Beautifying Life....

If you want to read something lovely and uplifting, read here. Sally Clarkson, again inspires me. :)

Love,
Julie

Happy Birthday, Mama (MeMe,Granny)!!! :)

This is a horrible picture of me & my mama but it's the only one blogger would let me load and it would only load sideways?! Anyway, just look sideways, I guess! :) Anyway, it actually is the best picture that I could have used because it is a great example of how it is with my Mom! She is always behind me, encouraging & pushing me and never letting me walk alone. :)

Happy Birthday to the woman who gave me life and so much more! I am incredibly blessed that you are my mom! I don't even know where to begin. First of all, you never complain about helping your kids out. Not only that, but you don't even let us ask. You just know even without us telling you that something is wrong and you start in trying to fix it! :) You also teach us that there are things that only God can fix. You only had your mom until you were 16 and she didn't know how to talk to you about things that daughters need to talk about. In spite of that, you have always been there for us and you did not let "not knowing how" stop you from knowing your daughters.

You always put Daddy and us before anything else and you worked hard both in the home and sometimes at an outside job so that we could have what we needed and what we wanted. Everyone at school wanted you to be their Mom because you were always there. You took me and my friends out to eat, you threw the BEST birthday parties ever, you were just always THERE in my life. Sometimes I thought it was smothering but now I know just how much you cared and that means SO much to me.

You taught me how to work, how to read, how to cook, tried to teach me how to sew(haha), how to never give up and how to believe in myself. You only finished the 8th grade but you were determined and did everything in your power to make sure we made the BEST grades we could and that we went to college. You went back and got your GED and went to college all while raising a family. You quit college early because it was too hard on your kids (among other things going on at the time) but you made sure that we knew we could do it. You did the late night helping us study, buying us whatever we needed to accomplish that goal, you did ALL of the paperwork and phone calls. You helped me have the most beautiful wedding and you have loved Charlie as your own son since the day you met him. :) You were there when all of our angels were lost and when our babies were born. You were there through the sleepless nights and even took some for your own so that Charlie & I could sleep. You help me with parenting when I don't know what to do. You calm me down. You go with me to take my kids to the doctor and you help me when they are sick. You buy things that I cannot afford at times. You have helped so much when hard times have hit.

I ,seriously, thank God for you and your unselfish ways every day, Mama. I know that if you go to be with Jesus before I do, I will never be the same. I honestly don't know WHAT I would do without one of my VERY best friends. My first best friend.

I hope you have a very special birthday. One that is just as special as you are to me! :)

Love,

your

Julie Irene

Please pray for Papaw!

I tried to upload a picture of Papaw Fogg (his name is Ralph) but it wouldn't let me. I will try again later. Anyway, please pray for him. They think he could have prostate cancer and they are running more tests right now. This is Charlie's dad so we are understandably upset. You sweet prayers are appreciated.

Love,
Julie

L*O*V*E (updated)

Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13


If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:1–3

This is something that I read yesterday that has stuck in my mind all morning long so, I want to share it with you.

Love is a decision. Love is not just a feeling. It is a decision. Think on that for awhile and I will be back more to explain what I mean by that. Sometimes we learn more by quietly thinking and meditating on a scripture. At least I do.

Love,
Julie

*updated: read what Denise has to say about this! Really worth your time to read!

Mama, I wuv you...

The BEST words that I will ever hear! Oh, I love you so much, Care-bear & your sister and brother, too! These words bring such healing to me. They are balm to my soul. You make me feel like the greatest mama in the world when I know just how much I fail. You bring such joy into my life! I can never thank God enough for you! You are such a delight to call my own!

Thank you, Lord, for the amazing blessings that you have given me! Thank you for the privilege of being the very honored Mama to Claire Victoria Rose! Give me the courage and strength to be the Mama that my little ones so richly deserve! In Jesus name, Amen.

