Burt's Bee Chap Stick!

Yesterday afternoon we had quite the find! After asking permission, Jaycee got in the drawer for the chap stick. After she applied it to her lips she gave it to Jackson so he could bring it to me. I was in the bathroom scrubbing the floors and I was unaware that Jaycee had given it to Jackson. Byron came home and and I walked out of the bathroom to say hello. Jackson was walking towards us holding the the chap stick. That is when we discovered he had been eating it. Thankfully, we haven't seen any repercussions from it. The bonus is that his breath was minty fresh all night! Even after eating dinner I could still smell the peppermint! So note to self always supervise when chap stick is being used and not allow it to get in the wrong hands!

Some of our Favorite Things!

Favorite Songs

1. Promises

2. This little light of mine

3. Ho-Ho-Ho-Hosanna

4. I'm Gonna Sing, I'm Gonna Shout

5. You get a line & I'll get a pole

Favorite Bible Stories

1. Samson

2. Jonah and the Whale

3. The Twins Esau and Jacob

4. Ruth and Naomi

5. Noah and the Ark

Favorite Games

1. Red Light Green Light

2. Duck Duck Goose

3. Hide and Seek

4. Dominoes

Favorite things to do with dad

1. Wrestling

2. Playing catch

3. Ganging up on mom

4. Yelling at the top of their lungs!!! (Poor me!)

5. Fly kites

6. Ride the lawn mower

Singing happens a lot in this house! Promises is by far Jaycee's favorite song these days! We play it over and over on the computer! Its pretty cute to listen to her sing it. She sings it in her class at church as well. She sings it along with these words Jesus is my best friend, my star, and my superhero! So I don't know if she is putting 2 songs together or what but we love it when she sings for us! I love that the kids are getting older b/c they do all the rough and tough stuff with their dad! The kids scream anytime I say that dad is home, IF they didn't hear him pull in the driveway first. They are at such a fun age. They play so well together too. Obviously, they have their fights but they do love each other and love being together. Its unbelievable how fast Jackson picks up on things. He can climb up the ladder all by himself on our swing set. He also swings on his tummy like Jaycee. He can kick a soccer ball all over the back yard and basically will kick anything anytime if we would let him! Just thought I needed to remind myself of all the fun things we do and how precious each day is with my babies even if all of the laundry doesn't get done!

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! Joshua 24:15

I have several posts about Jaycee asking about Jesus and talking about when she will ask Jesus into her heart. Well, God has answered our families' prayers. That prayer is that our children will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior at an early age. Today, Oct. 16, 2008 at 10:30 a.m sitting in the floor of our living room Jaycee asked Jesus to come live in her heart! What a joyous day it is and we are giving all praise and glory to our Heavenly Father!

Byron and I thank the Lord for the precious life He has blessed us with. Because of the word of God sown in our lives by grandparents, parents, and other family members we are able to share that same faith with our children. What a legacy! How awesome to know that Jaycee will live for eternity with her Creator.

We know that there may be ones out there that question even if this is possible for a 3 1/2 yr. old little girl to grasp. I know that Byron and I have even discussed this at length ourselves. We came to the conclusion that this is the core value of our lives. That God is the most important part of our family's life. We serve Him with our whole hearts and in the bible it says to train up a child in the way He should go and when he is old he will not turn from it, Proverbs 22:6. We believe that in Jaycee asking Jesus to live in her heart, this is the first step in training her up in the way she should go. Also, as I mentioned before its been the prayer of our hearts since Jaycee was conceived inside of me that she would come to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior and serve Him all the days of her life. That is God's will for ALL who will accept Him. He knew Jaycee before she was even formed in my womb, and He has a plan and a purpose for her life. In Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." As Byron and I are walking in obedience to God and His word then how can we hinder Jaycee from coming to know the Lord. So who are we to say when, where, how, she is to come to know the Lord. That is a matter between her heart and God. We truly believe that God has moved in her and drawn her to Him.

Even though its been 2 years ago I remember this story very well. We were at the Gorge for the Creation Fest. Third Day's lead singer Mac Powell told of when his daughter come to know the Lord. He had come home and his family was telling about his 6 yr. old daughter that she received Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Mac said that he was excited but he went down to his basement and began to pray. Just talking to God he was like God can this be real, does she really understand what Jesus did for her? Does she really comprehend what this means? He said God spoke to Him, and said do you fully understand what Jesus did for you? WOW! Mac said that totally humbled him. Because, as humans we don't fully comprehend what all Jesus has done for us. If that was the case, then we wouldn't say and act the way we do! That each day we must be reminded that we have all fallen short of the Glory of God and that Jesus came and saved us all because there is no way we can save ourselves!

