Merry Christmas to all

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry CHRISTmas! We will be down in Florida for the celebration. So may everyone have a blessed Time. I wont be posting until we get back. Not looking forward to the 70 degree weather, had to pull out our shorts from storage but it will be a nice time with family.

This picture was taken at Jacob and Jessica's school. Their last day of school until after the Christmas break.

God Bless, Jennifer and Family

NOT ME Monday......

Well this is my first attempt at Not Me Monday....so here goes.

I did not let the children stay up until 11 pm watching a movie with a friend and they did not wake us up at 6:30 AM the next morning.
I did not lock the bedroom door yesterday so that I could get a few moments of piece and take a very long nap....
I did not bring down some christmas gifts for my children and put them under the tree, and then I did not put them back up in the attic so Jessica would stop bugging us about opening them and shaking them to figure out what they are.
I did not wrap 100 bright christmas lights around my sons bed so he could have some christmas decorations only to light up the whole room.
I did not mail out the last of my christmas cards today only to stand in line for 30 mins.

Well thats about it.

Love Jen and the family

Happy 8th Birthday our Precious Baby Boy......

Today is Jacob's 8th birthday.....time sure does fly by.









It seems like just yesterday you were our little boy running around saying "I AM TWO....I AM TWO...."
You are so precious to us and we Praise God for giving you to us.
You are so special. We love the way you laugh at almost anything....you have such a joy in your eyes.
You are a precious big Brother to your little sister and so giving and gentle with her. I am thankful that you both play well together and I pray that this love and support will continue as you get older.
You have such a sweet and sensitive heart towards others and may that continue to grow and last.

Thankyou Jacob for bringing us Joy in our lives. Thankyou Lord for giving us this precious gift.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY our precious baby boy.....

We love you....Mommy and Daddy.

Wordless Wednesday

GOD's Sense of Humor

I wanted to share a simple thing today......Tomorrow which is Weds. I was planning on getting the oil changed in our car. Well today I was thinking about and asking God how to plan my day out so that I could have time to work out at the gym, pick up an item at our church, GET THE OIL CHANGED IN THE CAR and also have time to clean the house and pick up the kids from school. I have to say that he answered that tonight. I have to chuckle. I went to the gym this afternoon after work and then went to start my car up. WELLLLL it would not start. It did start up BUT then it would die. GO FIGURE. I also had to pick up the kids right then too from school. SOOOO Mark went and picked up the kids and we called a tow truck. Not sure what is up with car BUT at least I dont have to worry about getting the oil changed. HEE HEE>

We tried to get a rental car tonight also BUT couldn't so looks like I will be home tomorrow and have plenty of time to clean the house. GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS even in the strangest ways. I am learning to laugh about the stressful moments too. PRAISE is that our car is still under warranty.

Have a blessed day.
Jen and the family.

Childhood Fun

Well I have to say that this week was a week of laughter and memories. My beloved son Jacob is 7 years old and such a boy. Jacob has become very excited about his new goldfish that he won at a fall festival (oh joy) and everyday he checks on them and says "HI FISHHY" Well the other day he came running out of his room SOOOOOO excited because one of the goldfish had pooped. He still talks about that and I am so glad he has some joy in his life....hee hee.

THEN Jessica our 6 year old daughter has decided to start sleeping in her closet. Last night she announced that she was sleeping there and even made a "bed" with all her animals and pillow. I am surprised because she even got up to go potty and still went back to "bed" in the closet. My hubby got up this morning and was wondering where she was...he was concerned. (he worked last night so didn't know she was doing this) I calmy told him she was sleeping in the closet and sure enough there she was. She wants to do it again tonight. Whatever floats her boat I say.

Peace and Grace,
the Perry family.

Fun Family Time

Last weekend the children had a four day weekend so we took advantage of it. What a great time we had.
We went down to Myrtle Beach, SC on Friday afternoon and stayed until Monday. We enjoyed playing on the beach and it was still warm enough for them to take a few dips in the ocean too.







We have made it a tradition to stay at a resort down there that has an indoor water park. I highly recommend it. Its the Dunes Resort check out http://www.dunesvillage.com/ What a blast we all had on the lazy river, the water slides, water submarine and hot tubs. We are looking forward to going back real soon.
If you check out the website you can get some really great off season deals. We are going back in December with my parents.


Have a great rest of the week.
I am going to get under my electric blanket and get toasty and get some sleep.

Peace and Grace

Jen and Family

Toothless wonder....

Well Jacob lost his 5th or is it his 6th tooth last night. He was sooooo excited and looking forward to the tooth fairy to arrive. He just wanted that dollar. He may need some Dentures soon but he is sooo cute.

