tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-325784372024-03-07T18:57:45.412-05:00Redeemed Daughterredeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-66962231538295957572012-03-23T22:47:00.009-04:002012-03-23T23:08:06.970-04:00Sally's Sixth Birthday!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELLHdkMNMEodop9q-ZRxO7S45zKm6iSVynzpxnEB00orJ-0Vczn60RvZgy06UG3W0r8vqIHAoeXng86fkZlfCr-MeVLT_5JrvaMuZagQINvAzU44vrknZ9dLZizpZG1cdOzRWcA/s1600/IMG_1659.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELLHdkMNMEodop9q-ZRxO7S45zKm6iSVynzpxnEB00orJ-0Vczn60RvZgy06UG3W0r8vqIHAoeXng86fkZlfCr-MeVLT_5JrvaMuZagQINvAzU44vrknZ9dLZizpZG1cdOzRWcA/s320/IMG_1659.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723294340727243682" border="0" /></a>They painted a canvas with their first initial on it. The initial was made out of tape so when the paint dried they peeled the tape off and had a cute picture! They were so creative!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUViRbYJpPa8QNsvulRo-loP-zNujtYtf2NEjGwTle5KqRbBU3XSWWN64Q22OvTeS67xRweiIGdB_D2501MMAO3GaqUdc3pbow3lHXUfo6XFl2b5fm4MzvYeyVZERHh7397s0Sfw/s1600/IMG_1665.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUViRbYJpPa8QNsvulRo-loP-zNujtYtf2NEjGwTle5KqRbBU3XSWWN64Q22OvTeS67xRweiIGdB_D2501MMAO3GaqUdc3pbow3lHXUfo6XFl2b5fm4MzvYeyVZERHh7397s0Sfw/s320/IMG_1665.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723293613789599762" border="0" /></a>the awesome rainbow cake!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7z85vplxuMX9lYfHv2d_eZNDexG7x3sGItIXcVB-DJ3VWbqFRX-EnXpqVOcCOukRezCt3Z5ElQNBOjXI6sWsPJnUrU1gqmg3GAqjiMdiDtRKVyMRD2GcQjy_avvpJjMFs43JWSQ/s1600/IMG_1646.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7z85vplxuMX9lYfHv2d_eZNDexG7x3sGItIXcVB-DJ3VWbqFRX-EnXpqVOcCOukRezCt3Z5ElQNBOjXI6sWsPJnUrU1gqmg3GAqjiMdiDtRKVyMRD2GcQjy_avvpJjMFs43JWSQ/s320/IMG_1646.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723292656957760770" border="0" /></a>And of course we had to keep our Creative Juices flowing!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVa89LphhtzPmb_m6wsRm5DnD920a-SkyPbnjbjZWjm5DJmT9czHT-wpptkM_e_rjK9iTU5-FmMwOR7h5_4-lcA5wO7nkdGGWXnKJpqz2qBy68b5ZnVn0LpbAhv2urWeSU1BMSWw/s1600/IMG_1639.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVa89LphhtzPmb_m6wsRm5DnD920a-SkyPbnjbjZWjm5DJmT9czHT-wpptkM_e_rjK9iTU5-FmMwOR7h5_4-lcA5wO7nkdGGWXnKJpqz2qBy68b5ZnVn0LpbAhv2urWeSU1BMSWw/s320/IMG_1639.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723291856881543858" border="0" /></a>I made paint for the party favors. It was so simple!<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFgiwPMm2XizmQTPrF4lZDUrtnTSqL-FdF3chIlraZMiHGJ43lX19IrlKRfUi7fLHJn-THlTQVvewMtwDig671yapi-EiEY7ogmzSi6O8AkmWfLjhHQZro_m2zDdy0Y0npviRrA/s1600/IMG_1638.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFgiwPMm2XizmQTPrF4lZDUrtnTSqL-FdF3chIlraZMiHGJ43lX19IrlKRfUi7fLHJn-THlTQVvewMtwDig671yapi-EiEY7ogmzSi6O8AkmWfLjhHQZro_m2zDdy0Y0npviRrA/s320/IMG_1638.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723290923048949426" border="0" /></a><br />It has been a long time since I have posted anything! I would like to say that I will keep up with this! Not sure that I can make that promise but I am thankful for time to write tonight.<br /><br />Sally wanted to have an Art Party. She loves to draw, color, paint, and do all things artsy! I found lots of great ideas on Pinterest and started planning. We had a great time with friends... minus the pizzas that would NOT cook. That is a blog for another day!<br /><br /><br />They had a great time at the self portrait table. So fun and creative!redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-46807971062863664882011-03-23T08:32:00.003-04:002011-03-23T08:53:07.925-04:00Questions of the DayWe were blessed with a child before most of our friends began thinking about having babies! So there are many days that my phone rings or I receive a Facebook message wanting advice on a certain child rearing subject. I thought that it might be helpful to share some of the answers here.<br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);"><br />!!!Now, here comes the disclaimer!!!<br /><br />I am NOT an expert in anything at all! But I do have 3 children and lots of opinions. :) I am happy to share the answers to the questions based on my opinions, scripture and advice I have been given by older women. So just read this BEFORE you believe this is the Gospel truth and if you don't do exactly as I say then you are a failure. Far from the truth my friend. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /><br />So here is today's question<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Received last night during a stressful shopping trip.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">1. Do your kids sometimes act as if they have never been in public? What do I do?</span><br /><br />Ha! are you kidding me! All of the time. I think we sometimes think that as moms we will discipline our children for a time and then they will trust in Christ and be holy and never need to be corrected again. At least I think this way now and then!<br /><br />Yes, my children seem to move along understanding the culture of our home and following us in obedience and then WHAM! this happens...<br /><br />We are nearing the end of my husband's final semester as a PhD student so family meals are scattered at times because of schedules and spring sports. Last night we were determined to have a family meal at the table. It was delightful. The children were all gobbling up the dinner and the conversation was great and then right in the middle of dinner my 9 year old PASSED GAS at the table.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">He knows beyond a shadow of doubt that this is unacceptable at our table. Yet, he did it and <span style="font-style: italic;">without much remorse</span>!<br /><br />So the answer to the question is YES! My children need constant reminders of how to obey and what is expected of them. They need gentle reminders in most situations. And they need for me to follow through with discipline when I threaten it! I often feel that if I have told them once then they will always remember and obey perfectly. But we all need reminders of obedience and what is expected from us. So let us be reminded to continue with loving discipline of our children and to not grow weary.