Wagener*s Family Fun

Christmas Spirit

2008-12-06T15:38:00.001-08:00

Tasty Peanut Butter Balls (Buckeyes)

I enjoyed 3 days of baking with my neighbor Sara. We made 10 dozen cookies and over 100 Buckeyes. TASTY

This year we went to the Christmas tree farm and cut down our own tree. The children had so much fun. We were able to see Santa, roast marshmallows and enjoy hotdogs.

Trimming our tree. Sorry the pic is a bit blurry we had to use our camera phone.

N.Y. and the blessings

2008-11-06T06:50:00.000-08:00

My Dad and his wife Linda
Grandma Morse and I

Enjoying our time together baking our applesauce cake

Happy 92nd birthday Grandma

The fun started Satuday as I flew up to New York to see my family.

I decided to make a fun stop in to see my Dad. His birthday was Saturday and since I am absolutely horrible with directions I took one of my old friends along for the journey through the booneys. My Dad had fun talking politics and I enjoyed the opportunity to get to know my Dads sweet wife Linda a little more. I really enjoyed my time with them.

Saturday evening I spent the evening playing Trivial Pursuit with some of my dear friends that I haven't seen since high school days. It was a blast! Let me tell you though I really need to start studying because the only question I helped my team with was how do you know when a potato is possibly poisonous. Thank the Lord I was raised on a farm. For those of you who do not know the answer to that one is when it is green.

Sunday I got up early and went over to pick up my Grandma Morse so we could spend the day together. We went to this lovely restaurant on Canandaigua lake which she had never been to before and it was a delightful time. We enjoyed a full lake view from our table and talked about her earlier years. She turned 92 so she had so many fun stories to tell.

Then after our lunch we went to her house so we could make applesauce cake. I remember all throughout my childhood sitting on her counter watching her make this cake. It was such a blessing for me to be able to make this with her. Then as our cake baked she took me into her room to show me all of her vintage jewelry. Which she surprisingly gave me a box of her beautiful necklaces. We talked even more and just really bonded.

Then Monday I was on my flight back home to my little ones to share the stories from their Great Grandma. The whole trip was a huge blessing to me in so many ways. To be able to take it all in with out distractions of my everyday life to enjoy my family who live so far away. I am so very thankful for my family. I can not wait to go back up to NY with the children and watch their relationship with their Poppa blossom. (That is what they chose to call my Dad this summer)

Life at the age of 93

2008-10-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

The age of 93 has to be something big. I mean to think of all of the things you would go through in 93 years has to be something miraculous. My Grandma who is a huge part of who I am is turning 93 in just a couple of weeks.
She lives with my Aunt and Uncle and spends her days putting together puzzles and reading romance novels. Harlequin novels at that =). It is sad to me that after all of these years of helping all of her children that no one really takes much time to spend with her right now. It kills me I would do anything to sit with her for even an hour and just play cards. She used to love to play Rummy and I believe she taught all of her Grandchildren how to play a good hand. She was big on baking good pies and cookies. She was always open to teaching all that wanted to learn how to roll out your crust and pinch the corners. She would let me bake my own little pie with the left over crust.
I loved her meals she would always prepare a good home made meal. Meat, potatos, veggies, bread and butter and always a sweet treat when you were done. Then after dinner we would sit in the living room and watch the price is right, wheel of fortune and jeopardy. It was the same routine every night but boy I loved hanging out with her.
The other day I was talking to her adn she sounded different just the tone in her voice. You know some people say that the elderly know when their time is about up and I think she may be at that point. So, I booked a flight and will be flying out to surprise her for her 93 birthday. I am so excited!!! I plan to make the best of it too. I have my set of cards all ready and I plan to bake some civil war cookies and a yummy applesauce cake with her (I need to learn because these goodies are way awesome!)
Please all who read this remember your parents and Grandparents. Spend good quality time with them. One day they will not be here.

My Princess gone wild!

2008-08-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

Beauty Queens
This is Lilly*s favorite pose and it fits her fun spirited personality.
Can we say Double Trouble!
Okay I just had to post this for my friends and family members who claim that I may dress my girly up a little too much. Now I fully know that after having boys you can never truly over dress your little Princess. Right?

Lilly just admires my dear friends daughter Melody and while Mommy was at work these two girls had fun. Check out this hat do you think it is big enough? At least it has NY on the front.

Things you understand if you lived in upstate NY

2008-08-04T05:48:00.000-07:00

Some of this is a little crude so, please forgive me but these are all very true to those of us from upstate NY. One of my old classmates who still lives there sent me this list and I couldn't help but laugh all the way through it because it is so true, most of it anyways. One of the things that I still relate to the most is #64 so, I just say near Rochester and Syracuse because my town was so small we didn't even have a stop light. I would love to know from some of my dear transplanted friends here in NC if you can relate to any of these things.

1. Your idea of a traffic jam is 10 cars waiting to pass a tractor on the highway
2. "Vacation" means going to Syracuse for the weekend
3. You measure distance in hours
4. You know several people who have hit deer more than once
5. You often switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day
6. You stay in your house most of the summer because you aren't used to the heat
7. You drive at 55 mph through 10 feet of snow during a raging blizzard without flinching
8. You see people wearing hunting clothes at social events
9. You install security lights on your house and garage but leave both unlocked
10. One of your neighbors constantly has bonfires
11. You carry jumper cables in your car and your girlfriend knows how to use them
12. There are 7 empty cars running in the parking lot at the supermarket at any given time
13. Your idea of a huge party is one with lots of cheap beer and some people you go to school with
14. Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled in with snow
15. You think sexy lingerie is silk pajamas from wal-mart
16. You know 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, cold, construction
17. It takes you 2 hours to go to the store for one item even when you're in a rush because you have to stop and talk to everyone in town
18. At least 6 people that you see a day have beards and stains on the front of their shirt
19. Cows are just part of the scenery
20. You or someone you know has a car that sounds like a big truck and can barely make it 20 miles yet no one says anything about it.
21. At least fives times in your normal travel day you will pass or be passed by a beat-up, old car that has had an attempted pimping out, such as a brand new oversized spoiler on a rust covered trunk, spinning HUBCABS, or everyones favorite, the performance exhaust on a car running on barely three cylinders.
22. You know that the phrase, "Goin up ta," applies to going north, south, east, or west, up or down in elevation, and pretty much any other way you can travel.
23. The smell of freshly spread cow manure doesn't bother you.
24. Its perfectly normal for your life's aspirations to be working for the county.
25. Getting "dressed up" means tucking your shirt into your jeans and putting on clean work boots.
26. Holloween costumes are always designed around a snowsuit and winter boots.
27. You appreciate the delicacy known as Croghan Bologna, and serve it at all social gatherings.
28. On the same platter as the Croghan Bologna is a selection of flavored cheese curd, which you also love.
29. You know very well that the verizon guy didn't walk through your town going, "can you her me now" because reception is, at best, limited.
30. Your proud of your redneck-ness and where your from.
31. You can name everyone you graduated with.
32. You know what 4-H is.
33. You went to a party that was held about 20 miles down a deserted dirt road.
34. You used to drag "main."
35. You said a curse word and your parents knew within an hour.
36. You schedule parties around the schedule of different police officers since you know which ones would bust you.
37. You ever went or thought about going cow-tipping.
38. School gets canceled for a sports team going toState
39. You could never buy cigarettes cause all the store clerks knew how old you were.
40. When you did find someone old enough to buy smokes for you, you had to drive down country backroads to smoke them.
41. You never missed a Homecoming parade.
42. You still go home for Homecoming.
43. It was cool to date someone from a neighboring town.
44. You had a senior skip day.
45. The whole school went to the same party after graduation.
46. You can't help but date a friend's ex.
47. Your car is always filthy from the dirt roads.
48. You think that kids who ride skateboards are weird.
49. The town next to you is considered "trashy" or "snotty" when it is just like your town.
50. Getting paid minimum wage is considered a raise.
51. You refer to anyone with a house newer than 1980 as the "rich people."
52. The people in the big city dress funny then you pick up on the cool new trend two years later. 53. You bragged to your friends because you got pipes on your truck for your birthday.
54. On Fridays, anyone you want to find can be found at Main Street or the Dairy Queen.
55. Weekend excitement involves a trip to RiteAid.
56. Even the ugly people enter beauty contests.
57. You decide to walk for exercise and 5 people pull over and ask you if you need a ride.
58. Your teachers call you by your older sibling's name.
59. The closest "cool stores" are at least 45 miles away.
60. The local phone book has only one yellow page.
61. You leave your jacket on the back of the chair in the cafe, and when you go back the next day, it's still there, on the same chair.
62. You don't signal turns because everyone knows where you're going, anyway.
63. You call a wrong number and they supply you with the correct one.
64. You have to name six surrounding towns to explain to people where you're from.
65. Driving to the party on a four wheeler is quite normal.
66. The town population increases by one-third when the universities go on break.
67. When somebody says "Thats billy fucillo HUGE" you know exactly what they are talking about
68. You laugh your head off reading this because you know it's true and then forward it to everyone in your address book, which is actually half your town

Wheat and Lactose allergies HELP

2008-07-30T09:21:00.000-07:00

Look at this handsome little man. We love him so and he is such a joy to play with but his tummy is making him a very unhappy little guy right now.

"Are you serious that I may not be able to have any more cows milk?"

We took the boys in for their usual check up before school starts this morning. The boys are growing in height but not in weight both actually have lost weight especially Gabriel. Landen has lost weight due to his high matabolism and Gabriel well, due to other reasons.
Over the past couple of months Gabriel has been refusing to eat complaining that it hurts his tummy. He really has gone on and on about this and when he was even turning down hamburgers we knew something was definitely wrong. I explained this to the Dr and how when he eats certain foods he gets a tummy ache. Now some of these things include cake and cookies which to most children are very yummy. Gabriel doesn't like them and says that they hurt his tummy. The same things has been happening with milk and dairy products. Gabriel explained that it feels like spikes are stabbing him.
These symptoms show symptoms of lactose and wheat allergies so, the Dr sent us to the lab. They are testing Gabriel for these allergies and for the next week he can not have any dairy products at all until we hear back with the results. If we find out that he indeed has wheat allergies we will be a wheat free home. Do you know how hard this is going to be???
I can only imagine... I am thankful though that if it is all of this we have caught it while he is young and that he will no longer be living in pain after every meal.
I would love to hear any information that you ladies have who may be experiencing this yourself. I am getting closer and closer to scheduling an appointment with some of my friends Dr. "Hey Lindsay do you think you can ask him about that 1/2 price for 1/2 the organs?"