Have a great week.

Jen and the family

Great weekend of entertainment

What a great weekend of Free Entertainment.
At Fall for Greenville Downtown there were a few concerts that we enjoyed.

We enjoyed a Billy Currington Concert Friday night. THEN on Saturday afternoon we went to a Mark Harris concert.....this picture is of him playing. HE was sooo good and we enjoyed listening to his songs and Praising the Lord.








We then waited a couple of minutes and got to see Laura Story in concert too. We sure do love her songs and even sing some in our praise and worship services at church. God was so good in giving us great weather and it was such an Awesome way to spend the weekend as a family just Praising the Lord.

What a great weekend and so enjoyed being together as a family.

Peace and Grace

Jen and the family

The Artist....

Well our son Jacob has become a great artist too. He made this picture for school and put it in for a drawing to be chosen for a calendar. The saying say....Always wear proper equipment when fourwheeling. Very smart huh.






Jacob also wanted to make a school bus out of a donut box. What a great idea. We all had fun as a family figuring out the bet way to do it. Here is the finished product. Doesnt he look proud?

WAY TO GO JACOB! Love you sweetie

Favorite Foto Friday

Pray for the Family

Just found out that the precious baby Gracie Lockyer that I asked for prayer for in my last couple of posts, past away this morning. After surgery this week and battling all her days the Lord called her home. Please pray for the family. Her pictures are beautiful, what a precious child of God. Makes me hug my children more and more and be thankful that they are healthy and I am thankful for them EVEN when they are throwing a fit and I am not happy. Hug your children even more tonight and every night.
If you feel led please leave an encouraging note for the family at:
www.caringbridge.org/visit/graciejeanlockyer

Peace and Grace,
Jen and Family

Got Gas?

Well I spent 30 mins driving around trying to find a gas station that has gas. Its actually creepy to see so many gas stations empty and the pumps covered with plastic bags. I finally found a station BUT it was so crowded I was afraid there will be some fights OR would run out before it was my turn. Anyone know why South and North Carolina is in a Gas Crisis? I have talked to my family in different States and they don't have any problems finding Gas or the price is still low. UGGGH. Even Florida is cheaper and has Gas.
I was to drive an hour away to visit my Grandmother tomorrow BUT since we are not sure when this Gas crisis will be over I opted to stay at home and reschedule for next week. Praying that it has resolved by then.
Lets pray that we get some gas real soon.....may not be able to get into work or take the children to school.
God is in control......
Jen and Family

Fall has arrived in the South

Well we went Apple Picking this weekend and that makes it official in my mind that its Fall. I do love the fresh apples from the trees. The gas shortage and prices didnt keep people away as it was still very crowded and you had to climb the trees to get the apples up high. BUT the children didnt mind that. They enjoyed it. The weather was great too.

We then went up to Asheville to the Fiddling Pig Barbecue restuarant and enjoyed some good "grub, Blue grass music and cloggers." It was alot of fun. The food was good and the entertainment was better.

Please be praying for a little girl who at this very moment is fighting for her life. She has a heart condition and had surgery today and has a long uphill battle. Check out her caringbridge website and leave a message of encouragement and pray for her. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/graciejeanlockyer

Have a great and blessed rest of the week.

Love Jen and Family

GREAT MOVIE

Hey Everyone,

Well last night Mark and I went to the movies to see "Fireproof" check out the video at http://www.fireproofthemovie.com we went to the 8 pm showing BUT it was totally sold out PRAISE GOD. So we then went to see the movie "Parkview Terrace" which was good BUT Then went over to see the movie Fireproof. We had a great night and have never seen two movies in one night. Thanks to the in laws they were having the children sleep over at their house.
ANYWAY.......Please go and see this movie FIREPROOF. Its great. What an awesome message it has of hope and God's Love for us and what he wants for us in our marriage and lives. Try and make it a date night with your spouse. You wont be disappointed. ALSO please go and support this show and let the community know that we want positive movies like this one out there.

If anyone has seen this movie this weekend please let me know what you though of it by leaving a comment.

Have a blessed weekend. We have a busy one so more pictures will come of our activities.

Peace and Grace,

Jen and family

Jessica's Birthday

Well our baby girl turned 6 years old on Saturday the 20th. BOO HOO! I told her we were going to just skip right over Saturday so she would stay 5 years old for another year. WELLLL she didn't take to kindly to that one. She is to smart for me.

Last year on this date it was VERY hot and so I thought we would have a party at a friends pool..PERFECT. BUT this past Saturday it was in the 70s.

