My Selfishness

This weekend marked the end of the life of our Pastor or should I say beginning of eternal life. Bro. Fraley went to be with Jesus and Sis. Fraley on Sunday morning at 2 am. I keep telling myself "all things" but I still can't grasp it. Why are we so selfish, that we can't let them go. His life as well as Sis. Fraley's was lived for the purpose to live eternally. This is what they have worked for so many years to accomplish, so why is it so hard for us to accept? Selfishness! Selfishness! Both have been a huge impact on mine and my family's Christian walk and for that I am grateful. Our church will be in a state of healing for the months to come and I ask that each of you keep us in your prayers.

Field Trip

All the kids from the bus wreck took a field trip Friday to see Mr. Cockerham (the bus driver). He is doing well and was glad to see the children. I think it was very good for him and the kids. Just wanted to share a picture of him and the kiddos.

Walk for Diabetes

Just wanted to share a picture from the Diabetes Walk in Jackson. This is a picture of the team that walked. Kristen was the only kid that went with us because she is the only one who showed much interest, but I think we will have all of them come next year. Our team was "the monitors" and Haley (center of picture) was our poster child. She is a Juvenile Diabetic. The walk is for Diabetes in general but they focus on Juvenile Diabetes. I had a blast and I am looking forward to next year. Thank you for all your prayers and donations, our team raised $1017.00.

Bus Accident!

I know this is a tad late, but have been extremely busy. Last Wednesday 10/8, the kids were in a very bad bus accident. Thankfully all are okay. Kristen was brought to the hospital by ambulance but all is fine. The 4 of them were in the back 3 seats so that was good. Kristen hit her face on the seat in front of her and busted her lip, but due to the impact they were afraid she may have done damage to her neck or back so they straped her down to a board and threw a neck brace on her. Needless to say when I got the call I immediatley went to the scene. I ended up parking at the mobile station and walking to in front of wal-mart because I couldn't get thru traffic fast enough. Once I got to the scene I found Hunter, D.J. and Katie and they seemed fine, but I didn't know where Kristen was. The lady that called me (a neighbor and nurse) led me to the ambulance she was on. They had cleaned up the blood which was probably a good thing, cause I may have paniced but to see her strapped down was very stressful. She didn't speak much when i spoke to her, but i wanted her to know I was there. I finally got Joseph on the phone as I stood at the back of the ambulance. The school board was sending some kids to Riverland and some to Natchez Regional and Kristen was one going to Regional. Of course they want to send my other 3 to Riverland and I told them that I couldn't be in 2 places at once, so they tagged them and let me take them to Regional. Some friends from church showed up and actually carried us over there, b/c I could see Kristens ambulance leaving and i was way down at the mobile and D.j's back and hip was hurting and she couldn't walk well. Once we got to the hospital, the bus driver who was in very critical condition arrived at the same time as we did so we stood back and let them get him in. His daughters were coming in hysterical, and so things were crazy. Once that calmed down I ask the nurse about Kristen and they didn't reconize the name. OMG!!! Where is my baby, so they went looking for her as I got the vitals done on the other 3 kiddos. Well they come back and still no Kristen!!!! Joseph had showed up by then and he took over the search for Kristen as i finished up with the others. As I strolled over the er admissions area, when i mentioned Katie Dunson, they asked if I was Kristens mother, so finally someone knew about Kristen so I said yes, is she here. I turned to tell joseph and the nurse took him back but again he come back and no Kristen, i'm hysterical by now, but finally they found her. She was in the same room with Mr. Cockerham (the bus driver) so she was overlooked. Joseph got to her and she seemed fine, but the longer he sat there the tears started flowing, she was just glad someone was with her. When I finished up with the others I went to her and Theresa and blake (church friends) stayed with the others. Whew!!!! Anyway all xrays were cleared on Kristen but unfortunately she was forgotten about b/c the condition of the bus driver and was left on the board and neck brace for about an hour longer than necessary, but she was fine and that is all that mattered to me. On the other hand, Hunter badly bruised his arm and is in an ace for about 2 wks. D.J. just had some sore muscles and is fine now and Katie didn't have a scratch. The bus driver is in pretty bad condition, he broke both legs, main artery in his face was cut and he lost 6 pints of blood. He had to be removed by the jaws of life. It was a flat front bus and he hit a garbage truck from behind then a pole. Hunter helped get all the younger children off the bus and even give up his jacket for Kristen to wipe her bloody lip with. Besides the bus driver, the young lady that rode in the ambulance with Kristen broke her hip, 2 boys fractured legs and 1 girl broke her arm. I am thankful God protected these children from any major injuries. Sorry, I didn't call immediately but I was not thinking much that day.