Pool time

2008-07-15T13:43:00.001-07:00

Lilly and her buddy Ernie chilling in the pool. Landen finally decided to take the plunge.

This has two slides so let the fun begin. As you can see these two LOVE it! Gabriel is not in these pics because of his asthma he prefers to stay inside during the day due to the heat.

Our children have been asking us to please buy a pool for the back yard. Now our yard is big enough for an inground pool which I am steadily working on but it will probably be next year (hopefully Daddy?). Anyways this afternoon I thought I would surprise our sweet angels and pick up a small pool to put on our back patio.

I though that I had the coolest thing ever it looks like a dragon for the boys and has two slides for the girly. But to my surprise Landen was not impressed. This is for babies well at his age any small pool is for babies but after it was blown up even he decided to take a dive. It will keep them cool and they can have some fun no matter what time of day.

Part 2 pics from Cow Appreciation

2008-07-11T11:52:00.001-07:00

Doesn't every one love the Chick-Fil-A cow?
Unfortunately the camera zoomed in on the spot on Lilly's shoulder but as you can see this chicky loves to play and have fun with her good friend Ernie.
Tunnel time
Gabriel as you can tell by the look on his face wanted a real live cow to take home. My little farmer boy loves animals of all sorts but especially farm animals.
Check out these movie stars

National Cow Appreciation

2008-07-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

Aren't they the cutest models ever?
Check out my man in black
Our Nanny Sarah is on the right with her daughter Melody she is so much fun!
Ernie our Nanny's son with Lilly what sweet baby calves.
Well being from the north and raised on a farm I love any day to act crazy! We had so much fun with this @ Chick-fil-a. Thank you Chick-fil-a! I started my day off today with my black and white blouse and black skirt with a Eat more chicken poster taped to my tummy I stopped by there for my FREE breakfast on my way to work. I walked proudly into work this morning and announced to all of the city folk here do ya'll know what today is? No they all replied "It is National Cow appreciation day!!!"

They all thought I had lost it until hunger hit at lunch time and all of my co-workers got dressed up and we car pooled over to Chick-fil-a for lunch. Our Nanny took our children as you see here to Chick-fil-a as well for lunch. Can you guess where we are going for dinner this evening???

That is right Mommy & Daddy cow are taking their three little calves to Chick-fil-a for dinner.

Then after dinner I get a very special treat some time scrapbooking and a sleepover with one of my dearest friends ever Martina. YEAH!!!

Our Nanny is Awesome!

2008-07-01T11:51:00.001-07:00

Lilly playing with Ernie (Ms.Sarah's son) at Carowinds big wave pool. They go to Carowinds once a week for some good pool time and rides. Lilly is a little mermaid so she typically stays in the wave pool.
Here are Landen, Lilly, Melody (Ms.Sarah's daughter), Gabriel and Ernie at one of our local parks. Ms.Sarah took the children on a hike down a very long walking trail Landen wanted to complete the trail but after an hour it was time to rest up and head back to the car. This was one of our 100 degree days here.
Chuckie Cheese tunnel time. They usually go to Monkey Joes on Wednesdays but this week they chose Chuckie Cheese. This was perfect for these silly kiddos check out these cuties Lilly, Ernie and Landen. "We don't want to go home yet!"
This is the perfect swing for our laid back boy. Gabriel is the kind of boy who could just hang out in this swing all day long by himself enjoying all the nature that surrounds him.
Look at this muscle man he is our gymnast in the family. Landen is quite talented when it comes to anything that requires upper body strength.

We have been so blessed this summer to have the best Nanny ever. She comes to our house every day to watch the children while we are at work. She is absolutely wonderful and the children adore her. She makes sure that they do their chores, have school time for 30 minutes each day, outdoor play time, indoor play time, etc. She works on their social skills and best of all she has two children for our children to play with.

I never have to worry about if the children are alright or if my house is going to be a wreck when I get home. Most times it is even cleaner when I get home and most importantly she works with their behavior same as Brian and I do. We have standards in our home and we expect our children to obey what the Lord requires of them. Our Nanny is awesome at pointing them in the right direction and she is super at praising all of their good behavior.

We love you Ms.Sarah!

Here are some pics of some of their excursions with Ms. Sarah and her two sweet children.

Sadness and heartache

2008-06-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

I am asking for all of you to pray for my brother Philip and his wife Tabitha once again. They just found out this past Saturday that the birth mother of baby Judah wants to keep him. This as you can imagine has caused heart ache and pain but they are seeking the Lord through this trial.
They would have an easier time with this if they knew that the baby was going to a loving home. The birth mother has other children who have disabilities and she has not cared for them properly. There are so many situations surrounding this poor sweet baby boy staying with his birth mother and this is frustrating to my brother as you could imagine.
I am encouraged by my brothers love of the Lord and his humility. What an example you are to me to keep my eyes and heart on the Lord not in my own sinful ways. For you see the Lords will in your life although you may not like it you trust in his plan for you and Tabitha.
Please pray that the Lord touches the birth mothers heart and opens her up to change her life to serve the Lord and care for her children properly.

Pray for my new nephew Baby Judah

2008-06-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to annouce the delivery of my brothers little boy Judah born yesterday evening. Judah was born a little early so, his little lungs are not fully developed and he has been sent over to a childrens hospital in TN so they may better serve him.
Please pray for Judah that his lungs will develop quickly and for a full healing. Also, please keep my brother Philip and his wife Tabitha in your prayers. To have a boy has been their hearts desire for over 15 years. This is their first adoption and as many of you reading this who have gone through the adoption process know this is hard.
Please pray that the hospital will find favor in allowing them the ability to spend time with Judah and for this process to go smoothly.
We all know that Judah is a gift from God and that Jesus has a plan for this sweet boy. May my brother and his family find peace and strength through all of this.

3 angels

2008-06-07T03:41:00.000-07:00

EOG's

2008-05-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

Every evening I set out our childrens uniforms for school on the foot of their bed. This way when they wake up it is easier on them. This morning we were on our way to school and Landen was sitting beside of me. I looked over to answer a question for him and noticed that he was wearing his shorts from yesterday. I asked him "Landen why are you wearing those dirty shorts?" he replied
"Mom, they are my lucky EOG shorts. I have worn them all week and they have helped me on my tests"
I love my big guy.

Here she is!!!

2008-05-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

Thank you Jesus for blessing us far beyond what we deserve.

Welcome to our beautiful new home. On the way to our house after closing Lilly asked me "Mommy where are we going? I replied, Lilly where are we going? Home Mommy."

We had a camp out for the first time last night on the floor in all of our new rooms. I LOVE that our children have their own bedrooms once again.

We still need to order our shutters for the front of the house which will be the same color as the front door.

I will post new pics soon of the paint job on the interior it is looking awesome.

This new house

2008-04-04T15:20:00.001-07:00

Well to our surprise we will be closing on our new house way sooner than what we had anticipated. Our original date was June 6th and now it is April 30th. We plan to live here at our rental until the middle of next month giving us a couple of weeks to get the new house painted and prepared for the move.

We met with the landscaper yesterday. We have chosen to have a full yard of sod which is so lovely and plush. I would post a picture of the completed exterior but that will have to wait until closing.

They have all of our cabinets, hardware, lights, etc. put in. Now they are just working on the finishing touches. The carpet will go in at the beginning of next week, the landscaping will be done next Tuesday and then WOW we will be just about done. This has been a wonderful blessing for Brian and I as many of you know what we went through with our old house and all of the repair. To know that when we move in there will only be fun things to take care of. Well, painting is not exactly fun but it is better than tearing down walls and gutting bathrooms.

I will take some pictures this weekend of the inside and I will post them for your enjoyment. OK for my enjoyment because I just love looking at all of my new toys in our new house. We are planning on having a house warming party for you all to come and celebrate with us.

We found out last weekend that a couple we used to go to church with their son and his family live right beside of us and have 3 children as well. They are super sweet and looking forward to us moving in. Their little boy is Lilly's age and also in kindergarten the other two children are a little older than our boys. We met our other neighbors and they are very pleasant as well. We already have a babysitter signed up who loves a couple of houses down from ours. God has been so good to us. Thank you Jesus!

Now that the paint has been decided upon I do need some help finding so really cool wall paper. We are wall papering the bathrooms but the only place that I have been able to locate it has been Lowes. If you know of some places here in Charlotte please share them with me.

Who is God?

2008-03-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my question was "God where are you?" Then I was reminded who God really is and what he means to me.

I have been so blessed in the past 24 hours since my break in. I had an interview yesterday with the company I have been praying about for the door to open. Then early this morning I received the phone call that they wanted a 2nd interview today at 2:30. The interview went wonderfully and I really feel the Lord working in this. It is everything that I have prayed about and that I have desired in a career.

Please continue to pray for me. I will find out tomorrow mid afternoon if the position is mine. I do have a peace of mind and know that the Lord is with me. I will post an update tomorrow evening.

Please read "Who is God?" below and apply this to your life as I will mine.

Who is God?

EL SHADDAI: God Almighty or "God All Sufficient."

ADONAI: "Master'' or "Lord" JEHOVAH: LORD in our English Bibles (all capitals).

Yahweh, YHWH is the covenant name of God. "The Self-Existent One," "I AM WHO I AM" or 'I WILL BE WHO I WILL BE" as revealed to Moses at the burning bush, Ex.3.

JEHOVAH-JIREH: "The Lord will Provide." Gen. 22:14. God always provides, adequate when the times come.

