Five Fun Floridians

It's Been A While......

2009-08-06T20:41:00.006-04:00

I've been a slacker......facebook has stolen my time......but I'm back :)!

We've had some fun this summer and it's fastly coming to an end
:( !

Here's some pics to catch you up!

We've been VBS-ing,

chillin',

seeing a lot of rainbows,

fishin',

tubin'

and just having some fun family time!!

School Awards....(I'm a little behind!)

2009-06-16T17:55:00.005-04:00

"The 3 Blonde Montanas" - self named ;)

Cadie with Dr. Demeri and her teacher Mrs. Ibrahim.

Mason with Dr. Demeri and his teacher Mrs. Pugh-Clogston.

Mason with a message to his mom :)!

So proud of my kiddos!! They both received special awards, Mason the Accelerated Reader Award and Cadie the Science Award and Music Award!! Great Job Cadie and Mason!!

Summertime Fun in Florida...

2009-06-08T16:57:00.002-04:00

Post 100..it only took me a year :)

2009-06-03T15:57:00.004-04:00

Do you think they get ANY restful sleep???

And yes, they do have their OWN beds!!

I'm Cheating...

2009-05-27T22:56:00.002-04:00

Now I'm on Facebook, - thanks Becky for setting me up :) - I've been too busy 'adding friends'! It's a great way to catch-up with your High School friends!!
Check it out...and 'friend me'!!

We're ready for ....

2009-05-22T09:47:00.004-04:00

some fun this weekend!! Hope everyone has a safe weekend!! :)

Thanks Pookie!

2009-05-20T07:47:00.003-04:00

Growing up in Alabama, my family always had a summer garden in our backyard. How great to pick a tomato and have a sandwich! So, when I saw on a friends blog that she was wanting a garden - thanks Heidi Stephens! - I knew this was the year!! And so my sweet hubby got to work!! He built the cutest box and got some good dirt - I live in Florida, we have sand people! - and took the kids to pick out the veges. Now, I did help dig up the holes and install the plants, and so I can be proud when the fruit/veges of our labor grows!! Thanks to my Pookie - yes, he will probably not appreciate me writing my nickname for him - for the garden!!

My Sweet Niece Graduates...

2009-05-14T07:13:00.002-04:00

My niece graduated from college last week with a BA in Education. Courtney is smart and caring and will be the best elementary teacher (and she needs a job:)!!! We are so proud of you Court!! We love you!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T15:54:00.003-04:00

How thankful I am to be a mother...

And I had a wonderful example..thanks mom, I love you!!

Pentagon (con'ted)

2009-05-01T07:23:00.004-04:00

I forgot to write about the outside memorial in the last post....
So as you can see in the above picture, there are metal benches facing in 2 different directions. One direction represents those who died in the Pentagon and the other are those who died in the plane. Engraved on these benches are the names of the perished. Under each bench is a reflecting pool (water), which you see in the above picture Robert explaining to Marshall not to throw anything into :}! You can also see in the pictures from the last post, the section of the building that was rebuilt in record timing - can't remember exactly how quickly, but it was impressive!
And finally, the picture below shows the Pentagon from the Old Post Office Tower - you can also see the Cherry Blossoms ~ WOW!!

The Pentagon

2009-04-30T20:53:00.007-04:00

So, one of the coolest parts of our spring break vacation was a tour inside our Nation's Department of Defense building, aka the Pentagon! We had to have clearance before we made our trip..back-ground checks, hair samples, teeth impressions...o.k. not the last two! Only approx. 100,000 citizens get the tour each year...we were stoked!!

No picture taking was allowed in the building, and we were strongly advised to keep our children in line...YIKES! But they did great and were in awe! The hallways...I hope this isn't CLASSIFIED.....:} are decorated with themes, i.e. the different branches of the military and how they've evolved. And of course the coolest/tear-jerking hallway was memorializing September 11, 2001. WOW!! There were letters from elementary schools, patchwork quilts from schools, photos/paintings and.... the framed American Flag that was flying over the Pentagon that day. WOW!

There is also a Chapel inside the building with a window facing the sky-line where the plane entered the building, and now the ground where the memorial is outside. Inside the chapel, there are 2 HUGE 3-ring binders. One holds letters from the families that died inside the Pentagon...including a picture. The other holds letters from the families of those that perished from the plane...including a picture. I was able to read 1 letter... a child writes to her mom about how much she misses her...

So here's some pics we got on the outside of the building..

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Some happy and a little sad...

2009-04-26T14:11:00.003-04:00

Thursday is the last day of snook fishing, my husband sadly says = a little sad. But Mason had some success on yesterday and was so proud his dad had brought the camera, for at least 1 pic :) = some Happy!!

A Tradition....

2009-04-25T22:21:00.003-04:00

When I was growing up, we ALWAYS dyed Easter eggs! So the tradition continues (I just remembered I took these pics with my old camera :)!!

See if you notice a concentration habit with my 2 boys...FYI, I have it too!

What's Today You Ask ???

2009-04-23T16:32:00.003-04:00

Here's a little hint....

So, Marshall's telling Mason just now, "It's Shakespeare's birthday today Mason." Mason replies, "Are you invited to his birthday party?"