Snakes and Things

Yes you read the title correctly, SNAKES!!!! A couple of weeks ago I had someone walk into the office inquiring about a sponsorship and as we spoke apparently a grass snake had come in thru the front door. Well as he was leaving he saw it, he actually killed it calmly and then asked me if I had a broom and dustpan, to which I responded "what is it, a bug". Well needless to say I about paniced when I realized that he had killed a snake. A small grass snake but still a snake!! I didn't think too much more on it until this morning. I walk in this morning and if you know how my office is set up, you enter thru the front door into a foyer and then enter another locked door into the offices. When I walked thru the second door I went straight to the back door to clock in, in the shop. I looked back at the door and saw something but couldn't tell what it was (because I can't see very far away without glasses). I keep my eyes on the subject for a few minutes then one of the guys from shop distract me from it, so i go on to the clock. When i come back I slowly walk to the door and see that it is another snake, OMG, I get one of the guys to get it, and I am freaking out. So I begin to text everyone about my experience, and one of the supervisors advise me that he got one out of the office last Thursday before I got to work. That is 3 snakes in the office in less than 2 weeks!!!!! So I guess it is time to put moth balls out or something, I cannot relax, for looking around!!! Good grief, it is scary. All have been small, so all I can think is "where is the moma snake" Oh yeah, spiders are really bad too, big spiders!!!

JDRF

Dear Family and Friends,

Most people who know me know that I always have something going on. Well now is no different, my new venture in life is the “Walk to Cure Diabetes”. As you guys know my grandmother, mother, sister and father-in-law are/were diabetics, so this is near and dear to my heart. In addition to those in my family, I also have friends who deal with diabetes in some way or another. One of my closest friends is a diabetic herself, another close friend’s husband was recently diagnosed and a woman who has been a great inspiration to me spiritually suffers with diabetes. So you can see the burden I have.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) Walk to Cure Diabetes is one of the fastest growing fundraising events in the world. Each year over 500,000 people “walk for a cure” at 200 JDRF Walk locations in over a dozen countries. Funds are raised by individual and team walkers obtaining donations from family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Last year, over $90 million was raised worldwide for diabetes research and research education thru JDRF’s Walk program.

There are 3 ways you can help us make a difference for children as well as adults who battle this disease everyday:

1. You can join my family team “The Monitors” by walking at the WALK TO CURE DIABETES scheduled for Saturday, October 18 at Mayes Lake at Lefluer’s Bluff State Park in Jackson, MS.

2. You can send a tax-deductible contribution, of any amount, made payable to: JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and mail to the following address:

The Thornton’s
171 Burl Roberts Rd
Vidalia, LA 71373

3. You can Pray for a cure for diabetes and all its complications.

You may also contribute to this effort and/or join our team by visiting the following link via the internet: www.jdrf.org


I know it is a lot to ask of our friends and family, and we know how valuable your time, energy and income is. But we do want you to know that you have made a difference in finding a cure for diabetes. Joseph and I look forward to hearing from you.

Love,
The Thornton Family

Diabetes is a chronic disease that has no cure. There are an estimated23.6 million children and adults in the United States,or 7.8% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 17.9 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 5.7 million people are not aware that they have the disease. 57 million people have pre-diabetes.
If present trends continue, ONE IN THREE AMERICANS, (This is our 4 children, what are the chances that one could be one of ours) and 1 in 2 minorities, born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime. Each day, approximately 4,110 people are diagnosed with diabetes. In 2005 1.5 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed in people age 20 years or older.

School is back in Session

Well, like most of you the kids started school last week. Goodness it seemed like the summer flew by. Anyway Katie is in 2nd grade this year and is in class with lots of her little friends, so she is very excited. All of her papers sent home thus far have been A's so i am very excited that she is doing well. Kristen is in the 5th grade this year and isn't in class with any of her last year kids but has already made new friends. She usually does!!! She also has had all A's thus far but i wont hold my breath on that one. She can do it, she just gets preoccupied. D.J. is a freshman, yes you heard me, 9th grade, high school!!! Whew this is going to be a year. She like Hunter has Ms. Hall (Jeannie Crnkovic) and Jeannie knows she is mine. She asked her if she was as smart as Hunter, and D.J. didn't answer. Well she is in for a treat b/c D.J. is brilliant and she knows that GPA is important from here on out. Hunter is a sophmore, playing football. He has been busy, no free time at all. Practice until 8 or 9 then homework. He has to find time to eat sometime in between. I got him some snack bars (high in protein) for him to take to school to eat after school b/f practice to get him through. Someone told him to do something in his free time and his answer was "I have no free time" and he really doesn't. I am excited though, loving having something to go do on Friday nights.

My babies are growing up fast!!!!

