Time & 18 Kids

If these long dialogs seem rambling or hard to follow feel free to skip to the next paragraph. :-) Working outside the home to the point of fatigue is probably a good thing for my ever wandering mind. I don't dwell on things so much. I can still get overwhelmed by thoughts and feelings building up not dealt with though. Would I rather be callous or sensitive? Outgoing or introverted? I want to be able to relate to / connect with as many people as I can. I don't like to feel uncomfortable and I know I tend to gravitate towards people who either share my main personality trait or at the very least empathize or see mine as a favorable one. I don't want everyone to be like me and I try to see other people's perspectives and try to learn from them when they are different from mine. When my mind has gone on the spin cycle for too long, I get impatient with myself and wonder why I care so much. I don't really think everyone is going to like me. I'm not willing to sell out so they do. I know I want to protect myself from rejection, hurt and judgment. I want to control these things and have harmony in my soul and I know that is never directed by external circumstances. As a wise man who has every reason to pity himself but happily lives his life no matter the challenges of having no arms recently said, no one can ruin your day except for you. It's VERY hard to remember that when my sense of justice has been tested, when feelings are hurt. It's a part of my personality I battle to not let my emotions take over. I find the older I get the more I see opportunities to lead my heart and not let it lead me. It sounded so romantic as a young person to say follow your heart. But my heart is deceiving above all else. My heart would never want to forgive, my commitment to God must be more important than my feelings in those instances. My heart wants to cry out and defend itself. Then I remember the only one I ever have to explain or tell everything to is God. He loves, forgives and accept me unconditionally and that's all that ever needs to matter. I try to have my thoughts be positive, constructive, loving and obedient. I'm pretty sure analyzing everyone else's personality isn't any of those things. Reminds me of a scripture I need to keep closer these days from Philippians 4:4-10...

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
(Yes, Brooke I was thinking about you when I remembered what scripture talked about what to center your thoughts on)

Speaking of connecting, I started watching a new program that I enjoy very much, it's TV G and for once it's something I pray about applying to my life. The show is called "17 Kids and Counting" on TLC Channel. The Duggar family lives in Arkansas. The mom Michelle is pregnant with her 18th child, all home schooled and starting with the letter J with conservative Christian values. The latest show was on courtship and I really admire their standard of purity in the way they dress as well as the self control, love and kindness. The calm, patient attitude of the mother is commendable as well. The respect and gentleness this couple shows towards each other and how they manage the family God has blessed them with is very Godly.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

We received a few things this week from our HOA (Homeowners Association). It's all new to us as we haven't been part of one before . We received our welcome packet early the week, two days later we got was a notice for the placement of our trash cans. Last night was a fall festival. Most recently, today it was a housewarming gift and an email about upcoming actives, community garage sale, bunko nights, play dates for the SAHM, etc...



We plan to live here for 30 plus years and I'm reassured that our community will be safer for it and our property value will be retained. The sense of community is so sweet and since we have all moved in on this street in the last year having our houses being built, it's fresh for everyone. So all that to say, I like the HOA


Here's a few more pics of the house as we continue to settle in:

I received this sailboat for my birthday in May, it has the words to "It Is Well" on a boat, which I thought was beautiful with the back story of that song.


Once the picture was above the fireplace, it felt like home.


We hung two wind chimes on the backyard porch.. I still have some ideas for this area. I do really enjoy the sunset across our yards everyday... it's so pretty :-)


Here's a pic of the flowers Billy had sent to my office on Monday.


When my in-law's came in town last weekend, they bought us such great home grown vegetables, fresh deer meat and tons of pecans. So, here are my chocolate pecan cookies.

Hard week

This week several things have been occurring. I started a temp job on Monday, learned of a sweet friend's sister-in-law passing, watching my nephew hurting over disappointment, going to a memorial service that reminded me all too vividly of my own sister's passing, coming to the realization that Joanna isn't definite about placing her baby for adoption and an issue at my church that is near to my heart that pains and upsets me.

There have been bright spots, blessings, sparklies ** Billy sending flowers on my first day of work and making me dinner when I got home. Spending time with cherished friends. Watching a family love each other so much through an awful time that no family should have to go through.