I guess the 3rd grade hasn't studied Shakespeare, but the 3 year old pre-school did :)!

Happy 9th Birthday Mason!

2009-04-20T20:03:00.000-04:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

"I Will Rise"

2009-04-18T21:35:00.003-04:00

Again, celebrating the third day!!!

Easter 2009

2009-04-15T07:16:00.005-04:00

Jesus is Risen, Jesus is Risen Indeed!! We had a great day of worshipping our LIVING Christ! Here's some photos of Easter morning and Marshall's class easter egg hunt..

My Kiddies looking so cute, and grown!!

"Objects in the above picture may look larger than in real life, due to the picture taker being 4!"

Marshall + Faith = Cuteness

"Ready, Set, GO!!"

Mrs. Ada's Class

It's Friday, but Sunday's Coming!

2009-04-10T18:31:00.001-04:00

Sunday's coming!!

"Come and Listen to what He has done for us!"

2009-04-10T07:37:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter Friday!

(don't forget to mute my playlist at the bottom of this page before you watch :)

Maundy Thursday

2009-04-09T07:49:00.002-04:00

I grew up in the Methodist Church, which always celebrated Holy Week including Maundy Thursday. This day has always been the day that I think/ grieve/celebrate/remember most, not meaning that it was or is more important than the Crucifixion or Resurrection, just I wish I could have been there.... as Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples, washed their feet, wept in the Garden of Gethsemane and sweated blood while His disciples slept, and was finally betrayed by one of His own or at least one who others thought was one of His.
Would I have understood Him when He said it was time, would I have let the Lord of Lords wash my feet, would I have slept when my Shepherd told me to pray while He went off to pray, would I have denied Him, do I deny Him today when He's done all this and more for me?? I pray I daily remember His sacrifice for mine and my loved ones life. Do you remember?

Easter Week

2009-04-06T21:13:00.003-04:00

I saw this on another blog today and thought I'd share. If you haven't seen The Passion of the Christ, this is the week to rent it and watch it! What an Awesome God we serve!!

Make sure you go to the bottom of this page and pause the music first.

WE'RE BACK........

2009-04-04T10:25:00.002-04:00

D.C. was great, but we did and saw soooo much more - you'll just have to wait until my next post, because I have sooooooooooo much laundry and puttin' up to do :) !!

D.C. or BUST..........

2009-03-26T18:16:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow, we are heading to Washington DC for Spring Break - with a few stops on the way to and fro! Do you know how much stuff is required to pack for 3 kids and 2 adults for a week long vacation.....WAY MUCH!!!! I'm sure to post many pics when we return, and I'm sure there will be MANY stories - as always when the five fun floridians vacation!!

Any must places to go or to eat - that are off the beaten path?? Let me know!!

Have a great spring break everyone!! Amy

Just some cuteness....

2009-03-18T07:51:00.004-04:00

*UPDATE*
Thanks Heidi S. for wondering....because he's Spiderman, of course!!

I found this "Artwork by Marshall" today and just smiled!! Notice the extra brother - no, there's no way I can be pregnant - and the daddy...upside-down! Can you guess why Marshall said his daddy is drawn upside-down????

THE Orlando Magic called.....

2009-03-15T16:31:00.008-04:00

So last Friday, Robert calls me and says.."the Orlando Magic just called me."....he's finally been drafted to the team?!?!....nope, but something better! A youth pastor at another church has contacted them to get some tickets for the game that night because it's "family praise night" (i think that's what it was called:)and Shane and Shane was going to do a mini-concert after the game. He gave the rep Robert's # and told him about the Upward program and God blessing it with 200 kids this season. Anyway, Robert says, "I've bought 8 tickets and we've got to bring 3 other kids with our family....and we've got to leave by 4:00pm"...it's noon!! Robert and the kids round up 3 kids who God has placed on our hearts and who are a part of Upward Basketball this and last season, while I finish up at work! Here's the crew when we arrived......

We had so much fun seeing Dwight Howard....his muscles are HUGE!!....and the other Magic players.I had fun using my zoom camera lens from the "nose bleeds" and getting some cool pics...

A famous ex-player Patrick Euing (i think:) who is now an asst. coach, standing with Dwight Howard.

Here's a pic of the youth pastor that thought of us AND who brought his whole Upward team to the game (he's a youth pastor at another church AND a head coach for an Upward team...keep up with me people:) and of the Shane and Shane concert!

And by the way, the Magic WON!!!

Just Follow....

2009-03-06T09:25:00.003-05:00

There are small concerns in my life (small stressors..I'm fine mom!) that at times overwhelm me. Not all of them have to do with me but of the health and salvation of others. Our church group continues to be tested....hopefully for refining, but at times through lots of hurt.

Now, my self keeps saying "Lord, show me how this will work out....right now...please." But, I keep hearing..."just follow". I've shared this with a couple of people and how frustrating it is and at times I am.

My spirit has been reminded - thank you Holy Spirit! - through the Word this morning...

"You are to walk by faith, no longer by sight...remain FAITHFULLY focused on Me....follow Me and not your own understanding....don't WORRY about tomorrow, it is certainly enough to simply follow ME today!"

