A Year At A Glance

January - We started the year out by celebrating our oldest daughters, Emma Kate's 4th birthday. She has grown so very much and is such a joy!

February - Brian and I had our 8th Valentines Day together. This man never ceases to amaze me! Thank you for your love and support. You are truly a blessing from the Lord!

March - WOW! This month was full of ups and downs for us. First we started out the month with celebrating Brian's 30th birthday. Then to our surprise, on March 17, Maggie Ann was born 2 1/2 weeks early. She was in the hospital for 10 days but we are pleased that she is very healthy and home with us.

April - We celebrated our first Easter as a family of FIVE. It was wonderful to celebrate our Lord and Saviors resurrection - for without Him we truly would be nothing!

May - Michelle had her first Mother's Day as a mother of three precious baby girls. She is thankful to the Father for allowing her to raise them.

June - Brian and Michelle celebrated their 7th wedding anniversary. Brian had his first Father's Day as a father of three little girls who love him dearly. Maggie Ann and Michelle also headed to Texas for Michelle's cousin, Ashley's graduation from High School.

July - Michelle directed her second Vacation Bible School at Millbrook Presbyterian. My does she have a heart for the kiddos there at our church. With much help from our wonderful church family we were able to have a very successful Vacation Bible School.

August - We celebrated our middles child, Caroline's 2nd birthday. She is getting too big too fast. She is a blessing to our life each and every day. Emma Kate also starts Kindergarten 4.

September - We celebrated Michelle's 29th birthday.

October - Michelle helped with putting together a Reformation Festival at our church. It was great to teach the children of all the reformers of old that did so much for us.

November - We welcomed new family members. Jenna (Brian's sister gets married) and Sierra (Michelle's sister) is adopted. We are thankful to the father for these great new additions to our family.

December - Brian and I will be celebrating Christmas with my dad in Missouri. We are excited to spend time with family that we don't see very often.

We pray you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Because of Him -
Brian, Michelle, Emma Kate, Caroline and Maggie Ann

Praise and thanks be to the Father!

After many prayers and many months of the unknown - we are now thankful to let all of you know that Brian has taken a permanent job with BB&T. He will be working in Deposit Services and we will be staying in the Montgomery area. Also, Lord willing, in the fall of next year Brian will be joining the Army Reserve as a Chaplain to finish his seminary degree. He will be doing this from home until his last year of school and then will have to go on campus to finish. For those of you who are wondering if he will have to be deployed - there is NO chance of him being deployed while in school. There is a chance he may have to go - if the need arises - after he finishes. We are so excited that the Father is opening the doors for us to pursue ministry. We are thankful for His constant hand in our lives.

Praise be to Him.
Michelle

Thankfulness

As we approach Thanksgiving. I am reminded of so many things that I am thankful for. The list could go on and on but I will share a few of those things with you.

1. I am thankful for my Lord and Savior. Without Him I truly would be nothing. I am thankful that He chose to save me - a wretched sinner - to redeem and call His own. Thanks be to the Father for His works of mercy and grace in my life.

2. I am thankful for my husband. What a wonderful, godly man the Father has put into my life. He washes me in the water of the Word daily and is such a blessing to my life. I love you, Brian!

3. I am thankful for my children. Not everyone has the opportunity to be blessed with the gift of children. I am thankful to the Father that he gave me the opportunity to be a mother of my three precious girls.

4. I am ever so thankful for my church family and pastor. Week after week our pastor gets up unashamedly, without fail and preaches the Word of God. My church family encourage, loves and prays for me and my family. Praise be to God for leading us to Millbrook Presbyterian.

5. This year I am most thankful for the gift of health that the Father has bestowed upon our family. I am thankful that he chose to spare my sweet daughters life. I am also thankful that with the help of doctors we were able to diagnose my heart problems. I am thankful that those problems are not life threatening.

These are just a few things that I am thankful for. Again, the list could go on and on. I pray that this year, you may sit back and be reminded of what all you are thankful for as well.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Michelle

Fall 2009

It has been a while since our last post. We have been extremely busy over the last several months.