I long for Heaven during times like these, don't you? When all illusion of control has completely melted, I am again reminded only God can protect, take care of, heal, and grow hearts. I can do none of these. He might use me as His instrument for parts of His story, but it's His rules and His timing. The promises of heaven of no tears, death or disease. Intimate and never ending communion with a loving forgiving Holy God. God has me down here for His purposes though, so in the meantime, I will serve Him down here. My tendency to look on the bright side takes a beating. Other people's pain hurts my heart. I know I can't fix others, but as I've said more than once this week, if I could just bubble wrap the people I love, selfishly I would. Yet, I know I wouldn't have the compassion God has planted for other's hearts but the struggles I have faced in my life. As a teenager, I was convinced I had the right way, the perfect life ahead of me. Reality happens, and my perception changed. I'm glad I started sharing the fun silly things we do on here, otherwise this blog would read much like my journals, pretty sad and depressing. These are the times when I have the most to say and have the strongest urge to get them out so I can move on. For several reasons already stated I'm having a hard time letting go of some things. I'm tired and my eyes are burning, but tears are God's way of pushing out all the toxins and cleansing .

Tomorrow is fresh and new and full of possibilities, it's the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.

The Latest News

I took this picture last Monday that's been sitting on my camera of Amy, Wes & Rachel... how cute are they???




This weekend was full of family, fun and friends. Billy's parents and aunt arrived Thursday evening from New Mexico. They are so sweet to travel the 8 hour car ride about 3 times a year to spend time with us. Highlights were that it was my father-in-law's birthday on Thursday ( and he STILL drove) as well as my niece Sydney's birthday too :-) I made cards for both of them.. still very much in the amateur stage of that process. Friday highlight was going to Sydney's play with the Youth Theatre, it was a Broadway Review. She has a great stage presence and is not shy in the least.

The Turnbow side always enjoys a good game of cards:

We also went to Babe's and had their great food, plus one opened up closer to us :-)) Someoneeee told them it was Dad's birthday.
Sunday, we spent at Mike & Teresa's church events. Enjoyed hearing from their new minister and enjoyed their fall festival in the evening. Sydney and Kyle, our niece and nephew were super cute. The Barbarian and Darth Vader:

Everyone enjoying the food:

Aunt Jacque, Mom and Dad relaxing at Mike & Teresa's:

Annakin and Luke (Kyle & Billy):
Kyle tossing the football before his flag football game with Papa:
On Saturday also I participated in my friend Brooke's carnival birthday party for her niece. I wish I had taken my camera. It was probably for the best as I fell upon exiting my car and would have broken it anyway. All I hurt instead was my pride. Heather had great ideas for her daughter that I will absolutely and with permission steal when we have children :-)

Also, I started a temp job yesterday. Back to office work for this girl. My immune system is relieved beyond measure :-) Billy sent me flowers on my first day and made me a special night for the two of us making me dinner when I got home as well.

Please keep Elaine's (Brooke & Heather's sister in law) family, her husband Chris and daughter Isabelle in your prayers as she passed away today. Me and my family knows what it feels like to still want happy events for the children and yet be mourning a sibling that passed way too soon leaving small children behind. My heart goes out very much to them right now.

Also, I ask prayers for Joanna, the woman who is due in 6 weeks as she makes an adoption plan for her baby boy.

Hi

This week has been filled with cleaning, baking, cooking, shopping, took care of Rachel on Monday and job interviews. Yeahh interviews! Billy's parents and aunt are on their way in town to stay with us through Sunday. Happy Birthday today to my wonderful father-in-law Bill and my sweet niece Sydney!!! I still have a bunch to do before they get here this evening, have a great weekend :-)

Masterpiece in the Making

I mentioned several months back working on a project with our friend Teresa. It's out on You Tube and since it's a small testimony of the the way God has worked in our lives and hearts during this journey to complete our family, I thought I would share it here for those of you who didn't get to see it in your bible study class at our church this last week:

Fall Fun

This week I've really gotten in to the feel of fall. We are still living life, enjoying family, friends and our wonderful church. We really appreciate and feel all the prayers in regard to this decision about finding our forever child. This week is better remembered with pictures, so here goes :-)

Monday started with a visit to my sweet friend Kristen's house. I should have taken a picture of her being adorably pregnant and her two beautiful girls, but I was too distracted by Sonya sharing her sweet conversation and Sage showing me her toys :-) From there I went to my nephew's 7th grade football game. Here's his tough guy pose:
Me hanging with my three nephews. They look sweet and happy so I had to post this pic, ignore the bags under the eyes I've been a little tired lately:

Much of the week has been spent working on the house as he have a home study coming up pretty soon, as well as hosting small group tomorrow night and my in laws are coming to stay this coming weekend from New Mexico. Here's the living room:
I've had requests for kitchen pics, so here is one:
Friday I ran several errands, one being to the DPS office to change my address on my driver's license. I had already tried online, but it still wasn't correct, so I could no longer avoid going to the location. I ran by to fill out to the form and wouldn't you know it on 5 hours sleep with no make up, sloppy clothes and my hair in a bun, they take my picture. I believe that will be a very sadly spent vain $15 replacing said 'lost' driver's license here in a few weeks :-)