<br /><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">Let us not lose heart in doing good,<br />for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><br />Galatians 6:9</span></span><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></div>redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-64130991391554803722010-12-02T14:12:00.003-05:002010-12-02T14:14:31.897-05:00The Six Second Kiss<div style="text-align: center; font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;">and more from Jani Ortlund today...<br /><br />yay for the <a href="http://theresurgence.com/2010/11/18/the-six-second-kiss">six second kiss</a>!!<br /></span></div>redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-45133865990155547242010-12-01T14:40:00.001-05:002010-12-01T14:40:40.844-05:00Loving Your HusbandA few years ago, I hear Jani Ortlund speak at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where my husband is a PhD student. Her talk resonated in my heart and mind that night and still does especially in times like this...<br /><br />See we in the West family are in what we call <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">maintenance mode. game time. barely making it.</span><br /><br />People, it is the END OF THE SEMESTER!<br /><br />Ryan has papers due that are longer than anything I have ever written for any degree program all put together. The research is intense. His desk has about 220 books stacked on top of it. And after a near computer CRASH (noooooooo!!!!!!) He is completing the last paper of the semester!! WOOT!<br /><br />So, during these times I am reminded of what the wise woman, Mrs Ortlund said... It went something like this...<br /><br />When your husband is away, working late, in a meeting, in a class from NINE AM til NINE PM!!!, <span style="font-style: italic;">insert your husbands job/meetings here</span>, where do you think he wants to be? He wants to be at HOME with you!<br /><br />When it is dinner time and you are surrounded by little faces, where you do you think your tired and hungry husband would rather be? At HOME with you and your sweet children, of course!<br /><br />SO will I slam down the casserole dish and tell my kids that my life would be so much easier if Daddy were home OR do I lead them to pray for him and understand that there is no place he would rather be than with us? BUT for now he is in class, working hard for the Lord, doing what God has given him to do!<br /><br />So tonight when you and I are tempted to despair, pray for your husband.redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-7501001025717406832009-09-07T14:33:00.003-04:002009-09-07T14:48:38.046-04:00Summer ReadingThis summer my son, David, was given a summer reading list from his school. We were so excited to receive the list and purchase the books! He took ALL of them on vacation with us for the month of June. He read as we traveled the South East of the US visiting our families and friends. He aslo kept a journal of the books that he read. At the top of the journal page he drew a picture of a scene from the book. At the bottom of the page he wrote a description of the book in a few sentences. It has been a true joy to see him complete this work. It was an adventure for our entire family. :)<br /><br />One of the books he read, The Wind in the Willows, was particularly interesting. He read all of his other books on the list and then I handed him the Willows book. It was a daunting 300 plus pages. And remember, he is only seven years old.<br /><br />he took the book and we encouraged him to read 10 pages in the morning and 10 pages at night before bed. He was on page 200 when Ryan my husband received his assignment for teaching a 7th grade online Literature class through <a href="http://www.memoriapress.com/">Memoria Press</a>. The list included The Wind in the Willows. We were a bit shocked and puzzled but David kept on reading.<br /><br />When <a href="http://redeemedson.blogspot.com/">Ryan</a> mentioned to the <a href="http://www.thelatinschool.org/">Headmistress</a> that David had almost completed the book she was shocked! Ryan came home from work and asked David many questions about the book. I found a comprehension test online and gave it to David and he was able to answer every question correctly! He read a 7th grade book and comprehended it!<br /><br />So thankful for his mind and ability! We love David and we have pushed him academically but we had no idea that he would be able to read this far in advance. Thankful that he took it and read it and did not complain. Thankful that we are able to help him along with all the things that he is learning and pursing! What a great time for us. And what a reminder that we are to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul and MIND, something I am afraid I can't say that I do well. So, I pray that I am diligent with my children to push them gently toward learning and loving the Lord with their MINDS.redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-74466932568072245962009-01-21T14:19:00.002-05:002009-01-21T14:33:00.624-05:00Our House, Their Son, and His JobOur house, their son and his job... what in the world could these three topics possibly have in common? I think that more than anything they are teaching us to trust the Lord for all that He has for us. <br /><br />The home that we still own in Georgia has been rented and we just found out yesterday that the girls that are renting it will be moving out in February. We have used all of our cash to own and rent 2 houses. <br /><br />They found out that the tests that were done on their son had less than desirable results. How in the world will they handle a son that has been this sick for this long and now a new diagnosis?<br /><br />And his job, or lack of job that he is qualified for, has been a stress on their family for almost 2 years.<br /><br />We have all been friends since the early days of college. We all have children and jobs and homes and parents. But I don't think that we ever thought that we would be dealing with these hardships. What will we do and how will we react? Will we trust the Lord for our daily bread? Will we trust him that while He may not heal our physical bodies in this world? Or if the healing causes us just as much hardship as it does the child? Will we trust Him in the decisions for his future?