November welcomes us with a new family member. Its official - we have a new brother-in-law. We are thankful to the Father for his goodness in allowing Doug and Jenna (Brian's sister) to become husband and wife.

Brian continues to work at BB&T (formerly Colonial Bank). The future is still a little unsettling for us but we are trusting that the Father will work out the details. We are learning to "lean on the everlasting arms" Brian also continues to work with our Junior High students at church teaching them on Wednesday eves. He also teaches Sunday School on occasion and fills in around the church as needed.

Michelle is busy, busy, busy. She is taking care of our three girls and running her own business. She is very involved at our church. She also is teaching our children how to love the Lord, serve Him with gladness and how to be a godly woman.

Emma Kate is in K4 and is starting to read. She has done quite well this year in school. She loves to dance, put on plays, sing, dress up and play outside. She loves her sisters dearly and is a great big sister.

Caroline is full of energy and life. She loves to sing, dress up, play outside and read. She is sometimes quiet but will come out of her shell on occasion and make you laugh and smile. She too loves her sisters dearly.

Maggie Ann is pulling up, cruising the furniture and crawling everywhere. We can not keep her in one place! She loves to watch her sisters put on plays, loves to be outside and loves to chew on things (that is what you get when you are teething I guess). She is growing so fast.

I guess that about sums it up for now. I will try not to wait so long until the next post.

Until next time.........


New Family Members

We have a few new family members we would like to introduce you to. First of all Michelle has a new sister. Her name is Sierra and she will be 15 in about a month. We are so glad that she has come to join our family. She is such a sweet young lady.

Second, we are so excited to share with you that Brian's sister (Jenna) is engaged to be married. Doug asked her to marry him last Saturday. We are thankful to the Father for putting such a godly, caring and loving man in her life. There is no date set yet, but we will keep you posted. Did I say that we are very excited???

Photos are above - enjoy! :)

Bows for Sale

I am now selling bows. They can come in any size or color that you would like. If you are interested in purchasing any, please let me know. Photos are above.

Michelle

Giveaway

Giveaway!!!!!!

I lurve hair bows. I lurve my Bug. And I lurve LoveBugBabyBoutique.

We (she and I) shall be giving away this beautiful basic white bow. :) Also, a headband to go with it, plus a few extra goodies.



Don't have a girl? Don't worry...this would make a GREAT gift for a birthday, baby gift, or even Christmas.

How do you enter? Multiple ways.

  1. Go to LoveBugBabyBoutique and look through all her items in her shop. Then come back here and leave a comment letting me know what your favorite item is. This will get you one entry.
  2. Mention this giveaway in your Facebook status or Tweet about it and get two extra entries. If you are tweeting, remember to include @CarrieFriday so I'll know you tweeted it. If you put it on both, you'll get entries for both. YOU MUST LINK TO MY BLOG FOR IT TO COUNT!!!!
  3. Post this giveaway on your blog, and you'll get three extra entries, plus my friendship for life.
  4. Buy something from her shop and get FOUR extra entries. If you do this, be sure to include in the note to seller that you came from the giveaway or you know me or whatever so your purchase will be counted.
Now I know some of you are thinking you won't enter because you won't win. But you really could win. I'm making it so much easier for you to win this giveaway. So enter! Don't be shy.

Confused by how the entries work? Here's a scenario:

Let's pretend Katie Baby wants to enter this giveaway. So she goes to the shop, picks a bow, comes back and comments letting me know. That gets her 1 entry. Then, Katie Baby gets on facebook and updates her status saying, "I just entered Carrie's hair bow giveaway. Go to www.mommyfridaysheart.blogspot.com to enter too." She just got 2 more entries (for a total of 3). Then, Katie Baby tweets about it. That earns her 2 more entries (for a total of 5). Well, Katie Baby REALLY wants this bow so she mentions this giveaway on her blog to earn her 3 more entries (for a total of 8). If she bought something from the shop, she'd get 4 more entries making her entered into the giveaway a total of 12 times!!!!!!!!!!

Dude. Katie Baby would probably win with all those entries.

