Always the Good Time....

Well, the last couple of weeks have been good. It's been nice having Randy home from Africa. But the trip definitely made us even more eager to get there and do what we know God has laid on our heart to do.

The itineration trail continues. Last Sunday we were in Buffalo, TX, with Pastor McAdams. We decided since it was less than 3 hours for us to drive down to Buffalo, that we would just drive in on Sunday morning. Dezra's new rule is, unless it's over 3 hours...we are not staying in a hotel! The sleepless nights that hotels provide are just not worth it. Well, unless we have to be at the church at like 6 am or something....then it would be worth it. But otherwise, I'm letting Griffin and Ella sleep in their own beds whenever possible! While I'm discussing itineration rules, Griffin is no longer allowed to drink a 24 oz. lemonade while traveling. This brings me to this last weekend's trip. It was suppose to be 4 hours and 10 minutes according to Mapquest. It took us 6 hours and 15 minutes. Griffin had to stop and use the restroom 6 times. Thanks to the afore mentioned 24 oz. lemonade. Sometime I'll have to post the official "Itineration Rules"...for now I will move on.

So this last weekend we were in Skiatook, OK with Pastor's Vince and Jenny Boone. We enjoyed this weekend a lot because we have been friends with the Boones since college. It was a lot of fun to catch up and laugh over old times. The weekend went too quickly...but we crammed a lot into it! We went to dinner Saturday night and talked and laughed as long as Ella was willing to sit in her highchair. Then we decided to take our party next door to Chick-fil-A, so the kids could play and we could eat ice cream. This is where things took an embarrassing turn. As I looked into the play area I could see a complete stranger taking care of Ella. I went in to see what was going on...being the good mother that I am and all. Sure, some might say my 11 month old didn't have any business being in there, but after riding in the car for over 6 hours, she was not going to sit in a highchair any longer. Not at the restaurant, not at Chick-fil-A, not anywhere. She wanted in the play area, and she wanted to climb up the slide. Even if 10 year olds were flying down the slide and plowing into her....that's where she wanted to be. Besides, she had 3 older siblings in there that could take care of her, right? So why is this non-related, 10 year old girl taking care of Ella? This question was quickly answered by none other than.... Olivia. Apparently, she had told the girl she would pay her if she would babysit. NICE! The girl looked at me a little confused by Olivia's proposition, but insisted she really liked babies, so it was alright. So awkward. I could feel the disapproval of the girl's family. But what was I to do? Ella wanted to be in the play area......and I didn't. Do not judge me. I could see them, we were sitting right by the window, and well, Olivia had made a deal. Anyway.....Sunday was great. The Boones have a wonderful church and it was a pleasure to be there. We are so happy for them and the place where God has put them. As an added bonus, that afternoon Jenny took our pictures! She is a wonderful photographer! Ella did not want to take pictures either, by the way.... The trip home was much less eventful. We kept Griffin's drinking to a minimum, and we traveled during prime Ella napping hours. As always, God is good, and we are blessed. Please keep the prayers coming. We are ready to be in Swaziland!!!

Busy Busy Busy

Well, this weekend Randy got home from Swaziland. We picked him up at the airport on Saturday morning. It is sooooo good to have him back home! Plus, he brought me the South African chocolates that I requested! He can keep his wooden bowls, candles, and glass animals....I need chocolate!!! And fortunately, he indulges me on this one. :) We stopped and had breakfast at Mimi's on our way home from the airport. I'm not sure what we are going to do without Mimi's in Swaziland. :( I've got to figure out the secret to their pancakes!!! After breakfast, we went to Hudson's guitar recital. The recital went well, I was extremely nervous. I realize I shouldn't make Hudson's guitar recital about me, but he asked me to sing his song with him, and so suddenly, his recital made me even more nervous than ususal. I didn't want to mess him up! He did fantastic, and I didn't faint...that's all that matters. Recitals are always tricky. We never know what the little ones are going to blurt out while the room is quietly listening to mostly beginner talent. There are times we wish Griffin didn't speak quite so well. And there are also times when we wish Olivia spoke in a softer, less audible tone. It could have been worse....like the last recital. I'll move on....

We were so honored this past Sunday to be with Pastor Charlie Tuttle in McKinney, TX. We had such a beautiful time there at Family Worship Center. Pastor Charlie, his wife Sherri, and their precious children are such a wonderful example of strength, courage, and faith. Pastor Charlie has been a dear friend to Randy throughout our time as pastors of Life Fellowship. I know that Randy values his friendship immensley. It was so good to be in service with them and their wonderful people. And their new facility....GORGEOUS! I'm so happy for them that they are getting to enjoy the fruit of all their hard work. It is stunning!