JEHOVAH-ROPHE: "The Lord Who Heals" Ex. 15:22-26. God heals body, soul and spirit; all levels of man's being. (Jer. 3:22, 30:17)

JEHOVAH-NISSI: "The Lord Our Banner." Ex. 17:15. God on the battlefield JEHOVAH-M'KADDESH: "The Lord Who Sanctifies" "To make whole, set apart for holiness." Lev. 20:8.

JEHOVAH-SHALOM: "The Lord Our Peace". Judges 6:24

JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU "The Lord Our Righteousness" Jer. 23:5, 6, 33:16. JEHOVAH-ROHI: "The Lord Our Shepherd" Psa. 23,

JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH: "The Lord is There" (Ezek. 48:35).

JEHOVAH-SABAOTH: "The Lord of Hosts" The commander of the angelic host and the armies of God. Isa. 1:24; Psa. 46:7, 11

2008-03-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

Here is another peak at our new house. We have windows WOW! It is so fun to go by it and see all of the new things. I absolutely love every step of this project (except for the mistakes made by the builder that I have since corrected with my yankee attitude).

Brian still goes by our house daily to check in and I frequent it a couple of times a week. It is amazing to watch all of these things come in place in making a home. The subflooring, pipes, wiring, and now added insulation, architectural shingles, and windows. It is the small things that are making me happy right now. We should be getting our vinyl this week Lord willing if the weather permits.

Looking at this picture the office is the room down stairs where the windows are then you have the kitchen behind it with the living room in the back of the house. Then upstairs with the double windows is Landens room, and our room is where the other windows are beside of Landen. The fun shaped window is in my closet. On the back side will be Gabriel and Lilly's rooms.

We will continue to update you on the progress.

"My 3 sweeties"

2008-03-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

My big guy Landen

Can you see him behind this huge ice cream cone?
Tailgating at Bruesters ice cream in their pj's
I love this picture because it shows Landens personality. He is super picky about everything even his oreo ice cream and this is just part of what makes him so special to us.
Landen, Gabriel and Lilly enjoying their ice cream in their pj's.
This past Saturday was "National Pajama Day" and boy did the children have fun with this. Gabriel and Lilly wore their pj's all day even to Landen's basketball game. Now Landen being all grown up would not be caught in his pj's outside so, he wore his sweat pants and t-shirt for his make shift pj's. I can not believe how big my Landen boy is getting I remember the day when I had to fight him to get out of his super man pj's.

Bruesters gave out free waffle cones on Saturday to all who who came wearing their pajama's. You bet my little ones were all into getting ice cream. We were all surprised by the size of these cones they were huge! Our children are already looking forward to next years pj day.
So, what did you do for National Pajama Day???

Our Birthday girl turned 6

2008-03-01T14:34:00.000-08:00

Lilly had a blast at her Hannah Montana sleep over party. We started the evening at 7pm with her security gard-bouncer Jacob standing at the door welcoming her guests. We made home made pizza, popcorn, got make overs with hair and make up, played dress up and the most fun was the dancing.

Landen was our DJ he the music was so loud that the house was just about shaking. The girls loved it though and man can they dance to the frog song and they learned how to do the cha cha.

The girls all slept in the living room watching the Hannah Montana movie. It was so much fun just playing around with our sweet princess. All of Lilly*s friends left the party asking their Mommy's if they could have sleepover parties too. My suggestion to that would be take some asprin first!

Saturday evening Lilly was invited over to her friend Joslyn's for a sleepover and they celebrated Lilly's birthday with cupcakes. Then Sunday my friend Sara, her little boy Jacob, Lilly and I went to build a bear so they could build their animals (his gift to Lilly for her birthday) then we went to Mc Donalds for happy meals.

Happy Birthday Princess!

"Friendship"

2008-02-29T13:53:00.000-08:00

You're...My Friend,

my companion,through good times and bad

my friend, my buddy,through happy and sad,

beside me you stand,beside me you walk,

you're there to listen,you're there to talk,

with happiness, with smiles,with pain and tears,

I know you'll be there, throughout the years!

I want to honor my dear friend Sara who is also my sweet neighbor. She lives across the road from me and has a cute little son Jacob of whom I have writtten about previously on here. But, today I would like to honor Sara for her openess and loyalty as a friend.

Our friendship started out really slowly. She was the lady who lived across the street who was quiet and a house body. I was the inquiring neighbor who knocked on her door and introduced myself. Through the months we have spoken more and waved from across the street. I have found that Sara is not really quiet after all =)

Three weeks ago right before my surgery when I was really scared she shared with me that she too had been through the same thing. What a comfort she was. Then the day after my surgery I was stuck in the recliner (literally) and I called her on the phone for help she was over in less than a minute to help me up. She continued to come over daily to help me up, to make my meals, talk with me, she even brought me a bunch of chick flicks to watch. What a blessing she was.

During this week of recovery I realized what a true friend she was. We have since spent every day together talking, cleaning, grocery shopping, counseling each other, and scolding each other lovingly.

Sara, Thank you for being such a wonderful friend.

A sneak peek of our beautiful home

2008-02-20T18:55:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick sneak peek of our beautiful home. I will be posting pics periodically for you to share in this experience with us. I can not wait to sit on my front porch and share a cup of ice water with my dear friends. Thank you Lindsay and Jeremy for your advice yesterday!

President's Day = Dentist Day

2008-02-20T18:40:00.000-08:00

That is right for the Wagener children President's day became Dentist Day. We spent 4 hours at the dentist but oh the fun we had. We found an awesome new dentist here in Charlotte and they are great with children. Landen and Gabriel had thier routine cleaning and it was Lilly's first time at the dentist.

The receptionist let the children sit at the real check in desk with their own clip boards. They were able to draw pictures and she took their pictures on her computer and played with them. Landen has braces so he is a pro now with the dentist since he goes once a month. Lilly was invited back to watch Gabriel's check up so she would not be scared. The dental hygenist let Gabriel play with the sucker thing which he thought was so cool. Then it was time for Lilly to sit in the special seat. The dental hygenist let her have a pair of rubber gloves and glasses just like what she wears to clean your teeth. Lilly thought she was so special. Then she got to play with the sucker and she rode up and down in the chair.

We are happy to report that there are no cavities!!! If you are looking for an awesome dentist office for your whole family let me know.

How did you spend your President's day?

Sweet Valentine

2008-02-15T21:23:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love celebrating Valentine's day.

This year we decided to celebrate Valentine's day as a family. Brian and I had flowers delivered to each child at school and then later that evening I made a special dinner for the whole family along with Valentine cupcakes with heart sprinkles. We all ate by candle light and then I surprised everyone with their own box of chocolates. Every year we give each child their own box of chocolates and a special treat for Daddy and Mommy. Brian surprised Lilly and I with lily flowers our favorite!

This year Jacob who lives across the street from us who is also in kindergarten asked if Lilly could be his "Valentime". Then after approval of her being his best friend (Valentine) he surprised Lilly with a dozen little pink roses and a goody bag. They are the best of friends and play so well together. Daddy asked Lilly "who is your Valentine" and Daddy still ranks at the top of the list.

This was such a special day for all of us I do hope that you will share with me how you celebrated Valentine's day.

We are sheep?

2008-02-13T06:24:00.000-08:00

Last night I was hanging out with some ladies from church and we were discussing the bible. One of the elder ladies had pointed out that we are like sheep. Sheep? Of course I have heard this numerous times but it hasn't been explained in I guess simple terms for me to really grasp the whole picture.

If we are surrounded with other believers in the herd, as sheep are in the field, wouldn't it be harder for the devil to distract us?

This morning I decided to look up pictures of sheep on the web check out these pics. If we followed what the scriptures say and realized that we are Gods flock and if we surrounded ourselves with other Godly women wouldn't it be harder for the devil to tempt us ladies? Look at this picture of a flock of sheep now if we think of how a farm works the sheep that go astray get eaten. Just like us as believers if we go away from the flock of believers and go on our own what will happen to us? The very same thing we will be eaten up by Satan and he knows that we are weak on our own.

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Gen 100:3

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6

Family fun

2008-02-09T15:08:00.001-08:00

Today is our family fun day and it has been swell.

This has been the first day of me not sitting in the recliner all day. I have been spending my mornings sleeping in the recliner and then my sweet neighbor Sara has been coming over to check on me and serve me lunch. We then watch a chick flick and then it is time for nurse Sara to go get her little guy Jacob and my Dr Landen to come home to then care for Mommy. Dr.Landen has learned how to clean the kitchen, load the dish washer correctly and cook a frozen lasagna.

In the evenings I have spent my time on the sofa while Brian makes dinner, completes homework assignments with the little ones and gets everyone in the tub and ready for bed. Lilly has enjoyed being Daddy's bed buddy.

Today I decided to only take my pain med's as needed which has made it easier on my nasea and I have been able to walk around more with the children. We went to Landens basketball game and then to see the concrete slab for our new house. The children love playing in our new back yard and we all can not wait for the next 17 weeks to fly by.

I am getting the itch to start packing and sorting through the things that will be going in the moving sale. As soon as I am back to normal I will be calling Harris Teeter for their boxes and start the process. The last time we moved I almost halved our belongings I wonder how well I will do this time??? This will be the best spring cleaning job ever because this is our last move!

If any of you have any ideas on paint colors I am still in need of advice. Our main colors are pottery barn red (our sofa), 70's green if you have seen my living room wall in my post from Thanksgiving. I really like black and white zebra print as well. Help me ladies!!!

May the Lord bless your family this weekend!