<br /><br />Oh, Lord. We trust you. We pray that you will cause us to persevere until the end. We pray that you will provide our daily bread and that if you choose not to provide the way that we think is best then you are still providing for us. We pray for healing. We pray for provision for a job that is fulfilling and a calling that is sure. Oh, Lord, we trust you.redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-74653279469206512212008-05-27T17:50:00.001-04:002008-05-27T17:51:57.667-04:00Verdict on the Dinner A'Fareredeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-19664081844596178212008-05-11T22:17:00.003-04:002008-05-11T22:32:44.251-04:00Sally, Repeat After MeTonight, as storms that began their raging in the plains finally made it to the east coast, I had 2 scared children. <div>David and Sally were in their beds in the room that they share and nearing that sweet moment of drifting off when lightning and thunder began to rumble in Brunswick <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">again</span>. Last night as they raged my children were sleeping and thankfully the storms did not wake them. But tonight they were not asleep so the lightning shinning in their room equalled a scary moment for them. </div><div>Ryan and I went to their room to talk with them and encourage them to trust the Lord. We sang songs with them and then <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/Store/OtherMerchandise/ByTopic/162/699_Foundation_Verse_Pack/">scripture</a> that I have been teaching David this year in kindergarten began to come to my mind. </div><div>I shared with them that when we are afraid we put our trust in God, Psalm 56:3. And to pray that the Lord would keep them from all evil and that He would keep their life, Psalm 121:7.</div><div>They responded well to the truth of the scripture. And for that I am very thankful. They were calmed and quieted and resting. </div><div>BUT then I realized that Sally left her night night in the living room and I went to take it to her. I reached their bedroom door and I heard David saying to Sally, "The Lord." and she would repeat, "The Lord." until they had quoted Psalm 121:7 together. David was leading his sister into godliness not tempting her to sin by continuing in his unbelief.</div><div>God is faithful and every word of God proves true and He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him, Proverbs 30:5</div>redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-33093157724808796392008-04-19T00:09:00.003-04:002008-04-19T00:30:28.669-04:00why do all of your shirts have a stain on them?this is the question that i am often asked by my concerned<a href="http://redeemedson.blogspot.com"> husband</a>. often the question is asked at the wrong time, for example, like when we are about to leave for a date or for Sunday night church so most times it ends in a huffy trip back to the closet so that i can look and pray for a shirt without a stain. will there be one in there? that doesn't need to be ironed? I am always hoping for the best! <div> This past week our family took a trip to see my husband's parents. As we were leaving and packing our car, someone, not sure who, made Sally an ice cream cone. It was just hot enough outside to melt it a good bit. And she is just not fast enough to keep up with the melt to lick ratio! We were loading the car and I stepped inside to grab a wet towel so that I could clean her up reminding myself to be ever so careful NOT to let her touch me while covered with chocolate ice cream. </div><div>I reached down to clean her hands and I thought that i was free and clear but when i stood up i realized there was a small chocolate handprint right on the front of my semi-new shirt. (my husband says that all of my shirts are semi-new because of this very problem)</div><div>So today the shirt lies in the trash along with 2 others that i finally gave up because of stains and such. my husband tried to coach me to keep it, to wear it under something else, to wear it when i knew that i would paint or do something crafty but no i threw it away. </div><div> and tonight i drove to <a href="http://www.target.com">Target </a>to buy another shirt knowing full well that this shirt would probably end up in the trash sooner or later. realizing that this time is not a time for me merely to survive through... you know, when sally is a grown up my shirts wont be stained, when John is done with mashed sweet potatoes I will surely be free from stains, I am trusting that this is what the Lord has for me. I am trusting Him that He will provide what I need and that it is okay to let go of a semi-new stained- beyond -washing shirt. Trusting the Lord that this is what he had for me for this day and that I am in the time that He has for me and I will NOT always look forward to a better time to come. So trust Him that this is the time that He has for you.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, as always, thanks to <a href="http://livingcanvas.wordpress.com/">Annie Laurie</a> for spurring me on to write... and for teaching about new technologies every time we talk... ALCW- He is Risen!! He is Risen Indeed!!</div><div><br /></div>redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-30942175289944972732008-02-21T14:24:00.002-05:002008-02-21T15:08:35.659-05:00GO! GO! Power Rangers<img src="http://www.junglefury.net/site-images/banner_junglefury.gif" />Not sure if you have heard the news or not but a new Power Ranger season debuted this week. Jungle Fury Power Rangers are all the rage at our house but there is only one problem... we don't have cable. Kind of hard to see your most favorite show ever when there is no juice flowing from the cable outlet to the TV. <div>We often can remedy this situation by watching shows on the internet at sites like abc.com and disney.com. So David was excited to look on disney.com and find that Power Rangers would debut on the net. He was so excited that he forgot to check the time and the date! He heard the commercial and thought that the first show wold air on Monday... well he did not pay attention to which Monday! It was Monday the 18th not Monday the 12th like he believed in his little heart. He was very sad to have to wait until the next week but a trip to the grandparent's house made it easier. When we returned Sunday he could hardly wait for the 18th. </div><div>So on Monday he sat down at the computer and clicked on disney to find out that the show was NOT on their site! YIKES! another very sad time for him.