You've been Boo'd....Part 2

The phantom ghost has come to town,
To leave you some goodies, I see you have found.
His wish is for participation for all,
so continue this greeting, the "phantom" call.
Make 2 treats, 2 phantom's and 2 notes like this.
Deliver them to neighbors who may have been missed.
Don't let them see you, be sneaky, be quick.
Your neighbors are sure to enjoy this Halloween trick!
Post this Phantom Ghost where it can be seen,
And leave it on a window or door until Halloween.
This will scare other phantoms who may wish to visit.
We want to spread the treats so all will get it.
You have only one day to act - so be quick!
Leave them at doors where the Phantom hasn't hit.
Deliver at dark when there is no light......
Ring the doorbell and run out of sight!
And last, but not least, come join the season,
It's all to be neighborly and no other reason.
Be cool, have fun, and remember don't be seen........
Let's share in the fun of Halloween!

Some more ideas for boo'ing!! Click here to view the M&M's website with cute BOO signs & poems that you can print out! They also have some fun recipes that would work well. Also, I thought about making these to go along with the cookies! or just these,They are super yummy and easy! =)

And, my sister mailed me some really cute scarecrows that we colored, cut out & pasted together! I need to post pictures and I will try to do that soon! That was a lot of fun & the girls loved it! Why not make some and put them in your BOO bags? The kids will love to do it & the grandparents and family, especially, will love to get artwork from your child! How fun! =)

A few more ideas:

Popcorn Balls

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Cute Scarecrow doorknob hanger

Paper Scarecrows

Halloween Treat Bags

*And lots of other crafts on this site; check them out!!!!

HAVE FUN & HAPPY BOO'ING!!!!! =)

You've been Boo'd...

INGREDIENTS

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1 cup shortening (I use the butter crisco and it is soooooooo good in these!)

2 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups candy-coated milk chocolate pieces(M&M's)

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, mix sugar, eggs, shortening, and vanilla thoroughly. Add flour, salt, and baking soda to creamed mixture. Blend well. Add 3/4 cup of M&M candies. Drop dough by teaspoonful onto cookie sheet. Slightly push a few candies on top of each dough ball with remaining candies. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 9 to 11 minutes, to your liking.

A friendly ghost has come your way

To wish for you a wonderful day

.He left a small gift and something sweet

Never heard him come cause he's light on his feet.

You must be light on your feet too,

Cause this is what you have to do:

Choose two friends, and choose them well.

Now this is a secret, you musn't tell.

Copy this poem, and the sign twice,

If you do it by hand, make sure it looks nice.

Take a couple of gift bags down from the shelf

,Or a plain paper bag, you can design yourself.

Fill them with sweets, and a gift of your choice.

Leave em' on your friends porch,without any noise.

Hang this sign on your door, for all ghosts to see.

They'll know you've been "BOO-D", and will leave you be.

This is only a game, to have a little fun

,Let's see how far it goes, before the month's done.

Now you have 24 hrs. to visit your friends.Please don't be the cause of our games early end.
Happy Haunting!

I don't know how many of you know about this but it is a fun little activity that we participated in when I worked at our local elementary school back way before I had my kids. It is fun for me because I like any excuse to do some baking! =) This year, I am going to try and do this for some church friends and some family on both sides. But I can't tell you exactly who because that will ruin the surprise! =) These cookies are a GREAT way sweet treat to put in your BOO bags or baskets! So, feel free to try this idea! Pass it along, HAVE FUN & start a new tradition in your neighborhood or family or church (we in NO WAY celebrate or promote evil and I would have nothing to do with anything that did; just want to clarify that point!) This is just a FUN way to reach out to people!! =) Have fun & Happy Fall!!!! (You can use the poem above or the one printed on the link I gave you at the beginning of this post!)

HAPPY FALL!!!!!!!!!!!

*I will probably do a part 2 of this post because I will find more cute crafts & yummy treats that would be awesome for this; I always do! =)

Love,

Julie

Late Birthday wishes & a prayer request

SO, I am late getting these Birthday wishes posted! My nephew, Jack, turned 18 on Monday & my mother-in-law,Mom, Barbara, turned ? (I know but I am not telling!) on Tuesday!

I am late getting these posted because our internet went down on Monday afternoon and again Tuesday morning and also because Charlie's Aunt Viva Lee passed away Monday morning so it has been kind of hectic. Anyway, there's the birthday wishes & here are some pictures of the birthday kids. =)

Also, would you please pray for my mother-in-law? Viva Lee was her older sister and she was a very sweet woman loved by all who knew her. We will miss her very much.

