11 Months Old

Happy 11 months to Preston! This 1st year has flown by!! The first pic is of Preston about a month ago. The next two are from last week. Preston is now walking all over the place and getting into everything!! So different than Tori!!

Easter Pictures

Here are some pics from Easter. I am so late in posting these...but better late than never, I guess. Hope you enjoy them!!!

Mother's Day!!

I know this is a little early, but I wanted to take a moment and thank God for my mom. She is so wonderful and thoughtful and sweet. I had to have had one of the best childhoods ever. I was very spoiled and pretty much a "daddy's girl" , but I have always felt that I had a great relationship with my mom. One thing that my parents (and my grandparents) always stressed to me that if I was ever in trouble or ever needed them for anything they were always there. And they always have been there for me. Tori had to interview one of her parents this week for school. She chose to interview me, and one of the questions was: What is your favorite childhood memory? I have so many of them, it was hard to decide. One of my fondest memories was going to Disney World for the first time. I think I was around 7 or 8. I had such a great time and thought it was so neat that my parents bought me an autograph book and I got autographs from all the Disney Characters. My other favorite memory was getting a cabbage patch doll for Christmas one year. It was the first year they came out and they were really hard to find, and I got one!! I was so excited.

I have had many, many great childhood memories, but I have to say that the most important memories were the ones of my parents taking me to church and even of my mom instructing me in the Lord. My mom has such a way of making things sound so simple, even when they are hard. Those are the irreplaceable memories that will last for eternity. My mom showed me through her actions how real God was and how to serve him. I saw her go through difficult times and always keep her faith strong. I have tried to live by her wonderful example and have many times failed, but at least I have her guidline to strive for. I only hope that I can show my children, God in me, as my mom has shown me.

So, thanks mom for all you have done and all you do. Thanks for listening to me whine and cry, for giving me godly advice when needed, showing me how to be a obedient Pastor's wife, how to work for God, how to be a christian, helping me raise my kids...thanks for everything!!! I love you! Happy Mother's Day!!

The Longest Winter Ever!!

This has definately been the longest winter ever. I know it technically is Spring, but in Ohio it doesn't matter. It still feels like winter. Two days ago it was 38 degrees and snowing!! I mean flurries, but lots of them!! Can you believe it?? We will have days in the 60's and days in the 70's and them wham! back in the 30's or 40's. I am so ready for summer!! I think that this winter has seemed so long because for the past few years I have went to visit some place warm for a few days and it gave me a break from the cold weather. Last year I went to Phoenix, Arizona for Tommy Barnett's Pastors Conference in February, and the last 4 years before that we sang on a cruise every year in January, usually in Mexico somewhere. So, to say the least I am done with cold weather for this year!



I am however so excited about Easter this year. This is Preston's first Easter and he is wearing a little Sailor's (blue and white) outfit. Tori picked out her own dress this year (with my prompting of course). It black and white with a bright pink sash tied around her waist. We got her pink shoes to match. But more than that I am excited to see what happens at church! We always have the biggest crowd of the year at Easter. I am praying, and so is the rest of the church, that many, many people will get saved Sunday!! I was very encouraged to see what my cousin Tim's church is doing. They are believing to add 50 new families to their church this Easter. That is awesome!! I know if we look around us we can realize that the time is short and Christ will be coming back soon!



I visited Uptown church (my families church in Cincinnati, Ohio) on Saturday night. They were having a Dedication Service to open their new chrurch. Well, new to them, it is a older church that they renovated. It is beautiful!!! I mean an absolutely gorgeous church! But more than that they are moving in almost debt free!!! They were believing God for $20,000.00 this past weekend to finish the last few things that needed to be done and by Sunday they had the $20,000.00 in hand. I envy their faith and how they have stood for God all these years to do the impossible. I believe God is moving on all of us to have greater faith and a greater anointing in these last days. I am so proud of my family. can't wait to post Easter pics!! Until then....