</div><div>BUT that was okay UNTIL we went to our neighbors house to play and Tiffany, the mom exclaimed, "David! Guess what we watch last night!!!??? The new jungle fury Power Rangers!!! It was so awesome!!! " And I could instantly see the tears in his eyes. David began to cry knowing that he had missed out on the first episode. Tiffany was heartbroken to find out she had hurt his feelings so she insisted that David come over on Wednesday to watch the show that they had graciously recorded on their dvr and all the boys could eat popcorn and watch the show. Well, that was a great idea UNTIL her youngest son had to go the doctor unexpectedly and they did not come home until after 5 pm and David had to go to the assisted living home with his dad to minister to the residents there. Whoo! Not a fun time at the West home. Many tears and much sadness. </div><div>And then came the best part. Ryan and I were able to see that this was so upsetting to David. That this was a great desire of his heart and that he wanted to see this new show so badly. He had waited days for it to air and at this moment he is still waiting. </div><div>Ryan really took care of him and did not get mad at him for being so upset with wanting to see a show about something so trivial. But he shepherded him through the moment realizing that we often have great desires to see things come about in our lives. David was in the right places at the right times waiting on the show to appear but it was not there. He made all the effort for this to happen and it was not happening. It was a great time to share with him that just because we want something so badly, the Lord may have other things for us. Things that are better and that He is working out for our good. Was it okay for David to be sad about missing Jungle Fury Power Rangers? Yes. Was it so hard that he does not have cable? Yes. And was it so difficult because he wanted this so badly and it was not coming about in his timing? Yes. </div><div>What we had to do was understand his pain yet not coddle him in this time. We had to help him know that there will be many things that he will want and he will think they are the best thing for him in his life at that time. Yet, the Lord and his timing will bring about good things for David at the time that He has appointed. We must teach him to trust the Lord in all things. We must teach him that he can trust Him for all good things in His life in His timing. </div><div>So, here we are on Thursday after the first 2 Mondays of thinking this show would air and he still hasn't seen it. Maybe today will be the day or maybe we will have another lesson in trusting the Lord for his timing. </div><div> </div>redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-48459738801005614822008-01-29T20:27:00.000-05:002008-01-29T20:36:27.350-05:00sally is two!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMsCgRN7jdMHigrOsxNsjlJE7m9F-5_h8yprKIMNIbTs0sOoLIhVy6szHdox_m_2OiZRYs8dn3hysnsRxW9x3wjLaG8mWW2ugJWsH-rUxL4Ao4zV8T1qVdm9vKrxjnwzvCwmLxw/s1600-h/DSC02116.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMsCgRN7jdMHigrOsxNsjlJE7m9F-5_h8yprKIMNIbTs0sOoLIhVy6szHdox_m_2OiZRYs8dn3hysnsRxW9x3wjLaG8mWW2ugJWsH-rUxL4Ao4zV8T1qVdm9vKrxjnwzvCwmLxw/s320/DSC02116.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161077161674267458" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2aXyTmoOWG6uigKyzXTzDPdkTgXK3uzKYSSVgRem8aorrOPl10KEfuZX-vVZVqxvJYf4dl5Ln2vwJPigTtJro4WtGxf55knNIr8z8vX7bohi8yC3OoOFa6HyX8e_j3kYzGEUZA/s1600-h/DSC02044.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2aXyTmoOWG6uigKyzXTzDPdkTgXK3uzKYSSVgRem8aorrOPl10KEfuZX-vVZVqxvJYf4dl5Ln2vwJPigTtJro4WtGxf55knNIr8z8vX7bohi8yC3OoOFa6HyX8e_j3kYzGEUZA/s320/DSC02044.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161076955515837234" /></a><br />what an interesting year it has been! didn't she just turn one last week!!! Last year at sally's second birthday I was 6 weeks prego with our third child. i was beginning the feelings of morning sickness and trying to supress the need to vomit every time i stood up. but we had the lady bug party anyway! :) <div> </div><div>this year was a much different year. we were so excited to see our daughter turn two! she has been such a blessing. there are so many times that she truly brightens up our lives. she has a great disposition and lots of laughs to share. </div><div> </div><div>this year we had a monkey party!!! she went around telling everyone "I have a muuunkee party." It was great! We had a fun time. I found the pic of the cake on the internet and copied it. I made a pound cake because they hold up so well with lots of icing. i also made all of the icing from scratch. it was so very good! :) all of the recipes are from my pastor's wife, let me know if you need a copy! we also had big fun tissue flowers... not sure why i made those but i thought they were really so cute. and they were so colorful. </div><div> </div><div>ryan's parents and grandparents came over and we had a nice time with them. Lots of BBQ was to be had for the men in the family. It was enjoyable.</div><div> </div><div>we got her a pottery barn anywhere chair with her name on it to match david's. </div><div><br /></div><div>enjoy the pics and guess what...</div><div> </div><div>I am NOT prego this time around! </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-56928178384547556742008-01-01T09:36:00.000-05:002008-01-01T10:09:11.766-05:00David is SIX!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2gw5M4arbKqfG3pImL8X-mPCNbDJcKbI0YHqkdtmoXUrASrxzOYx1VDr5WXrXwIOfKuC9IB_N194Ouucl6rd_ilTj3TBzCgsXeWguWCvwjxOuIAjTrCb3FsKWcmrerEbNI5oBA/s1600-h/DSC01820.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2gw5M4arbKqfG3pImL8X-mPCNbDJcKbI0YHqkdtmoXUrASrxzOYx1VDr5WXrXwIOfKuC9IB_N194Ouucl6rd_ilTj3TBzCgsXeWguWCvwjxOuIAjTrCb3FsKWcmrerEbNI5oBA/s320/DSC01820.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150525378120172194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvleiDL0m01lko4J-Pzo3kP1ccfBMMb-OJcGeQJuYgiQ8pMWRUbIJa6xBPdm12rZ-SGBqcZFORfkdZGVjY8FoIteffmRZGEZS81cuTtPdZFC3jL99cc_owzq4VBkgRu9zBsyyNMw/s1600-h/DSC01835.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvleiDL0m01lko4J-Pzo3kP1ccfBMMb-OJcGeQJuYgiQ8pMWRUbIJa6xBPdm12rZ-SGBqcZFORfkdZGVjY8FoIteffmRZGEZS81cuTtPdZFC3jL99cc_owzq4VBkgRu9zBsyyNMw/s320/DSC01835.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150525146191938194" /></a><br /> New Years Eve is never a dull night for us. We always have a party, although, the past themes have included farms, super heroes, spiderman, and pirates... not my general choice for the a themed party with adults but you see it is a given that the party will surround the birthday of our first child, David, who came into the world at 11:07 pm on the 31st. Yep, he came right before the New Year. The nurses even changed shifts in the middle of the c-section. ( I am sure they had places to be so they could celebrate with friends.)