So in all of that, we truly know that God is at work in Jaycee's life! That Philippians 1:6 is now taking place in her life. Being confident in this, that He who began a good work in you Jaycee (insert), will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. So we give all praise, honor, and glory to our Heavenly Father. As our family continues to serve the Lord we look forward to the days ahead. How God will use and work through us. To see the plans He has for Jaycee and also til the day when Jackson accepts Jesus as His Lord and Savior. How humbled we are to know the love of God. For none of us are deserving of this great and awesome love! How thankful and grateful we are to have it! Thank you Lord you are so worthy to be praised!

Here are a few pictures of our little girl through 3 1/2 yrs of her life! Thank you Lord for blessing our lives with this precious gift, Jaycee Ann Lohrer!

Pictures!

Here are pictures from this last week and weekend. Music is definitely a favorite around this house! The kids request music all the time. Of course, when they go to my parents Dad plays his guitar and Jaycee sings on a real microphone. They love it. Some of the pictures are from our house and the kids performing. Jackson won't look at you when he sings he has to look off to the side. There are some pictures of the kids and my dad singing at Ma and Pa's this past Sunday. They were the life of the party!





















Oh, Jackson is "official" now at the dinner table. He no longer uses the tray. He has a place mat and even gets to use a spoon now and then! I still feed him the messy stuff, but he really enjoys feeding himself. Anything that he can do that is "big" he wants to do! Him and Jaycee even has races at times to see who can finish their plates first. This is great b/c Jaycee is usually at the dinner table for a long time. Now, that its a game she works hard at it. Which makes eating as a family a little easier!

Our weekend!

This past weekend we had lots of fun. It actually started Thursday evening. The Velma-Alma Lady Comets made it to State in softball. The pitcher for the team is a distant cousin on my dad's side. Kyla is a senior. She is a very good pitcher. They made it to the State Championship game on Saturday. So we made the trip up to Oklahoma City 3 straight days. The kids went Thursday and Saturday and stayed with Ma and Pa on Friday. The Lady Comets got beat in the State Finals game. They played well and we are all so proud of their accomplishments this year!

Yesterday, we went to church. After church we came back to Ma and Pa's for a big birthday celebration. My dad, Aunt Retha, cousin Melody, John, and Uncle Johnny all have birthdays between Oct. 7-14. So it was a great time to spend with all of the family. We hadn't all been together since June for Pa's birthday and Father's Day. We look forward to spending time together in the next few months for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

In other news, Jackson has a big boy bed now. I can't believe my little boy is this big already. We moved Jaycee into a big bed when she was 19 mos. old. Jackson will be 19 mos. in one week. Since our move from Washington, Jackson has been in a portable crib. The crib we had wasn't able to handle another move so it didn't make the journey back to Oklahoma with us. Then we ended up living with my parents for 4 months. We just didn't think it was necessary to buy another crib when he wouldn't be in it that long. We actually got his twin bed from my Aunt Retha. It was J'Ann's bed in college. We still have Jaycee's twin size bed, but the mattress wasn't in the best of shape. It was a hand me down as well. The bed we got yesterday for Jackson is great! Its a pillow top mattress. It even came with the frame. The frame isn't in use at this time. With the pillow top mattress and box spring the bed sets pretty high off the ground. The less distance Jackson has to fall the better! We do have the side rail up. Last night I slept all night with him. Today for his nap I laid down with him, and he is still sleeping peacefully. I will get pictures up once we have it totally done. It doesn't have a bed skirt or a comforter. Aunt Retha had sheets for it because it is an extra long twin mattress. Thankfully, the sheets are boyish ones. We will make do with them until we decide what we want to decorate his room in. Of course, it will be sports inspired we just aren't sure what direction we want to go with that!

Oh, one other thing! This weekend we paid $2.43 a gallon for gas! WOOHOO! Oklahoma right now has the lowest average of gas prices for the United States! It was great to fill the car up for $30. A couple of years ago I didn't think I would ever be excited about paying $2.43 for gas, but I am now!

Success!

We had success last night as Jackson stayed with someone other than my parents or grandparents. We had small group last night. They provide babysitters at the church, but Jackson being so young among so many kids that are 3 yrs. and above we don't feel quite comfortable enough leaving him there. The girls who babysit are truly wonderful, but they do a lot of playing outside and if Jackson isn't watched closely no telling what would happen. I am not even sure he would stay.

My grandparents usually watch on small group nights. We only have small group once a month because of so many families travel quite a distance to attend our church. Ma and Pa were having Pastor Appreciation at their church last night. My parents were at their small group meeting as well last night. So my Aunt Retha and Uncle Johnny said they would watch the kids.