Pics

Just thought I would post some pics of the kids. These were done a few months ago. They ended up so cute!! Preston hasn't taken any steps since the other night. I think Matt thinks I was lying to him! haha Now he just gets so excited he won't give you time to let him steady himself and try to walk. I am not trying to push him too much because I know that he will be into everything once he does take off. Time to baby proof the house even more thoroughly now!!

The Kids

Preston had tubes put in his ears on Tuesday. He did great!! I was so suprised at how fast it was done. About 15 minutes and the doctor was talking to us. Then about 5 minutes later they came and got us and took us to the recovery area. Preston was crying awful at first. That is the most I have ever heard him cry. He doesn't cry that nuch at all. After a few minuted and a bottle he was much better. He is doing great today. I am looking forward to less ear infections. I know he will feel better as well.

Great news! Preston took his first step last night!! At only 8 1/2 months he is already trying to walk. I was at my mother in laws and she held his hand and when he was steady, she let go, then he took 2 steps towards me!!! It was so cute!! He isn't very interested in crawling at all, but already standing and walking around things!!! Growing too fast!!

Tori has had strep throat this week and will finally get to go back to school tomorrow. I am so glad she is feeling better. I hate the fevers and headaches. You just want to take their place when they are sick. Moving on to better things, though. Will post more later.

Happy Valentine's Day

The things I love about my Valentine's.


The things I love about Matt....

1. His passion for God. He will not let anything stop him from accomplishing what God has told him to do!

2. He is a great preacher. I am still amazed at some of the things he comes up with!!

3. How he just called me out of the blue last weekend and took me to a movie, how romantic!!

4. How he always lets me drive the nicer car. He will always take the beat up car and give me the newer one!

5. His willingness to sacrifice for our family. He will go without for me and the kids. He won't hardly ever buy clothes because in his mind we come first!! He will also work 2 jobs if need be to provide for us!!

6. Wow, this list is longer than I thought!! How much he helps me with the kids. He is a great Father!! I guess I could go on all day!!


The thinks I love about Tori....

1. She has a heart of gold. She goes to the alter and prays every Sunday night. Usually when I ask her what about. She is praying for me, her daddy, or her brother!! She is so sweet!!

2. I love when she tells me, "You are the best Mommy in the world!" My heart melts.

3. I love to watch her sing and dance to Hannah Montana songs!!

4. I love to help her read! She is doing so well and reading it amazes me how big she is getting.

5. I love it when we play games together.

6. She is so helpful with her brother. She will play with him and he adores her.

7. I love that she is the sweetest girl in the whole world!!


What I love about Preston...

1. When I put him in bed he pulls the blanket over his face to fall asleep. It is so cute!!

2. When I tell him to give Mommy a kiss, he opens his mouth and holds real still to let me kiss him!!

3. I love it when he wants my attention or cries when I walk out of the room, I know he misses me!!

4. I love it when he laughs. It is so cute!!


Can you tell I love my family!! I am so very blessed!! God has given me everything I ever wanted and more. I am so thankful for my family. I copied this off of my cousin in law, Amy's blog. Hope you don't mind Amy, I just thought it was such a good idea. Happy Valentine's Day to all!!

Peace

Do you ever worry about things? Do you ever have one of those days where it seems you are concerned about your family, your well being? Or just going through something and your not sure what the answer is? While you are waiting on God's wisdom, you are still worried. That has been my feeling this whole week. Then I stumbled across some notes that I took a few weeks ago from a message my husband preached. I really needed this today. So I thought I would share this with you. Maybe someone else has a week like mine. Here are the notes I took on a message about Peace.

*Peace is a stedfast calmness in the face of difficulties.
*In the middle of difficulties is where opportunities arise.

Psalm 29:11 (Amplified) The Lord will give you (unyielding and impenetrable) strength to his people, the Lord will bless his people with peace.

*The Lord will bless us with his peace.

Romans 5 1THEREFORE, SINCE we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
2Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God's favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand. And let us rejoice and exult in our hope of experiencing and enjoying the glory of God.
3Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.

*We must first have Faith before we can have Peace. Without Faith we have no Peace.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My (own) peace I now give bequeath you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Don't let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.)