<br /><div>I can't believe that I am a mom of a SIX year old! I still feel like I am 18 and in college on most days. It is hard to believe that I spent most of yesterday helping him wait for his friends to come over for a party. I spent the rest of the time transforming the dining room into a Star Wars theme and making a light saber cake. <div>It was a great party with lots of fun for all. So much fun with the making of the light sabers that we forgot to open the gifts that people brought until the very end and to give them their treats as they were leaving. I think the treats were the sabers! Somehow the cups with candy and stickers were not as much fun! :) </div><div>As we begin 2008 I am in shock that I have a six year old and that I have been married for almost eight years. I am also so thankful for all that the Lord has done in our lives. If I think back on the past few years and all that we have done I know that if I would have been told that we do the things that we have done I would not have believed it! Or I would have cried and not wanted to endure most of it. :) But I know that God is working all things for our good and His glory. He is taking us thru these times so that we can know Him better and glorify Him. </div><div>So I am thankful to the Lord for the New Year. I am thankful for our son and his 6 year old Star Wars party and I am excited to see what is next. I know that I would like to know what this year holds for us but I also know that I want to be faithful to see the days come one at a time. I don't need to see the future but I do know that I am excited about this year and God's unfailing love as we begin 2008. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div></div>redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-66538852754924101082007-11-26T11:23:00.000-05:002007-11-26T11:24:11.515-05:00http://www.mikehuckabee.com/_images/banners/banner_forpresidentblue.pnghttp://www.MikeHuckabee.com/redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-37060980527802921312007-11-21T13:16:00.000-05:002007-11-21T13:22:37.203-05:00Our traditions...I love to try and have traditions in our family. One thing that we have enjoyed over the past few years has been to take a creative dessert to Thanksgiving with our extended families. Last year we made sugar cookies and decorated them with Fall colored icing. They were a great hit and the family loved them. <div>This year we are taking Pilgrim Hats. We found the recipe on Family Fun Magazine's website. It was fun to make them and to lick our fingers! </div><div>Here is the recipe (really we didn't cook anything so I guess it is more of an assembly) </div><div>You need a package of Keebler Fudge Stripe Cookies, a bag of marshmallows, yellow icing, and wax paper for allowing to dry.</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Dip large marshmallows in melted chocolate. </div><div>2. Place marshmallows on top of fudge stripe cookie</div><div>3. add a buckle to the hat with yellow icing when the chocolate dries. </div><div>4. transfer off of wax paper when dry. </div><div>5. add joke below to card and place in front of platter. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is David's fave holiday joke:</div><div>Why did the Pilgrim's pants always fall down? </div><div>Because they wear their belt buckle on their hats! </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Thanksgiving from </div><div>Ryan, Danielle, David, Sally and John</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-65232632160801029832007-09-06T15:05:00.000-04:002007-09-06T15:20:09.314-04:00Good BooksHere are some good books that I have read lately. I don't have time to give all of the details for the reasons that I love them but I wanted to pass on the titles and some thoughts...<br />Can you see that I have a baby coming in a few days? I am trying to get all of the blogging in that I have missed all summer. :)<br />And one of the main reasons that I wanted to share more books is because the last time I was in Tennessee to visit my parents my mom had the book <em>Elizabeth Prentiss</em>, by Sharon James. It shocked me to see it in the kitchen. So I asked her where she got it and how she heard about it. Her response was that my aunt Mary Sue had heard about it on my blog and bought for them to read as sisters... I love it! :)<br /><br />1. <em>Faithful Women and Their Extraordinary God</em> by Noel Piper. A must read. Very easy and quick. All chapters are about different women so this is easy to put down and not be lost when you pick it up again. Our women's group study will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">go</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">thru</span> this beginning at the end of this month.<br /><br />2. <em>The Hiding Place</em> by Corrie Ten Boom. I know that most of you have probably already read this but I had not. I bought it while on vacation and could not put it down. I was so struck when the Ten Boom family was taken to a concentration camp and her father was told that he could be released if he would change his ways. And his response was you can let me go but I will do it again. (Referring to housing Jews during the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Holocaust</span>.) They were not Jews themselves but Dutch <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Reformed</span>.<br /><br />3. <em>Free Grace and Dying Love</em> by Susannah Spurgeon. A small book of devotionals that are excellent. So encouraging and thoughtful. The end of the book has a biography of Mrs Spurgeon. She led an amazing life. She was very sick at times yet she set up book funds for poor pastors and ministered to her husband and twin sons thoughtfully. This is a very fast and enjoyable read.redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-15237753887593760122007-09-05T15:25:00.000-04:002007-09-05T15:54:05.511-04:00I Failed!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CIaMWkXhLTqvGoYTd_58fJzszVQbeCuTT_qmDW7zx-RkKuPXY1BgRexVWMkiR1SyWpSczTgVF10FMoUfJlT48X-DTkPYP5-zt4P-j0iwO_IHvkMFzL1mBW0v58Hl8KiXGewG7Q/s1600-h/DSC00493.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106810578056443314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-CIaMWkXhLTqvGoYTd_58fJzszVQbeCuTT_qmDW7zx-RkKuPXY1BgRexVWMkiR1SyWpSczTgVF10FMoUfJlT48X-DTkPYP5-zt4P-j0iwO_IHvkMFzL1mBW0v58Hl8KiXGewG7Q/s320/DSC00493.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_MuxKDpHXVsUtrpZ6MII9mmYj2E17cBeNMEqjDjoUnKyYPPYZRtzTW7hxf1ZhA70sn0CQ1HnRg3yxJto_I6Vmk14KucTFh6Sy2Vhzl1bpw9FNaMJel1BXkUEVheALdVjxsypmQ/s1600-h/DSC00545.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106810139969779106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_MuxKDpHXVsUtrpZ6MII9mmYj2E17cBeNMEqjDjoUnKyYPPYZRtzTW7hxf1ZhA70sn0CQ1HnRg3yxJto_I6Vmk14KucTFh6Sy2Vhzl1bpw9FNaMJel1BXkUEVheALdVjxsypmQ/s320/DSC00545.