But the children had a great time...not even phased by the cold water. I attempted to go in BUT I wasn't that crazy. Mark went in though and the rest of the parents watched and talked. We even had a pinata and a sandcastle cake.(see above) They liked that one.

Jessica and her best friend Farah enjoyed a float around the pool on the dragon or is it a seahorse.

Here is the birthday girl on her special day. After the party we had Farah over for a few hours and then went to Jessica's choice for restaurants for dinner. Went to TACO BELL. I have to say she knows whats inexpensive, good for her. THEN she got a buildabear gift card from Grammie and Poppie so we took a trip there and she got a new dog for her collection. It was a memorable time. She was so happy.

It was a great day....God blessed us with nice weather...it wasn't too hot but still enjoyable. At times the sun would shine down on us but then a cool breeze would come. So it was perfect and fun to visit. Very relaxing.

Thank you to my friend Beverly who suggested and let us use her Grandparents in ground pool and Thanks to her grandparents. ALSO to Beverly for the use of the cake pan and all the other goodies. She saved us some time and money. You are the best and I appreciate you so much.

God Bless to all,

Jen and Family

Sick Day

Well today is Thursday and I have been home taking care of Jessica who had the stomach virus this morning. I was to go to work BUT plans have changed. Yesterday Jacob was home with a stomach ache and he was fine by 9 AM and was bouncing off the walls.

This morning at 5 AM Jessica started to get sick and didnt feel better until about 8 AM. We had a nice day.....we played and games and did lots of artwork as you can see below. Wanted to share them with her doggie Bailey. She is a great artist.

I am just praying that I dont get what she had. I feel not so great but it may be that I am just tired from not sleeping much last night. I tend to be a light sleeper when the children are sick and hear every noise. At 1AM it started and I couldnt get back to sleep too well.

Pray for me that I dont get sicker and I can get to work tomorrow. I found a subsitute today BUT tomorrow a new baby starts and I want to be there.

Jen and Family

God's Glory

Last night we took the children to Target so they could have pizza for dinner at their request. It started to rain but didnt rain for too long. BUT there was this beautiful Rainbow when we were leaving. Good thing that I still had my camara in my purse. I have never seen such a large one...only bits and pieces.

While in Colorado I enjoyed the beautiful mountains in my Home State. It was so peaceful and inspiring knowing that God created all these things.

As I was looking at it gave me peace knowing that God is in control and he has such beautiful things for us to enjoy. Pray that you enjoy these pictures and see God in all things.

Peace and Grace

Jennifer and Family

A fun Labor Day

Hey Everyone.. We had a nice Labor day. It was nice to be home and relax. After sleeping in late we got up, had lunch and then ran some errands.

We then filled our little pool up and the children really enjoyed it. Mark grilled some chicken and veggies on a stick and they were yummy. Here Jacob is enjoying his food.

The children became water logged scuba divers. Cute huh? They spent hours and hours in the pool. Even though Jessica was "chattering" from being so cold she refused to go in. The pool was a good investment.

This was our yummy food. It looks great doesnt it. Thanks to my wonderful hubby. Great job.

Pray you all had a great celebration

God Bless,

Jennifer and family

25 Most interesting things about me....or not

Well I was tagged by Anna to write this blog about 25 things that are interesting about me. Some might not be but I thought it would be fun to share. If you read this then please do it in your blog too. It is fun to learn new and exciting things about each other.

1. I was born in New Jersey but when I was 4 we moved to Colorado Springs, CO where it is still home to me.
2. I have one older sister but in College my parents brought my college roommate, Shelley into our home and she is now my second Sister.
3. I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in Gerontology.
4. In College I became a Certified Scuba Diver.
5. I am addicted to reading other people's Blogs.
6. I grew up in the mountains but I would rather be at the beach then snow skiing in the mountains.
7. I miscarried our first baby before having our beautiful son Jacob.
8. I have had 5 major surgeries in my lifetime.
9. I always wanted to be an oceanographer.
10. Went to high school with christian music artist Nicole Nordeman and she also played the piano at our wedding.
11. Met my husband while he was in the army and I was in college. He did go to Korea the first year we were dating.
12. My favorite food is seafood.
13. I do not like sweet tea or tea at all (I am not a true southern)
14. I am addicted to watching the reality show "Amazing Race."
15. My parents drink coffee a lot BUT I cant stand the stuff.
16. I am a big Diet Coke fan.
17. I love to go to the movies.
18. This summer I tried to Rock Climb (tried is the main word.)
19. I do enjoying hiking and biking when I have the time.
20. We have 1 dog, 1 guinea pig and 2 fish.
21. Wanted to be a military wife and travel but now thankful we are not.
22. I always wanted a boy first and then a girl. GOD gave that to us.
23. I work at Edwards. Rd. Baptist Church in the Mother's Day Out program taking care of babies.
24. Every 2 months I drive up to Asheville, NC (1 hour away) to get my hair cut and colored. I do love my cousin Connie as she does a great job (she owns a salon up there).
25. My brother in law Steve is in Iraq for a year. Please pray for his safety and as my sister and family have moved back to Colorado.

