As I assume.......

most of my readers are mostly women, and mostly moms.

So, this kinda goes along with my last post ~

What is the one verse you find yourself quoting to your children the most? And what is the verse you cling to as a mom?

The first question is an easy one for me ~
Ephesians 4:32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

I find too often that kids can just plain be MEAN. And it is a verse I often find myself quoting to remind me to be kind to my little guys. It's one of the first verses that the guys memorize.
There are so many parts to it ~ it emphasizes I think all aspects of life ~ Doing good and being kind to others, keeping your heart soft and open, no matter what, forgiving when others have wronged you, and in brief outlines salvation. The way I explain that to my little men is that God models this behaviour to uss all. But HE doesn't have to. And HE doesn't do it for us or because of who we are or how we live. HE is kind, tenderhearted and forgiving because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. And if God can forgive us for having caused Christ's death, then why can't we forgive our friend for saying something mean to us, and continuing to be kind and not say mean things back. I love this verse for little ones. But I also love it for me in every aspect of my life. But it is a HARD verse to live!

The next verse that I cling to as a mom is a little more difficult to pinpoint. But, I like I Thes. 5:24
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

I will be the first and the fastest to admit that I am not the best mom out there. I don't think I would even qualify myself as a good mom. I'm okay, and that's all I will admit to. My kids, claim different, but they don't see all my faults. and they are kids after all!!!!!!!!!
But, I believe with all my heart that being a mom (I say especially to little boys, but in no way belittling mothering girls!) is a pretty tough job. But I further believe that being a true God-fearing Christian mom, is even tougher. And I see it as a calling. And when I get discouraged about how horrible of a mom I am and can't understand why God, in HIS infinite wisdom and judgement, allowed 3 sweet little souls to entrusted to MY care, this verse speaks to me. HE never gives us more than we can handle. And as long as I look to HIM for wisdom, mercy and grace, HE will be faithful to keep me going on. HE's the one who knows who I am that NOBODY else knows and what I can and can't handle. HE's faithful and HE will do it ~ if I let HIM work through me, HE will be the one that raises my children. I'm just the tool. I'm just the vessel.
And I'll admit, sometimes ~ a lot of times ~ I forget that and try to do everything on my own and that is when I get discouraged and downhearted and don't feel worthy of these sweet little beings. And then I come across this verse (or the many like it in the Bible) and get refreshed and renewed knowing that HE called me to be my 3 guys' mom and that HE will do it through me!

So...................... what are you're verses?

thoughts for today

I know I don't have many readers, but I still want to hear those of you who do ~

What are your marriage verses?

Today, I have been married 10 years and a day! And like I said in my last blog post, there have been many ups and downs. The biggest challenge that our marriage has survived, I would probably say, is when I had my stroke.
I COULDN'T remember anything about my life. I woke up to the face of a man I didn't know. I looked in a mirror and couldn't remember my name. I COULDN'T REMEMBER ANYTHING.
How scary is that. It was uber scary. It was hard for Jesse to hear the E.R. doc say that I just had a break with reality and was just insane (clinically insane). No other tests, just wanted to committ me to a state mental facility. SCARY.
Scary for Jesse to check me out of the hospital AMA and the next day, the ONLY thing he could do was put me on an airplane by myself to my parents. He couldn't go with me ~ he was still in Marine Corps MOS training and they wouldn't let him leave or live off base. He couldn't let me live by myself in my house, so he had to just totally trust God and get me back to my parents. And it was weird and scary for me.
Scary, knowing that more than likely he wouldn't see me for months and worrying how that would affect our relationship. Not that it mattered to me, I didn't remember so I was weirdly glad to go. Then it was awkard and weird as I walked past my own mother in the airport, hearing someone (my mom) yelling a name (mine) down the terminal and just thinking hope she finds whoever. Well, she did and it was me!
Weird living with people I didn't know. I pretty much stayed in the room they let me stay in.
I cannot even begin to explain everything I went through.
All I know is that I didn't want to stay married to someone I didn't know or who even made the effort to get to know the apparently "new" me. At one point ~ I told him I was done, and that I was securing an attorney to end this disaster of a WEIRD marriage and free him. By this time, we had just found out I was pregnant with Xavier. My pastor's wife at the time ~ such a Godsent blessing she was for me, she didn't know who I "used" to be, therefore, just accepted who I was then ~ she prayed with and for me so much and just encouraged me to just seek God.
So it was after I told Jesse I was done, that Jesse told me, Okay, but I will always be there to take care of you and the baby. He's such an awesome man. I was so mean and nasty and cruel to him and he just loved me and tried his best to keep up a brave face and be supportive of WHATEVER I wanted. But, he was going to uphold his vows ~ for better for worse, in sickness and in health. I will always love him for that.
But I was reading my Bible one night in Ephesians and I found the verses that encouraged me to stay married to this stranger to me. Which the first verse is our wedding anniversary!
Eph. 2:19-22