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"></span> </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span> </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span> </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span> </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span> </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span> </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span> </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span> </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span> </div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error">I am</span> expecting my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">third</span> child on Monday by scheduled c-section. I am a little anxious about the process of knowing when this child will arrive. But I am thankful that I do know the time and the place!<br />As we have prepared for the arrival of the next West child, we have completed many projects around the house. You see, we went on vacation at the beginning of August and while we were away we began to discuss how we could make our home look better and be more beautiful. We knew that when we arrived home we would have 30 days to complete these jobs. Here is a small list of the goals: paint our kitchen cabinets, take down a chain link fence, replace fence with a picket fence, re-do flower beds, make new flower bed, order new twin beds for David and Sally, switch rooms with them, and POTTY TRAIN SALLY.<br />Many of you know that we used the book <em>Toilet Training in a Day</em>, to potty train David. He was a champ. I read the book and told him what it said and he did it!!! It was great. He was trained in a day, had a few accidents that week and we have never looked back! Wonderful experience. He was 22 months old at the time.<br />Well, Sally was 19 months old and we decided it was time to try, right? She is old enough and girls train faster, right??? and we have another child on the way, so we <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">don't</span> need 2 in diapers, right???<br />NO! I re-read the book and did all of the little things needed to teach her and encourage her to potty train. And she looked at me like I was speaking another language! She just turned her head to the side and did what I said for the most part... and then she had an accident. So I repeated the process to her and she tried and then she had an accident. This is how it went all day long! She could have cared less! She had accident after accident. When it was time for her nap, I put her down and I sat on the couch and CRIED!<br />It was awful. I tried to think of things to blame it on, like Ryan called 2 times while I was trying to teach her, she is teething, she... she...<br />Well, really all I could chalk it up to was that she was too young. It just wasn't time. And she did not have to accomplish this for <em>me to be a successful mom</em>.<br />It was a complete day of pouting for me. I had the worst attitude. It was terrible! I felt like such a complete failure. Many of our friends call us for advice on how to potty train, how to get your child on a schedule, how to discipline and the list goes on. Most of the advice we pass on is from faithful older parents that we trust who use Godly wisdom and instruction to train their children. BUT now I have to tell others that I FAILED!<br />I must say that this has been a true lesson in seeing the pride of my own heart. I am so humbled by the fact that I tried something with my child and it was an utter failure and that it is okay. She is normal and loving and whinny and all girl but she is just not potty trained. And that is okay. I had to repent and pray that I would have a humble heart when it comes to children. I know that I don't have all of the answers. I am supposed to look to older women and seek their advice, be faithful with what Christ has given me and realize that I will fail.</div></div>redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-59622769174313800362007-06-06T12:58:00.000-04:002007-06-06T13:11:02.967-04:00A Great Purchase for Boys ( and their Dad!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwu1pMjiJGF-oTUTMPdZVGlLnuMp9O9dgsN-XHG-zvq0LxL18MINx-nyNS6urjULHJHIlLz4h8_W24reLUW_NE_-Iaa7i0L3Wi-rOUo7jU_VDdBg2UXsVysdmNMPF7pPJcvB14Vw/s1600-h/dangerousbookboys.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072999923331574258" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwu1pMjiJGF-oTUTMPdZVGlLnuMp9O9dgsN-XHG-zvq0LxL18MINx-nyNS6urjULHJHIlLz4h8_W24reLUW_NE_-Iaa7i0L3Wi-rOUo7jU_VDdBg2UXsVysdmNMPF7pPJcvB14Vw/s320/dangerousbookboys.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTs3FPve3BwZ0hX5fZusq7ZWneLuz1OXkWLBbAQ7lZJqrtc6fed4ge4W7ONULsudlqmB_vkqxvIy-eqLmyJNE5_apOiFw5o98MC6908C0SstYTLrnI9HG5Io7LH0svMVkJy3vS/s1600-h/dangerousbookboys.jpg"></a>Hey guys! I just found out about this book and I wanted to pass on the good news. As many of you know we have a 5 year old boy that is all boy so I am always looking for things to keep him from breaking windows just to see what happens to the glass.<br />Just yesterday he found an old disposable camera and he used a screwdriver and a hammer to completely demolish it. There are pieces of it here and there in the yard and in the house. But he was very excited to see the wires and the batteries and the "lecticity" that the film that unrolls!! ( I guess the film will never be developed :))<br />So all of that to say i think that this book is a GREAT find. And I am not the only one! Dr Mohler reviewed the book a few weeks ago and so did Dr. VanNeste <a href="http://childrenshourbooks.blogspot.com/">http://childrenshourbooks.blogspot.com/</a> from Union Universtiy on his children's book blog.<br />Buy it for your boys, young and old. I did and I think it will be a great addition to our collection!</div>redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-68173231457722537972007-05-10T16:43:00.000-04:002007-05-10T17:07:25.703-04:00Mother's DayAs we approach the day that Mother's are celebrated I was sobered by the thoughts of many of my peers and friends as they wrote about life and suffering as a mother. <br />You can see those stories here <a href="http://www.girltalk.blogs.com">http://www.girltalk.blogs.com</a> and here<a href="http://www.lisaelaine.wordpress.com">http://www.lisaelaine.wordpress.com</a>. One other recommendation that I have is the sermon from John Piper entitled To Be a Mother is a Call to Suffer.