WOW that's a lot. It really made me think a lot. I don't see my self as very interesting. BUT here are a few tidbits.

Have a great day.
Love
Jennifer

Mom without Kids Day......

Hey everyone,

Yesterday I had my open house at ERBC. I take care of the babies for Mother's Day Out. My "class" has babies 5 months up until over 1. Its a fun class. God has truly blessed me by giving me joy working with the sweet little ones.
Only two of the babies came to visit me yesterday and I sure did enjoy getting to know them. I was suppose to work 4 days but due to one baby dropping out I am down to 3. One of the babies was suppose to come every day and I just couldn't get a hold of her family to introduce myself. After telling Renee, the secretary, this she tried to contact the family. I did get a call last night and found out that this little baby, name Alana, has been diagnosed with leukemia. My heart just broke. She is 7 months old and so sweet. The family has moved to Pennsylvania. I tell you this so that everyone can be praying for her. She does have a Caringbridge website (love em) and here is the link......http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/blessedangelalana

School starts next week. Pray that I do get more babies so the enrollment will go up.

On a happier note.....I had my first social outing without the children today. WOW it was strange. I met my good friend Stephanie and her two girls at a local play place called "Play Nation." Its an indoor place with wooden swing sets and such that you can buy. It was fun to watch all the other children playing and enjoyed talking Stephanie's ear off. Thanks for being such a great listener and all around friend Stephanie.
We then went over to Duke's Sandwich shop for lunch and then back to Play Nation for a little more time of play.
I so enjoyed playing with her two little girls. I did miss my children but it was also nice not to worry about where they were, break up any fights and only had to pay for 1 lunch instead of 3. ALSO less expensive.

Now we are home and the children are unwinding by playing Xbox and will soon play on the computer. Praise God its Friday.

Have a Great Memorial Day Weekend.

Peace and Grace,

Jennifer and Family

REUNIONS

Hey All, Well today Jacob and Jessica were reunited with their best buds.
I will begin the story by telling you that when Jacob was born he became very attached to two TY animals. One was a yellow duck affectionately called "Ducky" and the other a snowman was simply "Snowden." He has had these two best friends since birth so that would make it 7 years now. WELLLLLL just this month we were flying home from Colorado and when we were flying on our second flight Jacob realized that he left "Ducky and Snowden" at the layover airport. WOW he was very upset. I began to cry with him realizing that he has had them since he was born and what memories. I did my best to console him and told him that we would replace them.
The next day we all set out and searched local Hallmark stores and such. WELLLLL no such luck. Grandma, Pop Pop and Aunt Kimberly to the Rescue.....in Colorado they were on the hunt. No one slept soundly. They found them on Amazon.com and immediately sent them off. WAY TO GO! Jacob's Heroes. Last week "Ducky" arrived and then Just today "Snowden" came. I put the package on his seat in the car and picked him up from school. He was so excited. He asked everyday when they were going to arrive. I have to say the new ones are so much brighter...didn't realize how worn the old ones were. It was suggested that I rub a little dirt on the new ones and run them over a few times. BUT I believe they will get a lot of loving and will be "dull" in no time. I have to say though....the new ones have new names. Ducky is now "Quackers" and Snowden is now "Snowball." guess times have changed. Just glad he has his snuggle partners back.


Our precious baby boy is reunited with his buddies. Need to put a tracking device on them....hee. What a memory to have.

Today Jessica was reunited with her best friend Farah. She has been her best friend since 3K. They haven't seen each other much this summer and they are in different schools this year for Kindergarten. It was fun to watch them play. Looking forward to a sleepover soon.

What a great day of reunions it was. I am proud of my children for the love they have for each other and others.

God Bless to all.

Jennifer and Family

Happy Tuesday......

Yesterday afternoon I found Jacob and Jessica playing in Jessica's room. Jess had made a fort, with books and all. They had a great time. I am so blessed that they play well together (most of the time) and enjoy each other. I just pray it continues throughout their lives.


Jess is really enjoying school and I believe will be reading on her own in no time.
She carries this book around with her "Big Dog, Little Dog" and says she
is reading BUT she has memorized the words. Mark and I are helping her
recognize the words. That's where you have to start. Its cute though that
she thinks she can read it and is very excited. Way to go Girl.