NY Rocks

2008-02-04T06:12:00.000-08:00

Let me start with NY Rocks as you could see by the Super Bowl we won YEAH!!!
I am not even a real NY Giants fan but when you are from NY and they are playing in the Super Bowl you have to root for your home team.
Let me give you a brief on our weekend since I left many of you in limbo last week.
Friday, I had my appointment with the surgeon and he explained in full detail what was going on with my gall bladder and how the surgery would take place. Then I was sent over for some more blood work to ensure that they wouldn't have to do an additional surgery procedure on all of my ducts. My blood work came back Friday evening and my scores have come down a little so, they feel confident in going ahead with the original procedure.
I will be going in tomorrow morning at 10:30 and the surgery should start at 12:30. They are going to do it laproscopically which I am happy about only a couple of holes and out through the belly button. I am hoping that I will loose some weight along with this lovely gall bladder. Please pray that there are no loose gall stones floating around in the ducts as this could cause serious issues. Brian and I are confident in the surgeon and feel at peace with the surgery. I have been in a lot of pain this weekend throughout my shoulders and back. I will be happy to have relief after my surgery tomorrow.
I will be out of commission for a week after my surgery. Thankfully our little ones are in afterschool care right now so I will be able to rest throughout the day. Brian will be picking them up on his way home from work and we stocked up on freezer meals so, I do not have to worry with dinner. Lunch will be my plain fat free diet of yogurt, salad, and oh I get to eat sherbet which I love and right now that is heaven!!! If any of you have any ideas on fat free, acid free meals please share your info. Please keep Brian in your prayers as we have no family close by to help us he will be having to run the show by himself this week.
Onto better things...
Saturday morning we went to the library which the children love and we found some fun books to read. We went by our house to take pictures of our footings that have been poured. The children had fun running around and playing in our soon to be back yard. Landen had his basketball game at 1pm where he did an exceptional job on defense. We were so proud of him "way to go Landen". We finished off our Saturday with a big surprise for the children the circus. What a fun time we all had watching all of the talent these individuals have. Gabriel kept asking me when he could join the circus. He saw these young gymnasts who were from Japan make pyramids with their bodies. He feels like he could do that as well and wants to sign up for the circus. Gabriel is our family clown.
Sunday Landen, Gabriel and Lilly were all invited over to a friends house to play for the afternoon. Brian and I went to the grocery store and then just hung out at the house and watched a movie together. Last night we finished our weekend off with the Super Bowl.
The Lord has been so good to us to bless us with another fun filled weekend! I will try and post pictures from our weekend soon sorry for the lack of pictures lately.

Jesus Bring the rain!!!

2008-02-01T06:11:00.000-08:00

I can count a million times People asking me how I Can praise You with all that I've gone through. The question just amazes me. Can circumstances possibly Change who I forever am in You? Maybe since my life was changed Long before these rainy days It's never really ever crossed my mind. To turn my back on you, oh Lord My only shelter from the storm. But instead I draw closer through these times. So I pray Bring me joy, Bring me peace, Bring the chance to be free Bring me anything that brings You glory. And I know there'll be days When this life brings me pain But if that's what it takes to praise You Jesus, bring the rain. I am yours regardless of the clouds that may loom above because you are much greater than my pain you who made a way for me suffering your destiny so tell me whats a little rain. (Mercy Me "Bring the Rain)

Yesterday while at work I received a call from my frantic Dr. some of my blood work scores had been called in from the hospital lab and they had more than doubled in two days. As I have already shared with you the norm for the gall bladder is 0-40 and to come to find out that is the same score for a liver as well. On Monday my liver was at 300 + and my gall bladder was at 426. Wednesday's scores were 786 for my liver and 892 for my gall bladder.

The Dr could not believe that I wasn't in more pain and really could not believe that I was at work. My doctor does not know who the real healer is does he? I will be going to the surgeon this afternoon at 4pm. They had an appointment for me yesterday but by the time I received the message it was too late for me to go. They should also have all of my test results this morning which I am excited to hear.

Last night we rented Daddy Day Camp and we just cuddled up on the sofa and had some family time. I really enjoy spending time with our little ones especially cuddled up on our sofa. They are all so hugable and lovable.

Last night my back was hurting more and my chest was a little tight almost like a slight contraction. After the movie we all went to bed and I was able to sleep soundly. This morning I woke up to the comforting sound of rain. I love the smell and sound of a steady rain. So, I just layed there, closed my eyes and sang to myself Jesus bring the rain.

I am having more back pain and my chest is a lot tighter but as long as I stay relaxed it is bearable. I am looking forward to this weekend of family fun. One of my co-workers has blessed us tremendously by gaining tickets for our whole family to go and see the Barnum and Bailey circus tomorrow evening. This is a surprise for our little sweeties and I just know that they will be exstatic!

His Mercy and Grace

2008-01-31T06:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to the doctor for my check up and blood work. The doctor was really able to break my blood scores down for me. I thought when the DR at the ER said my scores were high that they would be ok maybe 50 points higher than the norm. Well, a normal to high gallbladder score should be 0-40 mine is 426 I guess that sums up what high really means to the ER.
They ran a series of blood panels on me and are testing for everything on my liver. Their hope right now is that the scores on my liver are high due to my gallbladder. The hope for that is after the gallbladder is removed my liver may be able to heal itself. They are also referring me to a surgeon who will be able to do my surgery promptly.
When they had me go to the lab for my blood work there was an eldery lady who was walking with a walker sitting right beside of me waiting for her blood work. I pondered the idea what will I be like by the time I am her age will I live that long? and if I live that long how many parts will I have lost by then. I feel like Mrs. Potato head (you know that all Mr and Mrs Potato Heads loose their parts pretty quickly) I have lost my tonsils, all female organs, now my gallbladder all in 3 years. Hey at least I have all of the other parts YEAH!
You see as a young child I was very sick for a long time. I had a severe case of scarlet fever and the doctors warned my parents that I may have issues when I was older due to that. My immune system ever since has been very weak but I have done well. I was talking to my brother the other day on the phone and I finally gave in and said "You know I was sick all the time as a child I can not believe that I am going through this again as an adult". I was all into the pitty me deal and honestly angry after all I have been through why me Lord?
Well, I decided after that I was going to quit complaining and look to the Lord for my strength as I stated in my last blog. Tuesday one of my co-workers shared a great verse with me that really helped me to focus on my relationship with the Lord. Yesterday as I was saying I was sitting in the lab waiting for my lab work and the nurse was looking over my file. The little elderly lady started joking around with me and then it was time for her to leave. The nurse put my file down and came over to me she explained that she hadn't seen many files like mine with so many health issues at such a young age and she explained that the Lord had a purpose for what I was going through. I let her know that the verse I was standing on was "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops".
Then she about blew me away with what came next... She said "dear the Lord has had his hand on you since birth and he is using you as his testimony to all around you". You have the strength of his army behind you and inside of you. I forgot that she was drawing several vials of blood all I could think of was how selfish and unthankful I had been.
You know to everything over the past several years now I have been able to use my struggles as a testimony. With my issues with fertility and being told that I may not ever have children and I have 3 beautiful babies. My baby girl my hearts desire since being a child I almost lost her to a nickel lodged in her throat 4 years ago and the Lord saved her little life, 3 years ago I almost lost my marriage and our marriage has been healed and we are now able to currently minister to our neighbor who is going through a seperation, 2 1/2 years ago possible cancer in my tonsils and when they took them out and tested them they were just abnormally large but no cancer present, 1 year ago my scare of cancer and my hysterectomy the Lord showed me how it was caught just one stage away from full blown cancer. Now this year my gallbladder and liver I know that this too will be a testimony to someone some how but it may just be a testimony to myself.
I know that my weakness is that I am a control freak and a very strong willed woman. But, I am finally ready to be the clay and let the Lord be the potter. I am ready for him to mold me and make me into his piece of work because by my own will I am falling apart. With out the Lord I am nothing but a lost sinner trying to make it in this world so full of sin. When you live in this world as part of this world it will tear you apart little by little and no matter what you do by your own will you will eventually drown.
But I have learned that if I take a hold of his garment he will drag me up out of this lake I am drowning in and he will put me back up on his potters wheel and he will make me beautiful in his image as I was menat to be.
His mercy and grace is new to me this morning!

We are expecting!

2008-01-29T10:03:00.000-08:00

I am expecting a lot of health issues =(
I went into work yesterday as usual and carried on my daily routine. Then all of a sudden around 3pm I had severe chest pains. I had to call my manager over to my desk and then I blacked out and all I remember next is the paramedic saying we can't read her pulse. I was breathing very light quick breaths that were very hard to take in. I remember them asking me some questions and I tried to answer them. I was very cold, gray in color and praying under my breath. I could not move all I could do was lay there on my work floor beside my desk.
At this time I was really struggeling within myself I remember praying the sinners prayer and for God to take care of my family and loved ones. I remember thinking to myself "Do I really want to fight to breath anymore" "Of course I do" but the pain was so unbearable.
They were finally able to get a pulse on me and rolled me out to the ambulance. There they had issues with trying to get an IV started on me because of my tiny veins. After the second try they got the IV in and we were on our way. They took me to CMC uptown since it is closest to my work. There they ran a series of EKG's, Cat scan, blood work etc. Then just after Brian had to leave to get our little ones from school the Dr came in to let me know that my heart looked great but he really thought that I had a blood clot in my lungs. WHAT LORD??? Why me you see this time exactly a year ago I was battling possible ovarian cancer and the fear of that.
Now I was of course thinking the worst and I just kept praying "Lord calm my weak spirit please Lord give me strength you knew me before I was born Lord you know my beginning and my end. Lord I don't want this to be my end please just ease my uneasy mind". I was so scared at this moment that I was shaking with cold chills all over my body.
Then the Dr came back and explained that he wanted to draw more blood work and send me for x-rays of my lungs. So, they drew several vials of blood and off we went to x-ray. That was not a fun experience either since I was still having pain in my chest but also my lower back and shoulders. After the x-rays I was brought back to my room to lay down and wait for the results.
I was pleased to hear that they did not find a blood clot but my blood work did come back with a lot of specualtion. So, this time we were off to ultra sound. This was a pretty lengthy ultrasound of all of my organs from different positions. The technician was very pleasant and talkative which made my time there much calmer.
Then I was back in my room to wait once more. Now Brian was still not back yet as we live a little distance from the hospital and he was trying to get help to watch the children so he could come back to be with me. I really enjoyed the feeling of needing my husband his strength his love. The song "he will give and he will take with my heart I choose to say blessed be the name of the Lord" just kept flowing through my mind. My spirit started to calm down and I closed my eyes and just thought of all of my blessings that the Lord has given me. I have a loving husband, three great children, family and friends, a new home I am blessed beyond measure.
Then Brian walked in the door what a sense of relief he always sees the positive when it comes to my health. We waited for the Dr. soon after the doctor came in and announced to us that I did not have a blood clot in my lungs YEAH! but, I do have a Gallbladder packed full of gallstones and I need to have surgery to have my Gallbladder removed as soon as possible. Also, my blood work for my liver showed abnormalities and it will require further testing. Now until the surgery takes place there is a chance that I will go through this pain again and I may need to have an emergency surgery done if my Gallbladder ruptures.
Tomorrow I have a Dr. appointment with our regular office for more blood work and to receive a referral to a surgeon. I would like to see if there is a natural route to take for these gallstones to go away I will be asking tomorrow. Today I am feeling better although right now I am having a lot of pain in my back and moderate pain that comes and goes in my upper abdomin. I will be on a no fat, low preferably no acid diet to help with the pain caused my these gallstones.
Please keep me in your prayers as I will be needing a lot of strength to make it through this trial. One of my co-workers sent me an email this morning "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops. How true this is I have been saying all day that there is pain in the offering. God has used my marriage and my health to show me his loving mercies do shine through it all andin the end I will say Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Weekend family fun