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

We weren't strangers ~ in Christ, we are of the same household of God. And as such, we ~ Jesse and I and our marriage ~ were put together by HIM. And as such, it didn't matter what happened to us, God put us together and as long as we kept HIM the chief cornerstone, our marriage was fitly framed together to be an Holy habitation for HIM. That through us, HE might get all the praise and glory and Honor HE so richly deserves.

We are far from perfect, but we get each other and that is all that counts! But I am so thankful for God giving me those verses (which are GREATLY out of context for marriage to anyone but me ;) ). And I am ever so grateful for a loving, kind, faithful-to-his-vows husband that he has been!

So ................... what are your marriage verses?!

So, do you know where you were 10 years ago?

I DO!!!!!!!! That's right, I was at my wedding rehearsal (get it, I DO!) ;)
There was this horrible blizzard. People were driving in from NY and from Indiana and from Wisconsin. And alot couldn't make it. Jesse's roomate from College Clifton Lewis was supposed to be a groomsman and he couldn't make it. Jesse's aunt and uncles and grandmother was supposed to be driving in from NY, but Gramma got ill and they had to turn around. AND IT WAS COLD AND SNOWY! My sister barely made it from Wisconsin. The night before, Jesse's best man and groomsman (his 2 best friends growing up) were flying in and the weather was awful so they got diverted or they were put on a different airline or something so Jeff and Matt were wandering in O'Hare and Jesse and seth couldn't find them! Who gets married in winter anyways!

But it was fun! I had a grand time. And it was beautiful.
My theme was simple ~ I loved the Kim Anderson figures, so that was my cake topper, toasting glasses, cake knife and where I gotthe idea for my colors.
My colors were silver black and red. The groomsmen, fathers, and ushers were in Black tux's with silver ties, vests and red rose boutinierres (sp?). My bridesmaids wore black velvet tops with a simple silver skirt and carried single red roses.
I'm a musician, so I had that little detail planned out ~ way in advance. I made the pianist a book and put in it every song I wanted played in the prelude, processional specials and recessionals. The mothers walked in on Brians Song (the one from the movie of the football star), the bridesmaids walked in to Anne's theme (from Anne of Green Gables) and I of course to the bridal march. I had 3 songs sung in the wedding. From this Moment ~ friends of ours sang it. Jesse and I sang Jim Brickman's Destiny ( :') ) and I wrote a song and sang it to Jesse!
It was a VERY lovely wedding.

The reception was done in TONS of white icicle lights and was just a cake and punch reception. We wanted it to be SHORT. But we were requested to open gifts before we left which TOTALLY dragggggggggggggggggged it out. So, unlike what we wanted to , we didn't get to leave till around 10:30ish pm. YUCK. but oh, well!




Looking back at pictures of where we were back then ~ skinny scrawny "babies" to where we are now, it makes me smile. It's been a very rough 10 years. Lots has happened. Mostly good things, some not so good. But I am so thankful for all those steps ~ sure and steady, to the unstable and scary.