Jaycee has stayed with them and absolutely loves them. Jackson hadn't stayed yet. Retha came to our house. The kids and her got off in Jaycee's room playing while Byron and I quietly left out the backdoor. Johnny was playing golf and hadn't made it home yet. They played for a while at our house and then went to Retha and Johnny's house. They were with them for about 4 1/2 hours. Retha said they both did great! Jackson didn't cry at all for us. The only time he cried was when Jaycee was trying to take a ball away from him. She even gave them a bath at her house. They had a grand time and the kids now call her Ree.

We hadn't been home too long and Retha and Johnny arrived with the kids. Both kids had the biggest smiles on their faces. They came running in the house. They both gave Johnny and Retha big hugs, kisses, and said Thank You. We can definitely mark this as a success! Now we will begin working on Jackson staying in the nursery at church without Mommy!

I thought I would post some pictures. I haven't in a while. Actually I haven't taken that many either. I think I took so many in Washington that I haven't felt like taking any recently. Enjoy!

The first 3 pictures are from the OU game we went to a month ago!

"Pillow Talk" with a 3 yr. old!

Not too long ago I blogged about Jaycee and her giving kisses to God when she sees Him in Heaven. In the past week, we have had many conversations about Heaven. What Heaven will be like? Who will be in Heaven? Will there be animals in Heaven and so forth. So at random times throughout the day Jaycee will ask if something or someone will be in Heaven with us.

Last night during our usual routine of tucking Jaycee in bed she once again got my heart. We sing songs and pray before she rolls over and says good night. After we finished Jesus loves the little Children she looks at me, places her hand on my heart, and says Jesus lives there. I said Yes He does. Then she said Jesus lives in Daddy's heart too. I said, that is correct. Jaycee then said, but He doesn't live in mine or Jackson's heart yet. I replied no, not right now but one day soon He will. She agreed and then went on to say that He will knock on her heart one day. I said yes He will. I told her that will be the time that you answer and say Jesus I love you and I need you to live in my heart! It was precious! So amazing how God is already working in the hearts of Jaycee and Jackson.

Jackson is into prayer. When Byron sits at the dinner table Jackson already has his hands out saying "Pray". Then at nap times and bed time we pray. Its wonderful! Thursday night Jackson had a hard time sleeping. So I got up with him a couple of times. When I would go to put him back in bed, he says "Pray". So cute! I am so thankful God has given Byron and I Jaycee and Jackson. That through this journey called parenthood He is growing us more then I ever thought possible. I am teaching my children about God, but God is teaching me so much more through my children. I am truly grateful for that and for His unconditional love for us all!

Information from Wallbuilders

I have been reading A LOT off of Wallbuilders in the library section. This topic "the importance of voting and christian involvement in the political arena" struck me pretty good. I will post several of the quotes from men that played an important role of establishing our great Nation. I am not blogging to tell you who to vote for, but I think as Christians and voters this certainly will help us choose the best available candidate for each position.

Samuel Adams
Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual - or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.

[Samuel Adams, The Writings of Samuel Adams, Harry Alonzo Cushing, editor (New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1907), Vol. IV, p. 256, in the Boston Gazette on April 16, 1781.]


Nothing is more essential to the establishment of manners in a State than that all persons employed in places of power and trust be men of unexceptionable characters. The public cannot be too curious concerning the character of public men.

[Samuel Adams, The Writings of Samuel Adams, Harry Alonzo Cushing, editor (New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1907), Vol. III, p. 236-237, to James Warren on November 4, 1775.]

Matthias Burnett

Consider well the important trust . . . which God . . . [has] put into your hands. . . . To God and posterity you are accountable for [your rights and your rulers]. . . . Let not your children have reason to curse you for giving up those rights and prostrating those institutions which your fathers delivered to you. . . . [L]ook well to the characters and qualifications of those you elect and raise to office and places of trust. . . . Think not that your interests will be safe in the hands of the weak and ignorant; or faithfully managed by the impious, the dissolute and the immoral. Think not that men who acknowledge not the providence of God nor regard His laws will be uncorrupt in office, firm in defense of the righteous cause against the oppressor, or resolutly oppose the torrent of iniquity. . . . Watch over your liberties and privileges - civil and religious - with a careful eye.

[Matthias Burnett, Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Norwalk, An Election Sermon, Preached at Hartford, on the Day of the Anniversary Election, May 12, 1803 (Hartford: Printed by Hudson & Goodwin, 1803), pp. 27-28.]