2008-01-27T14:13:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went by our land to see our building permit YEAH! This has been such a fun experience for all of us. We all feel so blessed to be able to build our home exactly the way we want it. They have the ground staked out and should be pouring the concrete slab this week.

If you read my blog about Gabriel being so full of energy here is the proof. Here is the outlet that he sparked magnetically.
Yesterday Lilly had a sleep over with one of her best friends Morgan. These two girls are so fun and have such a passion for learning right now. They spent hours yesterday playing school until they were tuckered out. Check out Lilly's legs across Morgan good thing she is a sound sleeper.

Landen with our neighbor Jacob.

Landen had his first basketball game yesterday where he earned the most valuable player star. He did such an awesome job and we are so proud of him. Good job Landen!

Brian and I invited our neighbors to come over for a time of fellowship. While the adults played RISK until 1:30am our boys and their little guy Jacob played Star Wars. Of course this was a special occasion for these three boys to be able to stay up so late so they were extra good to ensure they didn't have to go to bed. Of course all of the children were up bright eyed and bushy tailed at 7am this morning =0

I hope you had just as much fun with your family this weekend.

The New Footprints

2008-01-23T10:53:00.001-08:00

Now imagine you and the Lord Jesus are walking along a beach together.

For much of the way the Lord's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying in pace. But your footprints are in a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns. For much of the way it seems to go like this. But gradually, your footprints come in line with the Lord, soon paralleling His consistently. You and Jesus are walking as true friends.
This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens; yours that once etched the sand next to the Master's are now walking precisely in His steps. Inside His large footprints is the smaller "sand print," safely enclosed. You and Jesus are becoming one; this goes on for many miles. But gradually you notice another change. The footprint inside the larger footprints seems to grow larger. Eventually it disappears altogether. There is only one set of footprints. They have become one; again this goes on for a long time.
But then something awful happens! The second set of footprints is back. This time it seems even worse than before. Zigzags all over the place. Stop...stop. Deep gashes in the sand. A veritable mess of prints. You're amazed and shocked! But this is the end of your dream.
Now you ask "Lord, I understand the first scene with the zigzags, fits, starts, and so on. I was a Christian, just learning. But you walked on through the storm."
"This is correct," replied the Lord.
"Then, when the smaller footprints grew and eventually filled in with yours. I suppose that I was actually growing so much that I was becoming more Like You in every way?"
"But this is my question, Lord. Was there a regression or something? The footprints went back to two, and this time it was worse than the first?"
The Lord smiles, then laughs. "You don't know?" He says. "That was when we danced!"

For he will turn your mourning into dancing!!!

Gabriel is full of Energy

2008-01-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

Our little guy Gabriel is always so full of energy always singing and laughing. Yesterday evening after family devotions Brian had the children show me some magic tricks with their magnets. Now these magnets are a pretty good size so you can do all kinds of cool things with them.
This morning Gabriel was in his room playing while Landen, Lilly and I were watching a movie in the living room. When all of a sudden there is a pop sound and off goes the t.v. Now I am thinking that is strange and Landen looks over the t.v. to make sure it is alright when a sweet little voice calls out of the boys room
"Mommy there is smoke and sparks in here and my light won't turn on".
Hmmm...
I went to check it out and sure enough there is black smoke all over the outlet cover. Then Gabriel explains to me his little magic trick for today. He held one of his metal chains and on the end of it he had his magnet and then he was swinging it by the electrical outlet to see if it would stick magnetically. Which he said it stuck and then sparks flew.
Praise the Lord he was not hurt nor were there any damages to the house. We just need a new outlet cover.
I shall post a picture when I get home this evening of our little energetic boy and his magical smokin' outlet cover.

Great Moms point their children to Christ

2008-01-21T06:07:00.000-08:00

How many of us have accepted that we were created to worship God?
If we say that we accept this then why don't we accept that everything that happens in our life whether it be good or bad is a spiritual issue?
I just finished reading a great example of Christs love that we should share with our children while training them daily.
Our children need to know that we are on their side. We are not here to rob them of joy, but to point them to the giver of joy. Be cheerful with your children in all situations, whether at play or during times of training and instruction. We are here to encourgae them in wisdom and to lead them to freedom in Christ. We are here to poit them to the redemption and hope of Jesus. It's not about climbing on a religious soapbox when our children have done wrong. It's about teaching them that all of life, the choices we make, the paths we take, are all about our relationship with Christ. Everything is a spiritual issue. We were created to worship God. Our main purpose in life is to glorify God in everything. Therefore, all that we do is either glorifying him or not. This is the mindset we want to instill.
This was taken from the book Heaven at Home by Ginger Plowman (If you haven't read it you need to)
This is our main mission as parents that well most of us know but don't always apply to our daily life. Then we struggle with sin issues in our little ones. I know for myself I have had some really good opportunities to share Christ with my children and to ask them questions that would stir up a great conversation but I have been selfish and quenched the moment.
Yesterday, I had the chance to have some one on one time with Gabriel. I needed to make a quick trip to Target it was just the two of us and Gabriel talked the whole way there. Then he continued talking through the store well, I could not think about what I needed so I looked at Gabriel and asked him lovingly "can you please be quiet I can not think?" He just looked at me and well... continued talking. Then I took my jacket off placed it in the cart and asked him if he would like to rest his head and take a nap? (He was sitting in the cart) He said "no" but was quiet for a little while.
On the way home he talked the whole way and with everything he ends with a "right?" Which after a while drives me crazy and I just start saying Gabriel is your name right? that is a tree right? we live in a house right? When we pulled into our drive way he asked me "Mom do you know why I talk so much? It is because I have so much to share with you"
WOW... I was speachless because he took the opportunity that we had to share things with me. I as the parent should have taken this opportunity to share the love of our Lord with him. How many times with our busy lifestyles do we forget the most important things that matter. I do not get many opportunities with my little guy one on one to just talk to him to get to know him. I know to some this may sound silly to get to know my own child. Yes we need to continuously ask our children questions to find out their perspective on things and not just closed ended questions.
This week I plan to really start stirring some meaningful conversations with our children. This will be a family conversation because this way not only will I get to know more about them they will get to know more about us. A couple of great conversation starters that I read in the book Heaven at Home that I plan to ask our children are
What do you think heaven looks like?
If you were going to be spend one year on a desert island and could only take three things, what would would they be?
What's the hardest part about being ------ (Child's name)
Who do you see as the most Christ-like among everyone you know?
Try some of thes questions with your children this week.

Our Land

2008-01-16T18:47:00.000-08:00

Here is the picture of our lovely piece of land where our new home will be built. Brian and I are so excited we took another trip out there this past Sunday just to walk around. Lilly and Gabriel were with us and they played on the playground where they met two of our neighbor girls.

The builders will start breaking ground on our property next month. I will continue to keep you up to date with each new phase.

The Mint Museum

2008-01-16T18:40:00.001-08:00

This past Saturday was another family fun day. We took the children to the Mint Museum for their children's art day. The children were able to create their own piece of art out of trash. The second Saturday of every month they host this for the kiddos. Boy this was a lot of fun our little ones enjoyed grabbing up their trash from the big table and making their own pieces of art. As you can see they came out very unique!

They are now being displayed on our mantel in our living room for all of our company to see.

ImaginOn

2008-01-16T18:29:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago we took the children to ImaginOn for the first time. This is such a cool place to take children of all ages and for the most part it is FREE. We were able to celebrate all of the TV news mascots and the Nascar mascot Lug Nut. Our children really enjoyed Lug Nut at the race track so, we knew they would enjoy getting a close up with him.

After partying with the mascots we went to their children's library where Lilly signed up for her first library card. She was so excited to get her own books and CD what a big girly she is. Then we played on the computers and we toured the museum.

Charlotte activities

2008-01-11T11:12:00.000-08:00

Friends if you are in for some fun you should come uptown tomorrow morning with your little ones. Brian and I are always up for some good FREE fun with the children. Tomorrow ImaginOn will be hosting the Charlotte Symphony Guild Musical Petting zoo from 10:30-12:30. Your children will be able to play with their real instruments used in the symphony. There is free parking in the parking deck beside of ImaginOn. Then only 7 minutes from ImaginOn at the Mint Museum they are hosting "Funky Junk" from 10:30-1:30. Your child will be able to create a piece of art out of junk.
Hopefully we will see some of our good friends uptown tomorrow morning/afternoon. I will post pictures of our fun activities this weekend.

