Suzanne Griffin

As I sat watching the kids chasing each other up and down the play land at Chick Fil A, a sense of complete peace and happiness washed over me. They were portraying the very verse faith like a child. They were not nervous how we would get home, they were not concerned over the cost of fixing the van, they did not even seem bothered that the babies bottle was empty and all our formula was at home! They had complete confidence in me to take care of them and solve those burdens that we on the plate for the night. They asked me, "How are we going to get home?" I told them not to worry, I'll work it out. And what did they do? Not worry. Now while I wish they listened and obeyed every time like this, tonight was when I needed to see it. I sat and praised God quietly for whatever He was protecting us from or opening the doors to. There are many times we may never know WHY God is allowing the trials to come. But it is only our responsibility to know GOD. And if we t...

So yesterday I got a comment from a fellow mom in the form of a poem that started: Suzanne is amazing A woman of grace. I laughed a little outloud as I was reading it, thinking it was funny that she answered in poem form. Along gave Makensie and asked what I had laughed at. As I read the 1st 2 lines of the poem to her, she too laughed, then spouts off "Yeah, that is funny." Although, I don't think I'm that great and usually humored when others do, I was was still enjoying those warm fuzzies from the complement I had received. I looked at my precious child and had to laugh at her innocent comment, which made her laugh even more saying, "it's SO funny that she thinks you're a good mom." OK ENOUGH Once again proof that my children do not care about my self esteem.

One upon a time, there were 4 little kids with a tired mom by day, She heard of a special night at Chick Fil-A. The night was for little princesses to celebrate, A limo ride, tiara, and manicure after free they did ate. Mom spent the afternoon helping the girls do costumes and hair Then along came sad little brother asking, “What can I wear?” So on goes the Spiderman outfit for him, Topped with his cowboy boots, he fit right in. Out to the van they were stopped and frustrated As the tire was flat and needed inflated. They drove to nearest Wal-Mart for help The young man said, “30 minutes, yep.” So in the waiting room mom sat with them all But hunger quickly set in as the moods did fall. Off through the store to buy crackers and pop, Then back to wait for the rest of their stop. Then the pop did pass and they all had to pee, So off to the bathroom they headed with glee. Then back to their cell as an hour had passed, With mom getting nervous to leave and fast. Finally their name was call...

I thought I would share this with you fellow savings addicts, as I'm sure you'll share my excitement, unlike my husband who looked at me with that, "you need to get out more often" look. WalMart had the large cans of Similace Organic marked down from $29.95 to $5.00 a can. God's timing is perfect as I lost my milk in the 4th month just like every baby so far. I remembered there were coupons at the Dr.'s office so I zipped over there and picked up the coupons for $5.00 off a can of the Organic along with some for $3.00 off any other similac products. I headed back to WalMart. Picked up 7 large powder cans for $5.00 each and then the small concentrate simalac was on sale from $3.98 marked down to .50cents a can. They are all dated a year away, and I was told they were close out items, coming out with new labels. So off course I had a little trouble at the checkout as the cashier was going to have to ring up each can with one coupon as seperate purchases, so they...

As I was reading this morning in Psalms, I was reminded that just as David talked about his city, my "city" to me is my home and family. And that which makes our homes great is not the house we live in, but the blessedness of the Savior within the walls of our homes and hearts. We have a great home...for me, it's what I had always wanted, old and has a lot of character. We have a little over 3400 square feet, on a large lot, a pool, a beautiful large front porch. And we are selling it to downsize. I'm sad in a way as I love this house and what a blessing it has been at times for entertaining, the kids all have their own rooms plus a playroom. I realize that our next home will more than likely not be 1/2 this size. However, financially we have to be good stewards and it is sucking the life out of us financially and taking away our ability to have any left to put into the live of others. The verse has came alive...the LOVE of money is the root of all evil and wh...

So Sunday night I went to bed before Allen and was really tired. I think I fell asleep just seconds after hitting the pillow. Next thing I know, Allen wakes me up and asks, "Are you OK? Were you...snoring?" I was too groggy to answer more than, "I don't know." I wiped the drool off my cheek, then I here him rush into the baby's room, then upstairs to check the kids. By this time, I had woke up enough to remember my dream. I was dreaming that some kids were tormenting our pig Sweetheart and I was hiding on the other side of the fence snorting fiercely at them to scare them off. And I guess I was snorting out loud. I couldn't help but to start laughing as I realized how scary it probably was for Allen to hear growling and snorting like a ferocious pig coming from somewhere in the house. Yet another reason why my hubby loves me so much...I can call those hogs.

We are starting school in the morning. I have all new crayons, markers, glue, pencils, notebooks, boxes, erasers...everything, along with a treat of a special folder for each of the kids. Brian will be joining us for official school this year as we are doing a unit study curriculum for preK thru 2nd. I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning. We have been working on our chores and devotional time and protecting our night and morning routine to help make a smooth transition. We plan to only do school 4 days a week preferring to have Friday's off for errands and catch up on the house/mail etc. I checked out a movie from the library and we are getting ready to watch that with some popcorn and really make a big deal out of starting tomorrow. I pray that I'm not singing a different tune tomorrow and waving down the bus for pick up in the morning.

As Allen and I were driving to a family reunion last fall, I was still largely pregnant and highly emotional. I just needed some words of reassurance of his undying love for me. So I thought I would help him along and by asking him, "What do you love about me?" He smiled and quietly pondered for a moment then answered, "You are a really good cook." That warm fuzzy feeling that I was looking forward to inside turned empty. I just sat staring at him. WHAT?! I'm a good cook? Oh how romantic! But remember one of my previous posts in December with his RCD problem. I just smiled graciously and turned and stared out the window and let the pity party of tears stream down my face. I just watched as the flat lands passed beside us, wondering if he ever missed that incredibly tender and thoughtfully romantic man he used to be as much as I did. Then on the radio came an old song that I hadn't heard in years and had never paid much attention to the words: So much for you...

Has it really been this long since I last posted? I have missed it so. I will just give you all brief updates on our lives today. Still Alive selling house Painted kitchen yellow Painted Makensie's room lavender Painted Gabby's room yellow Painted Brian's room sky blue Laying carpet tomorrow Week 9 of book study "Shepherding a Child's heart" My mom visited for 1 week. Getting organized for home school to start...maybe next week. Allen is moving his business to a better prime location and the rent is $700 less a month. Allen will now be able to hire a secretary...and she won't be me! Have had Wyatt in ER with an ear infection. Gabby to the Dr with the same. Still visiting churches and think we have made a decision. Working with kids on Keepers of the Faith activities - love it! My brother and his wife blessed me with a niece - Riley. My sister was here for a visit. Had a jewelry party and earned $100 in free jewelry . hosting a baby shower here at my h...