And here we are 10 years later. Still together. Still like (let alone, LOVE) each other. Not as young or inexperienced or green as we once were, but older and hopefully a little wiser and able to roll with the punches a little better.
10 years is a long time ~ we've been married for a stinkin' DECADE. WOW! But what's even more amazing is that I can't wait to be married to him for another 10 decades!!!!!!!!!! Oh, how I love him. I'm very grateful that he chose to marry me!
My friend, the one I laugh with, live for, dream with, love.

Saturday Evening Post

No, seriously, this is a post on this Saturday Evening :D

You know, it seems like we are always so busy, but then we get to the end of the week and look back, and see that it doesn't seem like ANYTHING got done! Such a horrible feeling, but that's life.

I've decided I was gonna get on some sort of schedule. To include menu's and cleaning! And I think if I have my checklist checked off ~ be it a physical list or mental to do list ~ I think that just MAYBE I will feel a little more successful in my day in day out life.

There's so much that I have to post about, but at this moment am unable to do so, whether it be from lack of time, or that it's a private family matter. I just want so badly to be able to just blog about it all! But, maybe in time, things will work themselves out.

We are doing good. Jesse is enjoying his job, but doesn't feel as fulfilled in it as he would like to be. He truly misses being a "real cop" (his words, not mine). But, doesn't mind the job he has as it's a job, and he pretty much gets to watch tv and get paid to do so! He is by all means not complaining about actually having a job! I told him the other day as I finally got him to help me get some cleaning going in the house that since I know what he does all evening, I don't feel bad one iota to ask him to wash a dish or two! Man, does he ever have a great job! I sure do wish I could log my tv time and get paid for it!!!! J/K. I wouldn't make much these days!

Xavier is doing well in school. He can't wait to be done, but what kid can!!!!
Tucker is dreading the thought of school next year. So I think it may just be a struggle with him. I'm considering taking him to the doctor and asking about speech therapy as we have been working with him and can't quite seem to get him to pronounce his words like he should. He gets quite frustrated with us, and sometimes I hate pushing him that hard. But know I have to. Which is why it would be great to get him in therapy.
Gunner, boy, is that kid a pistol. I told him that the other day, and wise guy Xav said And that's why his name is Gunner. *Epiphany* Crap, I did this to my kid! You know they say that kids grow into their names. I wasn't fully expecting that! His first name and middle initial is Gunner E. As in Gunnery Sgt. I hoped that would be a good ........uh, er,......... omen (? ~ not really that superstitious) for a future military career, but apparently, it just means that he's going to be a handful and full of energy while young!!!!!!!! He wears me out, that one! I have my days that I say ~ "Child, you drive the desire for any more kids far FAR away", but then, there are those other days where when I escape to the bathroom ( yes, I do just go in there to close the door and expect some semblance of privacy, but rarely do I get it from him) just to sit on the closed toilet and read a riveting book and he comes barreling in dragging his favorite blankie, grinning from ear to ear and waving like a madman. When he gets to me, he'll do an about face, back up into my legs and expect to sit on my lap and be read to. TTTOOOOOO SUPER DUPER CUTE. But I never read to him (well, there anyways), and I just breathe a heavy LOUD sigh of resignation and leave the quiet of that room and go take care of everything else in the house! And usually will wind up playing with him! He is so frustratingly adorable!
And then there's me. I've been wanting for some time to start making stuff and having my own primitive country decor store. So I've been practicing my painting. And I gotta say, I'm pretty much talentless in that area. But I always have fun with Xav and Tuck cause when I buy paint supplies for me, I buy for them too, and after the redheaded pistol gets put to bed, we have craft painting parties! It's fun! They pretty much do better than me! But I'm not jealous!
Anywho...................That's pretty much all that is going on in the McCoy family, well, about all I can share right now!
I think I may just well indulge myself tonight and go eat several scoops of ice cream and a few dozen sugar cones! TTYL!

A wonderful Lady I miss

It's been a while, and this won't be too lengthy cause it seems these days are so busy for me, doing what I don't rightly know!