Walk to cure Diabetes

As most of you guys know, I am always on the go!!! My next venture is a Walk to Cure Diabetes. Most of you guys are familiar with me and know that my grandmother, mother, sister as well as my father in law were/are diabetics, so this is near and dear to my heart. In addition to those in my family, i also have many friends who deal with diabetes in some way or another. One of my closest friends is a diabetic, another close friends husband is, a woman who has been very inspirational (spiritually) in my life, and so many more that I couldn't name them all. So you can see that this is important. I am just starting to read up and prepare for all we have to do for this walk so I am not as familiar as I would like to be, but just wanted to post to let you guys know that if you or anyone you know is diabetic, or if you just want to get involved in this walk please let me know. The walk is on Saturday,October 18th at Mayers Lake at Lefleur's Bluff State Park in Mississippi (not sure where in MS that is yet). Please message me and let me know. We need as much support as we can get. We invite you to be part of our team. We are going to set a goal to raise and design t-shirts. Please if you're interested let me know.Jennifer

Katie's Surgery

Okay, we got back from Kids Camp and we had Katie's surgery on July 7th. All went well. We had to be there at 6am, so we went up on Sunday after church and stayed with Aunt Sam (Joseph's sister). We got to hospital at 6am and almost immediately were put in a room. They give her something to relax her, then we sat there for 3 hours b/f they come got her for surgery. Once they brought her back they had her blow thru a mask and blow up what they call a balloon in order to begin to put her under the anesthesia. Once she went out the put in the IV so that she wouldn't feel it. I thought that was really good, b/c i hate IV's. Anyway about 45 min later the doctor come in and let us know that he only had to pull one tooth and caped 7 (originally it was pull 3 and cap 5). He put a spacer where he pulled the tooth so that her teeth wouldn't move out of place. He warned us she could be in alot of pain even from the caped teeth b/c the caps go into the gums. Well about 10 minutes later they brought her back to the room and when they opened the door, she was crying which upset me, I wasn't expecting that. It was just b/c she was still alittle disoriented from being out. Joseph picked her up and put her in the bed and got her to focus on him and she calmed down, now knowing she was back with us. She was hurting some, they give her tylenol. I layed in bed with her while she recovered for about an hour (she slept). We left and went to IHOP for Brunch and she was able to eat some grits and Joseph give her some pancakes. On the way home she sleep and by the time we got home it was time for another dose of medicine so i give it to her. But she never complained about being in pain after that, so two doses of tylenol the day of surgery was it. I was very thankful that my baby didn't go thru too much pain. Thank you for your prayers, GOD is GOOD!!!

Kids Camp

Well, I have been back from kids camp for over a week now, and just now have gotten caught up on my sleep. Boy it was refreshing and fun but tiring. The camp had about 400 kids and were divided into 8 teams. Well I got to be a coach of one of those teams. The male councelor I coached with was only 18 but turned out to be okay. We had 33 girls and 11 boys on our team. 12 of those girls were from our church. We dominated in sports which brought us lots of points. We did really good in JBQ (junior bible quiz) which also brought us big points. Kristen won the costume contest for all the girls in the whole camp (only about 12 participated) which i thought was pretty cool and that got us points. Jo-Jo won the Cuban shuffle contest for our team which also got us points. So I said all that to say that OUR TEAM won for the week. I was pretty excited. I couldn't talk very loud for a couple of days from all the screaming, but all worth it. The Christian Education director told me by far I was the loudest coach there. We had to make up a cheer that included the Theme of camp (Transformers), Green (color of team) and Ironhide (transformer our team was) so here goes:

Ironhide is our name

Transforming is our game

Each day we are growing

with God's love overflowing

We are on the best team

Don't you wish you were green!

I didn't make it up, because I am not good at that, i had help (thanks mike and Connie). We didn't win the cheer, but I bet lots of kids "wished they were green" when we won. Anyway all the kids actually participated in the activities. But the most important thing was that all come back with something spiritually. Whether it was a first time salvation, rededication, the Holy spirit or a calling upon their life. All of them said their favorite part of camp was the services at night. That is a huge statement considering they swam everyday, played games everyday, an got to watch me make a fool of myself as a coach (some of the things coaches have to do is crazy, 2nd picture, but i had it easy this year). To see our kids praying for each other was awesome (4th picture). Here are some pictures!!!

