Indiana

What I Was Thinking . . . was how did it all happen? You know we prayed and prayed that our children would go in the ministry. We gave them to God a long time ago. But you know when it finally all comes to pass you just become in awe of what God can really do.

I got to talk to Sarah for a long time tonight. I loved it. She gave me all the updates. Every month she holds a scrapbooking/craft ladies night for the church (she's almost done with her wedding album). But she loves doing that so much.

She told me that Chris started teaching the singles and college Sunday School class and he's going to start leading the choir in the next month or two. (He already leads the congregation on Sundays). She asked me if Chris ever sent me any pictures of his office... I said, "No, but he better!!!"

To think that this was the little boy who got a spanking every day of his kindergarten life; he was such a handful! And almost setting fire to the baptistry building in high school! Oh, and had brain surgery to remove a blood clot that was caused by getting hit in the head with a baseball. I could tell story after story of what our son did and what he got into. But his dad showed him what it meant to have character, to be a man of his word and to treat people right. And Chris has always treated me right.

This is an old picture taken when we went back to Missouri for Stewart's dad's funeral. Chris was, I believe 15, and he preached his grandfather's funeral; it's what his grandma (Stewart's mom) wanted. He preached a salvation message and it was wonderful. The little boy beside him is my nephew, Tyler, who is now 16 and wants to go in the ministry as well!

We raised a man, a good man, a man who has a heart for serving God. Just after talking with Sarah tonight I just had to share my joy ...

That's what I was thinking ...

*~Tammi~*

Awesome God

What I Was Thinking ... was how awesome God is. A couple of weeks ago we were on our way to church and the clouds were absolutely beautiful. I decided I had to get a picture of this, so I took this picture with my cell phone camera, while in the car, through the windshield. Can you believe how beautiful it turned out! I had no idea the sun would look like this! And don't you think the three telephone poles look like the three crosses? How could anyone look at a picture like this and say there is no God! Our God is an Awesome God!

That's what I was thinking,

*~Tammi~*

Missing Them

What I Was Thinking . . . was that I miss my friends. When you've had very close friends for over 10 years and then circumstances pull you apart it just about becomes unbearable. Thought I could write more about this, but it still hurts.

Don't want to do anymore thinking,
*~Tammi~*

Parents

What I Was Thinking ... was what an example my parents are to me. Soon they will be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary; what an accomplishment. Here they are at Sea World, holding hands ... after 50 years. I think it's pretty neat that Stewart and I hold hands after 27 years; I still want to be doing that after 50 years!

We all still love spending time with each other. My parents have been the ones that have kept us all together. My sister and I are always so excited when it is "our turn" to have mom and dad for Christmas. See, mom and dad alternate each year with us for Christmas (this year it's my turn!) The Thanksgiving tradition has always been everyone goes to mom and dad's house. We are going to have the best time in a couple of weeks. The only downfall is that their grandchildren are all of the U.S. now and cannot come home; only two will be there this year. Times do change, but we continue to try and make the best of the situation.

These are the things I am looking forward to with my own children. I want to continue the tradition and family values that my parents have taught me. All five of my parents' grandchildren have a heart for serving God. They have made a huge legacy for themselves and they are the strongest foundation that I have ever known. My parents have built their home on solid ground. I'm so thankful that I have that to build on.

That's what I was thinking,

*~Tammi~*

Home for the Holidays

What I Was Thinking . . . was how much I enjoy the holidays. I am doing my best this year to try and not make it the big hustle and bustle it always becomes. I've already started my Christmas shopping and I plan on wrapping what I have already bought this weekend.

Chris and Sarah will not be spending Christmas with us this year; they are going to Sarah's parents in Florida because for the last two Christmases they have been with us. Sarah will truly enjoy being with her mom and dad this year. Surprisingly, I am really not sad about it. Maybe I am learning to adapt! I just know how happy my son is and that just brings joy to my heart! There's nothing better in this world than to see your kids happy!

Staci and Josh will be coming home for an entire week! It will be a year since I have seen them; that just doesn't seem possible, or right! I just want to hug her ... that's it.... just hug that girl! I miss her SO MUCH.

And, of course, Kelsi will be home the entire Christmas break and Bodi is supposed to spend Christmas day with us as well. I am really looking forward to the kids being home. I love the house being full of life! I love being with my kids ... all of them.

Thanksgiving we are back to our tradition of spending it with my parents in Las Vegas. My sister and her family are coming down as well! We LOVE that time when we can all get together. My mom and dad are very special people and they have kept our family close all of these years.

From now on every holiday is going to be something different and someone added for a while... either someone marrying into our family or a babies being born. There is just so much to look forward to! Can't wait to see what God has in store for us!

That's What I Was Thinking

*~Tammi~*