Today is a day that I wish I were somewhere else. A very dear lady to me ~ Mrs. Carole Hanson ~ passed away Thursday morning, and her visitation is this afternoon, and her funeral is tomorrow. I wish I were there. In south Florida. But I can't. And that makes me very sad.
Mrs. Hanson was one of the deacons wives in our church in Pembroke Pines. But she was more than that. She was the Harvesters sunday school teacher ~ when she was gone (on vacation or just not available), I had the privelege of subbing for her sometimes. But she was also our ladies meeting ministry head. She was also an encouragement, to not only me but every woman who had the pleasure of crossing her path.
I can't recall ever hearing a negative thing come out of her mouth! She was such an awesome example of a Godly wife, and mother ~ I felt some kinship with her as she also had 3 ornery boys! She gave great wife/mother advice! I loved hearing her tell her stories about the struggles she had learning to be submissive or learning to be a better mom! It was always so evident in her life that she was a Christian and that she wanted to be better at it!
She loved music. For every theme in our ladies meetings she always came to me asking to choose a song for that quarters theme. She loved to sing. She also chose some beautiful songs to sing in groups and there's one thing I regret ~ she asked me at one point to transpose a song for her, and I never got around to doing it, but she never got on my case about it.
She had such a heart for children. You know, some people, as they get older get to where they don't like kids as much as they used to. Not her, I think the older she got, the more she loved being around them. I'm proud that I was able to work with her on things like sunday school stuff and vacation bible school. She is one of the women I emulate on so many levels.
And on this day, I wish I was able to be down in Florida with my church framily that I love and able to share in the grief and celebration of such an amazing woman. I miss her. I have found myself weeping off and on since she graduated to glory. I know she wouldn't want any of us to weep, but our hearts grieve that her presence is no longer able to be physically with us. I am so grateful for her legacy of love and faith that she leaves behind her. And I am rejoicing to know that she is with the Saviour she loved so much. And I admit, I'm a bit envious that she got to spend this Lord's day in HIS presence. Such a precious thought! She is in glory worshipping at HIS feet today. And I know that she is glorifying HIM for all HE has done for her! But I miss her! And I will! And I miss her family! They are very dear to my heart! If any of you read this, please know that my thoughts and love and prayers are with you all throughout this day and the next and so on!
Mrs. Hanson ~ we who come behind you ~ FIND YOU FAITHFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!

A song that I have been singing alot lately:

Heaven's Sounding Sweeter all the Time

Life has been so good, I can't complain....
When I'm down, God gives me strength to rise again....
I get weary from the struggle of it all...
That's when I listen, how I listen for His call....

Heaven’s sounding sweeter all the time
Seems like lately, it’s always on my mind
Someday, I’ll leave this world far behind
Heaven’s sounding sweeter all the time

Oh, it's hard to lose a loved one to the grave...
But we have the blessed hope that Jesus gave....
God's will wipe the tears from our eyes...
When we meet in that land beyond the skies....

Heaven’s sounding sweeter all the time
Seems like lately, it’s always on my mind
Someday, I’ll leave this world far behind
Heaven’s sounding sweeter all the time


*okay, I just tried to post a youtube video of the song ~ here's the link ~ copy and paste it if you'd like to hear it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFXFLFOgurI

Wow, it's been awhile!

Hey! I realize that I haven't posted in what seems like forever! Life has been so hectic since my last post.