Today was the annual fall ladies luncheon, the theme was the movies. Amy A invited me to co-host a table with her and we picked Jane Austin/ Pride Prejudice. I really enjoy that movie!!! Here's us with our table:
There were so many creative and beautiful tables I have to share them here. Here is the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants:
Chocolat, I took this picture before they placed out the chocolate fountain:

The Notebook:Divine Secrets of the Yaya Sisterhood:

Steel Magnolias, that's an actual red velvet armadillo cake as the center piece:

Fried Green Tomatoes:

Our table won the movie trivia game, yeaaaa:-)

This evening we had our sweet friends Katy and Michael over for dinner and a night of pumpkin carving. We also got a great surprise visit from our new neighbors, Jill & Tim, I'm sooo glad to live so close to such great people!!!

Carving pumpkins, this was so great, Billy and I hadn't done this since we were dating 4 years ago, I really like this tradition. Legs falling asleep and all :-)

The guys with their achievements:

Us gals with our fun work:

We took them out on the front porch and lit them up briefly. I still need to Vaseline the inside so it will stay fresh until Halloween. I know it's early, bit this was our last free weekend night before Halloween where we could all get together and do this. (in order: Billy's, mine, Katy's and Michael's)First time thing for me, I had never toasted the pumpkins seeds. I separated the seeds, boiled them in salt with water and simmered for 10 minutes. Then in a 400 degree oven with olive oil for 20 minutes, there were great!!!! Thanks for the idea, Katy :-)


Tomorrow I'm looking forward to my sister coming out with her boyfriend to see the house and having our small group over :-)))

Phone Call

I'm not sure whether to post this one now or just later in saying here is how this turned out. We received a phone call last night that a friend of a friend is pregnant, unmarried and not in a financial or emotional position to raise their child. There are several complications that are over our heads at the moment including viability of the baby in general....

I decided mainly to mention the basics to ask for prayer in this. We seek God's will above all else...

While I'm Waiting

This song pertains to what ever we're waiting for in life. For us of course, it's a child. It's from the movie Fireproof by John Waller. Enjoy!

While I’m Waiting
Psalm 5:3, 27:14, 33:20, 37:7, 38:15, 40:1, Isaiah 30:18, Lamentations 3:24
John Waller

"The explanation for this song is simple, I was waiting on God and I was hurting when I wrote the lyrics. I probably wouldn’t have written
a song if my friend, Mike, hadn’t encouraged me to document what I was going through during that time. I’m sure there are few people
who can’t relate to this song, but the important thing to remember while we’re waiting on God is to not just wait but to actively wait.
Serve, worship and be faithful with what you have, where you are… “even while (you) wait.”

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord

© 2007 Travelin’ Zoo Music (ASCAP) (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing)

Found it!!

'I found it' has been a common phrase over the last week unpacking. It's also been neat to rediscover our things that have been in storage for the last couple of months. Here is our last week in Pictures as I still have about 5 more boxes to go through today:

Our inspector, super sweet guy we found through our church

Final walk through with the Construction Manager, Seth. This guy was great to work with as well:
Closing on Friday morning!!!

Our new street... pretty sunset for the first night there:
Us sitting on the side of 75 waiting for Uhaul Roadside Assistance:
A few friends who went to lunch with us after helping us move, thank you Mary & Brent!

Thank you Katy & Michael! Katy showed up under the weather but was still a great support and help. Thank you also to Ben , Sarah, Tim, Mike & Nathan! Thank you Teresa for putting together the dining room table and most of the chairs :-) We couldn't have gotten so much done with out all of you!Sunday night Small Group, we went to Bar-B-Cutie and then watched "Fireproof". It was a wonderful movie about marriage from the makers of Facing the Giants. They just keep getting better. Wonderful story, better acting, more down to earth. That one will go in the DVD collection when available. I've been browsing through the book "The Love Dare" that's talked about in the movie ever since, thanks Amy!!


A couple of rooms out of boxes, just need to hang pictures and curtains, dining room:Guest room:
Nursery:

Guest Bath:Master bedroom, well couple of boxes left in that room....