Our day didn't end there! :) After lunch with the Tuttles, we were off to Cleburne, TX. to be at Bethel Assembly of God, for their Mission's Banquet. Pastor Mizell was so very generous in having us come and share our heart for Swaziland. We enjoyed our time there getting to know the people of his congregation. We could see how important missions is to the people there as they one by one would come up to us and share their own hearts for this world. It really was great to see how a church can get so excited about reaching those who do not know Christ.

This week has been a busy one. Randy's playing catch up from being in Africa for 2 weeks, and as usual, I'm the family chauffer. I've joked before that I need a nanny, but I think an extra driver to get my kids to and fro would suffice.

We continue to be blessed each and every day on this journey. God has provided in so many ways that it is sometimes difficult to keep up with it all! We certaily stand in awe of His ability to provide. God is so good! Please keep us in your prayers and know that we are well on our way to Swaziland! We can't wait to get there! :)

Good Times

So this weekend we were in Temple, TX. We had the privilage of being in service with Pastors Erwyn and Regina Johnston. They had us do something a little different than the norm while we were there. They had us walk around to different Sunday School classes and talk for 10 minutes or so about what we were going to be doing in Swaziland. Then we would open it up for a short question and answer time. We enjoyed getting to know the people in a small group setting....it was a lot of fun! Pastor Johnston also worked us into his sermon on doing the will of God. It was a great reminder of all that God has done for us, and how we knew that Swaziland was His will for our family. God is so faithful, and I love how He confirms His will time and time again. We enjoyed our time at Bethel Church, it was a refreshing service in a place that clearly cares about world missions as well as local missions.

It was a short road trip, only 3 hours. Fortunately, we passed by the Collin Street Bakery again. We used some self control this time. We only stopped on the way home.








This was probably our easiest travel. I finally figured out that Griffin and Ella would be more content if they could watch a movie they actually cared about. Barney was on the agenda...and can I just say, PRAISE THE LORD for Barney! They both giggled and clapped with glee...it was a much more pleasant sound than what we have been hearing. Trust me! I don't think there was any crying or screaming. Not from them anyway.... and the other BIG praise report...this was the first trip that we didn't have to go to the store because we forgot something! I guess I should mark this trip down in the itineration scrap book or something. of course if you know me at all, you know that there is no scrap book....











Since this drive took us south, and that has actually been a bit rare, I've posted some pictures of my beautiful downtown Dallas. These were taken 20 to 30 minutes from my house. The skyline is more beautiful at night...but it's still nice to look at.













This is I-30...it's been under construction my entire life....









On another note, Randy is leaving for Swaziland today. We are having trouble getting Griffin to understand that Randy is going to Africa by himself. We've been telling him for a while now that we are all going to Africa. So, it's not making sense why daddy is packing just himself.... Nonetheless, keep me in your prayers, I haven't been a single mom of 4 for such a long period of time before. They are good kids, so I don't expect any issues. Still, prayers would be appreciated.

the longest short trip ever...

Randy has still been doing sectional councils this past week. This has made for a very tired and less than jovial Randy. I'm laughing here, if you know Randy, you are too. :) I think he's driven around 3500 miles in the last 6 days, and well, it's starting to wear on him a bit. Nonetheless, this budget isn't going to raise itself, so press on we must. Onto Giddings, Texas this weekend...and what a trip it was. I don't think we have gone on any trip so far away that we only spent one night. Suffice it to say that Griffin and Ella were in complete revolt by the time we got home last night, and some of my body parts aren't particularly happy either. But the time was good, and we enjoyed our visit. Pastor Pat and Diane Herlitz treated us wonderfully, and their church was very kind. Olivia got to participate in their BGMC (Boys and Girls Missionary Crusade)offering and tell the children's church about Africa. At first we all thought the BGMC offering was a contest, so of course our family was excited...as we tend to be competitive people, but it turns out it was more of a pot that everyone poured their offering into at the end. Could Buddy Barrel be a socialist??? I'm just kidding. Anyway, moving on. We had the pleasure of stopping at Collin Street Bakery going and coming...because, well, we passed by it going and coming. The kids thought this was wonderful...Griffin seemed as though he had found a little piece of heaven. And really, it pretty much is. Randy found the cookie he apparently fell in love with 15 years ago in Corsicana at the other Collin Street Bakery. I didn't know he had a love for this kind of cookie, but he did, now I know, and while I will never be able to make this kind of cookie, I'm glad that he has something he's fond of in the cookie family. You see, for 15 years I've made cookies... he's eaten one of each batch...and I've eaten the rest. Randy's not a cookie eater. Go figure....