We had an awesome Christmas. It was wonderful having my parents here. They got here the Friday before Christmas, and on the Monday after they got here, Jesse took us to the Carousel Mall in Syracuse. That was fun.
Jesse worked the evening shifts so he wasn't around for all the family get-togethers. On Christmas Eve, we didn't do much of anything in the morning time. I wrapped presents while Jesse and my parents and the boys were out finishing up their Christmas shopping. Then later that evening, my boys, parents and I went to Jesse's Aunt Terry's for a wonderful ham dinner. Jesse's siblings and families were there as well as Aunt Terry's 2 sons and their families. Such fun! We sat around, stuffed our faces, played games and just chatted. It was great.
Then it was off to put the boys to bed before Santa's visit. He sure was good to them this year!
I was shockingly the first one up on Christmas morning and had to drag the boys out of bed ~ I think I need to do DNA tests to make sure they are MY kids! But we did get the presents opened and they got what they asked for PLUS SOME! And so did I! I got an awesome coach purse from my sister in law Suzanne ~ and I spent the better part of the morning "molesting" that purse!!!!!!!! And my parents got the boys and me a WII!!!!!!!!! I've been wanting one since the new mario brothers game came out, so we have been enjoying that too. We got lots of other cool stuff, like personalized plates and mugs from my other sister in law Kayte, cash from my inlaws ~ what's better than that! and Jesse got me clothes and hair stuff and Tucker got me a toaster!!!!!!!! So all in all a great Christmas as far as getting. I never feel like I am ever able to give enough, but I do what I can. Next Christmas, we are going to adopt a family and get them presents and all the fixin's for the meal and try to give in that way too!
Our New years was pretty ordinary. Jesse again worked, so me and the guys went over to my inlaws to stuff our faces and play games. Got home right before the ball dropped and watched that and went to bed!
Jesse has been making resolutions and his big one which I gladly jumped on board of was to get as much (if not all ) of our debt paid off.
And now, we are just trying to get our house back to normal! The Christmas decorations are down and though it looks a little bare in our corner where we had our tree, it's nice to have it clean and fresh looking!!!!!
Hope you're holidays were joyful and filled with blessings like mine!

It's almost Christmas ~

Are you done shopping yet? Are you prepared for the meal for Christmas?

I ask these questions simply because I am not done with either.

My parents are here for Christmas. I'm psyched about that. Enjoying having them here. Before they got here, mom and I decided to do a lovely prime rib roast for Christmas dinner, and that we would buy it when she got here. Well, we looked and a roast is $50. Uh, no thanks. So, I have been trying to figure out what to do. It's a dilemma!!!!!! I think I've settled on a Christmas brunch. Don't think my dad is thrilled with that, but I think that would be something special and it's a great tradition to start! Christmas brunch! So now, I'm trying to figure out what all to get. We are going grocery shopping a little later to finish it up.

I'm all done shopping for gifts, just have to get a few stocking stuffers stuff! Then it's to start wrapping.
I've been feeling rather scrooge-ish and just can't wait for the holidays to be over with. It's rather a disgusting feeling, but I just can't seem to snap out of it. But I suppose if this is truly the first time I've felt like this, then that's an accomplishment~!~

I am looking forward to being with almost all of our extended family this Christmas. A nice change from last year, but then again we were with our dear friends for Christmas and New years. Framily, really. I think I'm kinda homesick for them which may be the reason for my scrooge-y feeling!!!! Now, it's time to adjust to the new normal in our lives! The first holidays after major changes are weird and hurt sometimes.

We are going over to my husbands aunt's house for Christmas eve dinner and then on Christmas morning, we will open presents at our house then have our brunch and then around 11-ish we'll make way over to my inlaws for presents there. Jesse has to work that day ~ which sucks, but he will get holiday pay, so that's nice ~ so in the evening, we will again go over to my inlaws for dinner. The boys are very excited. I hope my parents won't mind being at my inlaws so much!

So, that is our plans ~ what are your plans? I do love to hear about everyone's traditions ~ and I may just steal them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Leave a comment!!!!!
Love you all very much. Have a very merry and Blessed Christmas!!!!!!!

I'm an aunt again!

I'm so excited! My sister in law Suzanne had another baby boy today! Noah Asa Pyne was born on 12/14/2009 weighing in at 7 lbs. 1 oz and 19 1/2 inches long!




He is so absolutely adorable! He's got this gorgeous black hair and the most pinchable cheeks! I can't wait to get my hands on him. Because of stupid hospital policies due to the swine flu "epidemic" no one is allowed to visit Suzanne or Noah except her parents and her hubby. Which totally stinks ~ but................