<br />And another sobering thought is that my family and I are in the midst of packing to attend a funeral. One of Ryan's best friends from childhood is Luke. His sister, Kelly, died yesterday of unknown causes. She was at home with their youngest child, a daughter, and planning to leave for a baseball game. She never made it to the came and her husband, Lee called their home to find out what was going on. Their young daughter answered and she told him that her mother was on the floor and she could not get her to wake up.<br />So we do see that God numbers our days. That he knows when our children and mothers and fathers will be born and when they will die. We are to live everyday in the light of eternity praying for His return. <br />Life is not easy and especially not easy when you lose someone tragically. But we know that God is in control of all things and He is working them out for our good and His glory.redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-36992163240815986992007-03-07T14:57:00.000-05:002007-03-07T15:05:57.396-05:00Sally's Party<div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGcJu6S2As3jGAQvE06WjzAHCJUw1p-0gKQvog90-PuJLgwpcDz00OKBignp8erU-Bc5GkCuaYooLSk358oEiVI1KItMDdggpQ8WiZF7j0u_msp8gLA3a4Wc6rL0SPEEXFFD4QA/s1600-h/IMG_2681.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039274802374608370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGcJu6S2As3jGAQvE06WjzAHCJUw1p-0gKQvog90-PuJLgwpcDz00OKBignp8erU-Bc5GkCuaYooLSk358oEiVI1KItMDdggpQ8WiZF7j0u_msp8gLA3a4Wc6rL0SPEEXFFD4QA/s320/IMG_2681.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgKu0yyXeh0RVZGF90iZBKN4NIeTV2RznrfoaoH6QaweHninBSe3vumhpw0ciLzV3zPt-tfRkDJHBiWt-oGKUZx9CK7tLVwtUQhZ_V0RXYw626H0sSRM2nQX9cDA2MulovwAR-g/s1600-h/IMG_2690.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039275936245974530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgKu0yyXeh0RVZGF90iZBKN4NIeTV2RznrfoaoH6QaweHninBSe3vumhpw0ciLzV3zPt-tfRkDJHBiWt-oGKUZx9CK7tLVwtUQhZ_V0RXYw626H0sSRM2nQX9cDA2MulovwAR-g/s320/IMG_2690.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>I know that I posted a pic of Sally on her birthday but I never put up a picture of her cake or party and I said that I would. So for those of you who asked... here it is.</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGXtZNqRmHVESK9FyZtr3xi-KzkPqluAif5cOdPz8AqBbPLMnKbQhbXAh1rK_Ok8ysAd0LuVBSU0QkWrnTfVale8NBhBdezUfceGCP41C9zGVqNX7R5Mb0E9-ZV6HZYcDagbIkQ/s1600-h/IMG_2704.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039276112339633682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGXtZNqRmHVESK9FyZtr3xi-KzkPqluAif5cOdPz8AqBbPLMnKbQhbXAh1rK_Ok8ysAd0LuVBSU0QkWrnTfVale8NBhBdezUfceGCP41C9zGVqNX7R5Mb0E9-ZV6HZYcDagbIkQ/s320/IMG_2704.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div></div></div>redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-12642499216063902332007-03-07T14:37:00.000-05:002007-03-07T14:55:39.558-05:00EncouragementWhat do we do to encourage one another?? How do we take part in the building up of the saints? Where can we find help and hopeful words? I think the answer is simple. We can find these things in the Word and in the words of our friends and family who are in the Word. <br /><br />Who has been an encouragement to you this week or in the last few weeks? I can think of many of you who have faithfully prayed for me because you know that morning (all day) sickness is especially hard for me. You have called or emailed with thoughtful words and help for my soul. I appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers. <br /><br />I can also think of the books that I read. These books written by faithful men and women who have gone before me in life and in faith have strengthened me.<br /><br />I am thankful for the Word of God. I have been so sick lately that I would often eat and go straight from the dinner table to the couch. Ryan was faithful during this hard time to read the Word out loud to our family and I was able to listen from the couch too sick to hold my head up and read for myself. <br /><br /> I am also thankful for the hopeful words from Ryan. This weekend he shared with me that he was so encouraged to take part in the Sabbath. He told me of how his life almost seems despairing on Saturday and then Sunday comes and the Word is preached and his soul feels revived and refreshed. I was so thankful for this reminder of God's grace to us <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">thru</span> His preached Word. It was an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">encouragement</span> to me to hear that the Word is fresh to him and it is changing his life as he sits under it.<br /><br />Today I was also encouraged to hear of a good family friends recovery in the hospital. We thought that he was facing eternity just days ago and now he seems to be recovering well. But we know that his eternity would be spent in Hell so I am encouraged that the Lord spared his life so that we might share the Gospel with him.<br /><br />A few days ago I was so discouraged about my situation of all day sickness. Now it seems to have passed and I have tried to think all day of encouraging things in the Lord that will allow my delight to be in Him and not my temporary circumstances. I am thankful for the things mentioned above. I am thankful for these things...<br /><br />PS If you would like a good laugh you should read my husbands blog : www.redeemedson.blogspot.comredeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-2369334280775342872007-01-26T17:47:00.000-05:002007-01-26T18:01:06.564-05:00SALLY IS ONE!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5y3xBDWLt7QDNuLO36kEldjxQOFjBDIz1MWEvkjVXN5Dku2Igmthd-onzElD8N_5ZDpVQkWBmtFoOdbFtsHTzT_ds_nU8_8vhxXNQsF-2zWncYmfODbqdOmtH_7kR321nkn4vw/s1600-h/IMG_2673.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5024477648156703810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5y3xBDWLt7QDNuLO36kEldjxQOFjBDIz1MWEvkjVXN5Dku2Igmthd-onzElD8N_5ZDpVQkWBmtFoOdbFtsHTzT_ds_nU8_8vhxXNQsF-2zWncYmfODbqdOmtH_7kR321nkn4vw/s320/IMG_2673.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Our daughter, Sally is one TODAY! I can't <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">believe</span> that is has been only a year. Sometimes is seems that it has been much longer and other times I think that she has grown too quickly! She still seems like such a baby to me. Tomorrow she will eat her first cake (actually a cupcake). We are having a ladybug themed party.<br />She has been such a blessing to us in such hard times. We had such a difficult year last year and the Lord allowed us to have Sally and enjoy her as a blessing and not a hardship.<br />Praise to the Lord for Sally Elisabeth!