ENTER, ENTER, ENTER.

Also, if you have questions b/c I have confused you, just let me know. Also, if you update your facebook status, you should alert me in some way shape form or fashion so your entries will be counted. Also, if you blog about it, be sure to come back and tell me.

This giveaway will end on Friday, July 31st at noon o'clock EST. At that time, I will use Mr. Random Number Generator to choose our lucky winner. I will post who won and then the winner will give me a safe way to contact them so that I can get them their prize. :) And then we will all live happily ever after!

June 15

It has been a while since I have updated and I have a few minutes today, so here it goes..........

Emma Kate is doing well and loves to play dress up, barbies, dollhouse, etc. She is very girlie and loves anything that has to do with pampering yourself. She loves both of her sisters dearly. It is great to see her encourage Caroline and help take care of Maggie Ann.

Caroline has started going to the potty. We are not quite there yet, but she is learning and hopefully we will be completely out of diapers by the end of the summer (at least that is the goal). She has also started saying new words. She calls Emma Kate - "KATE" and she calls Maggie Ann - "MAGS" We are so glad that she is finally starting to voice herself.

Maggie Ann will be three months on this week. It is hard to believe. I feel like we just finished our long medical journey with her and brought her home just yesterday. She is very easy going and very happy.

Brian and I celbrated our seven year anniversary at the beginning of June. It is hard to believe we have been married that long. I feel like it was just yesterday that he asked me to marry him.

Brian continues to work at the bank. He stays busy between a 40 hour job, teaching Jr. High youth at our church, filling in to teach Sunday School, being a daddy of three girls and being a husband. He is very busy but always seems to find time to make sure all of his girls have time with him and feel special.

Me - I continue to love being a mother. I love the fact I am able to stay home with my little ones and raise them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Life is very hectic between laundry, cleaning, cooking, caring and playing. (this is just at home - not to mention the things I am involved with in my church).

Until next time....
Michelle

Makeup

Saw this while blogstalking thought people might be interested.

Nordstrom is changing the logo on their makeup, so they're selling a ton of the makeup for one dollar on line. The make-up line E.L.F.(eyes-lips-face) has been bought out by Nordstrom and will be re-packaged with the Nordstrom name on it. They are getting rid off the entire make up in the ELF packaging. They are selling everything for $1. You do have to pay shipping. They have everything powder,mascara, lipstick, a mineral line, brushes etc. The website is:http://www.eyeslipsface.com/shop.aspWhen you check out there is a space for a coupon code. Use CAROLINA and save an additional $7.50 if your order is over $15.00. Or use SAVINGSELF and get 50% off any order.

Eventful Day

Yesterday was an eventful day.  I won myself a trip to the Emergency Room!  :(  After having heart palpitations on and off all morning long and feeling like my heart was going to beat out of my chest, Brian took me to the ER to get checked out.  They did an EKG, blood work, urine sample, thyroid test and monitored me for a while.  Come to find out I was having an anxiety attack. They gave me some meds for that and then sent me home.  I get the results from my thyroid test back today.  Everything else checked out fine!  What a LONG day.  I am thankful to the Father for keeping me safe. 

Michelle

Hectic Life

I admit - I am having trouble keeping up.  There are sleepless nights which make for long days.  Adjusting to life with three little ones has and continues to be a difficult thing.  We just can't find out nitch in life yet.  I am certain it will come soon!  

Since the last time I wrote - we had a major catastrophe.  Our water heater busted at 2am a couple of weeks ago.  Floors were ruined in two rooms and we are in the process of getting new carpet and flooring.  

Emma Kate (our accident prone child) was in the bath tub the other night playing.  Stood up to do something and fell and hit her head on the bath tub faucet.  She is now the owner of a nice black eye.  She thinks it is pretty cool and wants to tell everyone about it.  

