New Year's Eve

Well, here we are on New Year's Eve....What will this year hold for our family? Many changes ahead that I know of....We will be moving sometime in the Spring~ Tom will have a new job of some sort...I may be working...The kids will be starting new activities in church and Lord willing Chris and the children will be settled....in a new home and will be starting a new beginning....So many changes~ I know that the Lord will get us through each of these new changes just as He has gotten us through this last year. We need to just look to Him instead of looking at our circumstances whatever they may be~ I remember a song that I used to sing in church as a child...

I believe in Jesus and His word just as sure as I am singing this song and I know that He holds the future in His hand so why should I worry or fret....I know He holds the future..I know He holds my hand...I know just as sure as I am singing this song that I am part of His almighty plan! So why should I worry or fret~

Make It From Scratch: Carnival #96 - Pinch Hitting

Make It From Scratch: Carnival #96 - Pinch Hitting

Sunday Supper

What a great time we had tonight with the our kids, Chris and the munchkins~ Sunday Supper. I had a special request from Eddie for Pork, rice and beans with bananas on the side...How could I deny it! Gabby and I set out earlier in the day so that she could spend her Build a Bear card and get her moose before they were all gone. We got there just in time before all the crowds...She was able to get her moose and named him Stew! We then got out of the mall quickly because honestly...What did I lose there? Off we went to Super Walmart to gas up the car and get what we needed for the week and dinner. And for all of two dollars...we were able to have a treat and stop by Sonic for "happy hour"...and get my favorite lemon-berry fruit slush and two corn-dogs! It was great~Just what we needed after all the running around. It is really important for her and I to spend sometime alone~ Next up Austie and I need to get some mom and son time. Well, dinner was a breeze...so easy to make and everyone enjoyed it...and we have left-overs! The kids watched cartoons with Tom and we had cookies for them all for dessert. They even had time to play outside..and the breeze was great! It is too hot for everyone in the house but I will not give in ....we need to save money big time and we won't on a four hundred dollar electric bill! Anyhow, off to bed~

Saturday Night~

Wow! Where has the time gone....Christmas has been here and it is now gone~ We spent Tom's birthday the 23rd with Gigi. We had a wonderful time with her....we all went to Cardellos for an early dinner. Tom, Gigi, Austin, Gabby and I ...Amanda was already at church preparing for an early Christmas Eve service. It was absolutely beautiful and grandma loved it! It was great to get her out~ Tom's mom and aunt were also able to come along and we were able to visit with them at the new life center. Chris the kids and I went the next night also to service...Tom had to work at Blockbuster until ten on Christmas Eve. He was home on time though for us to read the Christmas story and open stockings and gifts with the kids. The kids were all so surprised and happy with the gifts that they got...and above all they were appreciative~ We got a pleasant Christmas surprise by Ed letting Chris and I pick up the kids a day early and they were home for Christmas dinner. And what a great dinner we had...God always provides and we had so much food! Turkey and lasagna and so many sides...everyone really enjoyed it. We all went to church this evening and we took the kids to the cafe for more dessert...Chris made a great dinner of Mexican lasagna and cookies for dessert. They will be coming over tomorrow for dinner...special request of pork loin and rice and beans from the munchkins..along with bananas on the side~ Just like their dad. Gabby and I are going to Build a Bear early so that she can spend her gift card and get a moose....Who she plans on naming "Stew"...what a crazy sense of humor. Tom will be working tomorrow from four to midnight~ But he does like his job....at least his second job! We are still uncertain about a great many things but I need to remember what Pastor John said tonight~ And make Today Count! And remember who holds tomorrow. I have to remember not to allow the extended family to cause me stress and not to allow that stress through the door....Literally! As I sit here recuperating with a flare due to another "visit". So...I continue to pray~

Been away a while~

Wow...I haven't posted in days~ a lot has been going on here in the Goedmakers household. Today finds us all having a down day....that is the kids and I ....Tom started his new second job today...We got up this morning very exhausted from the past several days. We ran errands all day yesterday...We were blessed on Thursday by appearance by my brother...believe it or not...I honestly did not know whether to let him in or not due to our last encounter which was not a pleasant one...but he was persistent and seems as if he would not cause be any undue stress....so I let him in only to be completely shocked and overwhelmed by the envelope full of money he gave me...I was not going to take it but he was sincere in wanting to help us during this unbelievably difficult time~ So I did and what a blessing.....we were able to pay some bills that have gone unpaid and we were able to buy some presents for the kids...I had sent my parent's a Thanksgiving day card just like Pastor had said and also sent them a rebate check that the phone company had sent me because dad had overpaid....I knew that they are not in the best place either....but lo and behold I get a note from mom saying her and dad would like us to have it instead....So I am not proud and that too was a blessing....no note of apology...no note of compromise ....So I continue to pray because Tom and I will not compromise on the Word~ But I believe the Lord will work in their lives...it is just a matter of time~ My poor Gabby is so ....sick! She spent the day yesterday sick to her stomach and with a fever....today she is just coughing and has a slight fever....and Amanda seems to be coming down with something too....We spent a wonderful day on Thanksgiving with Chris and the munchkins...wow! did we have a lot of food.....God is good~ and the kids spent a wonderful day watching movies and playing...I pray the Lord will bless Chris with someone who loves her and those children and puts them first...I know that we serve a Lord who is just and fair and will see us through...We have to remember to have Faith as Tom reminded me yesterday~

Psalm 20:1-5

In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.
May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.
May He send you help from His sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May He remember all your gifts
and look favorably on your burnt offerings.
May He grant your heart's desires
and make all your plans succeed.
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory
and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers~

Monday Blues....

