Ice Cream and Biking

Those two things don't seem like they should go together, but today, they did.
I know I said I'd try to bring the camera out with us, but I forgot. Big surprise there. Fortunately, my kids keep me plenty entertained around the house!
I received an ice cream machine for my birthday, and today I decided to make coffee ice cream. Now, if you know me, you know I can go either way with it. I don't love it, but I don't mind it every so often. Coffee ice cream is definitely my favorite, so I'll try to remember to post this recipe because it came out really good.
Needless to say, my kids are fiends for ice cream. I was washing the dishes while the ice cream was spinning, and after going into the kids room for something, came back to this.

Lena is pleading here...Eli is upset I caught him and was now going to publicly humiliate him. I told them they could try it, and they were thrilled.

Unfortunately, I got the "look" when I told them no double-dipping. They were ready for more!On to biking. Dad finally smoothed out the ton of dirt that sat between the house and barn. The kids took this as a challenge. I got tons of pictures of them biking, but these were my two favorite. Here's Eli going up and Javen going down at 100 mph. Obviously I over exaggerate. But it felt that way to my mother's heart.
And here's Jim acting like a kid :) He pulled a pop-a-wheelie, and was really excited I got it on film, so I thought I'd share it with all of you. Notice the sheer determination on his face?
I hope your week goes fast, and your weekend lasts.

New Post

I finished a post I had started before Tarrah had Ethan. I didn't realize it wouldn't post at the top of the blog, so if you want to scroll down a few posts, it will be there. It's called the Chicken Whisperer. I hope everyone is having a great week! Jim took the day off so we can have a last fun day before school starts next week.
Dentist, library, park, meet and greet at the school. I'll try to remember my camera so I can post again soon.
I pray your day is filled with His blessings.

His Name

FINALLY...the sweet baby boy has a name. I was waiting...and waiting...and waiting some more. Tarrah was so patient with me, even when I wasn't. You would think I have a personal interest in this kid :)
So...after much deliberation and thought, they have picked the perfect name for him. ETHAN JAMES. Of course, I'm partial, but this name is a beautiful representation of their baby.
So may He bless you as he has blessed them. With miracles and grace.

By God's Grace...

..Tarrah is okay ...Sam had the strength to get through today ...their baby is a healthy big boy.
They want to thank everyone for their prayers. Tarrah is aware of her situation and is relying on God for strength. The baby is truly a miracle. Continue praying. I will post when there is more to say...like his name! I can't wait to hear it.
Hopefully Sam will send me pictures soon. Love to you all in His name.

Update on NC

Update #2***
I just talked to Sam. Tarrah is still groggy, but she is holding their no-name baby boy. She is being given blood/fluid since her blood pressure is still low.
The reason for the bleeding was a tear in her uterus. It was partially stuck to her bowels, so she began bleeding into her abdominal cavity. Unfortunately, they had to take out her uterus and cervix (hysterectomy). For any of you who know Tarrah, this will be a really tough time for her. Keep her in your prayers. We just are so thankful that God allowed this pregnancy to go to term, and the baby is so healthy. May He bless all of you.


Update****
Tarrah has come out of surgery, and is in a recovery room sleeping. The doctors were able to stop the bleeding. Keep praying for them. I'm sure she'll blog when she's ready, but she will be in the hospital for a few days. If she gives me the go-ahead, I'll give you more information soon.


A beautiful baby boy was born this morning. He has blond hair and blue eyes, and looks like his dad. He came out at 8lbs 10oz.
Tarrah was losing blood after the birth, so had to have emergency surgery. We don't know the outcome yet, but will keep you updated.
Please pray for Sam's strength and Tarrah's recovery.

The Chicken Whisperer

Shhhhh...don't tell anyone. We just realized a few nights ago that Jim has an amazing gift. It is a gift given by the Big Guy himself, and we're flabbergasted that he chose to bestow it on a simple man like Jim.

Jim can communicate with chickens. Wait...there's no punch line. He really can! They love him. I took some pictures so you can see how it actually works.

First, he lures them in with clucking and finger waving.

Then he feeds them small bits of bread so that they feel comfortable. By this point they're all clucking and preening for him. He talks to them, telling them how beautiful they are. They are in heaven. I think they'd jump in the oven for him if he asked.
They get right up on him, trying to get as close as possible. He then breaks out his comedy routine. Have you ever heard the one about the chicken crossing the road?
Lastly, he tucks them in for the night with a hug and kiss. They say their prayers, that no animal will come and whisk them away before the sun comes up in the morning.
Then the sleep, impatiently, awaiting the next day they can see their soul mate. The man that whispers to them in the evening. The chicken whisperer.

It's Time!

I'll try to keep everyone posted. If you go over to see Sam and Tarrah's blog, there's a post from last night. Tarrah's water has broken, and they are preparing for the new baby. I can't wait to see what it's going to be!
Keep them in your prayers.

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

My kids are crazy. In case you didn't realize that already. Which, if you know them, you should. Because they are a cross between Jim and I. And we're crazy. But my kids...man they are super crazy.It started clouding up this afternoon, and we could hear thunder in the distance. Instead of running for cover, which any sane "flat-lander" would do, my kids ran outside and started doing the rain dance. Over, and over, and over. My mother would be so proud.
As you can see by these pictures, the rain came.

And still they played on. And it rained more.And they laughed. And more rain came. And my goobers posed. Ahhhh...what goof balls. I wonder where they get it from. Hmmmm....

New Artist

Here is an artist Jim and I found on http://www.godtube.com/ He is amazing, and if you get a chance, check out this song. It's called All Ye, and God flows right through this young man.
May He bless your day.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=47f598bde7d37a5f655b

Thank You

Thank you Tennessee for taking such good care of my kids. And Jim too!

I'm not sure if they could have had a nicer time. Grandma Kathy, thank you. They can't stop talking about how much fun they had with you.

The other grandma, thank you. Lena really wants to make banana bread :) The thing they loved was that they could go and see you whenever they wanted, and you and Grandpa made them feel really at home.

Aunt Amy, the kids couldn't say more about you. You made a lasting impression of love on them.Oh my goodness Erin...your baby is so beautiful. Anytime you want a vacation, there's a room here for you.

Thank you Kaitlin and Skyler for making them feel loved. They went with trepidation over meeting all of these new people, and came home with family and friends.

Thank you all of you who opened your homes and hearts to them.

I Know...

...it's been a while. There was so much to write for a while, but then there was nothing. Sam and Tarrah are happily living in NC, the kids and Jim went on vacation to Tennessee, and now they're back. Jim's 31st birthday is today. So Happy Birthday my love. May He bless your next 31 years even more.