What promises...what relief! Amy

Times to Remember

2009-02-16T21:04:00.000-05:00

Now that's sweet....and not posed!!!

Our Saturdays...

2009-02-16T21:00:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

A couple of things.....

2009-02-12T20:49:00.009-05:00

Well, the e-mealz.com didn't rock-the-ohern's-world! Maybe I picked the wrong meal plan...... or maybe we are never at home to cook!!!

Also, my friend Shawn West and Angie Spencer tagged me! My instructions were to go into my sixth picture folder and pick the sixth picture and post it and reminisce on it (that was a LOT of ands:)! Unfortunately, our old computer crashed and I only have 3 folders of pictures now, in which I've posted most of those!! Thanks for thinking of me Shawn and Angie :)!

BECKY GOTSCH And ALLISON TWIGG YOU'RE TAGGED..follow the above instructions!

Finally, I wanted to post these pictures at Lake Istokpoga... the most alligator-infested-body-of-water-around!!! * Disclaimer - the child in these pictures was not harmed during this stunt performed by his DAD!! *

Have a safe Friday-the-13th and Valentine's Day!! Amy

A Father's Love

2009-02-01T17:48:00.004-05:00

Today in sunday school, we talked about our prayer life. We studied Psalm 86, a prayer of David. We talked about God, our Father. We "go to Him" with confidence and trust that He knows what's best for our lives. He loves us and always responds to our pleas or questions. He takes care of us! AWESOME!
These pictures reminded me of that relationship! I hope you have this relationship with the Father!

Life is Good....with God!

2009-01-29T21:01:00.002-05:00

Well, Upward Basketball is in full swing for year #2 @ FBCS.... and it's AWESOME! We have been given the opportunity to minister to over 200 children this year (about 80 more than last year)!! We have 32 teams with lots of volunteers!! Our hope is that we will see lots of lives eternally changed through this sports ministry. Isn't God good?!

Upward Girls at SHS Varsity Girl's B-Ball Game

2009-01-29T20:45:00.003-05:00

Bottom Braces Bye-Bye!!

2009-01-29T20:36:00.003-05:00

OMGoodness...I think this could be AWESOME!!

2009-01-22T20:25:00.005-05:00

www.e-mealz.com
This could possibly rock-the-ohern's-world...or maybe make meal time and grocery shopping a little easier :)!!
CHECK IT OUT...and thank me later!! Love, Amy
(And yes, the founders are from Sweet-Home-Alabama:)

O'Hern Happenings......

2009-01-20T20:50:00.007-05:00

"MARSHALL, don't kill your sister!!"

"MARHSHALL, could you keep it down in there!!"

"Put the footbal DOWN, Mason!!"

How Much Fun...thanks Russ and Kristen!!!

2009-01-06T08:24:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Christmas Day was a blast.......

2008-12-27T14:46:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Following The Star.....

2008-12-23T07:37:00.003-05:00

The last couple of nights, I've noticed how clear the sky is and how bright the stars are!! And it has made me think, how bright was the star that led the shepherds to baby Jesus? The Star provided a lighted path to the Savior of the world! The shepherds had faith that as they followed that star, they would see Jesus!! I pray I have that kind of faith today....I pray I stay on that lighted path that God has willed for my life and that one day will lead me to the Savior! Thank You God for sending THE STAR!!! Merry Christmas Everyone! Love, Amy

New Program Added to December Happenings!

2008-12-20T17:08:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

REAL Peace....

2008-12-20T08:12:00.003-05:00

Words so Heart-Felt...follow this link to a mama's true understanding of peace in the midst of heartache....
www.jess-the-big-mess.blogspot.com
Her blog on Thursday, December 18, 2008 touched my heart!! Love, Amy

Catching Up.......

2008-12-16T18:40:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

THE Reason for the Season...

2008-12-13T17:57:00.002-05:00

I thought tonight I'd encourage all my blog readers - yes, I'm speaking to the 2 of you :) - to try with all your might to attend church tomorrow! Get up and worship THE Savior, our Christ! Advent is a beautiful celebration in the Christian churches and brings your mind back to what the season is all about!! If you don't have a church home, come to First Baptist Sebring - sunday school begins at 9:15 (we're in the Homebuilder's Class) and the worship service begins at 10:30. Jesus is the reason for the season...worship Him!! Love, Amy

Take Christmas Back....

2008-12-11T22:01:00.004-05:00

I got an email today and after doing some research (snopes.com) to make sure it was legitimate, I'm passing it on to you!! It's www.letssaythanks.com. It's a website started by Xerox Corp on June 26, 2006, that allows you to choose a postcard designed by children, pick a message and put your name with city/state to be sent to our military! It took me 2 mins tops to go through the whole process!
It's A ~~Getting~~ Giving Season!!!

Make A Child Smile...

2008-12-09T20:33:00.003-05:00

I found this website from a fellow blogger: www.makeachildsmile.org
Tonight as a family, we made Christmas ornaments and Christmas cards for the 3 "featured children" on this website - Emerson, Olivia and Julianne. Each of my children picked the child closest to their age and will mail them the ornament they made and the card they made. Can I tell you it was such a blessing?! We then read each of their "stories" of how they got sick and how they are doing today. Cadie also emailed Julianne on her caringbridge site. I thank God for our health! TAKE BACK CHRISTMAS! It's about giving!!! Love, Amy

Take Christmas Back!