Caroline had a visit to her ENT yesterday.  This was just for a routine check up to make sure her tubes are still in and doing the right thing.  We are thankful to report that things look good for her.  Now if we could only get her to say more words!  :)

Maggie Ann had her 6 week check up yesterday.  She is doing well and growing big.  Those lungs may have had a hard time at the beginning of her life but they are working just fine now!  She is now 10 pounds 8 ounces and 22 1/4 inches long.  She is in the 90% in everything.  (Looks like she is going to follow in her sister, Caroline's footsteps).

Brian and I continue to be okay.  We are quite busy these days and sometimes barely have time to sit down and just talk.  I am reminded each day that this i just a season of life and too soon it will pass!  

Until next time......
Michelle

Spring is here....Yahoo!

It has been a while since I have written.  I figured it was time to do an update, so here it goes!  :)

Spring is finally here and I have to say I am so glad.   This means warmer days and time to play outside.  We love being outside playing, riding our bikes, swinging or just going for family walks.  Thank you Lord for such a wonderful season!  :)

We celebrated our first Easter as a family of five.  What a joy to celebrate the life we have in Christ and teach our children the love He has for each of us.  

Maggie Ann is now one month old (I know - hard to believe, right?).  She is doing fabulous and continues to grow each and every day.  We are thankful for the great work that the Father has done and will do in her life.  

Emma Kate is the best big sister anyone could ask for.  She is so gentle and kind (when she wants to be) and is a great helper to Mommy.  She continues to do well in school.  She amazes me with her ability to pick things right up.  

Caroline is just like the song says "Sweet Caroline".  She doesn't FULLY understand the concept of being a big sister, but is getting there.  She talks to Maggie Ann (in her own little way) and likes to love on her (sometimes a little too rough).  She is learning animal sounds and new words each day.

Brian and I are staying busy with different things.  Brian is teaching Sunday School, teaching Jr. High youth on Wednesday eves, working full time and being a Daddy/husband.  He is great though - always has time for his family - no matter how busy or tired he may be.  The Lord has truly blessed our lives with him!   

I am easing back in the the photography business.  I miss it terribly!  I have a few things lined up before it gets too hot.  I am also staying busy with planning VBS, choir, photography and being a wife and mother.  I love my family so much.  I am thankful for the blessings of my children and my husband!  They are my heart. 

Well, that is what is going on in our lives at the moment.  I will try to update more in weeks to come.  Until next time.......

Michelle

What I do NOT want for Mother's Day

A friend of mine had this on her blog and I thought this was funny.  However, I am right with her - I don't want this for Mother's Day - EVER!!!!!  :)

www.hulu.com/watch/10333/saturday-night-live-mom-jeans

Enjoy!
Michelle

And the winner is...........

Several months ago I asked for those of you to let me know what you thought we would be having and what you thought the weight of our child would be.  As you know Maggie Ann weighed 7 lbs 10.5 oz when she was born.  We have two winners............

Eddie -  Girl/ 7 lbs 10 oz

LeeAnn - Girl/ 7 lbs 10 oz


You don't actually win anything but the satisfaction of knowing that you came the closest!  :)

Until next time.......
Michelle

Party of Five

It has been almost a week since we brought Maggie Ann home from the hospital.  Our life has gotten a bit more hectic but we are thankful that she is finally home.  It has been great to see all of the girls get to know one another.  Emma Kate is such a big helper when it comes to Maggie Ann.  She brings me things when I need them and even keeps an eye on things for me whenever I have to walk out of the room for a few minutes.  Caroline thinks that Maggie Ann is a doll.  She loves to hold Maggie Ann and give her kisses and talk to her in her own little way.  Maggie Ann is growing well.  Today was her first checkup to the pediatricians office and she weighs 7lbs 15oz.  Our pediatrician is pleased with how things are going with Maggie Ann - to be honest, so are we! :)  We are all adjusting well.  We are thankful to have another child to raise to love the Lord with all of her heart, mind and soul.  

Until next time......
Michelle

Our Newest Addition

For more info on Maggie Ann - please visit our blog we have for her:

littleangel3.blogspot.com


This Weeks Receipe

Chicken and Spinach Pasta Bake
 
8 ounces uncooked rigatoni
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 medium onion)
1 10-ounce package frozen, chopped spinach, thawed
3 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
1 14.5-ounce can Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 8-ounce container chive and onion cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 375*

Prepare rigatoni according to package directions.