Frederick Douglass

I have one great political idea. . . . That idea is an old one. It is widely and generally assented to; nevertheless, it is very generally trampled upon and disregarded. The best expression of it, I have found in the Bible. It is in substance, "Righteousness exalteth a nation; sin is a reproach to any people" [Proverbs 14:34]. This constitutes my politics - the negative and positive of my politics, and the whole of my politics. . . . I feel it my duty to do all in my power to infuse this idea into the public mind, that it may speedily be recognized and practiced upon by our people.

[Frederick Douglass, The Frederick Douglass Papers, John Blassingame, editor (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1982), Vol. 2, p. 397, from a speech delivered at Ithaca, New York, October 14th, 1852.]

James Garfield

Now more than ever the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature. . . . [I]f the next centennial does not find us a great nation . . . it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.

[James A. Garfield, The Works of James Abram Garfield, Burke Hinsdale, editor (Boston: James R. Osgood and Company, 1883), Vol. II, pp. 486, 489, "A Century of Congress," July, 1877.]

Francis Grimke

If the time ever comes when we shall go to pieces, it will . . . be . . . from inward corruption - from the disregard of right principles . . . from losing sight of the fact that "Righteousness exalteth a nation, but that sin is a reproach to any people" [Proverbs 14:34]. . . .[T]he secession of the Southern States in 1860 was a small matter with the secession of the Union itself from the great principles enunciated in the Declaration of Independence, in the Golden Rule, in the Ten Commandments, in the Sermon on the Mount. Unless we hold, and hold firmly to these great fundamental principles of righteousness, . . . our Union . . . will be "only a covenant with death and an agreement with hell."

[Rev. Francis J. Grimke, from "Equality of Right for All Citizens, Black and White, Alike," March 7, 1909, published in Masterpieces of Negro Eloquence, Alice Moore Dunbar, editor (New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 2000), pp. 246-247.]

John Jay

Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.

[John Jay, The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, Henry P. Johnston, ed. (New York: G.P. Putnams Sons, 1890), Vol. IV, p. 365.]

The Americans are the first people whom Heaven has favored with an opportunity of deliberating upon and choosing the forms of government under which they should live.

[John Jay, The Correspondence and Public Papers of John Jay, Henry P. Johnston, ed. (New York: G.P. Putnams Sons, 1890), Vol. I, p. 161.]

William Penn

Governments, like clocks, go from the motion men give them; and as governments are made and moved by men, so by them they are ruined too. Wherefore governments rather depend upon men than men upon governments. Let men be good and the government cannot be bad. . . . But if men be bad, let the government be never so good, they will endeavor to warp and spoil it to their turn. . . .[T]hough good laws do well, good men do better; for good laws may want [lack] good men and be abolished or invaded by ill men; but good men will never want good laws nor suffer [allow] ill ones.

[William Penn quoted from: Thomas Clarkson, Memoirs of the Private and Public Life of William Penn (London: Richard Taylor and Co., 1813) Vol. I, p.303.]

Noah Webster

In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate - look to his character. . . . When a citizen gives his suffrage to a man of known immorality he abuses his trust; he sacrifices not only his own interest, but that of his neighbor, he betrays the interest of his country.

[Noah Webster, Letters to a Young Gentleman Commencing His Education to which is subjoined a Brief History of the United States (New Haven: S. Converse, 1823), pp. 18, 19.]

When you become entitled to exercise the right of voting for public officers, let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers, "just men who will rule in the fear of God." The preservation of government depends on the faithful discharge of this duty; if the citizens neglect their duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good so much as for selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the laws; the public revenues will be sqandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizens will be violated or disregarded. If a republican government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the divine commands, and elect bad men to make and administer the laws.

[Noah Webster, History of the United States (New Haven: Durrie & Peck, 1832), pp. 336-337, �49.]

A great website!

Go to www.wallbuilders.com It is a fanatastic website. They are doing great things. The information is incredible. Its an organization that presents the real history of our Nation. I am just amazed and sadden by how far we have fallen away from what our founding fathers so desired for this Nation. I wanted to share this with you. I love history and learning about it. As a parent, I want my children to know the truth about our Nation. At this point, they will learn parts of it in school, but it is my duty to teach them the rest. If you want you can go to youtube and type in Wallbuilders. They have many interesting and wonderful facts about our nation that we were never taught. I don't think our founding fathers would even recognize the Nation they built today. When you go to the website on the left hand side there is a quote by John Adams. It is truly powerful! There are many more if you spend time in the Library part of the website. I would go in deeper about the topics but I am going to bite my tongue at this point. Not because I am afraid to stand up for the truth and what I believe is right, but because what I have to say I want it to come out of love. If and when there is a time for me to do this, I want it spoken in a Godly manner. I don't want it out of my flesh at all. Please, go check out this website and watch some videos on Youtube. I would love to hear what you think about the information you receive. Many blessings!