2008-12-06T20:04:00.007-05:00

O.K., here's my ideas so far! Example: Instead of buying Christmas cards to send out this year, I sort-of made them! Cadie, Marshall and I went to Michael's this morning to buy a kit and then we picked up a picture of the kids copied at Walgreen's. Normally, I spend about $40 on Christmas cards....this year I spent $17!!! Now, my big plan was to spend some quality time with the kids and make the cards.....didn't happen!! But while I made them, the kids "wrote" and then performed a play in our garage..so funny!! I'll put the pics up in a minute, but let's talk about "Take Christmas Back"!! I want my family to take the emphasis off "getting" and back to "giving" and giving sacrificially....our time/talent?/love! Teach my children THE reason for this season...and acting on it! I'm researching ideas to do that very thing...anybody got other ideas...or want to join me???? Another example:I will NOT write or let anyone else write "Xmas" for Christmas!! Isn't that AWFUL to see an "X" instead of Christ!!! So Merry ~~Xmas~~ CHRISTmas!! O.K.... pictures from the play "Little Drummer Boy" ....

What If We.........

2008-12-02T19:58:00.001-05:00

Any ideas?????

Check Out the Moves!!

2008-11-29T07:59:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

More THANKSgiving....

2008-11-28T21:13:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Happy THANKSgiving!

2008-11-27T07:33:00.003-05:00

thankful for...

just waking up children, in thier p.j.'s with toothpaste on the shirt and one spending the night with meemaw
and

sleeping a little later on turkey day because it was a late night smoking a turkey!

more later...thankfully, amy

Veteran's Day and FBCS Thanksgiving Program

2008-11-24T18:34:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox postcard

Our Potential....God's Will

2008-11-17T21:36:00.003-05:00

Blessed Be The Name

Job 1:21 NIV "...the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."

"Love found. Love lost. A goal reached. A broken dream. Both good and bad are in our lives. Each thing we experience helps to shape who we become. Each thing that happens to us should be looked upon as purposeful, allowed by the Sovereign Hand of God. Our circumstances are not always pleasing, yet we can always take pleasure within them in knowing that God´s perfect will is being accomplished. It´s not easy, yet the benefits are tremendous. With each and everything we face, God has a perfect purpose. To say otherwise would be to say that some of what shapes us is beyond His control. He sees in us the potential of who we can be. His will is to see that we meet that potential, and He will only allow us to experience those things that can be used in doing so."

Auburn Football!!

2008-11-11T20:28:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The kids and dog hit the street....

2008-11-04T21:59:00.001-05:00

Vote McCain and Marshall's Brilliance!

2008-11-04T16:48:00.003-05:00

Please make sure you vote...if you're not sure who to vote for, Vote McCain!!
On to Marshall's brilliance...I'm in the kitchen and Robert says to me, "Did you know Marshall can SPELL and WRITE Auburn and his name??!!" Here's the proof...can you see it!! He just turned 4y/o!!! Thanks for letting me brag!! Love, Amy

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T12:41:00.002-04:00

What an awesome night for trick-or-treating last night...Cadie and Mason even saw a shooting star in the cloudless sky!! We had the Collins over to eat Mummy Dogs and other snacks and then we hit the streets. The kids RAN and Lisa and I rode the golf cart as we made it about 3 blocks before the candy bags were FULL!!! (Robert and Joe went to the SHS football game and met up with us later. :) We ended the night with hot chocolate and some of us decorated cupcakes Cadie had made earlier in the day! Here's a few pictures, which were very hard to get since the kids and Gracie were impatient to get the night started!! Gracie even had a costume, but she ditched the hat before we got out of the door!! Enjoy!! Amy

My "Punkins"....

2008-10-26T21:08:00.002-04:00

I love this time of the year!!!

Half are off!!

2008-10-25T16:52:00.003-04:00

Cadie got her top braces off her teeth!! Her response when she first looked in the mirror..."they (her top teeth) are sooo big"! We assured her that her body would grow into them..lol!! Here are pictures from day 1 and then the BIG teeth!! :)Amy

More Marshall B'Day..

2008-10-22T22:02:00.003-04:00

Courtney took Marshall to Dairy Queen for his bday and got some cute pics!! Looks like they had fun!!!Thanks Court!!

Marshall's "Big Day"!!

2008-10-15T21:43:00.000-04:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

A Homemade Pizza...thanks Mr. Glenn and Zeno's!!

2008-10-13T17:54:00.005-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Saturday night we ate at Zeno's. After I ate, Mr.Glenn asked me if I wanted to work and I said yes. So we went to the back where they cook. He said that I had to cut the dough in to 6 ozs. It was kind of hard at first, then it got easier to cut. When we finished, I got to take home some dough,some cheese and some pepperoni home. Monday we made the pizza and it was pretty fun. ZENO`S IS THE BEST PLACE TO EAT! Cadie

Robert's 39!!