Meanwhile, spread oil on bottom of an 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Add onions in a single layer. Bake at 375* for 15 minutes or just until tender. Transfer onion to a large bowl and set aside.

Drain chopped spinach well, pressing between paper towels.

Stir rigatoni, spinach, chicken, diced tomatoes, cream cheese, salt and pepper into onions. Spoon mixture into baking dish and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake, covered, at 375* for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more or until bubbly.

This Weeks Receipe

Rocky Road Brownies

Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix
Follow the fudge recipe on back using 2 eggs.  Bake at 325 in a 9x13 pan.  Check after 22 minutes.  Do NOT over bake.  

As soon as they come out of the oven, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top.  Immediately pour frosting on the warm brownies.  The secret is to do every step while things are hot.

Frosting – Cook on stove top while brownies are baking so that you can spread (pour) when it comes out of the oven after you put marshmallows on top.  

Slowly melt thoroughly the following:
1/3 cup plus 1T. Milk
1 stick of margarine or butter
2 squares of Bakers unsweetened chocolate

After melted remove from stove and add 1 box of confectioner’s sugar and 1 t. vanilla.  Mix until very smooth and have ready to spread quickly.

(Can be refrigerated for a day before cutting....I never make it).

What We Are Reading

Our family devotion is at the dinner table right after dinner each night.  We are going through the book "Leading Little Ones to God".  Each night we read a Bible story,  have scripture reading, sing a hymn and have prayer. 
 
When I do devotions with the girls in the morning we are reading a book called "Come Ye Children:  A Bible Storybook for Young Children".  These are Bible stories complete with spiritual applications which our children can carry in their little hearts.  We are also reading from this book at night before bedtime.

Brian has been reading alot lately.  He just finished "Standing on the Promises: A Handbook of Biblical Childrearing" by Douglas Wilson.  He told me that he would like for me to read this book as well, so I started reading it last night.  For more books and reviews that Brian has read you can go to his blog: brianmccollough.wordpress.com and under Categories click on Book Reviews. 

This Weeks Receipe

Sorry this is a little late this week - I have been sick.  This weeks receipe is a dessert.  This has to be my one of my favorite desserts ever.  Hope you enjoy ~  Michelle

Gram's Lemon Ice Box Pie

*  1 can condensed milk
*  1/2 cup lemon juice
*  4 eggs (seperated)
*  1 box vanilla wafers

*  Crumble vanilla wafers in pie pan and place whole wafers around pan
*  Combine condensed milk, lemon juice and egg yolks together.  
*  Stir until thickened
*  Pour over vanilla wafers
*  Beat egg whites with hand mixer
*  Add 3-4 tablespoons of sugar to the egg whites
*  Beat until stiff
*  Put egg white mixture over top of pie
*  Heat overn to 375 degrees
*  Place pie in oven for 5-10 minutes until brown (watch closely because it will brown quickly)

This Weeks Receipe

Here is this weeks receipe for you to enjoy.  This is my absolute favorite salad - we call it the "yummy salad".  It takes a bit of time to prepare but is worth it in the end!  Enjoy ~ Michelle

Asian Noodle Salad

*1 package linguine noodles, cooked, rinsed, and cooled
* 1/2 to 1 head sliced Napa cabbage
* 1/2 to 1 head sliced purple cabbage
* 1/2 to 1 bag baby spinach
* 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
* 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
* 1 orange bell pepper, sliced thin (if available)
* 1 small bag bean sprouts (also called "mung bean sprouts")
* 3 sliced scallions
* 3 peeled, sliced cucumbers 
* chopped cilantro—up to one bunch
* 1 can whole cashews, lightly toasted in skillet (optional)

 DRESSING:
* Juice of 1 lime
* 8 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons sesame oil
* 6 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1/3 cup brown sugar
* 3 tablespoons fresh ginger, chopped
* 2 cloves chopped garlic
* 2 hot peppers or jalapenos, chopped
* More chopped cilantro to taste

* You can chop the veggies ahead of time, just don't put them all together or they will wilt (separate ziplock bags works great). 
* Mix together salad ingredients. 
* Whisk together dressing ingredients and pour over salad. 
* Mix with tongs or hands and serve on platter.
*Dressing keeps up to three days before serving, without cilantro.