*The peace of God is more powerful than anything that comes my way!
*It's your choice. God gave his peace to us and its up to us to use it!
*If you lose your peace, you lose your victory.
*Faith comes first, second comes peace, third comes your breakthrough or your victory!!

Romans 15:13 May the God of your hope so fill you with all the joy and peace in believing (through the experience of your faith) that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.

*It is impossible to have Faith and live in turmoil.

(This one is my favorite!)
Phillipians 4:6 Do not fret or have anxiety over anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definate request) with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

*What I enjoy today is a result of what I put in my life yesterday.
*The Peace of God rises above everything that is attacking you!
*If you want peace you must control your thoughts. Think on things that are pure.
*If you want peace you must get rid of all offences in your life. Don't be offended at your brother or sister. Most of the time they don't even know you've been offended by them. It only hurts you and not the person who offended you.

As I read over these notes, I realized that if I look at my circumstances through God's eyes and not mine- they have a whole new prospective. God looks at my problems and says, "Oh, there's a way I can show my glory! There's a way I can show my miracle working power in there life!" Because when God does it no one can deny that God is God! I never really thought about the fact that if my Faith in God is strong then my Peace is strong. It is so true...I need faith to have peace. My worries are not worth worrying about...your worries are not worth worrying about! God is in control and he will deliver me out of my touble. I will not back down. I will carry on with God's work. I am so thankful for God's peace. Where in your life do you need God's peace?

Can't Wait to What God has in Store in 2009

I had such a wonderful Christmas this year. It's so nice just to spend time with my family. It was especially nice because this was Preston's first Christmas. Sure he has no idea what is going on, and he tried to eat every piece of wrapping paper that he pullled off- but it was still exciting to say the least. When I look at both of ny children, I realize how amazing God is, and that they are both little miracles to me. After almost 2 years of trying to get pregnant with Tori, and having endometriosis, it seemed like it would be impossible, but with God all things are possible, and Tori was born. Then after a miscarriage, I thought a second child too, was a long time coming, but God knows all things!! Then Preston was born six months ago. So, I am so thankful for both of my little miracles!! And truly each child is a miracle.

As I have been reflecting back on 2008, I have been thanking God for his hand being on us this past year. We, like everyone else, had some very trying times and some very glorious times. Last February we opened a new sanctuary at our church. There were times when we thought that it wasn't going to happen. The devil fought us so hard, but he can only hinder us, he cannot stop us!!! To God be all the Glory! I believe that in 2008 we saw more people saved at our church than ever before...and I believe we will see more than that saved in 2009!! I am so excited to see what God is going to do! I have a great expectancy!! God is already moving in the lives of people all around the world! My cousin, Lori and her husband Aaron received a wonderful miracle in a struggling time of their life! He has been laid off from his job, and is going to finish college (Go Aaron!!) and someone just gave them a brand new Van!! No Strings attached!! It just goes to show you that when you keep serving God and following his priciples in your life...no matter what comes your way God has your back!! Lori and Aaron I am so happy for you! I know that this is just the start of the great miracles God has in sore for you in 2009!!!

So this new year let's push on doing God's work at full speed, no matter even if we feel like giving up. We can be victorious in Christ! And as we follow him we will influence those around us!

Christmas Cards

I am a little late at getting Christmas cards out this year. As a matter of fact I don't think I even did Christmas cards last year. I don't remember why, I just remember that I did not send them. We had a Christmas banquet at the church this past Friday night. It was very nice. We had a catered meal and Christmas music sang by a lady from West Virginia named Joy Jones. She and her 2 boys sang some Christmas music. I love Christmas music and they did a very nice job at it. So we took this picture of us in front of the Christmas tree at the church. Somehow we got even Preston to smile! He turned 6 months old Friday! Time has flown!! Tori will be seven in February. She has a Christmas concert at her school tonight. I am so excited to see her sing, because she is very excited about it. She told me last night that her singing in this Christmas concert is her gift to us. She is so sweet.