2008-10-11T10:21:00.002-04:00

My husband will be 40 next year....40.....OMG...I will be married to a 40 year old...but I'm just....OMG...I'm old too!!! Where does time go??!! Anyway, Marshall and I surprised Robert with a pre-bday celebration at Ruby Tuesday's thursday, cake and singing by marshall and I :)! Marshall was so excited to keep the "secret" through-out the meal, so cute!! Then on Friday, Robert was supposed to go fishing in Boca Grande - I think - for his bday present from me....I know, so thoughtful..lol!! But it fell through, nobody could go with him and he couldn't go to the ocean alone..sharks and...lost at sea..:(!! (So, if there are any fisherman out there that need a mate to go with them on their next fishing trip, I'm sure my husband would be up for it!!!) Thankfully, Robert's sister Natalie saved the day by making him a cake...I did bring him a Publix Keylime pie :)!! We also went to the Sebring High football game in Hardee!!
I have a wonderful husband, that is funny and cute :) and loves God...what else could I ask for??? I love you Robert and Happy Birthday!!!!

2 Days, No Crying...Let's Celebrate!!

2008-10-07T15:16:00.003-04:00

Marshall has made it 2 DAYS IN A ROW without crying/throwing a fit/kicking and screaming when I drop him off at "school"!!! The solution....Becky (the school principal, as I call her :)has walked him to his class for me!! So, today we celebrated with slushies, and Marshall even waited until his brother and sister got home so they could partake!! So, join with me in praising God for this blessing and praying that it will continue!!! Love, Amy

Go Auburn Tigers!!!

2008-10-04T19:21:00.004-04:00

We went to A.P. to an arts and crafts festival today and of course, like every Saturday, Marshall was dressed in his auburn football outfit - including cleats and helmet!! Thanks to the a.p.h.s. art club, he really looks like a tiger!! "It's great, to be, an auburn tiger. Said it's great, to be, an auburn tiger!" Marshall and Mason are ready for the game!! Beat Vandy!!

Palin!

2008-10-03T07:08:00.001-04:00

Can I just say Palin rocked it last night....you go girl!!

about the dumplings...

2008-10-02T21:14:00.002-04:00

Yes, the pictures show I don't follow recipes very well...I used a 9x13 glass dish and only half of my dumplings have the pecans because I don't think I have a 8 in square pan and I was trying to make some for my picky eaters :)!!!

Mason the Cook...

2008-10-02T20:42:00.003-04:00

This afternoon, Mason and I had some time in the kitchen to make dessert for our family....Quick Apple Dumplings! It was so easy and they turned out pretty good! Unfortunately, Cadie and Marshall didn't try it because they are so picky!!Here's pics and the recipe...very easy for kids to help make!!Amy

Quick Apple Dumplings

2 med Granny Smith apples
1 pkg crescent rolls
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 c butter
1 c sugar
1 c orange juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 c very finely chopped pecans

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Grease an 8-in square baking dish.
2. Peel and core apples. Cut each apple into fourths. Unroll and separate crescent roll dough. Wrap each apple section in a crescent roll. Place in pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
3. Combine butter,sugar and o.j. in a med saucepan. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour over dumplings. Sprinkle pecans over top.
4. Bake 30 mins or until crust is golden and beginning to bubble.

Marshall's Got Skill!!

2008-09-27T21:12:00.000-04:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

She Did It!!!!

2008-09-27T20:41:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago, Cadie came home and informed us she was going to try out for her school chorus. Now, at first I really thought she was just kidding because this is the child who has asked "can I quit church choir, because I CAN'T sing mom!". Anyway, she has discovered that she CAN sing and has made her school chorus! Go Cadie Go or Sing Cadie Sing!!!!

Traditional Vs. Contemporary

2008-09-26T15:24:00.004-04:00

Let me begin by saying that after all falls apart He repairs, so that we may live for the glory of it all. Our church is sick and broken, we are in desperate times, confusion and uncertain circumstances surround us. We have an incredible opportunity to become a church. A church that fellowships, ministers, breaks bread together and embraces its people for the sole purpose of creating Glory. A church like the one described in God’s word. Free from the influence of man. Forget the order of worship. Forget the organ, the drums, the guitar. Forget the By-laws, forget Robert’s rules and fix your eyes on Jesus. Then we can go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell.
So, come on, sing out, let our anthem grow loud. Let us proclaim the name that calms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease. There is one great love, Jesus. Holy Spirit come. We have need of your healing grace. Humbly to you we bow, come holy spirit now. Ever faithful ever true. You, I know, never let go. Are you truly willing to be taken hold of by this faith, this perfect love? Oh what love, in joy and pain, in sun and rain. You are the same, You never let go.
Where do we go from here? Well, we pour contempt on all our pride, humble ourselves and cry out for healing. Where there is pain let there be grace. Where there is suffering bring serenity. For those afraid help them be brave. Where there is misery bring expectancy. Surely we can change something. The problem, it seems, is with you and me, not The Love who came to repair everything. You see WE are the ones responsible for this situation we are in. Is it our lack of Faith? Our disobedience? Our lukewarm response? Statements like “We know the Lord can provide all our needs but…” should not be uttered. May Thy rich grace impart strength to my fainting heart, my faith looks up to thee.
So here we are, the broken and bruised. Let us lift up our voices and open our hands to cling to a love we cannot comprehend. He is the one who has saved us. He is the one who embraced us. He is the one who has come and is coming again. He is the Remedy! Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one. We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens we bear. Blest be the tie that binds us. There are so few words that never grow old, JESUS!
Hopefully this captures the spirit behind the songs and not the style. Robert

A Good Day!

