded me of that today. Have a great Wednesday to you all, and pray for us tomorrow as we travel to Atlanta.

Better Day so Far

Well we have had a much better day so far...hopefully it will continue to be good. We got up this morning and decided to go to story time at Barnes and Noble. Emily is so cute at things like this. She watches other kids so quitely and listens to the books. It was so funny because she would laugh at things in the story that were funny (she must've been the only kids who thought it was funny because she was the only one laughing). Oh to know what goes on in those little minds. After we left "story time" we decided to run by Mabel White to see all our "old buddies" (still buddies we just don't get to see them often. It was good to see everyone and the place. Don't worry I don't regret leaving there one minute...I do pray for that Body of Christ, because it is a hard place to be at.

We went up to the new playground area, Tori Heard Park, and played with Carley, Christa and Zach (and baby Will too). Emily got a little too confident and tried going up too high without us knowing it. She really like Zach and they were holding hands as we walked to the cars...oh too soon, too soon, what will I do? Zach even gave her a kiss on the cheek as we were leaving. It was precious. It's always fun to see other people and get to hang out with other moms (and those who aren't moms too---we miss ya Carley).

I hope your all having a great day and week so far. I ask that you pray for a few things (I don't ever like to burden anyone with my "mess" but, I ask for prayers for a couple of things...)
1. My family, my moma and her parents. My Papaw is in a bad condition and right now they are still keeping him at home. My moma has been the primary caretaker (staying down there 45 min. away from her house) for at least 5 days a week. They have sitters, but won't be able to afford that for much longer. My moma called last week crying because of all of it. My papaw had said some things that were hurtful (probably not knowing it), and she just broke. Please pray that my Mamaw will see he needs to be moved somewhere else...and that it will happen quickly.

2. Pray for Emily as we take her to the Pediatric Urologist on Thursday. Pray that the Dr.'s will have wisdom and will know what to do for her...also that they won't prescribe anything too extreme.

3. Pray for us as Glenn has to work this weekend, Mercer's move-in time. Also pray for him as that's not something anyone wants to do on their weekend. Pray the kids get moved in and that they don't have any major server or computer problems

4. Lastly, pray for my book!!! I know you think this is probably finished by now, but with my surgery and all that has happened over the past couple of months I had to put it on hold. Pray I will find THE right publisher to do it. Pray it happens quickly if possible...I'm ready to get this "show on the road".


Thanks to you for your prayers!!! Have a great night.

What a Monday!!!

Well I haven't felt a Monday like this since I was working at Mabel White. WOW, I've had a little girl here who has whined and cried since she woke up. She doesn't have fever (that I can tell so far...maybe 99 but that's nothing unusual), I've sang, read books, colored, played hide-n-seek, had snack and juice, played some more and you name it, but that hasn't seem to satisfy her. I suspect a few things...1st daddy isn't here but at work, after a weekend with daddy at home she just wants her daddy, 2nd she could very well be getting another UTI (since she does have urinary reflux), or 3rd, she's just going through a terrible two's Monday. Whatever the case I pray for sanity. Poor little Emily has been in time-out, and had a couple a spankings (nothing bad promise me) already. She's so sweet with it though, as she cries pitifully and says, "I sorry".

Whew! We did however have a wonderful weekend. We made some cute pictures yesterday since Emily turned 23 months. It's sad because this is the last "monthly" picture I'll make before her 2nd birthday. Glenn has informed me that when she turns 2 we call her 2, not 25 or 28 months old, anymore. I hope you enjoy these pictures and I hope your day is going much more smoothly than mine.

Encouragement from God's Word

I just have a few verses that spoke to me this morning I thought I would share with everyone. I've been studying in Philippians and it has really blessed me.

4:11b, "For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances...13. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength...19-20. And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus to our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. AMEN!"