We went out for dinner and shopping on Saturday with my parents for my birthday. They bought me a birthday cake and it was such a nice day to be able to spend it with my parents, Matt and the kids. My brother had to work, so he and Felicia did not make it. Sunday Tori said, "Mom, I don't have a lot if money to buy you a nice birthday present." I told her that just having her as my daughter was the best birthday present ever!! She looked all sad and like she wanted to cry. That was the sweetest thing she could've said to me. Just for her to think about buying me something for my birthday was so cute!! I am so thankful this Christmas season. Thankful for great friends and a wonderful family and most of all that God sent his son as a baby in a manger to save me! Merry Christmas everyone!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Roy Gabbard

Today is kid of a sad day for me. It was 10 years ago today that my Grandpa, Roy Gabbard, passed away. He was the greatest man I have ever known. I cannot believe it has been 10 years! If I ever met a true man of God, he was. At his funeral he was referred to as "God's man". He truly was God's man. He only cared about pleasing God and getting a work done for God. He had the greatest faith I have ever seen. As a teenager and young adult I would go to my grandparents house and just sit and talk to them. They would tell my stories about what God had done for them. Stories like when they mortgaged their home to buy a rat infested building in Newport, Kentucky. Why did they buy it? Because God spoke to my Grandpa and told him to and because the church they were attending at the time needed to sell this building to use the money for a new addition to the church. So God spoke and that's all to it. Even if it didn't look as if they were doing the right thing, in the natural, they trusted God and just did it!! What faith! So, they bought this old building and rented it out for around two years, which made enough to pay the mortgage payment. Then God spoke again. This time God said to sell the building and told my grandpa the very price to ask for it. The next day a man walked in the building and asked if it was for sale. When my Grandpa told him the price he bought it, no questions!! When the deal was completed Grandpa had enough money to pay off the loan and all of his other debts and also enough to pay cash for a brand new car!!! Isn't God amazing!!

This is just one of the many stories Grandpa had to tell!! God miraculously performed many miracles throughout my grandparents life!! When I would leave their house I would feel as if I could do anything God wanted me to do. The sky was the limit!! He left behind a great legacy. 12 children (eight of his children are preachers), 23 grandchildren (several of them are preachers as well), and 10 great grandchildren. Their isn't enough time to tell all the great things about my Grandpa, but he taught me some valuable lessons in life. He taught me that God was real, that I should not serve God because he did or the rest of my family did, but serve God because I have an experience with God for myself. He taught me how to hear and understand the voice of God and to always obey God at all cost!! He was the most loving, generous, forgiving, faithful man I have ever known. I am priveledged to have known him and to be his granddaughter. But most of all I am privelidged to be the a daughter of God! I can't wait until I see him again!! And I know it will be soon!!

Tori's Blog

I love my family. This picture is of my baby brother, Preston. I am feeding him. Preston was about 2 months old in this picture. I love my baby brother! I love 1st grade. My teacher's name is Mr. Brewer. My Kindergarten teacher was Mrs. Miller. My preschool teacher was Mrs. Jane. She took me to see the movie WALLE. I had a lot of fun!! I am excited about Christmas. I want a ipod, my two front teeth (haha), and a Nintendo Wii. I love my mommy! Merry Christmas everybody!!

Love, Tori

My Kids

My kids are getting so big. I had Preston at the Doctor last week and he weighs 20 lbs 8 oz.! I can't believe how big he is getting. He had ear infections again last week. This is the third time and he is only 5 months old. I have been worried about him because he has been sick so much. Tori was not sick like that and has had maybe one ear infection her whole life. I know that the Lord will touch him. Please keep him in your prayers.


Tori is getting big as well. Here is her 1st grade picture. My father in law says that she looks like my mom. I think she kind of does in this picture! Tomorrow is her Thanksgiving Feast at school. She will be dressing up as a pilgrim or an Indian (we haven't decided which yet). She made straight A's on her first report card of the year. We are so proud of her!!

This is two pictures of Tori. The first one is from October of 2007. She was a cheerleader for Upward Flag Football. Upward is a Christian sports league for children. I really like the program because it is based around Christ and the kids have a devotion at each game. The second picture is from October 2008. She was again a cheerleader for Upward Flag Football. See how much she has grown in just one year!! Time flies! Now she wants to play basketball for Upward. Basketball starts in February.