We signed the line

2008-01-09T19:32:00.000-08:00

Yes, we have finally signed our contract on our new house to be built. Brian and I are so glad and we are counting down the weeks until we get to go to closing 21 weeks exactly from this Friday. After our last home being our HUGE project home we are excited to have something new.
I have been spending many hours already looking at fabrics for window treatments and paint colors for the walls. I know what style I like very modern with an artsy twist. We are saving our pennys to buy some new furniture since we haven't had anything new in almost 13 years. Our kitchen table is going to be replaced with a fun glass top table that we already picked out at a really fun new furniture shop here in the city. Plus we are going to purchase a couple of chairs for our living room since we only have our Pottery Barn red sofa right now. (We are in need of seating for our company)
So, for all of my friends out there I need your help send me some of your advice on some really fun modern paint colors. I really want something different but classy. I am tired of the khaki, beige walls that you typically see in a new home. This is when I wish that I had Juli's sister who is an interior designer (or something like that).
I will try and post some pics of our land tomorrow so you can at least get a glimpse of our lot. Don't forget to leave your comments on colors!

Christmas blessings

2007-12-30T11:37:00.000-08:00

We were so blessed this Christmas with beautiful weather and family to share the day with. Christmas Eve we took the children to the Bee movie. Then Christmas morning my Mom came over for our traditional Christmas breakfast and to watch the children open their gifts. The rest of the afternoon was spent watching them play outside on their new outside toys. Gabriel received an electric scooter and bike, Landen a bike and a skate board and Lilly a new scooter.
Christmas afternoon we made sugar cookies with homemade frosting YUMMY!!!
Then two days ago more goodies came by mail from Brian's parents and siblings. Now each day this has been the mail that the children have awaited the mystery of what Aunt Sarah and Uncle Richey were going to send to the boys Hmmmmmmm.
Landen received all of the magnetix things that he had picked out in the store. Good job guys reading his mind. He has already put them together and they are so cool.
Gabriel LOVES lego's and Uncle Richey used to be his Lego inspiration so Gabriel was really hoping for some more lego's. Boy was he surprised when he received 3 awesome lego kits WOW! He started immediately creating and did not stop until the wee hours.
Lilly went ecstatic with her charm making kit, purse designing kit and 8,000 beads. Daddy and Lilly made charms immediately and to be honest I don't know who had more fun?
What fun memories we made this Christmas.

Christmas joys

2007-12-17T11:12:00.000-08:00

Lilly played the handbells for the first song and then sang a lovely Christmas carol.

I have been enjoying watching our children embrace all of their Christmas activities with such excitement. It's Jesus birthday don't you know? This has become Lilly's phrase lately for her little classmates.

This past weekend we were so busy with 3 different parties to go to, Lilly was in our church play, and then a surprise trip to McAdenville to see the lights. This week will be filled with even more fun filled events which I will be posting through out this week. But I am glad to see that our children haven't forgotten the real reason behind Christmas.

This morning I was up early to get our little ones off to school and then I had to get the van to the garage for a check up. After that I was on the run to go back to the school to celebrate Christmas around the world with Lilly and lunch with Gabriel and a quick hello to my big guy Landen in his classroom. Then I ran back to the house to wrap up a couple of gifts and over to visit with one of our neighbors who was in need of some cheering up. Now I am back at my home and ready for a nap because after the little ones get home it is home work, dinner and then off to watch Gabriel in his school play. Might I say we are busy at the Wagener house?

Although a nap sounds really great right now I am convicted by it. My sweet husband worked all weekend with no complaint. He worked yesterday morning/afternoon and when he got home the children were jumping on him and he played with them and then yesterday evening he cheerfully surprised the children by taking us to McAdenville. Now he could have come home after working all weekend and taken a nap but he didn't he continued to bless us cheerfully. So, I am now going to bless my husband and clean up the house and work on making him a nice dinner because he deserves to be blessed.

How can you bless your husband today?

Spring is in the air

2007-12-11T06:13:00.001-08:00

The children had so much fun trying to catch crabs here while we were fishing at the pier. Landen caught a fish while the rest of us caught crabs.
Lilly boogie boarding

Yes, it certainly feels like spring is in the air down here in the south. It reached a record high yesterday of 81 which is crazy for December. With temperatures like this it makes me wish that we were at our condo on Ocean Isle. Listening to the ocean waves and watching the children search for sharks teeth and ride the waves. (These pictures were taken this summer I forgot to reset the date when I replaced the batteries.) I can almost smell the ocean on days like this.

This past weekend we spent much of Saturday afternoon picking out the cabinets and flooring for the new house. It is fun doing it this way where someone else does all of the work and you just sit there and point at what you would like done. Our last home my dear hubby had to renovate the WHOLE house and although he likes to be busy I do believe that even he is excited about someone else doing the work well, maybe? Brian's joke to the builders has been I will probably be the first one to get kicked off of the construction site. I admire having a husband who knows what all of the wires and pipes mean in a blue print and where the proper placement should be. I have learned a lot already and we haven't even broken ground yet. I have learned that if you are not on top of your builders you will have your A/C unit right outside your living room window to view every time you look out your window, and what the difference is in your sub flooring on the 2nd floor and why we are upgrading it (Sound and Stability) and why we are using architectural shingles. I certainly am clueless with out my husbands knowledge. I was asked a question already about the structure and I commented "I am just here to pick out the colors".

While having fun picking out the cabinets Lilly let us know that she wasn't feeling so well.

We ended our Saturday afternoon with our Princess getting sick. Lilly was sick all Saturday evening and Sunday morning. This is only her 2nd time geting a tummy bug and she handles it like a trooper. I have been washing everything in the house and sanitizing ever since to make sure that no else gets it. All of our neighbors and friends have had it so I guess it is our turn =(

We need to take some pictures of our property to post so you can see where we are building. Maybe next time.

Christmas time is here

2007-12-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

For the past couple of years the children have decorated our tree which they enjoy immensely. Brian always puts the lights on first and finishes the touch with the star. I handle all of the other decorations through out the house. Landen loves to help us with the exterior lights. Gabriel and Lilly are very picky with the placement of their ornaments. Every year our children get to pick out a new ornament for our tree. This way when they are married and grown they will have their own ornaments to decorate their tree with.
I absolutely love Christmas it is my favorite holiday of the year. It brings back all of my favorite holiday memories as a child. I was born and raised in upstate N.Y. where we have lots of good snow to play in. I remember building igloos out of snow as a young girl and sitting in them with my dog. Building snowmen that were as big as I was that would last for days. Sledding with the wooden sled with metal runners (not the kind we have here in the south made out of plastic).
In my home as a child being raised on a large farm my family was too busy through out the year to really do big parties for our birthdays but boy did my parents make up for it at Christmas. My brothers and I would wake up very early and run downstairs to see a room full of gifts. There would be cool things like a canopy bed put together in the living room, snow mobiles inside the house all sorts of crazy things like that. Don't get me wrong we still celebrated Jesus' birth and knew the real reason to celebrate Christmas but the presents still rocked.
I was talking with my brother the other day on the phone and we were reminiscing over our Christmas' and how much fun they were. We were really blessed not just in receiving gifts but in having our family together. Growing up we had all of our family so close to where we lived. We had our Grandparents on both sides and all of our Aunts, Uncles and cousins. My Grandma Morse would always make a big meal at her home and we would all gather there. I really took this for granted as a child. Up until a few years ago Brian and I were trying to juggle sharing Christmas with my side of the family and his. We would do Christmas Eve with my side and then Christmas afternoon we would celebrate with Brian's side. Now with all of our family spread out from Nevada, Texas, Florida, Tennessee and N.Y. we wont be able to see anyone this year.
Brian and I have discussed making our own family traditions for our children but to be honest sometimes the best family traditions are the ones that our parents pass down to us. The traditions of having the family close and sharing not our gifts but our time together.
I was watching Little House on the Prairie yesterday and the episode was about a little old lady who asked the minister to hold a wake for her. She asked that all of her family members be notified that she had passed away and that her wake would be held on a Wednesday. Well, Wednesday came and all of her family arrived everyone of them from near and far in remembrance of her. One of her sons whom she had not spoken with in years came and he was heart broken. He said to another sibling "you don't realize what you have until it is gone". Other family members were talking about how much they loved her and all of her talents that she portrayed. Then the little old lady came out from the back room dressed in black. It took them all by surprise why she wasn't dead at all. She explained "why will you come all this way when I am dead but you wouldn't while you thought I was alive?"
This hit me at how true this is for so many of us with busy schedules. This Christmas may this be a reminder of how blessed we are to have family and that we should do what ever it takes to spend time with them and to continue to build those memories not just for us but for our children.
My fondest memories of Christmas as a child was having my family together. To hear the laughter and see the smiles of wishes and prayers answered. My brother Scotty and his drum set, my brother Philip and his wife unfolding a large box of crinkled $1 bills. All three of us children acting in our church plays like "Angel on a Ladder". All of our family enjoying a meal prepared by my Grandma and boy her cookies and pies were Awesome! These are the memories that last a life time our family tradition.
This year I am so blessed to have a wonderfully gracious husband and three little angels of my own to share our family traditions with. Jesus has really placed his hand upon us and drawn us closer to him this year. To all of our family and friends may the Lord bless each of you and may his glory shine through you. For our family in N.Y. enjoy all of the snow and we will be seeing you in the summer.
Please share with me your family traditions and your fondest memories as a child.

We have news!

2007-12-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered "Why me Lord" when things just aren't going your way? We have had a lot of things going on over here at our house lately. Many of unspoken things that we have had to work out over the past two years. We have stuck by the book and done everything that we are supposed to. Yet every time we turn around there has been another loop to jump through.
The other day I finally looked at Brian and said "God is testing us to see if we are really going to count on him". I decided that I was going to speak only positive things and claim what I believed the Lord was going to do was for our good. We have done all that we can do and when you do all you can you have to just trust in God to see you through.
We receieved the call that we have been waiting on and Praise the Lord he answered our prayers once again.
Our news is that we are building a beautiful new house in South Carolina. We will begin building after the first of the year. The boys are extremely happy since they will once again have their own room. I am excited because after the past couple of years of living in tight quarters we will have over 2,000 sq ft to spread out in.
It has been a challenge for us since we have high standards of what we want in a home. We have spent many months looking at lots, neighborhoods, floor plans and we finally came to a place where Brian and I agreed upon a home. Brian has already started his list of what he expects from the builders, the boys have their list ready of what they want their room to look like and Lilly just wants there to be lots of pink. I am just thankful that the Lord has seen us through and that our children will have a home to call theirs again.
We will keep you posted on all of the awesome things going on. Please keep us in your prayers as we have never built a home before and I know that this is going to be a fun yet stressful time.