The kids had a case of the Monday blues.....They did not want to get back into the swing of things~ Can't say that I blame them..I was not wanting to have to clean, run errands...They on the other hand would rather do anything today besides their chores and schoolwork But they did everything anyway! So for that I am thankful...We made it through~ Tom spent the better part of the day sick...could have been from all the traveling yesterday and Saturday...He more than likely caught a little something on the plane but a cup of tea and some medicine and he seems to be doing better. The kids are or should be getting ready for bed now...Amanda Panda seems to be on the mend from having been so sick this weekend. Hopefully she will be able to go to choir on Wednesday...she seems to be enjoying it so much. I can't believe Thanksgiving is on Thursday! We'll be spending it with Chris and the kids. She'll be in charge of the turkey and I will make all the sides...she makes an unbelievably great turkey...everyone is looking forward too it. Amanda will make brownies and Gabby will make a pumpkin pie~ Lord willing it will be a peaceful and happy day....I sent out my parent's Thanksgiving card today....We will see if they send it back ....I am hoping they at least open it so they can get the check from the phone company inside as I am sure they could use the money...I am trying to follow Pastor Joes advice and not give them room to question my Christianity...although they already do that but rather "do" what is right in Gods' eyes...It will be a little odd not having the holiday with them but it is what it is...We must stand as a family for what is right...this is not negotiable! No black Friday shopping for me this week....Wow! what a difference a year makes....never did I think we would find ourselves in this position financially....we may have struggled throughout the years but this has really been a challenge. This has challenged me in so many ways....but I am making it through....I just pray that we can have a little Christmas at least for the children....though I know they would understand~ Tom starts his second job this week...he'll be working at Blockbuster....as a night supervisor...Lord willing it will work out. I am still searching for a job....part time ...I was looking for something full time but at this point I don't know that my health is up to it..we'll see what happens...it seems that everything I've been offered has closed on me...so I have to believe that God has closed those doors and He is in control and still sits on the throne........ even through all this mess~~ We are still a family and God will see us through and give us the strength needed to press on and hold fast...He will rebuild our home!

Proverbs 2:11
Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

For I know the plans I have for you , says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you, says the Lord. I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes.

Psalm 9:10

Those who know your name trust in you , for you O Lord do not abandon those who search you~

Saturday~

What a busy Saturday...the kids and I got up early this morning to pick up our food. We headed out west so that I could pick up Chris. The kids with Amanda stayed behind to watch the munchkins....Poor Amanda~ She woke up this morning with a fever and sore throat....Her first choir performance and she can't participate~ She also had to miss her life groups participation in making the Thanksgiving baskets to give out....She felt terrible about it! Austin and Gabby have stepped up to the plate to help take care of her...Which is such a big help too me...today is not one of my best...it is definitely a "lupus" day~ I am so .....feeling the fatigue...the pain and the overwhelming feeling of being sick. These are the days when I truly hate having this disease! But the kids have been great...yes the house looks like a hurricane hit it but this is all temporary~ the Lord reminds me sometimes on a daily basis that this will all pass away one day....so I need to take a breath on my days when I am not in tip top shape and learn to "chill"....learn to remember what is really important and learn to save my "spoons" for the things that are really important~ I have done a lot these last few days and with Tom being away...well...enough said~hahaha I am outnumbered by kids! As I lay here watching the news and having finished another cup of coffee...I have to remember God sees all ...He is in control....Lord knows when you have a disease you quickly come to understand you don't control anything~So I sit here waiting for some energy....I sit here waiting for my body to start to feel somewhat "normal"....I have to remind myself that I am doing pretty well for someone who hasn't seen their doctor for months now....due to us losing our health insurance ....I am doing quite well for someone who has not had all her meds....I am doing quite well for someone who has chronic pain and has not had any pain meds because of not seeing my doctor....So I really am by the Grace of God....Doing OK! I am not where I would like to be at this moment but I am certainly where I have been in the past.....Looking back last year at this time I was hopped up on steroids galore....I am not now hopped up...Although....the weight from the meds ....will probably never come off....I guess my hubby must learn to love a chubby wife...But he says better more of me than a women who can't function, live, love~ I need to learn to accept these things.....I know but some days it is hard....So I will sit here and rest and struggle with all this...and Tom will be home tomorrow and maybe this too will pass~

Another late night...