Father's Day

As most of you know, yesterday was a little scary for my family. Kristen and Katie were troopers though. Last week I talked with them and asked if they wanted to go to the cemetery on Father's Day to bring flowers and both said yes. I told Kristen that she could try and write a poem or think of something she wanted to do special to bring out there. Well she found this cowboy hat that i had gotten her about 1 month b/f her daddy's accident and it is a little cheap foam hat, but a cowboy hat. So she wrote things like "I love You", "Happy Father's Day", and "I miss you Daddy" on it. So I decided to make a flower arrangement in the hat itself. I really turned out very pretty, i meant to take a picture but wasn't thinking. The whole family rode to the cemetery for the girls to place it on there. They were fine, and i am so thankful for that. Someone has placed a picture of him out there, it is small but a nice gesture. It has been almost 4 months!!!!


I decided to get creative with father's day gifts this year. I made my dad and Joseph aprons for grilling, frying fish or just cooking. I figured they would want to disown me but i guess it was okay since both seemed to be pleasantly surprised. Daddy's was black with yellow, green and red hot peppers all over it trimmed in flame fabric. His was the first one i made so he was the Guinea pig. Josephs was blue with motorcycles all over it with flames coming off the back of the bikes so i lined his with flames also. Not to brag but I think for an amateur they turned out pretty good. I also got him a book "Dad's answer for 99 questions" or something like that.

Katie

Katie went to a pediatric dentist in West Monroe last week b/c she is only 7 and no dentist around here would do anything besides clean her teeth and she needs some work done. Most of you know how much she like her candy and it finally got the best of her. She has 3 rotten baby teeth in the back and about 5 cavities. The dentist will pull the 3 rotten ones and cap the other 5. She will have to have surgery for the 3 to be pulled. She will go under anesthesia so it is a little scary for both she and I. We will take her to have blood work on June 26th at Glenwood hospital, then June 27th back here for a physical from her pedatrician then Surgery is July 7th. We leave for kids camp on June 30th so she will be prayed up for a week before surgery. I will post a reminder blog before surgery so you guys can keep her in your prayers.

Last Sunday

Last Sunday Bro. Fraley allowed the congregation to speak on Sis. Fraley's behalf. Everyone who chose to say a few words on how Sis Fraley impacted their life really showed what a wonderful person she was. Each person had their own story from her prayers, how she would call them down if they weren't doing what God had lead them too, all the shoes she wore in our church, and how she ministered to our families and so many more. I shared a few things but the one i will share with you is how she and of course Bro. Fraley ministered to my mom. A month before my mom passed away she had a stroke that put her in the hospital for a couple of days. During her time in the hospital Bro. and Sis. Fraley visited her and b/f they left she give her heart to God wholeheartly!!! During that last month of her life here on earth the girls and I would go to the Fraley's and swim 1 or 2 times a week. Everytime I would go, moma would go and just sit with sis Fraley, asking her questions and or just talking. Sis Fraley didn't have to sit in the heat to talk with her but that was a ministry and my mom grew in God in a short time b/c of it. B/c the Fraley's went to the hospital and b/c sis Fraley took the time with my mom they are in Heaven together today. It was quite emotional for me but I did okay. Kristen also wrote something down for me to read b/c she was too shy to get up there and say it herself. Basically it just stated that she was special and everyone loved her. She went to camp and helped them thru situations as she put it. Sis Fraley wouldn't want us to be sad, but happy. She loved and missed her. I thought it was very sweet and I read hers first so i would relax enough to say what i had to say.

Ball Playing

Katie Bug out in the Field looking pretty
She is finally making contact with the ball!
She made it all the way home on that hit!
Kristen refuses to wear her hair in a ponytail so Joseph found her a pink and black doo-rag to wear to keep her hair out of her face.
She is an awesome ball player, she makes contact everytime up to bat.

Speedy Gonzalas!!!!

Just wanted to share a few pictures i got the other night at the girls games. Kristen made awesome plays but i missed all of them b/c i couldn't coach and take pictures, I kept forgetting to take pictures. Katie's team has improved greatly, they actually played good defense and hit the ball, which is a complete 180 turn around from the first couple of games. Kristen's team did okay in the first couple of innings, but began to make a few mistakes that cost them the game in the last two innings. Kristen caught everything that come to her and she got alot of action that game, i was very proud of her. Actually one of the other parents made a comment on what a good player she was. I claimed her that night!!!!

Crawfish Boil

No need to explain the first picture!! Well we had our second crawfish boil this past weekend. Boy it was even better than the first b/c well for one thing they were cheaper this weekend than Easter weekend, but it was also a pretty day. Boy they were good!!!

The second picture is of Joseph cleaning his new motorcycle, He and Jimmy alway ride together and so he had to get it cleaned up for their ride that night.

The next picture is Hunter paying Kristen back for shooting everybody else all day. She finally got sat down leaving us alone and Hunter got her.

Katie bug learned how to peel crawfish this weekend and caught on quick. She become a pro!!!

Kristen learned that sucking the heads isn't that bad.