Thank you!

Love,

Julie

Recent pics...

Mama & Boo-Bear

Sallysan(not her real name) & Lily

Very unflattering pic of me & mom at Drew's shower!

MeMe Fogg & her look alike grandaughter, Lily Charlotte!

Lily riding her & Claire's John Deere tractor!

Lily playing outside with sissy(her favorite thing to do!)

Daddy & Drew-bear taking a nap!

Daddy & Boo-Bear (who is just about 2 minutes old)

Claire & her cousin Jack, whom she absolutely adores!

Claire riding Molly Mule (Uncle Kermit's mule)

Claire (aka "Care-Bear")

Drew (aka"Boo-Bear & Drew-Bear& Brudder)

Above are just some of the pictures that I have been meaning to get posted but have been having unbelievable trouble doing so!! (FYI- One of my Christmas presents this year is wireless internet; hopefully, if nothing bad financially happens! Well, either that or more home improvement (desperately needed!) =0)

Andrew's birth day story & pictures!! (Our handsome sweet baby boy is 1 month old today!!)

Drew's birth day story (well, the abbreviated version, for those of you who asked for it)!

Andrew Coy David Fogg "Drew"

Andrew- "manly, strong, wise"-first apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ & in honor of Baby Andrew Fogg (Charlie's uncle)

Coy- "gentle, kind, quiet"- in honor of: Lloyd Coy Treat (my Grandpa)

David- "beloved of God" in honor of: Kermit David Ferguson (my uncle)

*The story of Drew's birthday begins with feeling achy and crampy off and on for about a month! However, the night before his birth, it was off the charts! I was up all night going to the bathroom and walking because my back hurt. I tossed and turned because my hips ached. But, I still did not think that I was in labor! =)

I woke up at around 6 and thought my water may have broke but I was just barely doing anything and in my history I have been a gusher when my water breaks, so, I didn't think it could really be that! But, by around 6:30 it just got worse so I called my Mom to come down and see if she thought that's what it was! Silly I know! After she came down, we called my sister to tell her that my water may have broke! Finally, we decided that's what it was and started getting ready to go to the hospital. It was around 8 am before we left and we had to drive an hour and a half to the hospital. So, after we arrived and got checked in, they hooked me up to pitocin as I was only a 3 and not even feeling my contractions yet! After 6 sticks and no success getting the IV needle in; I finally got the anesthegiolist who got it on her first try. Very painful. About noon I finally started feeling some real pain and progressed a 5 by 1:30. When I got my epidural(which didn't even work; the needle bent), I was a 7! And just minutes (and I do mean minutes) later, I was a 10 and ready to push with no doctor in sight! After the doctor ran from her office to the hospital, I was allowed to push and after much pain and a few pushes, sweet baby Drew came into this world and changed my life forever as once again I experienced the sweet blessed miracle, the privilege of giving birth.

I look at Drew and am amazed, as with all of our babies, that this child is part me & part Charlie & a lot of his own person! It's such a sweet time in our lives right now and I am so blessed and happy to be the Mama to such sweet babies and the wife to such a loving husband.

Well, there it is! The short abbreviated version of little Drew's birth day! And, finally, some recent pictures of Drew and our family to enjoy!

Have a great rest of the week!

Love,

Julie & family

Prayers

"They are no more twain, but one flesh.What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder"

(Matthew 19:6).

This verse is weighing heavy on my mind right now. I would ask that you pray for my family at this moment and throughout the next few weeks. I believe that this decision that has been made and the pain and anger that are felt can be reversed and healed. I believe that our God has that extraordinary power. Please pray fervently. I cannot give more details, just please pray for healing and restoration in my family. I don't know what else to do except give it to God in prayer. So, I am asking you to please, please join me there. There is power in numbers and the "fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much"..

Love you all & thank you so much,

Julie

*Just to let you know, this is not about Charlie & I, our marriage is not in trouble. This does however, directly involve us, as it is a close member of our family. Just letting you know so you don't worry about us.

Grateful

Well, I am now officially the mother of 3 children! WOW! I can't believe that God has entrusted me with these 3 precious souls. It thrills me and frightens me all at the same time!