Can't believe yet another late night! The kids are up watching the original Superman....After all it is Friday night...No one can seem to sleep with Tom gone but than again they love to stay up when dad is home too...hahaha Night owls...we all are night owls. Amanda had a good day at the zoo and than we came home to find Chris and Hailey waiting for us with Turkey's ! She is too much....She has been so good to us...and I love those munchkins! Of course we love her too...I cannot still grasp the fact that my brother has chosen to leave his family and take up with someone else....and I cannot fathom the fact that the family is behind him...It has been a year now and it still seems so surreal. It is becoming so apparent that we are living in a day in age where the norm is not the norm and what is considered to be normal...is anything but! So we stand on the Word....We stand on God and We stand together. Back in September I remember hearing the Lord say to me that we must continue to Stand ....Stand for what is right and what is true....And I knew that it is and was a confirmation for Tom and myself as things have gotten so very hard and there have been times where we have felt defeated....and worn and tired and overwhelmed but in the middle of it all God is there~ He is there waiting to hear us call out to him...He is there waiting to comfort us...He is there waiting to rescue us...Maybe not in the way we think that He will but He is there~ We have really all that we need ....a Home, good food on the table....clothes....friends and the love of "our family"....and our friends....I have such support...so many prayer warriors that are continually lifting me and the kids and Tom up....We are blessed to have the Chris and the munchkins in our lives.....the little ones have brought me such joy.....which has kept me going through this difficult time~ And Chris has been such a blessing! Her friendship and encouragement have strengthened me through this terribly hard year....We are there to lift each other up~ Well....another late night....and another early morning as tomorrow is pick-up day for us....Once again God has provided for our family...And I must remember to rejoice~

Oh so....tired~

Ever have a day when you thought....Why did I get up this morning?! Yes, well it has been one of those where it began all wrong....Not that we will go into a "the why". Suffice to say it was not a happy knock this morning but ....Once the coffee was going things started to turn for the better....if only due to the coffee.....hahaha Can't help but think of my hubby sitting in an airport terminal waiting for his flight out....all the many hours he had to sit and wait due to missing his afternoon flight...But you know God has a reason for everything and I can't help but think...at least he didn't have to take the flight with his fellow co-worker that is highly unpleasant! Gotta see the rhyme and reason for it...I don't know that he would agree but ... The kids are settled into the tv and computer kicking back and having some down time...is there anything else when your kid/teenager?! I know their missing their dad...No Scattagories tonight. For which I am sure they are bummed out about....Dad does the games, movies and lot's of fun...they have been having a blast these last few nights playing with him. They are all a bunch of maniacs when they play games...they are all highly competitive..Can't imagine where they get that from~ hahaha Tom is a complete child when he is playing with them and they love every minute of it. So I am here feeling a little lonely this evening as the house is quiet after the rowdy game last night. Hubby will be getting on th plane tonight at ten and will not get into Houston until after midnight! Wow....and with an early morning meeting. I can only hope they have some good coffee in the morning...I told the kids it will an early night for mom tonight after such an early morning and Friday is zoo day for Amanda...Something she is so good at! She is doing such a good job with volunteering at Busch Wildlife working with the animals and helping with the homeschool class. Can't believe I have a tenth-grader....I remember the day I knew I had to homeschool...When I knew dropping her off for someone else to teach and influence and shape was not good enough...she was only three....Wow! Thirteen years~ Where does the time go?! O to have some of those days back again...but she is growing into such a beautiful young lady...Having them home...Amanda, Austin, and Gabby has given me such wonderful memories, such wonderful times...My Austie...can't believe his birthday is around the corner~ My Pearl Harbor day baby! He'll be fourteen...he has such a loving heart...This is his favorite time of year~ Christmas music has started and it is piping out of his room 24/7. Austin is in his element~ My Gabby....is coming along...Such a beautiful girl~ she is turning into such a writer....in her journals, computer....short stories...You name it the child loves to write! she is our baby and loves every minute...My only regret as the holiday's are upon us are the many lost in our extended family....But God is good! I must remember to place them in His hands and step back...and let Him do the work~

Just another Thursday

Well...just another Thursday here in the Goedmakers household...Tom left today for his business trip and the kids and I are not thrilled about it but it may be something that is really good for him and his work....so I hope and pray that all goes well. It has been such a drastic change for our working for ourselves! Yes, we were struggling along but it is hard for me to see him having to answer to people who are less qualified and have less experience then him. I know that God is in control...and I need to constantly be reminding myself of that fact. We need to stay in the word and trust that the Lord will see us through this very trying and difficult time. I was reading this morning in Ephesians 3:16-21
I pray that form His glorious unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all the glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! AMEN.

This is just what I needed today to be reminded of.....Times are hard and we will struggle but no matter what ......I am blessed! I am blessed with a husband I love and children that are healthy and for the most part happy....Yes, things could be better but for today....we have a comfortable home, good food and friends that are a constant encouragment to me.