DJ is with Jolee in this picture. D.J wasn't around much so i didn't get many pictures of her.

The last picture is Jolee!!! The picture says it all!! From the shirt to the boots this girl is a character. She wears those John deere boots everywhere but to church and then she wears her "up heels" to us that is high heels. She steals the party everywhere she goes.

All in all we had a great time of fellowship!!!!

Swollen MS and Other stuff

This is the Vidalia Dock which is right beside the old West bank Eatery!

The RV park that is located on the river

Joseph Standing on the riverwalk, you can see how high the river is.

The seating down on the riverwalk, which has been taken over by the river.

Just thought i would post a few pictures i took at the river yesterday. For those of you who aren't from around this area, the River is at 55.3 feet and expected to rise to 56.5 by April 20th. It is suposed to crest April 20th but that could change (it has several times to get to this point).

Sis Fraley's funeral service was the most beautiful service i have ever attended. But for a woman who lead a life such as she, what else would i expect. It was standing room only!! She made a huge impact on so many people's lives. After the funeral service bro Fraley took her back to their hometown in TX for a burial service in which he said that there were approximately 150 people waiting there. How amazing is that.

Bro Fraley come back home with his daughter and preached Sunday morning and evening. He did an amazing job! Next Sunday morning the congregation will have an opportunity to share something about Sis Fraley. I will be sharing something, praying i can get thru it without too many tears. Please continue to pray for Bro Fraley!

Saturday Kristen and Katie both had games all day. Kristen's team did a pretty good job, but they are overthrowing so much. Kristen did a good job with her hitting but didn't have many defense plays. Katie, well i think she is out there just to be pretty, b/c she isn't doing anything else.

Sis. Fraley

Yesterday evening, Sis Fraley, our pastors wife passed away ( they think from an anurism or a blood clot) She was completely healthy and it was unexpected to say the least.. we are all still so in shock from it.She was simply put an amazing woman of God. She did so much for so many people. she held everything together.We lost a huge part of our hearts last night.I know that without a doubt she is rejoicing right now, but Bro. Fraley, her family, and our church family need all of your prayers.This should be a wake up call to everyone. You never ever know when your time is up. I know that Sis Fraley was ready and I have peace about where she is.But its time we understand that this world is temporary, things of this world are temporary including our bodies. Sis Fraley left huge shoes to be filled and it's going to take a lot to fill them. I can only hope that I can be half of the woman that she was for God. Sis Fraley will be greatly missed..Please keep Bro Fraley, their family, and our church in your prayers..GOD BLESS

On the Go!!!

Softball Season has officially begun! Kristen's first game was last night and the girls did excellent. Misti (head coach) and I were really concerned b/c we have a really young team. We won 15-2!!! Kristen went 3 for 3 with 2 singles and one double. She really is a good ball player when she wants to be. Katie will play tonight and we will see how they do.

Events and other stuff!

Well it is that time of year again!! Kristen and Katie are both playing softball and i will be coaching Kristen. Not real sure if that is a good idea or not but oh well. Kristen is not really "pumped" in her word about it now. When i signed her up she was ready to play but now she was in tears when i told her she had practice. Not real sure what is going on with that but once she got there she was okay. Katie bug will be on a team with several of her little friends so she is very "pumped".

D.J. and Hunter left for Youth Convention this morning and they were very excited about it. Both are going with an open mind ready to receive what God has in store for them. Last year at Convention was the beginning of Hunters turn around spiritually and i think that is why he is so excited to see what God has in store for him one year later. D.J. has been talking about it for months and she is in a different place spiritually going this year also, which makes me very happy.

I wanted to share this Sunday night in Church but the opportunity never really presented itself. I joke all the time about how out of 4 kids at least one will be involved in the alters, praying, praising and worshipping. But you know the odds are always in my favor b/c not one but all 4 are always up front during praise and worship, praising with hands held high. I feel very blessed.

Kristen and Katie are doing okay but I am still a little worried about Kristen. She isn't seeming upset around Joseph and I but is showing emotion with her friends. I guess that is how she is dealing with it. She was at Tammy's last night and did a search on the internet for her Daddy. She calls us in there to show us what come up, which was the obituary with the memories listed there. She did that all on her own. She sit there and was reading some of them. I guess it is her way of dealing with the situation. I am thinking about letting her post something. She has a picture of she and her dad on her myspace for her profile picture.

My mouth is watering for crawfish!!! We have a big Crawfish boil planned with some friends on Saturday and i can't wait. We will do an Easter egg hunt for the kids too. Easter Sunday will be a very busy day. Youth are doing a human Video which we have worked really hard on that morning and Kings Kids are doing a play that night, so probably no nap for me. We will be tearing down props and building them back up again all inbetween church. Very tiresome, but well worth it b/c both will make an impact on someone's life. I wish you all could be here.