I am her downstairs neighbor so when she gets home, I can visit anytime and spoil him to pieces!

Here is the footprints they took before he left the OR (she had a c-section).

The footprints look smaller in person!

Here is baby Noah. I wasn't supposed to get this

close, but Brent snuck me in and my inlaws!

I just couldn't get enough of his little face!

I wish you could his luxurious black hair! SOON YOU WILL!

Christmas questions ~

I got this from my dear friend Adrienne's blog and thought it was cute!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? I loathe egg nog. And I love Hot Chocolate, but I much prefer Wassail

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? He wraps, of course, and presents don't get put out till Christmas eve, unless it's for someone that doesn't live here (like extended family and such)

3. Colored or white lights on tree/house? I prefer white, Jesse likes multi. So this year, on our tree (a real one!) we have both, but the other decoration lights in our house is white. I also really like the red/green or just red/white ones.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Kinda, not this year, though. I usually improvise with left over scraps of garland and hang it, but didn't feel like kissin' anyone this year ~ LOL!

5. When do you put your decorations up? Ideally on the Friday/Saturday after thanksgiving, but this year we didn't get them up till the first week in December

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Green bean casserole! I LOVE the stuff. Then it would be crescent rolls!


7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? I have so many! But the one I remember best is when we lived in South Dakota, my sister moved back to Oklahoma with her boys right before Christmas, so my parents were pretty down. I remember I got tons for Christmas that year, a hope chest a baby grand necklace charm. But what I remember most is getting my parents TONS of stuff and putting out a stocking for them before I woke them up. The look on their faces when I woke them up! PRICELESS!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? What truth. I'm a believer that Santa is real. What's wrong with that? Huh, so what's your answer :)


9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Well, we open one gift every year on Christmas eve ~ jammies. I love it. And since the aforementioned Santa doesn't come until Christmas eve, there is nothing to open till Christmas morning!!!!!!


10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? I don't have a theme. I love all the Hallmarks, and glass ornaments and snowflakes and all different mishmash of stuff I have. I wouldn't mind having a separate primitive country themed one in another room ~ smaller of course.!

11. Snow? Love it or dread it? This is the first time we've been out of S. Florida for a holiday in several years. I LOVE snow. I wouldn't mind a white Halloween through New years, then it better all go away and be sunny and warm. So it truly is a love/hate relationship

12. Can you ice skate? The last time I remember ice skating, I think i was in elementary school. So probably not!

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Mickey mouse watch and my hope chest

14. What is the most important thing about the holidays for you? Spending time with my family and seeing everyone healthy and happy.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? IDK! I like pretty much all but if you held a gun to my head and had me pick, I'd have to say maybe, Peanut Butter fudge. I just can't make it.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Having to take a sleeping pill to sleep on christmas eve!

17. What tops your tree? A rusty star

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? I'll admit it. I love getting! But anymore, I rarely get :) but I also love to give! It is just so hard when a person is just difficult to buy for. Kinda takes the joys out of the giving when they are picky or don't tell you any idea of what they want. Oh, yeah, and "the family all together and healthy" doesn't quite do it for me. Give me a tangible idea already!!!!!!!!

19. Candy Canes, yuck or yum? Not a huge fan of the peppermint, but I L-O-V-E the cherry ones!

20. Favorite Christmas show? White Christmas, Elf, and all time fave is Albert Finney's Scrooge. Oh and can't forget the Santa Clause Trilogy ~ that is the most accurate depiction of how and who Santa is!


21. Saddest Christmas song? Christmas isn't Christmas without you ~ The holiday's that Jesse was deployed, I sat in my apartment with the patio door open, Christmas lights on, drinking Hot Chocolate and just repeating that song. But it's one of my faves too!

22. What is your favorite Christmas song? WOW, this is a hard one! I love the Christmas Canon. And I'll be home for Christmas and Merry Christmas, Darling!

Decorating the Tree. The tree topper is new and my favorite. I love the primitive country look!