2008-09-24T07:22:00.002-04:00

Today I'm thankful! I'm thankful for my salvation, my husband, my children, my church, my friends.....I press onward to the ultimate goal, eternity with my Savior! How can I not be thankful with that prize in sight!! My eyes are fixed..watch out satan!! Hope my friends and family are thankful today?!! Love, Amy

A Sad Day

2008-09-21T17:43:00.004-04:00

Today our senior pastor, through a written statement, retired from the ministry and from our church family. There were tears by some, gasps from many and confusion through-out our congregation. Serving on the personnel committee, I knew this was coming, but it was still a shock. So what happens now....God knows and was not shocked AT ALL! He is the head of our church, of His church, and He has a plan! He wants unity in His church (Ps 133, Phil. 2:1, Eph 4:3). Let's unite through praying for the future pastor God has chosen to serve First Baptist Church Sebring and his family, praying for the ones who God has selected to find this pastor, praying for the pastoral staff - Joe and David - as they assist God in this unity, praying for our committee members that assist in the decisions of the church, praying that God will comfort us - the flock. Revival can start today.....if we are obedient to Him. Revive us Lord, make us new - foreign to this world. This is my desire, to be used by Him and united with His church. "On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is seeking sand, all other ground is seeking sand"! Amy

God IS Moving....

2008-09-15T21:11:00.002-04:00

1 John 2:17 NIV: The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

Be encouraged if you are doing the will of God!! Don't get wrapped up in the desires of this world and following those that are "foolish"! Be "wise" and have boldness in Christ! We need revival in this nation, in our church and in each of us! God is here, are you listening?? Amy

Grandparent's Day Program

2008-09-11T20:56:00.004-04:00

Marshall's "school" had a grandparent's day program last Friday that was so cute! Marshall called my parents in Alabama the night before, to see if they would be able to come :) - but unfortunately they couldn't make the trip :)! But Meemaw saved the day and came and of course I came too! They sang 2 songs, then they sat with their grandparents while a preschool teacher read a book. After the reading, the kids and grandparents decorated and ate cookies!!So cute...I love my church's preschool and so does Marshall!!! Here's some pics of the day, even a picture of Marshall's friend Faith, who wasn't to happy:(...but what a cutie!!
Also, you can check out Marshall's school blog at www.firstbaptistpreschool.blogspot.com Love, Amy

15 Years Ago Today........

2008-09-04T14:42:00.005-04:00

What a stud I married!! We met working at an elementary after-school day care. We were friends first, and then as I got to know him and his loyalty to God, family and friends, I prayed "Lord let me marry a man LIKE Robert". Then my prayer changed (after I saw him with his shirt off..lol:) to "Lord, please let me marry Robert!"...and He said Yes (the Lord:)!! My husband loves God and LOVES people (talking to..lol:) and most of all he loves and spoils me (and our children!)!! I love you Pookie!! Amy

Aren't They Cute?!

2008-09-03T06:46:00.002-04:00

I couldn't believe it when they came out of their rooms, dressed for school this morning - wearing matching shirts?! They fight/fuss 95% of the day, but they wanted to look like each other? Maybe there is hope for the future?! Love, Amy

Fun Times Today!!

2008-09-01T19:43:00.001-04:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Luke 9:23-25

2008-09-01T09:05:00.003-04:00

"Have you ever taken a good look at yourself through the eyes of God? What does He see? He sees you where you are. He has seen what you once were, and sees who you are today. He sees you clearly. He loves you where you are. He has always loved you. He loved you while you were yet sinning and lost. He loved you when you turned to Him. And He loves you still. He sees where you need to be. There is a place God wants to take us. He desires to enable you to repent of your sin, die daily to your selfishness, and to take up your cross daily and follow Him. He sees your potential. He has given you a purpose and a plan to become what He sees you to be. He has developed you specifically for a place and time where you can be part of His plan to bring many to Jesus. Where are you today? Where could you be a year from now? What needs to happen for you to become what God has intended for you all along?"

I Love this daily devotion gadget I added to my blog, and I especially love today's Bible verse and devotion. I have told people often that a book that changed my life and way of thinking is Max Lucado - It's Not About Me. Pretty much what the scripture and devotion says - deny yourself DAILY from earthly wants and desires and seek God and His plan and His wants for your life - that's why you're here on this earth!!!! It's not about me.....it's about Him and the reason(plan) He created me - for fellowship with Him and for His work (even though He can get the work done with-out us, but we then miss the blessing!). Satan blinds us to that so often!! God is Great.....God is Love!! I hope you/I can enjoy that fellowship and those blessings today!! Love, Amy

Go Blue Streaks!

