Hogan's Debut

turn the music off below.... click on arrow to turn video on...

Spring Day

Great Spring day....

with the kiddo's and the pets....

God is so good....

Flashback Prayer

I recall a vivid memory as a little girl. I was riding in the car with my grandfather and I thought for sure we would die that day. What is it with us as we grow old and our ability to drive? or there lack of?

Today, I took my son driving. He's 15 years-old. I suddenly had a flashback of that day with my grandfather.

I am not sure I will ever be the same!!

Please say a prayer for me, maybe both of us. Hey, maybe even you if you are on the road.

Update on Hogan

Just a quick update on my son... he is doing great... for those of you that don't know, he had a FOOTBALL injury about a week ago... and had to have surgery. Knee reconstruction...

But you will be proud to know, I was calm... I didn't go running out on the field like I have always threatened to do... UNTIL I was given permission by my husband. (Smile) ... Then I was out of the stands and on the sideline in a split second. I felt like I was in the "on your mark, get set, go" stance.

Something about being a mom told me he was glad I was there, although he would never admit it.

(just happened to have my camera!)

Now 6 weeks on crutches and a long rehab, the doc says he might be able to play next year. (Like I care)

Love is...

I love you Hogan.... you are all grown up now...


( 1 Corinthians 13:4)"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud."

Love is the Son of God...

thank you for teaching us about love.

Happy Birthday Hogan

To my son....
Happy Birthday

Hogan Bryant
(Named after my husbands love of golf and my father...)


Born:
August 28, 10:57pm

The first thing you did when you were born was straighten out your leg.. the same leg you tried to straighten while in my stomach...;) you still do that when you sleep...

Born with great wisdom, tremendous sensitivity and awesome love.

You have great passion for our Lord Jesus and make that known.

You are a gift to dad and I. You were given many gifts where most of us have only one...those being the most beautiful voice, musically talented, artist, athletic and scholarly. Honor it.

May God guide your path always.

we are so proud of you son...

And remember--it's always just "Over in the Meadows"

He Died For Us

As the mom of these two beautiful children....

I would DIE for them....

That is what GOD did for us...1 Corinthians 15:3,4

I really get it!!!

As My Garden Grows

Proverbs 13:10 “Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other’s counsel…”

Many years ago, an elderly woman shared heart-felt and treasured words of wisdom with me. At the time, I did not appreciate these words. As with most young people I thought, "what did she know or I wished she would stop always lecturing telling me what to do. "

What I would do to have just one minute with this woman. She was my sweet grandmother and her words ring in my ear every day now. They are like gold nuggets precious and pure. She has really been on my mind lately. I must be going crazy; for recently I thought I smelled her perfume. She had the sweetest smell. She always smelled like flowers.

The circle of life—I have “tried” to pass on these golden nuggets to my own children. But I get the same eye roll and look as if I haven’t a clue (and that I gave to my own grandmother). But my insides smile because I know in due time, they will come to life-- Just as the words did for me.

Just the other day, my son shared with a friend something I told him as a little boy. It warmed my heart. I guess that is a mother’s job to pass things on to their children even when we know they are not quite ready. We are sewers of love, wisdom and knowledge. Those on our child's journey will harvest the rewards. We may or may not taste the fruits.

For now, I will watch and water my little garden.

As my garden grows.

Proud Moment

This time of year is always exciting. We are wrapping up the end of another school year. This year is no different in its' moment of bittersweetness.

For Chyenne, she is drawing close to graduating from College. This December she will have completed her full tenure of her college life. She has worked hard and I could not be more proud of her. Her major is in finance. What a perfect major, God knew. She is a major tightwad frugal with her money.



As for Hogan, he has wrapped up his time in middle school making straight A's. (Is that the best you can do dear son?) He secured many awards over the past several evenings. He was recommended by his teachers to take all college level classes for high school. He is going to be in Chorus, second year Spanish and against my wishes---yes, football!

Let me just say, I am glad I took these pictures posted on this blog -- this past weekend. Today when I picked him up, his face looked like he had ran into a transfer truck.

I can see that the next years are not going to be very nice to Hogan on the football field. I can see the local news headlines now, "Nurse Mom runs on field during injury embarrassing son to his final death." My son and husband have warned me in great detail the great harm I would cause by even thinking of attempting to come on the field if my son goes down. I tried to explain that no one knows as much as I do, of course I have to come out there. My son gives me the ultimate eye roll.

So I am now thinking I just won't bring it back up, just do it and say, "Oops, I forgot." Don't you ladies think I could get away with that?? I can pray for forgiveness later. And we all need our share of counseling at some point.

Back to the topic. I'm so proud of my children. And how together they are (for now).

Seriously, I am very blessed. God has granted me with some beautiful children...

Thank you God.,...

Just B Natural

Here is a picture of my son's feet... how fun... and his saxophone.....

I am having fun with a free picture program..that allows you to do just about anything.. kind of weird...

just beware of one thing.... it is addicting!