Thanksgiving, am I thankful?

2007-11-28T18:20:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am so thankful I was able to spend Thanksgiving with my brother and his family. They came in late Wednesday evening and we stayed up until almost 2 am talking. Brian had such a serving spirit he spent 12 hours working on the brining process of our turkey, he made all of the veggies and even a homemade pumpkin pie which was all AWESOME! I was able to relax for the day and just enjoy my brother and sis-in-law. Thank you Kathy for teaching your son how to cook!!!
I was wondering how my hubby would deal with another Thanksgiving with out his family who now live in Texas. You see my Mother-in-law is wonderful in the kitchen and she makes the best Thanksgiving spread. I guess if you can't bring your Mom into the kitchen you copy her? I would have to say that this year Brian wins first place for his spread.
Ou afternoon included my neice Becca riding bikes with Landen while Hannah, Gracie and Lilly had fun playing outside with baby dolls and Lilly's 4-wheeler. Gabriel stayed inside and enjoyed playing his game cube with Becca later in the afternoon. After a fun filled day we were all ready for a nap. All of us except the children that is...It was a bit hard saying bye to my bro. but we are praying for the Lord to lead his ministry here.
Friday morning Brian and I were up early for Black Friday as our tradition. It was a bit crazy but the best part of all was just spending some one on one time together. So, I hope to hear from you all on what you did for Thanksgiving and are you thankful?

Poison Ivy & Strep

2007-11-11T06:47:00.000-08:00

Our chilren are country kids who like to play in the woods and with the woods comes Poison Ivy. Gabriel woke up Monday morning with it all over his face and he had to stay home from school since he looked like a little masked man with Calamine. Tuesday morning Lilly woke up with a large scratch of poison ivy down her cheek and since then her whole face is now covered with it.
Gabriel's face after being on Benadryl for a couple of days and Calamine started to dry up. Lilly's face looked even worse and we were starting to worry about MRSA so off to the doctor we go. They took a sample and sent it off for testing and gave us prescriptions for a steroid cream and antibiotic. We just received the results on her tests and hers turned into Strep. I have never heard of strep on the outside of your body like this?
We thought that she was starting to dry up until she woke up yesterday morning with it spread all over her forehead and entering the corner of her eye. I feel so bad for her she looks so pitiful and comes to me frequently "Mommy it wont stop itching please slap it Mommy". She knows she can't itch it and we have taught her that since she in also allergic to mosquitos when she gets a bite instead of her scratching at it and leaving scabs she slaps it. It doesn't sound too good when you are walking through Lowe's foods and your girly is saying slap my face Mommy. She has this little silky blankie that we have had her squeeze when it is itchy which has worked much better than slapping.
We have decided to have Gabriel take the antibiotic just to make sure that it is completely out of his system. We will be calling the Dr. for Lilly again in the morning if it isn't any better especially with it so close to her eye. I will update you in a couple of days on our recovery.
I have come down with a really bad cold and with my allergies acting up it has been a challenge to just breathe. I finally have found a way to sleep it is called Afrin for the nose and 2Tbs of Benadryl.
Brian is off to class this weekend to obtain another licensing for his business. He is seeking out Gods will and it is looking like he may pursue getting his General Contractors license next. I am very pleased with this decision since I see all of the qualities in him for this career. He has so many talents that the Lord has blessed him with and it so nice to see him follow his dream. His current business is picking up with the winter season starting here in the South. He is working on residential and commercial heating sysytems as well as regular property maintenance.
If you know of anyone who needs their heating system looked at or home repairs done remember my hubby. (You know I have to put a plug in here for my sweetie.)A big thank you to our friends who have already used his services.

Wonderful Blessings!

2007-11-06T16:11:00.000-08:00

When we went to Monkey Joes for the birthday party that I posted previously someone stole Lilly's new school shoes from the shoe bin. I was a bit upset over it especially since our finances are a bit tight right now and this meant that I had to buy Lilly another pair of school shoes. Brian surprised me and bought Lilly a really cute pair of shoes this past weekend which Lilly loves and she truly believes that they make her run faster. The blessing in this situation was this afternoon when I received the mail there was an envelope from ZUMA fun center with a $50 gift card I thought this was a solicitation until I saw the receipt attached. Now this is not the same play place but it was a huge blessing now we can have a fun family night out with the children. They LOVE zuma and can ride go carts and play games all evening.
The 2nd Blessing was a gift card from Ruby Tuesday for just the right amount for Brian and I to enjoy a dessert and a soda on date night. I am praying for the Lord to open the door for us to start up a date night co-op with another couple so we can enjoy pursuing a closer relationship with each other.
God is certainly good ALL the time! I wonder what will be in my mail tomorrow?

Final pics from our weekend

2007-10-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

Lilly had a blast at Monkey Joes today another first for us.
She had so much fun climbing on all of their blow up things. What a fun place for a little girl with so much energy. I even was able to slide down the slide with her which was fun.
Happy Birthday Raquel! She is one of Lilly's friends who lives across the street from us. After the party we were asked to come back to their house to enjoy a feast with all of their family and close friends. I love the spanish culture especially when it comes to parties with yummy food.
Monkey Joe made a special appearance and Lilly had to get a hug from the monkey.
We had one more surprise to finish off our weekend a sleep over for Lilly with Ashlyn another friend of Lilly's who lives two doors down from us. Landen has had fun today riding his dirt bike and hanging out with his Daddy again. Gabriel enjoyed church with Grammy and Pappy and then he came home to work on his costume. Now we are all settling down the girls are watching Cinderella, Landen is watching football and Gabriel is playing in his room. Brian is being a super sweet hubby and cleaning the house while I update our Blog. What a fun weekend we have had!

2007-10-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

Lilly's first trip to Build-A-Bear was so exciting she really pondered which bear she would love 4-ever
How exciting Lilly found her song from one of her favorite movies the song "Take me out to the ball game". She chose this song for her bear and has now played it many times with delight.
Happy Birthday Jacob! (He has a liking for my blonde haired girly)
Lilly chose her favorite bear the velvet teddy and her name is... Juli
Juli all dressed up in her velvet jogging suit. (Lilly only kept this outfit on her bear long enough for this pic then she tore the clothes off.) What a fun time we both had at Build-A-Bear choosing the bear and then stuffing and fluffing and naming and dressing. Lilly really loves her bear and has carried it around ever since the party. After Build-A-Bear we headed to Sbarro pizza where we ate pizza and cookie cake to finish off Jacob's party. Gabriel spent the night again at Grammy and Pappy's house to play some more on the farm and to bake banana bread and play with his goats. Landen enjoyed an evening out with Brian finding his costume and having guy time. What a fun filled day.

Pics from our fun weekend

2007-10-28T16:34:00.001-07:00

Landen flying down the jump house slide.
Lilly thought this was "Totally Awesome"
Look at this girly with the big red lips
Lilly is definitely our beauty queen or should I say drama queen?
Landen typically does not like having his picture taken but he did this for me

Our exciting week

2007-10-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

We have been blessed to be able to watch my Moms doggie Mercedez this week and what a blessing it has been. Gabriel and I both have very bad allergies and asthma so we are unable to have a dog in our home. Mercedez is an exception to the rule because she is a Maltese and has regular hair so, we are not allergic to her. The children have all been excited to help take care of her and are sad to see her go home this evening.

Now the real excitement hits this weekend. Lilly has a dinner date at Chick-fil-A with her friend Morgan this evening. Birthday party at Build-A-Bear with pizza party afterwards tomorrow . Sunday she has another birthday party to go to at Monkey Joes. Gabriel gets to spend the night at my Moms house on their small farm where he has his very own goats. One of his goats is expecting so he can't wait to see her big tummy. So, we have the pleasure to have our oldest son Landen all to ourselves for the evening. He prefers to hang out at the house with us still rather than spend the night at someone elses house still.

I will update our blog on Monday with pics from the weekends festivities.

My testimony of Gods timing

2007-10-14T12:10:00.001-07:00

I have enjoyed driving the children to school each morning and on the way there I ask them if they can help me pray about their day. Landen is usually on the quieter side, Gabriel asks for the Lord to help him be in control of himself and to obey the teacher (he's our class clown), Lilly prays Lord help me to have a good day and then I pray the Lords hand of protection over them and for them to have a cheerful spirit. They step out of the van all cheerfully and ready to start the day. The boys walk by Lilly to escort her to class and I just watch them in awe to believe that by the grace of God I have been blessed to have 3 beatuifully healthy children.

I have been reminded here recently of how sometimes we may feel like the grass is greener on the other side but it is only green on the side that the Lord is on.

I remember so many times Brian and I would complain about having children so early on in our marriage and how if we had waited we thought our life would have been so much better financially. We just couldn't understand why we got pregnant so soon we had only been married for three months and doctors had told me for years that I would have a hard time getting pregnant so you can see that our first pregnancy was of great surprise. Then a couple of years later we had Gabriel and a couple more years passed by and we were blessed with Lilly.

At the end of last year I received a phone call from my Gynocologists office saying that my test results came back and they showed cancerous cells. When I received this phone call Lilly was standing before me watching me sew. I remember that horrible feeling inside of me like a brick had fallen on my chest. #1 why were they telling me this over the phone #2 I have to stay happy in front of Lilly. This was the Lords plan for me to find out with my testimony standing before me Lilly.