BIG Day

Today was a big day in the life of our family......Emma Kate had her first Kindergarten test.  It was a review test of all the things that she has learned so far in English and Math.  I wasn't sure how she was going to do on this test since I couldn't help her.  She sat down at the table and I explained to her what she needed to do.  I know you are wondering - did she pass or not!?!  SHE PASSED WITH FLYING COLORS!!!!  I can not begin to tell you how proud I am of her right now.  She continues to enjoy being schooled at home.  She even tells people that we see out and about that she is home schooled.  I continue to enjoy educating her at home.  It is such a joy to be able to see your child learn and grow.  

Until next time........
Michelle

This Weeks Recipe

Here is this weeks recipe for you to enjoy.  This is very fast to make and is extremely good.  Hope you enjoy ~ Michelle

Pasta Salad
* 1 package of bow tie pasta
* 1- 1 1/2 cups of mayo
* 1 package of powdered ranch dressing
* 1 can of mandarin oranges
*  1/4 cup red or green grapes (halved)
*  1 cup chicken (optional)

* Cook bow tie pasta
* Boil chicken and cut into pieces
* Once chicken and pasta is done mix all together with other ingredients
* Refrigerate until cold
*  Serve and enjoy!


Poems

I can not tell you how grateful I am to the Father for the eagerness of learning that he has put in my child's heart.  She amazes me each and every day.  She longs to do more and strives to glorify the Father by doing her best.  As a part of our schooling we are learning some poems.  She has memorized two poems already - they are as follows:

"Sir roaster is a noisy chap,  He wakes you from your morning nap.  He sleeps but little all night through,  Crows at eleven, one and two."

"Mrs. Hen, the kind old dame,  Always dresses just the same;  She talks all day about her joys,  And lays nice eggs for girls and boys." 

It is great to see her running through the house or standing like she is on a stage saying these poems.  We are very proud of the progress that she has made and are very thankful to the Father for this opportunity to school her at home.

Michelle

Favorite Recipes

I thought that I would take the time and share with you a few receipes that our family enjoys. These will be fast, easy and some can even be frozen.  I am going to start posting one recipe per week.  I hope you enjoy ~  Michelle

Gram's Chicken Tetrazzini

* 1/2 cup bell pepper - chopped
* 1 large onion - chopped
* 1 cup chickn broth
* 4 cups chicken - boiled
* 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
* 1/4 teaspoon of celery salt
* 1 tablespoon of worchestershire sauce
* salt and pepper
* 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
* 1  eight ounce box of spaghetti - cooked

* Cook bell pepper and onion in broth
* Mix all ingredients together except for 1/2 cup of cheese
* Place in baking dish
* Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese
* Heat for 25 minutes at 325 degrees until cheese has melted
* Can be frozen

Kindergarten

We started getting all of our Kindergarten books in this past week.  Each time a new book has come in we have showed them to Emma Kate and have told her these were her new Kindergarten books.  Today was our official first day of Kindergarten.  This morning we woke up bright and early and the first thing out of Emma Kate's mouth was "Momma are you ready to start Kindergarten?"  I began to tell her that we probably needed to eat some breakfast before we got started.  She, however, did not want any part of that.  So, I gathered all of our books together and we got up to our dining room table and started immediately.  Her excitement was contagious!   As I began to teach her she amazed me with her ability to pick things up so quickly.  We did language arts, math and history this morning.  After lunch we will have some time of reading and when Daddy gets home this evening he will be teaching her Bible.  As I was bringing our morning school time to a close she didn't want to stop!  She kept asking to do more and more.   I am so thankful that I have this time with her and am looking forward to the upcoming year (and eventually homeschooling my other girls as well).  

Michelle