While helping Jacob with his homework and Jess was doing her homework by cutting out pictures from magazines of certain colored objects she said to me "When do I get to do REAL homework?" I told her that she does have homework and it will be more and more, just wait. When I put her to bed last night I found her doing some "homework" in bed. She was writing her name and drawing shapes and such. We are proud of her and know she will be a great student.

Well I started back to work today having a workday. Had to set up the "baby" room for Mother's Day out. Met some new staff members and checked out some new setups. Its a bit different but it will be a good year. Tomorrow we have open house and I will meet my new "students." I will let you know how that goes.

Peace and Grace,

Jennifer

Saying YES to God....

Last night I went with a friend to a local church for their ladies night out called "Ladies First Choice." Its a great time of dinner, fellowship and hearing God's word.
The speaker was Lysa Terkeurst. I would encourage everyone to check out her blog at lysaterkeurst.blogspot.com
She has been on Oprah and Focus on the Family. Check out the video on her blog from Oprah and her story. Its amazing. On the right of her blog (blog archive) click on July 2007. The entry and video from Oprah is posted on July 2, 2007.
She spoke about Saying YES To God and she refreshed my spirit with the scriptures of Jeremiah 29:11 and also James 1:2-4. God pulled her through such a difficult past and not until she was in college at Furman did she give God her heart by saying YES. She then went on to get married and had 3 young girls. She went to an all boys African concert at a church. They were boys from an African orphanage. As she sat their a listened to them sing God's praises, God spoke to her and said "two of those boys are yours." WOWWWWW She and her husband prayed about it and put the process into motion. Her friends at her church discouraged her but then they heard the choir sing and from then God worked amazing things. 14 families adopted boys from that African town and not only the boys but some adopted siblings too. What an amazing story. You really have to see the video to get the whole story.
BUT God spoke to me last night (NO not about adopting) about keeping my heart open and listening to God and even though its rough and not an easy road saying YES to him he can give us such a blessed and happy life, more than anything in this world can.
I left there refreshed and excited to know that God is in control and wants the best for me.

I pray that you will check it out. Lysa is from a small town outside of Charlotte, NC. As she say she is just an ordinary person, living an ordinary life. God does amazing things.

Have a great and Blessed day.

Jennifer

A great Weekend.....

We had a nice Saturday. We took the children to see the new animated movie "Clone Wars." Mark and Jacob are real big Star Wars fans as you can see they even have matching Clone War T-shirts. It was a good movie and fun to be together.

I wanted to get the back of the shirts....if you cannot see they say "Clone Wars." What a cute picture of father and son.















Afterwards we went to dinner at Taco Casa and the children are enjoying their dinner. BUT later that night both Jacob and Mark got sick from we believe Food poisoning. Even had to take Mark to the ER at 2AM (woke the children up and toke them too, they where such great troopers) because he caused damage to his throat. BUT that's another story for my blog. He is fine and back to work.

Although we had that side trip to the ER we had a great weekend. Rested up alot on Sunday and are ready for the new week.

I better go. Looks very dark outside and believe we may get some major rain. We need it but pray their is no flooding. I do enjoy a good storm.



Until next time, Peace and Grace

Jen and the Family

Well this past week my precious baby girl started Kindergarten. I did shed a few tears that morning BUT she was excited and that was a great answer to prayer. Jessica said she didnt want to go to school (she is our strong willed child and really knows what she wants) and I was expecting a hard morning BUT God is good. Jessica told us she wasnt going to class unless our neighbor boy Cameron was in her class. WELLLLL that was answered. On meet the teacher day we found out Cameron was in her class. ALSO that she has Jacob's old kindergarten teacher who we really like Ms. Wilson. So it was an easier transition then we thought. Goes to show us that Gods ways are so much better then our ways. No need for me to worry. PTL.

Our precious baby boy Jacob was a little nervous going into 2nd grade but he is our easy going boy. He makes friends very easily and we know that he will do well.

The days have been very quiet in the house. I have enjoyed a few peaceful days and having quiet times with the Lord and "Me" time. The children come home and say they have had a good day. Jessica has been very tired and as my wise Mother has perdicted she has had a few "meltdowns" in the evening. BUT we are learning to give her grace.

Well thats it for know.

Peace and Grace

Just the Beginning

Well this is my first attempt at Blogging. Thanks to my friends I have gotten addicted to reading other friends blogs and I have been encouraged to start my own....so here goes. After much debate and suggestions on titles (thanks Anna) I have started a new adventure so bear with me.

More to come in the days ahead.