I know these are verses everyone has read multiple times, but they really hold alot of truth that I don't live out all the time. As we traveled back from MS on Sunday I was crying because I didn't want to come back. Many of you know that I don't particularly like living in Macon, GA. I've fought it ever since Christmas of 2004. I always am complaining about not liking this town. But God really slapped me this morning as I read verse 11..."be content whatever the circumstances". WOW that is something I really needed to hear. It has been hard on me all these 3 1/2 years because my family hates that we live so far away, and that makes me feel terrible...but I can't let that determine my actions. Afterall God's word says I must be content where I am.

I just thought I would share this with you, and hopefully no one that lives here will take offense to it. I begin to pray now that God would change my heart and help me be content: whether we live in Macon, GA or AL, or MS or wherever HE leads.

Have a great rest of your week!!!

Wonderful Wednesday

As I sit here doing computer stuff I just heard the loudest BOOM. It shook our house and everything. I don't know what it was, but maybe the news will have something on about it later. I friend here in town just wrote me and said he heard it too. Interesting huh.

I hope you are all having a great Wednesday. I recently joined Facebook, and want to say it's the neatest thing ever. If you're not on you need to get on it. I was hesitant at first (because it's something I'm not familiar with), but through it I'm been able to catch up with friends and people I haven't seen in over 20 years. Today I made "friends" with a little girl (now a teenager) I use to babysit. Her daddy was the pastor at our church a long time ago, and I never knew what happened to them when they left our church. How cool it is to renew old friendships. Another friend I made is a girl I was in school with (high school) and I found out that over that past 6 years she's had brain surgeries and alot of health problems. She's doing better now, but has had a struggle.

Anyway, I know I'm oldschool and Facebook has been around a while...I'm just slow and getting old I guess. Anyway, if you know about the "Boom" let me know what it was.

Here are a few other pictures from last week.

Picture of the cabin I drew with Madison my cousin (she's in the 4th grade)

A bad picture but 6 years ago almost on this day we were married.

We're back from MS

We made it back in last night around 7:00 eastern time, from Mississippi. Emily was so funny because she kept saying, "Emily's home" over and over last night. We had a good trip back and she wasn't too fussy. We got into a little rain a few times, but nothing too bad. There was however a tree blown over in our lane and God protected us from harm. It was on a little highway coming out of Talbotton GA.

We had a blast last week at the Neshoba County Fair. We were very hot, but were blessed with several rains. The cabin my family has doesn't have air conditioner in the downstairs, so we had some pretty HOT days. The only time I got air was when I was getting Emily down for a nap. My body adjusted quick though as on Friday it was only in the upper 80's and it felt very cool. My moma didn't like the heat and kept Emily at their house Thursday and Friday. Glenn and I didn't know what to do with 2 days to ourselves...of course we came in at night to put her down and saw her the next morning's. It was a great week of fun, and fellowship with family and friends we haven't seen in years. I got to see people I graduated high school from and hadn't seen since, 11 years. I also got to see my former best friend who I've not seen since 6th grade. It was alot of fun. I can't put into words how much fun we had. If you've never been to "The Fair" you don't know what you're missing. All the cabins are just right next to each other and everyone just pretty much parties all week (some clean partying and some not of course).

We enjoyed going to see the horse races almost everyday they had them. Emily loved them too...especially the "rain truck" that drove in between races to water the track down. Every horse I picked won just about every time. Don't worry we weren't betting or anything, just having fun. Anyway, I'll try to put a few pictures on here, but since I made 318 I won't be able to put near what I made. I hope you're all doing well. Have a great week.

Almost everyone from our cabin.

Emily and Papaw watching the races.

At the children's concert, pots and pans...very loud!!!
Emily on the carousel she didn't like it.
Jason (my brother), Rhonda and Emily at a concert.
Emily playing in the wet sawdust after a rain.
The old crew from Beacon St. Baptist church.

Emily with her great Papaw and Mamaw.
Granmama and Grandaddy came down to see us.