2008-08-29T16:53:00.003-04:00

The kids and the husband are gone to the 1st of the season Blue Streak game.......and I'm home ALONE!!!!(but I have big, strong neighbors that ARE home if I need them:) Anyway, I'm blogging this cute picture and then I'm going to read my book - uninterrupted!! - and have a snack and.............:) Amy

Football Season..War Eagle and Go Blue Streaks!

2008-08-28T21:15:00.004-04:00

This IS the most "wonderful time........of...the...YEAR!!" Autumn....football on Friday nights and all day Saturdays, pumpkins and scarecrows, the anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas, cool weather (a Floridian can dream!!!:)and lots of family birthdays!! I was reviewing my pics in my camera and thought I'd share this glorious football night with you...especially my UF friends! What a night...the "swamp"....Cadie and I on one side of the stadium, Robert and Mason on the other(that's why there are mostly pics of Cadie and me:)....people cheering "go gators" all around, UNTIL THE END! The Auburn Tigers were victorious in THE Swamp....what a night!! War Eagle!!! The O'Herns

She's Got Style.........

2008-08-26T16:34:00.002-04:00

Here's what she spent her bday $$ on, or some of it......

My First Turns 10 !

2008-08-24T20:22:00.005-04:00

At 18:18 pm (6:18:)tonight, my Cadiebug turned double digits - 10 years old...wow!!
Her celebration started last night when her brothers went to spend the night with their MeeMaw, and her dad and I let her open the presents from us. She's really been wanting to "change" her room, so I bought her a new bedspread and sheets, a cool lamp and garbage can, with a note that we would also paint her room and buy accessories. (is this too much detail...sorry:) Anyway, today we went to church and Cadie wore a big happy bday bow - she's so cute! Then we went tubing in Lake Jackson with some church friends and finally tonight to DQ with the O'Hern/Grubb family for a bday blizzard!! Cadie "racked-up" with bday $$$, so I'm sure their will be shopping real soon in the future!! God has blessed us with a happy, energetic, empathetic, God-loving, sweet girl!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CADIEBUG!!We love you!!

Surviving Tropical Storm (or Hurricane??) Fay

2008-08-19T21:20:00.002-04:00

Well, it has rained and rained AND RAINED, but we have survived without issue, other than being lazy and having fun as a family!! We watched ONLY 2 movies, with the rest of the day playing Boggle, working on 2-100 piece jigsaw and then a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle, pushing the kids in the pool (don't worry, it was during the eye of the storm!), of course eating 3 good meals and snacks in between!! It was a great day! Hope everyone was as blessed as the Five Fun Floridians!! Love and Blessings, Amy

God Bless This School Year

2008-08-18T16:15:00.002-04:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

NASA - KSC

2008-08-17T20:45:00.003-04:00

Be safe all my Floridian friends and take shelter from FAY!! Hurricane party...kids already have a hurricane holiday tuesday!! Enjoy the pics....Love, Amy

Cocoa Beach...Amy conference, Robert & Kids fun!

2008-08-17T20:19:00.002-04:00

So this weekend, I had a continuing education class in Cocoa Beach! Robert and the kids came for support....really to have fun at the beach!! The hotel had a cool water park for the kids, with an awesome pirate ship which my boys loved! Cadie is a beach girl who loves the waves and the sand!! Saturday morning Robert decided to take the kids to Kennedy Space Center (or KSC if your a NASA guru :) and they had a blast..so much that Robert bought 1 year passes for all of us!! Robert tried to take lots of pics and even an awesome one of the afternoon storm blowing in!! So here's some pics...it will probably take 2 posts for pics, so I'll start with beach pics....Love, Amy

Way behind in posts....Fun in Little Gasparilla with the Bible's

2008-08-17T19:34:00.003-04:00

Wow, where does time go?! So, let me catch you up...
Susan Bible's family has 2 small homes on little gasparilla and she graciously invited my family to come with them to the beach last weekend!! My camera battery died after the first 15 mins, so I only have a couple of pics. We had a great time even though the weather wasn't the best! The kids loved playing in the ocean, building sand castles, watching the olympics when the weather was too bad outside, fishing - esp. when Robert got sea-sick and threw up twice over the side of the boat..o.k.,the waves were bad and it was hot...thank heavens Susan and I stayed at the beach with the "little kids" and cadie :)!!! Anyway, we had an AWESOME, RELAXING - even with 7 kids - time...Thanks Susan,Andrew,Jay,Emily,Josh and Ashley!! We love you guys!!

Have A Great Weekend!!

2008-08-02T09:26:00.003-04:00

Hope you can ENJOY your family this weekend - as crazy as they may be :) Love, Amy

Basketball Camp!!