The Lord brought this to my attention one evening when I had just broken down I couldn't handle believing that I may have cancer. This was something that I could not control that I could not change. Why would the Lord bless me with 3 beautiful children and then let this happen. Wait... that is where the light turned on if Brian and I had waited to have children I would never of had Lilly. If we were in control of our life of planning our children my prayer that I had prayed for since I was a young girl of having a daughter would never of been answered. That explained why I recieved the test results over the phone with Lilly standing before me she would be my testimony of Gods grace.

All of those years of questioning God and thinking that the grass would have been greener on the other side. If only we had waited and had children later but Gods plan was to bless me and not only with three healthy babies but to bless me with my hearts desire. Now when I drop my three little ones off at school and I watch them walking together I am reminded that this is the greatest blessing of all to be a Mommy and the grass is so green on this side that my family walks on the side of the Lord.

To sum the medical side up I had pre-cancerous cells that were at stage 3 stage 4 would have been full blown cancer. The cells had spread throughout all of my female organs and I had to have a major hysterectomy. Now I am healthy and thanking the Lord everyday that I am not in control of my life.

Family time

2007-09-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

This has been a fun filled weekend for us filled with exciting activities. Saturday Brian took Landen out riding in the woods while Lilly and I spent the afternoon playing outside at our neighborhood park. Lilly was excited to see that the fire fighters were playing volleyball so, of course we had to check out their trucks. Then Lilly showed me how she can skimmy across the monkey bars which I still can not do. Check out my little monkey climbing in her favorite tree she reminds me of myself at times like these. We spent the rest of the evening hanging around outside in our culdisac.

Today we went to church, then out to lunch at Just Fresh and over to Lilly's friend Graysons for her birthday party. Grayson is in Lilly's class this year and she had a really fun party at her house where the children were able to ride ponies. It was a lot of fun the boys even decided to join in on the party and enjoyed a ride. I love weekends like this where we are all together enjoying each other it reminds me of how truly blessed I am.

4-wheelin' fun

2007-09-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

The guys decided to make their own video clip 4-wheelin. And how do you make your own video clip? You take 3 great men, 3 4-wheelers and a construction site and you get a really great funniest home video! Brian, his best friend Mike and our neighbor Richey all went out to race, jump through the air and just have fun this past Saturday evening and by the looks of Mike's face I would have to say that they accomplished their goal.

The Sac

2007-09-25T16:01:00.000-07:00

It was so much fun watching all of the children roast there marshmallows
Lilly had fun making her own S'more for the first time
All of the children had fun playing Duck Duck Goose in the dark on the trampoline.

We love to have fun with our neighbors here in the "Sac" as we call it. We live in a culdisac and all of us here in the sac have children around the same ages. We have two awesome babysitters Chelsea and Casey and a Mothers helper Cassidy who live across the street from us who are always ready and willing to watch our little ones which we are so thankful for Thanks girls! We have really enjoyed all of our neighbors which makes living in the sac so great. Here are a couple of pics from one of our evenings hanging out in our neighbors backyard making S'mores.

God is so Good to me!

2007-09-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

I know many of you have wondered what I have been doing now that all of our little ones are back to school. Well, I have been busy watching this Beautiful young man. He is an absolute Angel his name is Christian and he is 19 months old. He keeps me busy with those little hands.

I have been praying though for a job like my old one with the hours of our childrens school schedule. Well, a couple of weeks ago Brian came home excited to let me know that there was a job opening at one of his properties as a Receptionist. The hours are only during our childrens school hours and I will be making wonderful $ and it is only 13 minutes from our house. I inquired on the job and they were quick to hire me after looking over my resume. I start in 2 weeks from Monday and can not wait. To make this job even more exciting all of the ladies I will be working with daily are Christians and my boss places family 1st and then then work. If I need any time off for the children at all she is open to it and another perk is that I get to see my sweetie (Brian) when he comes to our property to fix things. God is Good to Me!!!

Prov.22:6

2007-09-13T07:08:00.000-07:00

This morning my little ones are out of school for a teachers work day. It started off rough but then God's grace took over. Gabriel was outside playing with one of our neighbor boys in our front yard when all of a sudden there comes a loud banging on my door. I open the door to hear the neighbor boy yelling at Gabriel "Shut up, I don't have to share, I can talk how I want to, etc...) Before I could say anything Gabriel asks the young boy "Do you know Jesus? Do you go to church? You need to know Jesus because he wants you to be kind, share and talk right. Mommy, he doesn't know Jesus???" Then he closed the door and they continued to play and talk about Jesus.
I often think I am raising my children the best way I can why aren't they doing what is right and pleasing to the Lord? I have been reading the book "Don't make me count to three" and I have been praying for the Lord to work through me so that I may be a disciple to my children that I may be able to train them in the way that they should go. With our oldest being 11 years old now I am reminded daily that he is turning into a young man and that he needs to know the Lords ways not the ways of a worldy Mom and Dad. We need for him to be a model of God because it is the will of God not because we are afraid of him embarrasing us. How many of us are in a store and our little ones see that awesome toy that they just have to have or for Lilly it is gum and they are making a scene in the store over it. Is our mind frame on I don't want my child to embarass me or is it on teaching them that when we say no it is no and to expect obediance from them. Are we excusing their behavior with their tired or are we following through as the Lord expects us as parents to do? I have been using the scripture lately "Let your no, be no and your yes, be yes". I am more easily manipulated by our children than Brian is and after reading this passage this past week I have been steadfast in the word. Do you know that in just one week with me being steadfast on my no's our children aren't pushing me as much? To think of all of the headaches I could have saved myself from over these past 11 years... If I would have just stuck by the word of God and not let my emotions get caught up in rasing our children.
I came across some information this morning while I was searching on google that convicted me. We don't raise children, we raise chickens. We are to train or disciple our children. For those of us who have seriously committed to train our children, we are beginning to apprehend the promise that they will not depart from it.
I am off to play games with my little ones outside on this gloriuosly cool day that the Lord has blessed us with.

Mimzy

2007-09-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, Mimzy is her name and she is our new family member. We have been blessed with a new baby girly who has to live in our garage because I am very allergic to her. She is still loved very much and is played with all the time. Brian decided to give her a bath this weekend to make sure that she did not have any fleas. Enjoy the pics of our Mimzy girls first bath.

Discovery Place

2007-09-08T13:23:00.000-07:00

This morning we hit the D&D (Dunkin Donuts) and then off Discovery Place. The children had a blast there was something for everyone. Landen liked being able to lift a 4-wheeler, Gabriel loved the Dinosaurs and Lilly didn't want to leave the large water table. We all enjoyed watching the rats play basketball. I tried to get pictures of it but all I could get was a tail they were so fast.

Landen's Big Surprise

2007-09-06T07:30:00.000-07:00

We start them young at our house!

Our labor day was spent on a hunt for fun. We decided to just go look at the children's 4-wheelers since we already have an adult one. This would be something that Brian could do with the boys for daddy time. Well, when we got to the store Landen went first thing over to the dirt bikes. He sat on them with eyes beaming with wonder of what it would be like if he could finally get one. Landen is our natural when it comes to anything with wheels (he takes after his Daddy). When he was 2 he learned how to ride a bike with no training wheels, when he was 5 Brian surprised him with an adult go cart of which of course he fixed the seat so Landen could operate it on his own. This inspired Landen even more to want a dirt bike and race and do tricks all of the things just like his Daddy did when he was young.

Brian and I discussed it and decided upon the dirt bike. When we shared this with Landen all our little man could say was "Thank you, thank you, thank you". When we got home we went out to ride first thing and these are the pics of his first ride. It has 4 speeds reaching up to 45-50 miles per hour. Daddy will only allow 3rd gear for now and Landen is happy with that. Landen let Gabriel ride his dirt bike while Brian ran beside of him. I wish that I had the camera with me let's just say Gabriel is much more like his Mommy we will be looking at something with 4 wheels this Christmas for him.

For now Gabriel and Lilly are enjoying riding on the back of Daddy's 4-wheeler. Life is getting more fun here in the Wagener house every day.

Lilly's First Day of School

2007-08-29T07:19:00.001-07:00

I can hardly believe that our little Princess is off to school already. I had a hard time sleeping last night just thinking about all of her firsts from birth till now. Lilly had no problem sleeping she was ready for her first day of school especially since she excelled in her preschool class. She knows how to count to 90, all of her letters and numbers and how to read some three letter words. She couldn't wait to go to school this morning to meet all of her new friends and to see her Kindergarten class. You know it is funny really how I have this excitement of all of our children finally being in school yet there is that little part of me that longs for my Princess to still be a baby. Lilly was sitting with me last night in her bed and she looked over at me and asked me "Mommy don't you want me to be a big girly? I promise I will still be your Princess and I will miss you lots but I will have lots of fun Mommy" After that I realized I had to get over it and let her be my big girly after all. So, we read her Kindergarten Rocks book and sang our silly bedtime songs and Lilly fell fast asleep.

Wagener Family fun begins...

2007-08-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

Enjoying ice cream after an evening of mini golf.

Lilly's first fishing experience was so much fun. Brian showed her how to cast and she is a natural,Daddy is proud. Lilly loved getting in the sandy muck and still stayed pristine in her white beach dress.

Gabriel and Landen viewing the shark teeth
After a morning of patiently awating a bite Landen caught the only fish
Gabriel asked me to take a picture of his new stance and here he is.

You may have noticed the dates on the pictures disregard that one of our little ones decided to play with our camera and it reset the date which we realized after the fact.

Well to celebrate our summer coming to an end we decided to go on a much needed family vacation to Ocean Isle last week. We spent 7 days at the beach in a wonderful condo where everyone had their own room. The boys had an exciting time collecting not 1 not 2 but... 17 shark teeth while Lilly made her castles in the sand.

Brian and I were able to celebrate our 12th aniversary while we were there by taking our little ones out for a nice dinner overlooking the beach. Looking back at all we have been through over the past couple of years I have to say we are blessed beyond all measure.

We are already looking forward to going back to Ocean Isle next year it definitely beats all of our years going to Myrtle Beach.