Boys and Their Messy Rooms

They (whoever they are) say that a messy (in this case) bedroom is the sign of a genius… I’m thinking that my son is well on his way to super genius and is most likely going to cure the common cold.

So I am trying to think of ways (again) to beat into submission assist my son into ways to help organize and keep his room clean.

OK. I’ll wait just a minute for you to quit laughing.

My husband asks why I even bother. “Why not just shut the door to his room?” And then I remind him of the few experiments that HIS son (it always becomes his child when it’s something not so cool, have you ever noticed) had formed in his room. Like milk can become solid after a few weeks. French fries under the bed could be used as nails for building homes. And then there was the once something on his plate but by the time we got to it, it had turned green and slimy.

Another thing, my definition of clean and my son's definition are two completely different definitions. So I have gone through the “Training method” where I show him how-to-clean his room and where he sits there and plays Xbox 360, nods his head affirmatively and says, “Sure mom.”

Why don’t I ever learn? I’m such a sucker.

I sometimes think I could write a book on 1000 ways underwear can be used as a decorating tip. Oh, you would be amazed the places I have found them. But if you have boys, you already know, don’t you? If you don't, then just spare yourself the pain.

My son has always wanted a hamster or gerbil thing… those hairy little creatures… But I told him why; he has millions of little dust mites as pets. He just gave me that look, huh? Sure, let’s name them. So I started to explain what they were made of… (Thinking this will get him, sure bet. I’ll have him scrubbing the floors on his hands and knees)… so just as I think I have him sucked persuaded to my way of thinking, he says, “Really mom, cool?”

I give.

And then I have one last another bright idea, his cell phone. He lives and breathes it. I have found a chart system (here's the web link) and he earns points for how many days a week he gets his phone… so far so good!!

However, I haven’t looked under the bed; it may bring a whole new meaning to monsters under the bed.

Gotta go, I think I smell something coming from ... surely not...

Child Size Goggles

(PROVERBS 22:6)”Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

In this day and time, kids especially teens want to be cool. In their words and in their actions, they go to almost any means to be someone they are and someone they aren’t. When my son is with his peers, there is a certain cool factor that must exist… and heaven forbid if he is less than the rough and tough warrior he pretends to be.

As we drive back and forth from school each day or sitting in the room late at night, he shares his stories of his mighty conquers throughout the day. Yes, my young man is a valiant soldier in training…The stories probably somewhat embellished!

The story he shared left me with in a silent wonder thus reflecting back, thinking back to his early years when he first accepted the Lord as his savior, so I should not be surprised. Hogan has had a heart for God, “My little David” I call him, since he was 4 years old.

Anyhoo, back to the story, Hogan went to the County Fair a few weeks ago with a friend. When he got home that night, Hogan shared his sacred story with us. Let me add that Hogan does not care for heights and anything over a foot off the ground would classify as a phobic response from him. But as peer pressure would have it, Hogan was pressured into riding a rather large Ferris wheel that night. During the ride, the operator stopped the ride while Hogan and his friends were at the top. Now this was probably bad enough, but Hogan shared that huge bolts of lightning started to threaten the sky. He said the bolts seemed to grow very close to them and he felt he could reach out and touch it.

All of a sudden, with all of his friends around him sitting on the top of the world, Hogan began singing, “Jesus loves me this I know…”

Mom, I knew God would protect me…and He didn’t care about what his friends would think…

Maybe we should think more like our children… and not worry about what the world will think… But what God will think….

Next time ask for the child size goggles… and look through the world…


Thank you Hogan for teaching me that sweet love…

Rome Middle School Band

This is my Son's Band performance...7th and 8th grade....

He is a Saxophone player

Don't they just rock!!!

Please pause the music below....

Happy 13th Birthday - Hogan

To our Son... Hogan born August 28th... A Red Headed little dude...

He is special beyond words...

he came to know Jesus when he was 4.. I know many of you think.. that is too young.. and at one point in my life so did I...

But let me tell you this little story...

I was in the bedroom while Hogan was playing in the bathtub, bubbles and all. I could see him where I was (for all you that think I might have left him unattended).
And then I heard this scream, "Momma, come here... " over and over again. Now I am just right there so I walk into the bathroom with this little redheaded boy, bubbles dripping off his body. He is holding his heart. I cannot imagine what is going on or through his mind or if he is sick.

"Mom, I have Jesus in my heart." I stood stunned. First, where was this coming from. Now yes we went to church and were very involved. But-- but.....He was adamant that this was a huge event and it had just happened.

So I sat down next to him... "tell me about it son." And as serious as this little four-year-old boy could be, and let me tell you it was beyond precious, he began telling me how Jesus had come into his heart.

That night, my husband and I sat down with him and made a big deal about Jesus' life that was now in Hogan's life as we talked to him. But--- we do not move forward with Baptism or anything as such. We thought, maybe he's too young.

