Ecuador Trip

Back in December of 2008, our church started to talk about a mission trip to Ecuador. I've often thought how it would be so interesting to go somewhere new, and tell people about our Jesus. I never really gave much thought to going, considering we have three children that are young.

I guess it was in January, Billy, started to talk about going to Ecuador. When he asked me what I thought, I really couldn't say much. Honestly, I thought of every reason why he shouldn't go, and they were all selfish reasons. Then I realized, when God is telling you to "go" you better listen. Yes, it's so easy to ignore His calling and stay in our own little "bubble", but if we step out of what is comfortable, I truly believe He will bless you for it.

On December the 7th, Billy and seven other people from FBC left for their journey to Ecuador. Their main goal of the trip, was of course, to lead people to Christ, but also to set up a medical clinic in the jungle and offer medicine. They saw 1,300 people in the clinic and numerous were saved!

Billy had the opportunity to pray with an elderly Quichiwa Indian. He said he prayed the prayer of salvation in English, then a Spanish translator translated to another translator that spoke her language. He said it was a sweet sound. How amazing is that!

It's hard to believe that there are people in our world that have never heard the name of Jesus before! It's also hard to believe some of those people are in our own town!

This trip has made me more aware of how important it is to reach out no matter where you are, and to not be afraid to "go" if you are called!

All you Grandparents that are reading this... don't be alarmed! The second after we took these pictures, those beauties were hidden up HIGH!
Funny story...

Billy packed the knifes in his luggage and the police at the airport in Quito pulled him aside and questioned him. Billy said he couldn't understand them and they couldn't understand him! Anyway, bottom line... they wanted to know why he had them in his luggage. Funny!

These are also lovely! They are hidden up HIGH as well!!!

You can't find crayons like that at Wal-Mart!

A big "thank you" to all the folks that prayed for Billy while he was away! We have the best friends and family!

Christmas List 2009

I've debated over whether or not to post my children's Christmas list, and I've decided it's too funny to not share!

A couple of weeks ago, I was at Bunco and my mother-in-law (Mimi) came over to babysit. While she was here, she asked the kids what they wanted for Christmas and this is what they said...

Amos:

1. A 2 liter bottle of coke

2. Toy robot

3. (I quote) "A sack of balls, and not the ones in my pants"

I know, I know... that was very inappropriate, but DANG it's funny!

Kent:

1. A miniature pony

2. A horse

3.

Kent: I really want a XBox 360, but I probably won't get it b/c I've got a lot of games already.

Mimi: How about you're very own little lap top?

Kent: Or, how about you talk my mom into letting me play on the computer we already have?

(Was that sarcasm?)

4.

Kent: What I REALLY want is a tree house! No stairs, just a tree house.

Mimi: Don't you need stairs to get in the tree house?

Kent: Nope, we already have stairs that lead to nothing!

(Wow! That's sad, but kinda funny)

This is the letter Grace wrote to Santa:

Dear Santa,

I want a pet fish and one more pet turkey (we had two turkey's for a while). I want a reindeer and a pet rabbit. I also want hunting clothes, high heels, and a dress with hearts. I want a pink glitter ball and a pink Nintendo DS. I want glitter glue and plain glitter. I want a microphone and a crayon you wear on your head (huh???). I also want a new purple jacket and my own make-over finger nail kit and MORE presents.

Love,

Grace Mayes

Only my sweet, unique daughter would ask Santa for so many weird random things!

Funny Stuff!

Check it out, you'll laugh your head off!

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/tkS6kAy5iGBOp7WgTnhD

The Train Ride

Dropping off Amos at school Tuesday morning:

Me: Honey, either me or Nana will meet your class at the train station in a little while, okay?

Amos: What? I don't want you to go with me. I want my Nana.

Me: Excuse me? You don't want your mommy?

Amos: NO, and if you show up, you can't sit with me on the train!

Okaaaay...

So, as I'm driving to work I'm thinking... okay buddy, I AM going on that train and YOU WILL sit with me!
When I showed up at the train station he was unhappy to say the least...

Amos: What are you doing here?

Me: I came to spend some time with you and ride the polar express!

Amos: Okay, but you're not sitting with me on the train and I'm not taking any pictures.

Look who won that battle?
HA HA HA

Me: You're really hurting my feelings.

Amos: Am I the worst boy in our family?

Me: Maybe.

Amos: (with a VERY serious expression) Am I on the naughty list (Santa's list)?

Me: You bet you are!

Amos: How can I get off the list?

Me: Be sweet to you're mom!

Amos: Okay, but only while we're on the train.

I guess my little man is growing up! I don't want to embarrass him or be the crazy kissy mom, I just want to hang on to every moment with him that I can. It's times like this that make me slow down and really cherish every day with my kiddos.