Have a safe and Happy Easter Everyone!!!!!

My week!!

I know that i haven't talked to most of you about the accident, so i thought i would try and share as much as i could.

Saturday evening when we initially got the call that David had just been killed in a motorcycle accident i was hysterical. My first question to his aunt who called me was "where are the girls?" Once i found out that they were okay, i dropped the phone and told Joseph thru gasps. He was really worried about me at that point and needed to take some time to calm down himself b/c he knew he had to drive me. Within minutes the Fraleys droped Hunter off b/c he had gone with them to a wedding, and he immediately called them to come back. Before they could get back Tammy had gotten there b/c his aunt had called her house first. Once She got there she called back to find out where the girls were b/c once i heard that they were okay, i didn't pay much attention to much else. The Fraleys prayed with us b/f we left and Joseph, myself, Tammy, Hunter and D.J headed over to Davids mothers which is where the girls were. Any other time we would've went back road to get there but something (the Holy Spirit) told Joseph to go Hwy 84. If we had went the back way we would've come upon the scene and I don't think i would've been as calm as i was with the girls if i had seen that. Once we got to the girls, we found out that they didn't know anything but that there had been an accident, they didn't know that their Daddy was involved. Joseph and I along with Tammy and D.J. and Hunter had to tell them. Well Joseph did. It took Katie a minute to really break down but it took Kristen even longer and then it wasn't what i expected. It is almost as if she had a mad look on her face, mad at the world, mad at God, mad at her Daddy, i don't know. Kristen pulled herself together quickly and began to tell us that she heard the crash and called th police. His family started arriving about an hour later and the girls were acting on the emotion of them and cried all the way home. Our Childrens pastors and another friend of mine come over within minutes of us arriving home and the girls seemed to be doing fine. They actually were playing with the other kids that were there. Joseph and I got no sleep that night worring bout the girls and really having a difficult time ourselves. Sunday Kristen and Katie were in Kings Kids with me and during praise and worship Kristen was praising and raising her hands and then she disappeared into the restroom. I let her be for a few minutes but then checked on her and she was just standing in there, no tears, no emotion just in there. I asked her if she was okay and she said "I don't know" shrugged her shoulders, and that was her answer for everything i asked. I finally just said that i was going back out there and she followed me out and i went outside and had my cry. At this point i am crying worring about her and about the situation. Well i pull myself together and come back in to find the kids writing down prayer request and Katie wanted to pray for her daddy, and Kristen got mad and screamed across the table and said "you can't he is already gone" then just laid her head down, but still never shed a tear. Belinda (children's pastor) turned service over to me and took Kristen to her office and she said that Kristen broke down with her. Belinda come out a few minutes later but no Kristen so i assumed she wanted to be alone, but no she pulled herself together and come out and you never even knew she had been crying. She thinks she is too tough to cry. Anyway everything seemed to be normal routine for them. I did send them to school Monday and Kristen was told things we didn't want her to ever know (details of wreck) but they said the newspaper said these things which they didn't so i was able to steer her away from some of those thoughts. the girls and I went to Davids parents house on Monday evening just to spend some time and on the way out there Kristen asked me to go by the crash site, and i wouldn't b/c i didn't think she could handle it. Well when we got ready to leave his moms they were headed over there and Kristen asked again and after much talk of trying to convince her she didn't need to she said she wanted to. So i followed them over there with the girls and Kristen walked right over to it and run her fingers thru the blood where her daddy's head laid. She is so strong, she still never shed a tear, she got back into the truck and just said "moma that was alot of blood" and of course i said "yea it was". I explained to them then that it was going to be closed casket and they asked what it meant and i told them that they wouldn't be able to see him in there. They both immediatey ask "why" so when i got home Joseph and I tried to explain why without going into too much detail. My girls are smart and asked questions we weren't comfortable with but Joseph handled them well. Wednesday b/f the visitation i checked them out of school and we went to get supplies to make something to put in casket and Kristen saw a motorcycle and asked if I would paint it like his bike. So I did and Katie got a bouquet of roses. They each made cards for him. We got to the church and i was almost in a panic attack as we walked up, there were a ton of people there and of course everyone had their eyes on the girls. They each walked in after being stopped by several people but walked right up and layed all their stuff up there. Kristen did very slowly but she didn't shed a tear and neither did Katie. Katie follows Kristens lead. Joseph and I went and sat and talked with some very good friends of Davids while the girls just visited and mingled emotionless. I don't get it!!! Well the funeral was the same way, just no emotions at all. Before the service the casket was opened for the family and i wouldn't allow the girls to go in. I really in my heart think that i made the right decision. Ms. Kim (his mother) said it did look like him from the nose down but from the nose up was in pretty bad shape. It made Kim feel better to know that he was in there but I still don't believe my girls needed to see that. Kim, his dad and his sisters were at the wreck scene and saw him before he was cleaned up and at his worst so the damage was done to them already, my girls were still blind to that and i wanted it to stay that way. "I can only imagine", "I will see you in the morning", "Amazing Grace" and "The Dance" were all sang or played and that was pretty emotional for Joseph and I but the girls still nothing. The burial was in Kingston in a very beautiful cemetary and it was very emotional there. I walked over to the girls and let them know they could get some flowers from the spray and both did but just wasn't emotional at all. I broke down just helping them get their flower. I let them go back to the church with his sister so that they wouldn't have us to lean on so much and would be with the family. Joseph and I went back to get them around 5:00 and they are going to his sisters today for the weekend. Please keep remembering them in your prayers for the weeks to come.