I am so excited about Thanksgiving! I love Thanksgiving almost as much as Christmas! We go to my aunts (Cathy) house for Thanksgiving at lunch time. Then we travel back to West Union to have Thanksgiving dinner at Matt's parents house. I don't get to see my family as much anymore so it is nice to get the chance to see everyone. Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

It's beginning to Look a lot like Christmas!!!

We put our Christmas tree up last week. This is the earliest I have ever put up my tree. Tori had a wonderful time helping. She carried every branch in the house, one at a time from our storage building. She had a blast and so did Matt and I. I love Christmas! It is my favorite time of year! Maybe because my birthday is the 16th, Christmas is the 25th, my Anniversary is the 28Th (12 years this year!!), or Matt's birthday is the 31st. I don't know. Or maybe its the lights, the trees, the look on the kids face on Christmas morning. Or the fact that it seems that Christmas brings out the best in all of us. We are more giving. I went to a Pastor's conference last February in Phoenix, Az. It was at Phoenix First Assembly. It was amazing! They have the biggest bus ministry I have ever seen. They bus kids and adults in every week and see lives changed every time! Anyway, every year at Christmas time they throw the biggest Christmas party ever. They bus these kids in and have toys all over the sanctuary. Bikes and all kinds of toys all over. Hanging from the ceiling...just toys everywhere! Last year one of the kids walked in the church and said to the bus pastor..."Is this Heaven?!" Keep in mind, most of these kids come from crack houses. You may think- what does giving kids toys have to with God? Jesus said, when you've done it to the least of these, you've done it to me. When we put aside our selfishness and do something for someone else that really needs it- they will see Christ through us!! So this Christmas, although the economy isn't good and I won't be giving or receiving as much as normal- I'll not complain because I am blessed. Blessed with the most amazing husband and kids that anyone could ever dream of having. The older I get the more I realize that its not all about me, its more and more about him. And, I will try to find someone who needs help and help them this Christmas season. In hopes that they will see the love of Christ through my small sacrifice and receive the greatest gift of all... salvation!!!

Happy 5 Months Preston!!!

Preston turned 5 months old yesterday! He is getting so big. He is such a happy baby. Last night Tori was playing with him and she had him laughing out loud! Now he laughs out loud all the time now, but Tori had him laughing so hard he was shacking! It was so cute! I am thankful everyday for my kids. Thankful that they are healthy. They are such blessings from God! Happy 5 months Preston. Before we know it you will be turning one! I can wait though!

Lord, Use me!!

I am excited about what God is doing. This past Sunday our crowd was down, which is kind of depressing because so many people find so many excuses not to come to church. And then you have those people who are struggling and need help and then they don't even show up at church all weekend. I am thinking, "Duh! No wonder you are having so many problems!" I guess I was raised different. When I have a problem I run to God, not away from him! Anyway, even though the crowd was down a little, God was still there! We had two amazing services. Matt preached Sunday night about the rapture. He had a dream (and I remember when this happened, because he woke me up). Anyway, he had this dream when President Bush started his first term, we were living in the Eastgate area of Cincinnati, in his dream something happened during President Bush's election that started the countdown to the rapture. He said that at first he thought it was the devistation of 9/11. But now he knows that the trouble our economy is facing and the events of the last few weeks are what he believes he dreamt about. I know this has been scarey for everyone, but somehow the antichrist has to start to rise to power and we are heading in the direction for a one world currency (the mark of the beast). I don't know near enough about the end time, but I do see the changes happening as a sign of the times for the believers. Jesus said that we will know the end is near when we see these things happen, just as we know when summer turns to fall and fall turns to winter. We don't know when it will happen just that it will. I know that God has a plan and I am trusting him everyday to take care of us no matter what happens in the future.

