Just Something on My Heart

There are so many people in need. There are those we think of when we say someone is in need...a.k.a. the homeless, those without food or clean water or medical attention. But then there are those who look like me, well clothed and fed, with a roof over their heads and maybe even a little extra money in the bank (by the way, that last part is NOT me). These people have "normal" lives. Lives that many of us even envy sometimes. Lives that look exciting and fun and perfect, but really, when you peel back the layers, they are hurting. Not just hurting a little, they are hurting MASSIVELY. They are consumed with fear. They need direction, but they have none.

My heart has been aching for these people today. You know why? Because, in some way I have been there. I have been the one wearing the mask, the one with questions, the one living in fear. I have been the one who has faced financial destruction and terminally ill family and friends. I have been fortunate, too. Actually, I think I should use the word blessed. As I grow older, as I continue to experience life I have come to realize there is not one thing I have or experience that God Himself has not given to me. I haven't faced catastrophe like the people in Haiti or the miners in Chile. But if I just stop and think for a minute what it must be like to be those people, my heart aches for them and their family and longs for relief.

Isn't that how Jesus felt? Didn't the Bible say He was moved by COMPASSION for the sick and hurting? Can I tell you how thankful I am that Jesus, half God and half Man, knows every pain and every joy that I suffer? Jesus KNEW people. He KNEW their troubles and their celebrations because He experienced them, too. But He also had the Power to change things because He was of the Father. That's why I believe, and that's why I pray today for the hurting.

I just need you to know that. If you are hurting today, I am praying for you. I am not Jesus, so I don't have the power to change things for you. But I talk to Jesus all the time, and He does.

First Day of School!

Labor Day came and went, as did the first day of the 2010-2011 school year. Jordan and Jaron were very excited about starting 3rd and 1st grade in Mrs. Gonsiorowski and Mrs. Tunnacliffe's classes. This is the first year Jaron is in school full time........and this is Jordan's last year at Dutch Neck School, she moves on to the intermediate school next year. Here they are with one of Jordan's oldest and dearest friends, Ameera.

In line for the bus.....

I, unfortunately, did not get to partake in the exciting first day festivities. I was at home in bed with strep throat. It hit me Labor Day, I went to the doctor and then spent the next 24 hours miserable in bed. I seriously thought I might die. The body aches, head ache, sore throat and nausea were horrible. Chris was a trooper. He took off work and took over my job, which included getting the kids ready for the first day. It broke my heart that I could not see them off to school. But they had a great day, and that's what counts!!!!!

Finally home! What a big boy :)

Little princess....even though she is a third grader, she still wants my hugs and it thrills my heart!

On This Day in History.........

1788 The Congress of the Confederation authorized the first national election and declared New York City the temporary national capital.

1949 The Ladies Professional Golf Association of America was formed in New York City.

1990 "Law & Order" premiered on NBC.

1998 NBC's "Frasier" won a record fifth consecutive Emmy as TV's best comedy series.

2000 Chase Manhattan agreed to buy J.P. Morgan for more than $35 billion, creating the third largest financial company in the U.S.

AND

1980 CANDACE RENE CLAYTON MCNUTT was born in Lubbock, TX stamping history as the best, smartest, most beautiful and most loving sister, sister-in-law and aunt that this world has ever known!!!!

Candace, we love you SKYFULLS!!!!!!!! Happy Birthday!

It always make me sad when the summer ends. I love the relaxed schedule, no homework, no lunches to pack, flip flops, the pool, the beach, watermelon, hot dogs, everything that summer brings. I always terribly miss the kids during the day when they head back to school, too. Even though they drove me nuts all summer long!!!! So here's a little walk through memory lane, as much for me as it is for you :)

We celebrated THREE birthdays.....

our favorite daughter...

our favorite Granny...
and our favorite son.

We were blessed to have Granny and the McNutts come visit...oh if it could have only lasted longer! I heard that they are planning on staying for TWO weeks next year...I hope so!

We got to see the Statue of Liberty with them,

and Ground Zero.


We got to see ALL of our cousins/niece and nephews. And all of our aunts and uncles/siblings, 2/3 of our grandparents/parents, and even one set of great-grandparents/grandparents! The Peach State will never be the same again ;)

The kids and some friends enjoyed VBS again.

And someone lost his first tooth!

We made new discoveries,

and made lots of s'mores :)

Yum!

Yummy!

We played outside,

and painted some pottery.

And the list goes on. Things we did that I do not have pictures of are spending afternoons by the pool, spending some time at the beach and going to the library. That became one of my favorite outings....the library. Since Chris leaves early on Wednesdays for two shows, we would use that day to visit the library and stop at the Farmer's market. After the kids finished the reading program at our library across the street, we decided to branch out a little and go to the library in the next township. It was great! They had a different selection of books and movies, and Jaron's favorite part was the sea shell display they had for a while. There was a giant clam too, it was HUGE!! After we checked out bags and bags of books and movies, literally, we would go down the street to the Burger King and eat lunch. It was soooooo nice. I love my kids and I love being with them as much as possible.

We hope you all had a wonderful summer too, and that God blesses you this new school year in whatever you have going on in your life. We love you all dearly and hope to see you very, very soon!!!!

I am not bragging........

This photo was taken during the curtain call at the show last Saturday night. The Phantom and Christine had given their last performances. It was an important and emotional show for everyone. Isn't this a great picture?!?!?!?! I just love it!!!!!!!

Jaron's 7th Birthday!!

Jaron turned 7 on Tuesday!!!! I can't believe it! And he is starting 1st grade this Tuesday!! I can't believe it!

Surprise, surprise....he wanted a dinosaur party. Anything for the birthday boy!

We invited some of his kindergarten friends and our neighbors.

We had quite a time with the candles.

The wind kept blowing them out!

Everyone was excited to get a yummy cupcake topped with a dino toy :)

These are some of the kids Jaron rode the bus with.

A party just isn't a party without the Storino gang! Jaron, Emily and Gabriel all wore dinosaur Tshirts in honor of the occasion.

Playing with new toys.....



And we were so glad our friends Zenith, Ameera and Sarah were finally back from Florida to celebrate with us!!

The only thing that could have made Jaron's day any more special than it already was, would have been all of his family here with him. The grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins were greatly missed. We love all of you, and Jaron thanks you all for his wonderful gifts you sent....believe me, he is getting lots of enjoyment out of them!