2008-07-29T19:18:00.003-04:00

This week the kids (Cadie and Mason)are at Sebring High's basketball camp! And you guessed it, Marshall is charming the audience on the side-lines!!It's been great b/c they are so tired when they get home and it's only tuesday - yea!! Couple pictures thought you'd enjoy, even though it doesn't give their SKILL justice, ha!! Love, Amy

Sunshine on a Rainy Day

2008-07-27T18:12:00.002-04:00

Marshall and I are watching HOOK on t.v. while Robert, Cadie and Mason are at the mall, looking for Mason some tennis shoes...I know, I know -unbelievable! They have been gone around 2 hrs and Robert has at least called me 6 times from 3 different stores - but he was up for the challenge!! Anyway, back to my "sunshine"! It's been thundering and raining a little, so Marshall and I have enjoyed hanging-out! The movie is a little scary at parts, so he is sitting right next to me in the recliner chair. Isn't he cute....and cool!!! Have an awesome day, and get some rest...the Lord said so!! Love, Amy

A Short Summer Vacation

2008-07-22T14:50:00.002-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

World Changers

2008-07-19T19:30:00.002-04:00

Well, I just got back from a week of mission work, fellowshipping (is that a word?) with my AWESOME youth group, meeting some amazing kids from N.C. and TX and GA - they were my work crew and we were named the Stone Rollers, but we built decks and landscaped?!? -, and listening to God. (I didn't take my camera so ...sorry, no pics) We worked in B'ham, AL (my home town!) in the VERY low income and high crime area (but we were very safe youth parents, if you're reading this:).
What I learned MOST this week, is that God wants you to be about HIS business. He wants us to show HIS love, and it might have to cost us something i.e. our time, our money, and even our sweat - which all belong to Him anyway! He created us to worship and serve Him. It's really not about us, it's about HIM. I want to encourage whoever is reading this, to try to take time at the end of EACH day and assess how you served Him that day. I say daily, because it is so easy to be a "luke-warm" christian and God ain't about that!! This will be a challenge for me too! I also learned that God is sending Revival through our youth!! Satan better watch out!
1 John 1:5 "God is light; in Him there is no darkness, at all." God bless you and may your daily walk with Him be bright and sunny!! Amy

Every man's dream....

2008-07-08T19:39:00.005-04:00

So......I gave in.....well sort-of! Robert got a boat! He works hard at his job and he wanted a boat bad and so did the kids and he really wanted one and so....we have a boat! We have gone out in it 3 times since he got it - the first of June - because it rains EVERY AFTERNOON!! Here's some pics of tubing and fishing and..... Marshall driving??!!! Happy boating, Amy

Friends...Bibles & O'Herns

2008-07-02T22:59:00.002-04:00

These are our kids closest friends - the Bible's (what a great name, right!)! We had them over and they wanted to watch a movie, so they all piled on the couch except Jay - he "needed his space"! They are growing up so fast!! A little history on our friendship.....we moved to Sebring (Robert was raised in Sebring but had moved off for college) in 2000, when Cadie was about 22 months and Mason was 2 months, and Jay Bible was the ONLY Bible and he was 19 months. We became fast friends with Andrew and Susan (Andrew and Robert had gone to school and church together) and have multiplied our families over the years!! We have made so many memories with them thus far, and we look forward to many, many more!! We Love You Bible's!!!

Our Pet Cat

2008-06-30T17:19:00.005-04:00

We also have a pet cat named Tiger. Him and Gracie don't get along to well. We try to keep them away from each other. Tiger sleeps with me every night. Once my dad let him out and we could not find him, then my SWEET dad found him. I love Tiger and my dad. Cadie

Whoops...

2008-06-30T17:06:00.002-04:00

Cadie was reading the posts and informed me she IS NOT an "8 y/o", she is 9 and will be 10 in August!!! Sorry Cadie :)

Marshalls pondering...........

2008-06-30T16:56:00.002-04:00

I'm looking on the computer at my emails as Marshall lays in the floor just talking and talking and talking, and this is what he is saying..........."It would be good if lightening would hit all the alligators and they all would die,.......but then the gator fans (UF) would be sad, like Pate and Ashley." He goes on, "Did you know Ashley is a gator fan AGAIN and not a Auburn fan now??!!" As I'm typing this he says"should I dress up as the strong Spiderman now mom?" "Yes Marshall, that would be great!" He then leaves the room singing Rascal Flats Bob that Head! (We really don't listen to much music other than the Joy FM...swear!) Soooo Cute!!! Amy

mason charles o'hern

2008-06-29T18:20:00.003-04:00

I have a great family and friends. Last year I was baptized. It was a cool experience being a chrishten. In fact that day

I got two trofes for saying the books of the Bible.

Cool, Mason

(so funny - "The Three Glamour Girls"!!)

2008-06-29T17:21:00.003-04:00

(Cadie (she's my oldest -8y/o) is so excited to blog! And what a great way to work on her writing during summer break - don't tell her it's like school work!! Amy)

My Club - The Three Glamour Girls

2008-06-29T16:31:00.002-04:00

The Three Glamour Girls is my clubhouse in the woods. The 3 glamor girls are me , China and Sadie. If the boys come in we throw them in the dongeon. They sit there until we tell them to get up. If they come in again we put them in the dongeon and take there shoes and throw them in the shoe tree. They have to get them there self. They won't come in after that. I love my clubhouse. Cadie

The Family Dog

2008-06-28T18:56:00.000-04:00

This is our dog Gracie. She has blue eyes. She loves her yellow squeaky toy. Isn't she cute??!! Cadie