Fast forward to one year later.... We were invited to the Bibleman play with Willie Ames. My now five-year-old was NOT taking his eyes of this show. He was mesmerized throughout the play. (If you are not familiar, this is a show of good against evil. God against Satan.)

Long story short, there was an altar call at the end...I started wrapping up with my sister so I leaned back to talk to her and as I turned back around to get Hogan...

He was gone.

I started to panic. His best friend was with us. I started to yell, "Where is Hogan?" No one knew. So I yell to my sister, we have to find Hogan. I just knew he had been kidnapped and I thought of all places, a Christian play. Who would do such a thing?

I started frantically looking. I see some children up at the front at the altar call and I thought, I will just go look. And who do I see but my little boy on his knees praying. Five-years-old, giving his heart to God. No one had prompted him. Well, I say noone but we know that isn't true. His calling just came very early in life.

I touched his shoulder and he looked up at me and said like I had ignored his plea, "Mom, I told you this last year, I have Jesus in my heart."

I then understood the power of his conviction and his love for Jesus. I told him then through massive tears, that I would go see Mr. David (our youth pastor) and we would make it official.

Shortly after this, his earthly daddy baptized him and myself (another devotional) on Mother's Day.

Our son has not wavered. For on his my space in bold it says, "I LOVE GOD."

Every night before bed, "Mom, let's say our prayers."

I couldn't be prouder but I think it's Jesus that is the One that is most proud.


God bless the blessing given to us 13 years ago...


Happy Birthday son.... welcome to being a teenager...

Congratulations My Son...

(Jeremiah 29:11)... "For I know the plans I have for..."

May I brag a moment....

Congrat's on your 6th grade graduation.....

for you have began a new road...

Meet Hogan and His Kindergarten Buddy ..

I commend you on your leadership, my son.

For all your hard work... I thank you.

For the following achievements -- The Academic Presidential award (3 consecutive years of all A's and being in the top 85% of the Nationally ranked CRCT's, highest grade in Social Studies, Math, Chorus, Band, High Honors, etc.

We are just so proud of you.

But most of all, for your heart for God.

As each night I hear, "Mom, let's say our prayers." still to this day...

Thank you for being my accountability partner.

I love you so much son and I wish you so much of a future that our God has in store for you. Something we both pray about.

Wordless Wednesday

My son, on the left.... ain't he precious??

Living the Supernatural,

Hogan's Guardian Angel

(Luke 24:23)”…they had seen visions of angels…”

Our son was born with an Angel. When he was a few months old, he would look to the corner of the room and smile the biggest smile. We decided he must be playing with his Angel.

Years went by and our son grew older. His wisdom has always been far beyond his young years. And yes, I do mean wisdom of the world but also spiritually. He will ask questions that leave me speechless, Like “If I die first, who will meet me in Heaven?” But more importantly, he is a child that has followed his own heart---a heart that has heard his calling of his Heavenly Father.

When Hogan was four years-old, I heard quite a commotion going on in our bathroom. I stepped back in to find a little boy covered in bubbles holding his hand over his heart. “What son?” I asked. “Mom, I have Jesus in my heart.” Tears…..

Fast forward one year, we are at a Bibleman show. I looked at my five year-old son on occasions. He was so mesmerized. At the end of the show, they had an altar call. I was about to gather up and was talking to my sister. I turned back around to get Hogan and he was gone. Panic! I thought he’s been kidnapped. And then it hit me. I walked up to the altar. And there he was on his knees. I put my hand on his shoulder and knelt down with him. He turned to me and said, “Mom, I told you last year, I have Jesus in my heart.” I can’t write this now without crying. But our family went through baptism classes shortly after this.

Mothers Day, his daddy baptized him into the family of his Heavenly Father.

This story shows you the kind of spirit our son has. Of course, he’s all boy and does all boy things. So don’t get me wrong. Don’t we all? Recently, our son became an acolyte for the church. This was his first time. This is where the young boys and girls carry the light of Jesus Christ into the church then out into the world at the end of the service.

Our son was beyond nervous. He does not like to stand up and do things in front of people. Period. So he wanted us to pray for peace. All weekend. So we did.

Church came. It was time. No doubt, our prayers were answered. Hogan’s angel from birth was there and helped Hogan walk through this like a pro. He was at peace so much that I looked back and there was Hogan, swinging the candle stick like a baseball bat. Now I’m sure there were a few elders about to have a heart attack. But I’m sure Hogan has a young energetic Angel. Sorry elders of the church. But he eventually did catch my eye. The momma eye!! And he quit.

How did I know the Angel was there? I didn’t until I developed my pictures and saw a perfect light and outline of angel wings.

So even when boys will be boys or girls being girls….

Amidst us are our own guardian angels --maybe you will have a chance to meet him / her.

Living the supernatural,

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Don't lose your head over the small things in life...

For life is too short...

Enjoy life.

Enjoy Him.