Atlanta Zoo

Weekend in Atlanta

Congratulations are in order ...

If you see my sweet Chris around town you may want to congratulate him on his recent promotion :-) He is now Vice President of Technical Development at MTH/Information Solutions. Not only is he a dedicated husband and father, but he takes those characteristics to work and always gives 100%. I am thankful to have him as my husband and proud of his hard work and success. Way to go Chris !!!!

Also I have to brag on Olivia as well. Wednesday morning in the hustle of getting ready for school she pulled a tooth that didn't seem to want to let go. I know she was afraid, but she jerked it like a champ. Way to go Olivia !!!

Let's hear it for the Lord; he is the one who orchestrated my life and brought these two precious souls to me !!!! Praise be to Jesus, my Lord and saviour.

"You have granted me life and loving kindness; and Your care has preserved my spirit."
Job 10:12

Have a blessed holiday weekend; be safe in your travels & enjoy time with family. Blessings ...

First Place 4 Health

God is so good; isn't He? I mentioned a few days ago about wanting to lose some weight and to be healthier and the Lord has heard my cry and he has answered my prayer. Our church is offering a class this fall called "First Place". It is a Christ-centered weight-loss and healthy living program. I signed up last night and will begin on Sept. 10th. As I was writing out the check to pay the fee for the class one of the people standing by me mentioned that there would be a weigh in each week ( I quickly stopped writing the check and asked if everyone would know our weight or just the leader ) she said just the leader ... so I continued writing the check. Let's face it no one really wants anyone to know their weight; even people who are the "perfect size". What's the big deal? it's only a number, right? Wrong ... it's more than a number it's a lifestyle and those of us not living a healthy lifestyle will have a number to prove it. Pray for me as I embark on this 12 week journey to change my lifestyle and to also change my family's lifestyle as well. I want us all to be healthy so that we can live out the Lord's plans for our lives.

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."Ephesians 3:20-21

Blessings ...

The surprise was on me!!!

I planned a surprise birthday party for Chris' 40th birthday at Steak and Ale. I had reservations and everything was in place. 4 days prior to the party Steak and Ale suddenly goes bankrupt ... what's a busy wife to do?? I had a cake ordered, people invited and party supplies. I began to pray and strangely enough while praying I was cleaning and came across Chris's bowling ball bag. As I moved it to vacuum the thought of having his party at the bowling ally came into my mind. We had been there a few weeks earlier to a child's party and there was a newly renovated party room. They serve pizza and chicken wings ??? huh??? I didn't have much time to ponder the idea so I just called and arranged it. He was extremely surprised to say the least, since he was expecting a nice fancy meal. All in all it was a fun night with good friends. We'll not forget it.

Chris's 40th Birthday

Birthday lunch with Chris's family

Losing weight ... hopefully

My flip calendar message for today says: "One of life's mysteries is how a two-pound box of candy can make a woman gain five pounds." A few days ago the message said: "When dieting remember: what's on the table eventually becomes what's on the chair." OK ... I am getting the message. Seriously, my weight has never been an issue until I hit 35 a few years back. Now my metabolism thinks it doesn't have to work anymore (thus making me work more :-) My 20th high school reunion is coming up in October and my goal is to lose 20 pounds and regain the weight that is printed on my drivers license. I've changed some of my eating habits, but honestly I eat lots of fruits and veggies. I think my problem is not exercising regularly enough. So today I'm taking Daisy, our Jack Russell, on the walk of her life. Wish me luck as I plan to walk then, run off the pounds. If anyone has any quick tips for losing weight I am receptive to your ideas. Post them here or email me ... I am not ashamed to ask for help.

Blessings ....

Shingles ...

Please pray for my mom; she found out today that she has shingles. She deals with stomach pain daily, but noticed yesterday that her back was hurting deeply and she had an itch in the area of the pain. When she got out of the tub last night she noticed a small breakout on her back. My aunt told her it sounded like shingles and suggested she go to the doctor first thing. So she went this morning and the doctor confirmed it. Please pray for her as she goes through this. I don't know much about shingles except it's suppose to be very painful ( and goodness knows she has enough stomach pain without this). Pray, pray, pray ... thank you. On another note I have a praise; Olivia had a great first week at her new school. She has a friend coming over to spend the night tonight. They are going to watch the Cheetah Girls One World Movie. Can't wait for the popcorn, pizza and chocolate :-)

Blessings...

A Buck in my back seat

While over visiting with mom today she commented on how she'd like to take down the 9 point buck daddy killed (which is hanging in her living room :-). She thought it would be too heavy, but I assured her I could remove it carefully. I took it down with no problem (it's hard to believe it weighed 200lbs when alive). Anyway, mom gave it to me ( yes I did want it). As I carried it out of the house I began to cry ... I told mom how I remembered dad being so proud when he carried it in the house and I never dreamed I'd be so proud carrying it out of the house. I have to say ... it was one of those moments. You should have seen my mother buckle that buck in the back seat of my minivan ( and she told me to make sure I didn't break any of the horns off). I suppose you are thinking "redneck" about right now ... I don't even mind if you are; I am who I am; Ray Boiter's daughter. I know heaven is home for Him, but I miss him so much. Momma misses him really bad too. When you pray today, pray for my momma ... her heart misses him and physically she isn't well. She has terrible stomach issues and will see a doctor on Tuesday. God hears and answers prayers and I appreciate all the prayers I can get for her. Thanks for reading.

Blessings ...

Wow, thanks for the positive comments about my blog. I must say it is neat to be able to share our family photos with friends locally and as far away as Germany. I don't only want to post pictures I plan to write too. For instance right now supper is cooking and Olivia is completing her homework. All is calm before the quick dash to eat and get to church on time. Olivia is in 4th grade and very independent. This is her first year in public school and she is attending Fairforest Elementary. It is a brand new building 2 miles from our home. She loves not having to wear a uniform and being able to wear flip flops and comfy clothes. I am so happy for her. She has made some new friends and loves her teacher. There are two guinea pigs in her classroom and now she wants one at home ( oh my :-) I plan to post her first day of school pictures soon. I hope you have a blessed day and remember; this is the day the Lord has made so rejoice and be glad in it (no matter what :-)

Blessings always...

Emily, Olivia and Sarah after their sleepover