Pray for my Girls

Most of you know the situation my family is faced with right now but for those who don't my girls lost their father in a motorcycle accident on Saturday night. My ex husband David Dunson was very important to my babies (Kristen and Katie). My husband Joseph and I are extremly worried about them in this situation. Kristen is showing no emotion at all. It is almost as if she is mad. Maybe at the world, maybe at him, i don't know but it isn't good. Katie is talking about it but i really don't think the reality of it has hit her yet. Joseph and I haven't gotten much sleep. For me b/c i keep hearing the phone call about the accident replaying in my head along with some comments the girls have made that brakes my heart. For Joseph, i think he is just really worried about the girls as well as myself. He is awesome, he has been so great and understanding. His compasion is beyond belief in his situation, his reflection of Jesus is shinning right now. Please keep us as well has the rest of his family in your prayers. There is nothing i can say or do to help and as a mother it is the hardest thing in the world for me not to be able to make my babies feel better.

Just a Glimps of "The Champion"

Just wanted to post a picture of the guys in costumes.

My weekend episode!

Well, first I want to say that everyone is okay!

Saturday, I was working on some of the Easter program props and Katie Bug was across the street playing with her little "friend". Joseph and Kristen was on the motorcycle riding, D.J. was cleaning her pawpaws house and Hunter was at a friends. Well Katie comes walking in the house with her hand up around her eye and nose crying. I asked her what was wrong (thinking her friend may have just hurt her feelings) but low and behold she said that her friend has shot her in the eye with a BB gun. Okay, i know what you are thinking "OMG". Well yeah that is what i thought too, but i could clearly see her eyes were fine, so i didn't panic. I took her to the bathroom and looked and yes she has a BB size indention which broke the skin about a half inch from her eye, yes a half inch, that close. Well as i am loving and doctoring on her, i begin to get mad. Well I didn't want to show my tail, b/c you know i could have, so i waited until Joseph got home about an hour later and talked to him. Needless to say i didn't get much out of my mouth b/f he was out the door. I couldn't get my shoes on fast enough by the time i got out our door he was in their door. He was hot!!! But he handled it well.

I was a little disappointed in the reaction of her parents b/c all they did was lock the guns up (which should have been done in the first place). She apparently convinced her parents it was an accident, but Katie assures us it was no accident, she held the gun up to her face about 2 foot (from what Katie measured out) and pulled the trigger. She called Katie 30 min later and asked if she could come over and play. Are you kidding me, my child wouldn't be able to sit down for a week and certainly wouldn't be playing 30 min later. I didn't allow her to go back over and play with her and it will probably be a really long time b/f she can even come to my house. I thank God for protecting Katie, b/c another half inch up and she wouldn't have her eye.

So as i said everyone is okay, we were just a little shook up. I just keep thinking of what could have happened and it worries me so much. I know that some people think it is harmless to allow a child to have a BB gun, but i disagree b/c just a half inch could've changed my little girls life forever.

Easter Sunday

Just wanted to give some of you a heads up on some things that will be happening Easter Sunday at my church.

Sunday Morning our Youth will be doing a very powerful Human Video to "The Champion" If you haven't heard the song it is a boxing match between Satan and Jesus. It is a different twist on the Easter Story. The kids are doing an awesome job and the costumes make the skit. Catherine, Theresa and I probably have the hardest job with Costume, makeup and lights. Anyone who is looking for somewhere to go Easter Sunday morning we would love to have you and i promise you will be blessed. I will be taking pictures at rehersals, so i will post them when i can.

Easter Sunday Night our Kings Kids will putting on a program that is also a new and different look at the Easter story. This is a look thru the kids eyes. They always do a great job! Of course you know i am partial to the kids b/c that is my ministry. Please come and join us if you can.