Top Ten: Favorite Scriptures!

Well, after reading my friend Tanya's blog, I thought I need to do more blogging. So much of the time I think oh I don't have anything to share with the blogging world. I know that this is about our family and helps people to have a little insight as to what is going on in our house. As that goes, God is very much apart of what goes on in this house. I have thought many times about posting about different things in regards to what God is doing in our lives, but I haven't. I am going to begin now. Not to boast in us at all, but to boast about what our Heavenly Father is doing in us and through us. Its great encouragement to me and I hope it will be to you all as well. Here is my top ten list of favorite scriptures, at least for this stage in my life!

A lot of these scriptures have to do with learning to trust God. Knowing to enjoy the moment that I am in and stop worrying about the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. To be thankful and enjoy where I am at in life. For me just really depending solely on my Heavenly Father. Too much of the time, I want to control things and do things my way. I have been realizing that my way is not good! That my flesh comes into to play and in return its my selfish desires that I am feeding. I want and desire God's plan to prevail in my life and my family's life. So I hope this is an encouragement to you and also that God will touch you through these scriptures.

1. Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, & yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6: 26- This one has spoken volumes to me over the last few weeks. That I am valuable to God. That He sees our needs and that He will provide. There isn't a single part of my life that God doesn't care about.

2. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8- In this, God is my foundation. Though crazy things are happening in this world, My God is unchanging! That His promises to provide for my family and to protect my family.Those promises are not going to change because of what is happening around us. He will never bail out on us! Who God is, is who He was before time began and He will still be that when this world comes to an end!

3. Let the word of Christ -the message- have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Colossians 3:16- I think this scripture is pretty self explanatory. Just a reminder that God should be ever present in every aspect of our lives. At any given moment, we should be prepared to share God's love with the world!

4. For out of the overflow of his heart, his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45- This is my prayer that I will be so filled up with God that this is all that comes out of my mouth. My mouth with speak of God's truth and love for all!

5. Be still and know that I am God. Psalms 46:10- The amplified bible says " Let be" and know that I am God. As I like to fix things myself,I realized I need to let things be, rely solely on God and allow Him to be God.

6. This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24- Regardless of what is going on, what obstacles this day may bring, God has made this day. It will never come around again, so I choose to rejoice and be thankful that God has given me this day! My new favorite song-Lincoln Brewster Today is the Day

7. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He'll never let you be pushed past your limits; He'll always be there to help you come through it. 1 Corinthians 10:13- What hope and peace this verse brings. Its states that God will NEVER- It doesn't say sometimes or even almost always its says NEVER! God will NEVER let me down, He will NEVER push me past my limits and He will ALWAYS be there for me! What a faith booster this verse is!

8. That my heart may sing to you & not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever. Psalms 30:12- I always want praises on my lips to my Heavenly Father. I never want my heart to be silent! I always want to have a thankful and grateful heart for all He has done for me.

9. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18- Are we human yes, so at times we aren't always joyful, we aren't always thankful, and we aren't always praying- God's will is for our lives to be this way- My prayer is that in every moment whether good or bad I will remember this scripture. To always pray and thank God for every moment I encounter. Joyful doesn't just mean being happy walking around with a smile on my face all the time- Its being filled inside knowing that God is in control, that God truly loves me, and that He has a plan for my life. That is joy of the Lord!

10. If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves & pray & turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven & forgive their sin & will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14- This is my prayer for our Nation. This is God telling us exactly what to do. Its a promise from Him. He is true to His word. We so need our Nation healed of all the wickedness and evil.

Love you all! I hope you all know just how important you are to God. How much He loves you and longs to have a relationship with you. Its not about a religion, its not about rules, its about a relationship with your Creator. There is none like Him. The longing in your heart and the searching you do for peace, love, and acceptance can only be filled by Jesus Christ. I pray that all who read this has that relationship with your Heavenly Father. If not I pray that God is speaking to your heart right now and drawing you to Him. That you realize that without Him you have nothing. That you will see that God is so passionately in love with you that He sent His only son to die for your sins and He raised him from the dead just so that you could spend eternity with Him in Heaven. Its not about anyone else but you and God. People are going to disappoint you, let you down, but God never will. People make mistakes, but God has never made a mistake. He created you with a purpose and a plan. He knew you before you were even born. If you will allow Him into your heart, accept Him as your Lord and Savior, your life will never be the same.