Griffin and Ella seem to be staging a coup against us in terms of our travel. They've begun spitting, yelling, screaming, crying, shouting, and hitting each other every time we are in the car. And even though they manage to sleep through the night just fine at home, they once again are in revolt whenever we are in hotels. If you could make this a matter of prayer, it would be awesome... :)


Randy hits the sectionl council trail again today...good times are sure to follow. :) Thanks for all of your prayers and support! We greatly appreciate it!

Oh, and for those of you keeping track of our, "what we forgot list", let's just say Randy and I were looking especially fantastic at church this morning, in our Wal-Mart dress shirt and make-up....

We're Still At It

Well, this week was super busy for us. With it being Labor Day on Monday, it made for a short week to do work. Notice I didn't say a short work week....there is a difference. To say that you had a short work week would imply that you had less than a week's worth of work to do. That was not the case. Thus the phrase, short week to do work. :) I really should copyright my phrases.... Anyway, normally through the week we don't do much traveling. However, this week we had the wonderful honor of speaking at my grandparents, Chuck and Inez Freeman, and my aunt and uncle, Jerry and Cindy Freeman's church, Capitol Hill Assembly of God in Oklahoma City, OK. Because we have always been on staff at a church, we very rarely have ever had Sundays off. And when we do, it's vacation...and believe it or not, we don't ususally attend church on our vacation. WHA???!!! I know, shocking! Anyway, having explained that we are always working on Sunday, it stands to reason that we have never visited our family's churches... Well, it was great. It was so nice to finally meet all of their friends and the people at their church. They treated us so kindly. The family of God really is just that...a family! We enjoyed our evening there very much. Olivia even received a first aid kit when she attended missionettes there. They were working on their first aid badge. She's been wearing the ace bandage ever since. No, she's not hurt, she's just wearing the bandage. There have been other times of her "nursing" family members along. I don't forsee the band aids lasting much longer. And don't ask poor Griffin about the alcohol pads...

Anyway, after we left church Wednesday night, Randy had to head towards Abilene, Texas. Sectional Council started Thursday morning. My mom was kind enough to drive the kids and me back to Allen...and what a drive it was! Hurricane Hermine dumped LOTS of rain on us on our way home. It was a rough drive going and coming. And once you add potty breaks for the 2 year old, and his mother, we were all soppy, wet messes when we arrived both at church and back at home...oh well...we were there safely, that's all that mattered!

Randy continued to travel to different sections for their Sectional Councils. He got home Friday evening...it was good to have him back. The kids and I did enjoy having my mom for a visit though. I don't think she has been able to stay with us since Ella was born...so it was nice.

This past Sunday we were in Prosper, TX. It was a close 30 minute drive, which was wonderful!!! It was the first Saturday I've had at home in quite some time, and my house and laundry were glad to have me around! There was so much to catch up on...and honestly, still is. But, we tried... :) We enjoyed our service today with Pastor Gabbard and his wife. They and their church were so kind. They definitely welcomed us with open arms and made us feel very wanted. And on a side note, we drove by a farm with a miniature zebra. I'm not even lying...we saw a miniature zebra! And we aren't even in Africa yet!

Also this week, my dear little Ella really got to walking! She is 10 months and a week old. She is my first to walk so early...but that's ok. I'm proud of her and her new accomplishment! She is such a happy baby....such a blessing to our home! Griffin is still keeping us on our toes...and demonstrating what he sees us do...that always provides opportunity for self reflection... Olivia and I are getting the hang of homeschooling. She is doing really well, and I think we've hit a good stride. She really is a joy to work with...I haven't yelled, and she hasn't cried in a while. Success really is how you measure it. :) She also started gymnastics last week. I'm pretty sure she was born to swing on bars. :) Hudson is still loving Jr. High. He's making good grades, doing well in orchestra, and loving guitar club. Life is good for Hudson the 7th grader. In fact, life is good for all of us. God is great, and we are blessed!

Happy Labor Day!