So, Sunday night a man got a healing in his body and a couple came up to pray because the company he works for is laying off employee's this week. Matt got an email yesterday from this couple and while some did get layed off- his boss took him in the office and gave him a raise, instead of laying him off!!! Isn't that awesome!!! So, yes I am excited about what God is doing. We are living in a day that the prophets prophesied about! I am reminded of the scripture "Work while it is day, for the night comes when no man shall work" (I am paraprasing). Now is the time, today is the day to work! Lord, help me to be an instrument to help others get saved.

This weekend!!

I had a great weekend! It was so nice to see everyone at the wedding. The wedding was very nice and Heather looked like she was in heaven! I am so happy for her and Patrick! Late Saturday evening and Sunday morning I was sick. Sick to my stomach. Matt got the kids ready for church and took them and I came a little late, but made it and even sang both services. I know that the Lord counts on me to do my job for the church, so I always try to be there even when I am sick. I know that someone's soul could be in the balance, that's why I have to give 100% even when I don't feel like it! Jason (our worship leader) said a few things Sunday about this and it really encouraged me. He said the what we do is not a game- it's real and we have to fight the battle and do what God has called us to do at all cost. Sunday night we prayed before we sang (as we always do) and Jason prayed that the alter would be full of people wanting to get saved and get closer to God- then he said let the alter fill a second time- and it did! People just kept coming. Matt preached a message about "signs". How God gives us signs in our life to warn us and to lead us in the right way. He talked about the sign (street sign) that shows a "dead end" and how you may not get the chance again to come to Jesus. He even told the story about Charlotte preaching years ago and she stopped and turned to the wall and prophesied "Your life will be required of you this night, because you didn't heed the voice of the Lord" (I am paraphrasing) and she didn't even know that behind that wall was a young man who was making fun of God and the people in the next room worshipping God. Later the night he died in a horrible car acident. He didn't get a second chance. We never know when it is our time- we have to be ready. But then he ended on a positive note preaching about the "U turn" sign. How tonight you can turn around and change your ways and God will be there to help you! It was great- I don't know how many people got saved, but I do know that the alter was full. Sometimes it makes you realize that the trials and the hard times you go through can sometimes be the devil trying to hinder us from what God wants us to do. Anyway, it was a great weekend.

Preston is sick again, I took him for his 4 month check up and he has a double ear infection again. This time the doctor gave him a shot. I go back in 2 weeks to see if the ear infections have cleared up and for him to get his other shots. He is so good though. He was fussy a little last night , but this morning he seemed like he felt much better. I know he will be fine. I just worry because this is already his second ear infection. But, I know he will be fine. Keep you posted!

Preston

Preston rolled over for the first time on Wednesday night. He is getting to big, to fast. He turns 4 months old on Sunday. I can't believe how time has flown. It seems like yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. Matt has been sick this week and I think Preston may have a touch of what Matt had. Last night he had a slight fever and wasn't eating as much as normal. All in all, he is such a good baby. Even when he has a fever, he still laughs and plays.

This weekend there is a wedding back home. Heather Sanders in getting married tomorrow. I am going to drive back with the kids and go to the wedding. It is so nice to get to see everyone, since I don't see them as much anymore. I will try to post some pictures next week. Can't wait, it will be a blast!!

Some Pictures

Here is a picture of Tori's first day of 1st grade. This was taken about 3 weeks ago. She loves 1st grade . Her teacher says he likes to use Tori as an example to class of good behavior, although he also added that she can talk a little to much. I have no idea where she gets that from!!!

This is when Tori lost her two front teeth. This was taken early in the morning and she looks half asleep.

This is Hannah Montana-I mean Tori. She wants to be Hannah Montana though. And always posing for every picture.

Here is a picture I caught of Preston when we went to a local fair 2 weekends ago. We were walking around and he was so content, just looking at everything.

Here he is last week trying to reach for something, although he looks like he is reay to fight!

Preston loves his aerosaucer. I thought he was to young for this toy, because he is only 3 1/2 months, but he loves it. He laughs out loud while playing in it. My batteries died in my camera, so I missed him smiling. He is growing so fast!

This last picture is from July. Tori went Bowling with the Daycare (we have a daycare at our church) as a summer activity. She had a great time.