Claire is sturggling some with expressing her frustration. She has calmed down a lot in the last few days and so have I. I think getting back on our routine has helped her so much. Lily is doing extremely well. She was a little clingy there for awhile but now is adjusting just fine!

So, we are getting back to a little bit of normalcy around here but it is a struggle for me every day with the lack of sleep. I have taken to lying down when the girls do every day that I can. Sometimes things happen and I don't get to sleep but the rest always helps refresh me. For right now, it is the best that I can do.

I am trying to remember to enjoy and cherish these last few weeks of having a newborn since Drew is most likely to be my last baby.I am trying to remember to stop and keep forever in my mind and heart these beautiful moments with my children. This season right now is so difficult physically and exhausting emotionally but it is a short season and one filled with many blessings as well as the hardships of little sleep and discipline problems!

I must cherish every little baby breath and coo and sigh. Every bathtime with sweet smelling baby soap and lotion. Every feeding time when he looks up at me with beautiful blue eyes so like his Daddy. Time with my son cuddled up on my chest. The little love songs that Claire sings to Drew. Lily's sweet hugs for her baby brother. Claire's "Love you Mama" and Lily's "wuvs Mumma". The girls sweet kisses and hugs at night time and their precious prayers to JesusGod (that's what they call Him). All of these moments are precious and swift.

One day all too soon, I will look back and wonder where my babies went! They will be too busy or think they are too big to stop and cuddle with Mama and Daddy. I will miss this "baby time" and wish I could have it back for a moment. So, now is the time to enjoy it and cherish the blessings God has so graciously bestowed upon us. Thank you, God. I am not worthy but I am grateful. Truly. Eternally. Grateful.

So, that is what I am thinking lately. I just felt like getting it all down somehow before I lose what I am feeling.

Thank you for your loving prayers.

Julie

The Picture that you see..

Just wanted to explain the meaning behind the new picture in my blog header! This is the beautiful scenic part of the country where we live, it is also the area that Charlie and I spent MANY dates and the exact location where Charlie proposed to me!! Isn't it gorgeous?

I believe that it truly represents God's amazing Power and the beauty of all His creation. Enjoy the picture!

Love,
Julie

Classes For Men!!

I really needed this laugh today!! My sister sent me this and I just had to share!! =)


Classes for Men at
THE ADULT LEARNING CENTER
REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED By Friday, August 17th 2008

NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THEIR CONTENTS, CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM

Class 1
How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays--Step by Step, with Slide Presentation. Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

Class 2
The Toilet Paper Roll--Does It Change Itself? Round Table Discussion. Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours.

Class 3
Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of Lifting The Seat and Avoiding The Floor, Walls and Nearby Bathtub?--Group Practice. Meets 4 weeks, Saturday10:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 4
Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor--Pictures and Explanatory Graphics. Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.

Class 5
Dinner Dishes--Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink? Examples on Video. Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM

Class 6
Loss Of Identity--Losing The Remote To Your Significant Other. Help Line Support and Support Groups. Meets 4 Weeks, Friday and Sunday 7:00 PM

Class 7
Learning How To Find Things--Starting With Looking In The Right Places And Not Turning The House Upside Down While Screaming. Open Forum Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours.

Class 8
Health Watch--Bringing Her Flowers Is Not Harmful To Your Health.. Graphics and Audio Tapes. Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at
7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 9
Real Men Ask For Directions When Lost--Real Life Testimonials. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Location to be determined

Class 10
Is It Genetically Impossible To Sit Quietly While She Parallel Parks? Driving Simulations. 4 weeks, Saturday's
noon, 2 hours.

Class 11
Learning to Live--Basic Differences Between Mother and Wife. Online Classes and role-playing Tuesdays at 7:00 PM, location to be determined

Class 12
How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion
Relaxation Exercises, Meditation and Breathing Techniques. Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

Class 13
How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy--Remembering Birthdays, Anniversaries and Other Important Dates and Calling When You're Going To Be Late.. Cerebral Shock Therapy Sessions and Full Lobotomies Offered.. Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 14
The Stove/Oven--What It Is and How It Is Used. Live Demonstration. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be determined.
Upon completion of any of the above courses, diplomas will be issued to the survivors.


*Have a nice day!!!!!!! =)

Happy Birthday, Sweet Kylie!!!!