Front of the house:

October Daily Bible Reading

October

Date	Old Testament	New Testament	Gospel Reading
October 1	Isaiah 22,23	Ephesians 3	Matthew 1
October 2	Isaiah 24,25,26	Ephesians 4	Matthew 2
October 3	Isaiah 27,28	Ephesians 5	Matthew 3
October 4	Isaiah 29,30	Ephesians 6	Matthew 4
October 5	Isaiah 31,32,33	Philippians 1	Matthew 5
October 6	Isaiah 34,35,36	Philippians 2	Matthew 6
October 7	Isaiah 37,38	Philippians 3	Matthew 7
October 8	Isaiah 39,40	Philippians 4	Matthew 8
October 9	Isaiah 41,42	Colossians 1	Matthew 9
October 10	Isaiah 43,44	Colossians 2	Matthew 10
October 11	Isaiah 45,46,47	Colossians 3	Matthew 11
October 12	Isaiah 48,49	Colossians 4	Matthew 12
October 13	Isaiah 50,51,52	1 Thessalonians 1	Matthew 13
October 14	Isaiah 53,54,55	1 Thessalonians 2	Matthew 14
October 15	Isaiah 56,57,58	1 Thessalonians 3	Matthew 15
October 16	Isaiah 59,60,61	1 Thessalonians 4	Matthew 16
October 17	Isaiah 62,63,64	1 Thessalonians 5	Matthew 17
October 18	Isaiah 65,66	2 Thessalonians 1	Matthew 18
October 19	Jeremiah 1,2	2 Thessalonians 2	Matthew 19
October 20	Jeremiah 3,4	2 Thessalonians 3	Matthew 20
October 21	Jeremiah 5,6	1 Timothy 1	Matthew 21
October 22	Jeremiah 7,8	1 Timothy 2	Matthew 22
October 23	Jeremiah 9,10	1 Timothy 3	Matthew 23
October 24	Jeremiah 11,12,13	1 Timothy 4	Matthew 24
October 25	Jeremiah 14,15,16	1 Timothy 5	Matthew 25
October 26	Jeremiah 17,18,19	1 Timothy 6	Matthew 26
October 27	Jeremiah 20,21,22	2 Timothy 1	Matthew 27
October 28	Jeremiah 23,24	2 Timothy 2	Matthew 28
October 29	Jeremiah 25,26	2 Timothy 3	Mark 1
October 30	Jeremiah 27,28	2 Timothy 4	Mark 2
October 31	Jeremiah 29,30	Titus 1	Mark 3

Stay Tuned

We got Internet here at the new house last night. I'll post something substantial soon when I don't feel guilty sitting here when I should be unpacking and getting things done around the house.... Here's the outside picture, keeping in mind we still need to do some landscaping and put shudders on the windows. Uuugghhh, umm never mind I found my camera but not the cord to upload the pictures, sorry!! That's how things go, I start doing one thing and that leads to something else..... I'll try later :-)) Now, where is that cord???

October Daily Bible Reading

This one somehow didn't get posted on time, so I'm completing

OT Reading NT Reading Gospel Reading
October 1Isaiah 22,23Ephesians 3Matthew 1
October 2Isaiah 24,25,26Ephesians 4Matthew 2
October 3Isaiah 27,28Ephesians 5Matthew 3
October 4Isaiah 29,30Ephesians 6Matthew 4
October 5Isaiah 31,32,33Philippians 1Matthew 5
October 6Isaiah 34,35,36Philippians 2Matthew 6
October 7Isaiah 37,38Philippians 3Matthew 7
October 8Isaiah 39,40Philippians 4Matthew 8
October 9Isaiah 41,42Colossians 1Matthew 9
October 10Isaiah 43,44Colossians 2Matthew 10
October 11Isaiah 45,46,47Colossians 3Matthew 11
October 12Isaiah 48,49Colossians 4Matthew 12
October 13Isaiah 50,51,52 1 Thessalonians 1Matthew 13
October 14Isaiah 53,54,551 Thessalonians 2Matthew 14
October 15Isaiah 56,57,581 Thessalonians 3Matthew 15
October 16Isaiah 59,60,611 Thessalonians 4Matthew 16
October 17Isaiah 62,63,641 Thessalonians 5Matthew 17
October 18Isaiah 65,662 Thessalonians 1Matthew 18
October 19Jeremiah 1,22 Thessalonians 2Matthew 19
October 20Jeremiah 3,42 Thessalonians 3Matthew 20
October 21Jeremiah 5,61 Timothy 1Matthew 21
October 22Jeremiah 7,81 Timothy 2Matthew 22
October 23Jeremiah 9,101 Timothy 3Matthew 23
October 24Jeremiah 11,12,131 Timothy 4Matthew 24
October 25Jeremiah 14,15,161 Timothy 5Matthew 25
October 26Jeremiah 17,18,191 Timothy 6Matthew 26
October 27Jeremiah 20,21,222 Timothy 1Matthew 27
October 28Jeremiah 23,242 Timothy 2Matthew 28
October 29Jeremiah 25,262 Timothy 3Mark 1
October 30Jeremiah 27,282 Timothy 4Mark 2
October 31Jeremiah 29,30Titus 1 Mark 3