Disheartened

Some of you know that at the very beginning of this school year, i made a commitment to God to pray with the kids before they walk out the door to go to school. Well everything was fine b/f we moved b/c i couldn't leave until everyone was ready, i was taking them to school. Since we have moved they catch the bus. Well they need to be at the bus stop by 6:50 or they will miss the bus, in which case i would have to carry them to school. Well it seems that every morning one of them can't seem to get moving (mostly Hunter) so i end up praying with the kids that are ready and sending them to the bus stop. I feel like i would be less likely to be late if i just had to bring one to school. The lagger usually makes it to the bus stop just in time, but had i waited for them to pray then none would've made it to the bus. I said all that to say, that i sat down to have a "pow wow" meeting with them and let them know that i expected each one of them to be in the living room for prayed by 6:45 and if they were not, they were considered late. The consequence of being late is grounded the rest of that day and the next day. Well low and behold the next two days which was yesterday and today I had one not make it yesterday and 2 today. Hunter included in both of these. I don't know what to do. I feel horrible, but i don't feel I am fulfiling my comitment if all of my children arent' there for prayer. I feel like i am setting a foundation for there lives and if i allow them to loligag around it is my fault. Any suggestions???? I guess i need to let Joseph get them up in the mornings b/f he leaves for work, a few days of waking up at 4:30am may break them, what do you think? Sorry, i just needed to let my frustration out!!!

My Katie "Bug"

As a childrens minister i enjoy hearing what kids say. It is an encouragement to me to know that they are actually listening sometimes. Anyway we were getting up from the dinner table last night and an Allstate commercial come on, you know that one that ends in "Are you in good hands" Well after the commercial went off Katie was just standing there and said "yes, i'm in God's hands" I thought that was awesome that she knows that she is in good hands with God. I don't know if any of you guys will get out of it what I did, but it sure made me think. You know sometimes the innocence and faith of a child are unmeasurable.

Teenage Driver

Well, just wanted to share with you guys that Hunter took drivers ed this weekend. The teacher said he was an excellent driver and he aced his test on the first day. He did have to go back though b/c it was just a practice test. He did pass the final with a 100 so he can officially get his permit now. He has to have his permit for 6 months b/f a full license even though he is 16, but i am okay with that. I think i will feel better with him going off on his own after riding with him for 6 months. Oh well i just thought i would share. I am a little overwhelmed b/c i know that i am a worry wart, and will worry everytime he leaves the house.

Over the Last Month!!!

The pictures above are some of the things that have been going on. The first one is of the snow we got here about a week ago, I know it seems corney but this was rather exciting to me, being from Louisiana and all. I just doesn't happen here.

The second picture is my baby daughter in her "Vanessa Hudgens" wig. She bought this with her b/day money. And speaking of her b/day the next picture is her sitting beside her "lady Bug" cake. (Thanks Catherine)

Next picture is Kristen's b/day cake (again Thanks Catherine). You may not be able see it but she is surrounded by High School Musical scenes. It was really good. The next picture is Kristen b/day party and "YES" all of those girls spent the night, this was actually taken the next morning. Joseph wore ear plugs to bed. Keisha, hunters girlfriend it the taller one in the back in green and she really helped me out by staying over with them. Just so you don't ask, NO HUNTER WAS NOT THERE!

Okay, the next picture are of my new hair cut. Yes I did it again and chopped it all off. I really like it though. The pictures really don't do it justice. I was getting to the point where all I did was wear it up all the time and then get headaches due to it being up, so i just got it cut. Joseph wasn't mad but he was dissappointed. I appreciate him not giving me a hard time about it.

My birthday is Saturday, I have been 30 a whole year and it wasn't so bad!!!

I got the kids report cards last friday and I was 4 for 4 with at least honor roll or above so i was pleased. Kristen had honor roll, witch is 3.0 or above average and Hunter, D.J. and Katie all got Principals list, A's and Bs. Kristen is apparently still a little chatty and it makes her grades suffer a bit. hopefully she will grow out of it.

I guess that is all for now, will check back in later.

Chistmas Pictures

Just wanted to share a few pictures of the kids on Christmas Morning. The first one is Kristen, it is a little dark b/c of the sun coming in. Katie is opening her computer, just a little educational computer, i am not that stupid. D.J. had just opened her Nintendo DS so she was very excited as you can tell. and Hunter with his cell phone. He will be driving soon and that was for my sanity, i want to know where he is and when he leaves and when he gets there kind of stuff so he needed it. well he wanted it too. So all in all it was a good Christmas.

On another note, please be praying for Hunter, he is a teenager and is going thur typical teenage issues. My heart goes out to him.