<br /><br />Read the following quote from Carolyn <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Mahaney</span>,<br />As mothers, we have a choice. We can either resent the challenges and demands that accompany motherhood and persist in our selfishness, or we can draw from God's grace and receive His help to <em>cheerfully</em> lay down <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">our</span> lives for our children. Let us choose the latter.<br /><br />Also, for you ladies with girls or hope for a girl, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">isn't</span> her dress too cute. It has a birthday cake and balloons smocked in the neck. Her bloomers have a cake with one candle, too!</div>redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-1169216829539687462007-01-19T09:23:00.000-05:002007-01-19T09:27:09.540-05:00Check out this blog<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2333/3563/1600/501267/IMG_2611.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2333/3563/320/958615/IMG_2611.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I think you should all read my husband's blog :<br /><br /><a href="http://www.redeemedson.blogspot.com">www.redeemedson.blogspot.com</a><br /><br />If I were smart enough I would post it as a link on the side of my page but after many attempts to do so I have failed!! :) So add his to your favorites.<br /><br /><p>My husband is the one on the left holding the cup, not to be mistaken with the crazy man on the right!</p><p> </p>redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-1169130921406410432007-01-18T09:29:00.000-05:002007-01-18T09:37:43.613-05:00Children are a blessing from the Lord<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2333/3563/1600/413386/IMG_2655.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2333/3563/320/576787/IMG_2655.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We are excited to share the news with you... We are expecting our 3rd child sometime in September!!<br />I am just a few weeks along but we have never been good at keeping the news of pregnancy to ourselves! Ryan is really excited and so is David. They daily chant, "We want a BOY!" while marching around the house. Ryan is scared that David will leave for college and family and he will be stuck in a house full of girls! :)<br />And of course, Sally has no idea what is going on! She will be one on January 26 so she is a bit young to understand the chants and excitement.<br />WARNING: When morning sickness sets in there will be fewer and fewer blogs!<br /><br /><div align="left">(Ryan made the sign!)</div>redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-1168005676997954112007-01-05T08:57:00.000-05:002007-01-05T09:01:17.013-05:00Have you seen her? Tell me have you seen her?<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc66cc;">Here are some pics of our little girl, Sally Beth, posted on my brother's blog. Take a look. My dad, mom and brother came to Brunswick for Christmas with us. It was nice to eat lots of seafood and spend time on the beach. The weather was a bit rainy but we managed! Hope that you all enjoy! </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc66cc;"></span> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://erichenley.wordpress.com"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc66cc;">http://erichenley.wordpress.com</span></a></div>redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32578437.post-1167768203054839872007-01-02T14:36:00.000-05:002007-01-02T15:12:15.496-05:00Happy New Year!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2333/3563/1600/340101/IMG_2572.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2333/3563/320/977583/IMG_2572.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2333/3563/1600/533949/IMG_2573.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2333/3563/320/706052/IMG_2573.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2333/3563/1600/690488/IMG_2577.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/2333/3563/320/610194/IMG_2577.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The new year is always a fun time for the West family. There is never a dull moment and that is not due to the fact that a new year is ringing in but due to our son's birthday. You see he was born on December 31, 2001 at 11:07 p.m. Yes! That is right! He was our big tax break for the year and he squeaked that in by 53 minutes!! I was in the OR while he was being delievered by c-section and the shift changed at 11p.m and all of the nurses walked right out and the new shift walked in and he was born a few minutes later.<br /><br />We had a great time this year. I had more goals in celebrating his birthday this time around. I wanted to make more memories, to make this a special time of worship (of God, not of David!), and to enjoy our son and all that God had given us thru him during the last five years.<br /><br />David wanted to have a Pirate themed birthday party. We used much of the <em>Pirates of the</em> <em>Caribeean</em> themed plates and cups although he has never seen the movie. I also made a Pirate cake for him. He LOVED it!! We got a great pic of his face when he saw it for the first time. We played pin the X on the treasure chest, we made hook hands and we hunted for buried treasure with clues leading to a treasure chest hidden in David's closet. We had clues for outside but it rained! I painted a styrofoam cooler gold and filled it with Rolos, Kisses, Gold Coins, and fake jewelry. We also ate gummy worms and gold fish and black licorice and drank black cherry Koolaid.<br />I made part of David's costume ( part was from grandparents) for the party and all of the kids came dressed as pirates or princesses. It was great! I really went the extra mile to have a great and memorable party. I did not throw an expensive party but I tried to put a ton of thought into every aspect.<br /><br />We also have spent so much time teaching David about the gospel and what it means to be a Christian. We do that normally but I feel a real need to share with him more and more. To think that he is 5 blows me away. It is easy to think of him as a baby but I also know that he is growing everyday and I want him to grow in grace and knowledge and learn to worship in spirit and truth.<br /><br />We praise God for the gifts of our children. Even though I complain about being a mom sometimes and how hard it is, and it is hard, I am so thankful for my kidos!redeemeddaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05754153704833662522noreply@blogger.com2