Well, it was quite a weekend...as always. :) I had to finally take drastic measures to ensure that we would no longer forget things. I am stopping just short of a prepacked suitcase that must never leave the van under any circumstance. I am not sure if we are stupid, or if we are just too busy making sure to remember all four kids and keep Griffin from pushing the alarm on hotel elevators, but we cannot seem to remember everything. I'm not sure what our issue is when we leave the house...I'm not going to go into detail as to what all was forgotten this weekend, but there may or may not have been some rinsing out of certain clothing. Or least maybe there should have been. Nonetheless, I have taken steps to reduce our losses. THERE WILL BE A HOME SET AND A TRAVEL SET OF TOILETTRIES! Obviously I should have done this sooner. Being cheap and trying to get by with one of everything was just not working out. But I have since come to the conclusion that it is costing me more money to not have two sets. I'm sure you will all be on the edge of your seats waiting to see if this works. :)

On to more important things. Sunday we had the privilage of speaking at Village Assembly of God in Hot Springs Village, AR. It was really fun to see our college friend, Donald Laymon, and his beautiful wife, Lorrie. We also enjoyed getting to know the people in their church. The church is located in the largest gated community in the United States! It was beautiful up there! The scenery reminded us a lot of what it's like in Swaziland. Ah Swaziland, we can't wait to get there! :)

After we had dinner with Pastor Laymon and his family, we drove back down to Texarkana. We spent the night with Randy's parents and hung out with them and his sister and her family for Labor Day. There was guitar playing, swimming, and a rousing game of farkle involved. :) It was a great weekend!

This coming week is very busy. Sectional councils start here in the North Texas District, and Randy will be traveling a lot! So, if you could, please remember him in your prayers, and remember us here at home. God has been so amazing and faithful to us on this journey, and I know it's because of all your prayers. Thank you for that!

Have a wonderful week!

Big Week!

So this last week marked Hudson's first week of Jr. High. He survived!!! :) I think he more than survived, I think he actually enjoyed it! He enjoys the freedom that comes with being in 7th grade....better lunch choices, having a locker...and I don't think he's too sad about the ladies either. :)

It was also a big week because Olivia and I embarked upon the adventure that is homeschooling. The first few days were challenging, with potty training, making sure Ella doesn't choke on things she mysteriously finds, and laundry. But we made it. I think once we got in the groove, it started going smoothly....I think. :) The nice thing about having her home is, now she can homeshool Griffin when she is finished with her own work....and she does. So far he is being cooperative, sitting and listening to her instruction...even answering questions when called upon. We'll see how long this lasts.... Sometimes she is kind of mean though...I told her she can't yell at the student when she is a teacher. Well, not until he gets to 3rd grade. Did I mention that Olivia is in 3rd grade?

This weekend we had the amazing honor of speaking in Piedmont, Oklahoma, at Spring Creek Worship Center. The pastors there, Craig and Michelle Eidson, were my youth pastors growing up. Being with them reminded me of how much I missed them...they are always a such good time! It was so great to see the church that they planted there in Piedmont. It was wondeful to see their kids, Cody and Heather. I use to babysit for Cody and Heather when their parents did Chi Alpha every Tuesday night. I told them I hoped that they didn't remember when I babysat...honestly, I don't know how good at it I was. Although, they are still alive, so I guess I did the job well enough. Heather said she didn't have any bad memories...that was good news. On another note, Randy said he thought Cody was in our wedding...does anyone out there remember if this is accurate or not??? Anyway, we also got to see Randy and Dovey Thomas. Ah, they are such great people, too. They were youth sponsors while I was growing up. (I think we all did a fantastic job of making each other feel really old) Anyway, Randy, Dovey and their 3 children have been helping the Eidsons since they planted the church. It made me think of the people who helped us in planting Life Fellowship. You can't do it without the help of people like that...it was a blessing to see them all working together.

It's always nice when we go to our home states to minister. This weekend we got to stay with my grandparents, Chuck and Inez Freeman. We love them so much. It was my grandpa's birthday...I am not sure which one, as he and grandma don't openly discuss such things. :) I'm quite certain he isn't a day over 60 though. My kids love seeing them so much...so do Randy and I. We know we are extremely blessed to have them in our lives.

We also visited with my cousin, Melanie, her husband Mike, her son, Sam, and an interesting little neighbor girl named cadence. She seemed to have a good time with Ella under the dining room table...there was no crying so I figured everything was ok. Anyway, Mike has an extensive collection of videos about many of the first missionaries to go around the world. Believe it or not, he had one about a missionary to Swaziland in the early 1900's. It was really cool to watch...and apparently Randy is going to have to start calling me mama....it seems to be the African thing to do... :) It was a great week...and now on to the next! Thanks for all the prayers!

Blessings to you all!
~Mama