Today is my niece Kylie's birthday!!!!! I tried to have the baby on her birthday (it's what she wanted for a present) but I couldn't sweetie, So sorry!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS!!!!

OUR SWEET

KYLIE RAELENE !!!

We love you, Kylie-bear,

Uncle Charlie, Aunt Julie, Claire, Lily & Baby Drew

This makes me happy....

This is what makes my life the joyous life that it is!!! Thank you, Lord for these awesome blessings that I get to be with every day!! And for the new baby that will bring so much more joy to our lives!!! Can't wait!!! =)

Gifts for Baby Drew!!!

Just some more cute things that we have received for Baby Drew; thanks everyone!! =)

Rattling around in my head...

*Updated with pictures at the bottom of the post!!!!!

Um, yeah. The best title I could come up with for all that I have been dwelling on lately. Must be the horomones! =)

* Is baby a boy for sure? How do I know? (See, how useless is it to worry about this? And, so what if it is a girl?! Either one is fine with me & Charlie!)

* I get up at 4am with Charlie almost every day and don't get to sleep until around 10:30 or 11 pm. After I get up with him, it takes me about an hour to go back to sleep and then Claire is up at 6 am. So, I am just a little tired all of the time!

* I am really ready for Fall!!! It's raining a lot here and cooling down some already which is extremely strange for August where we live! It's usually so dry and HOT all month and into September! I am loving this weather even if our finances aren't (Charlie can't work much when it rains).

* Still not completely ready for Andrew. I just can't seem to get it all together with this 3rd baby. I desperately want to but I am just so tired and occupied with taking care of Charlie & the girls. So, I am feeling some Mommy guilt already.

* Read Romans this morning. I don't really remember which chapter! LOL. =) I could not go back to sleep so I read and then I fell asleep reading. I think it was the 8th chapter! I do remember reading about our sin nature and the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. =)

* Thinking about posting about a serious issue. Trying to figure out exactly what to say. I usually don't like to deal with the aftermath I get when I post about things like that but I feel this is important. We'll see.

* Making a ham in the crockpot and cooking pinto beans, steamed cabbage and mashed potatoes with it. Of course, sweet tea. And little Miss Clairee made her Daddy a cake this morning. =)

* My dr.'s appt. got rescheduled today. Going early next week and I am actually hoping to have the baby before then. I am shooting for Paul (the 24th?) or Kylie's (the 27th?) birthdays!!!! =)

*Did "school" with Claire today! We made circles and stars and cut and pasted them on construction paper. We also worked on her counting and the letter "R". She is doing so great and I am SO proud of my babies!! Lily is scribbling away on her construction paper while Sissy works!!! I will post the pictures I took of their artwork sometime today. My computer still does not cooperate with that very well so I have to use my Mom's to load my pictures until we can afford a new one!

* Charlie's home for the 3rd day this week. Check will be small but the Lord will provide. HE always does. =)

*Lily has a head cold and Claire is getting one. They are stuffed up pretty bad right now. =(

* Going to go and play catch with Claire and go for a walk. Hope I can get baby to come on down!!! Pray for us please as we near the birth of our precious little one!

Lily can do school, too!

Claire's circles & stars(the stars were traced with a cookie cutter, I know they are funny looking but I think they are the cutest stars, ever! She also cut and pasted these with VERY little of Mama's help, I am so proud!!!

Love and Prayers to all,
Julie

My strength

"I love you, LORD; you are my strength." Psalm 18: 1

I really truly desire with everything that I am for this to be true. I want to praise my God in every circumstance and trial. For now, I truly want to lean on the LORD and Praise HIM as I go through childbirth and enter my new phase of life as a wife and mama of 3. Pray for me, please. And please read the simple beauty of the Psalms. They are always good for the soul.

Love and Prayers,
Julie

A giveaway!! Yay!!!

In honor of our soon to be born baby boy and my new blog look,

I have an Applebee's gift card for a lucky couple! Just leave a comment with the word Applebee's in it and we will see who gets it! =)

So, good luck to any of you who decide to enter this give-away! I will close comments on Sunday and announce the winner Monday morning! Good luck to all of you, my friends!! =)

Love,

Julie