GRANT IS HERE IN INDIANA

I just could not wait to share the news. GRANT IS IN INDIANA...WHOOOHOOO. My mom called last night and said that she has received word that Grant is in the air and on the way to Indiana (Praise God). His plane landed this morning and he called Amanda to let her know that he landed safely and that he will call us when he gets settled. HOORAY!!!!

I am so happy, excited, and every other emotion. I have been praying for his safe return and thinking about him pretty much every moment that he has been deployed. And he is finally home, well in Indiana. So, hopefully he will be home home by Monday. Thank you God!!!!

Thank you all for your prayers!!!! I am Thankful.

I hope that everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving with friends and family:)

God Bless...

Jess

SOME GREAT NEWS...

Grant is coming HOME...He will be home (meaning in the States) sometime either tomorrow or the latest Saturday (fingers crossed). Then he will be at Camp Atterbury for a few days. He has told us not to come up to Indy when he arrives because he said by time we all find each other then we only have a few minutes with him, which only make it harder on all of us to see each other then have to leave again. So, we will patiently (ha) wait for his return home early next week.

For all of you reading this, I hope you have a GREAT Thanksgiving, take an extra moment to just look at everyone that you are with and be thankful for all the moments you have with them and the moments that you shared with the loved ones that are now waiting for us in Heaven.

God Bless...

Jess

A Clean Room

I notice that I have put any updated pictures of the girls on here…Maybe due to the fact that I have two full memory cards I keep forgetting to download onto my computer.
Last night would have been a great picture opportunity…Izabelle and Grace were actually playing really good. Izabelle kept following Grace around and copying her, so when Grace laid down Izabelle will follow suit, if Grace danced around, Izabelle would dance. It was funny to watch.
Last night was their bath night (I don’t give them a bath every night, but I do give one every other because their skin gets so dry, for those that want to know). Izabelle loves her baths, well BUBBLES as she would say. Then it was Grace’s turn (with no fighting I might add).
After their baths, Matt and I were doing laundry, dishes, and just picking up the living room before bedtime. When we both realized it was very quiet. Izabelle was helping us, so where was Grace? Well, she was in her room. Playing, maybe??? Well, Matt went in to check on her and SURPRISE…she was cleaning her room??? Since Matt walked in before she revealed her surprise, she wanted to surprise me, so I had to wait until she was ready to show off her room (she even locked the door so I wouldn’t come in). So, when she was ready, she got me and I had to close my eyes. When we got to her room, she told me to open my eyes. WOW!!! It was clean. Not just picking toys off the floor, but cleaning her dresser off, picking all the toys off the floor and putting them in there rightful place. Here room was CLEAN… (Wish I had took some pictures, maybe tonight, if the room is still clean)
The look on her face was priceless…she was so proud of herself…I was proud for her. She did it all by herself, no one told her that she needed to clean her room.
So, she received a reward to put in her piggy bank and GREAT BIG HUGS for her job well done.
Then we got Izabelle off to bed, read some Bible stories, said our prayers, and were off to bed. It was just one of those nights that everything fit into its rightful place, no tugging or pulling from anyone…I was grateful to have such a peaceful night with the family (I am grateful for every night, but those that have no melt downs seem to be the icing on the cake, if you know what I mean).

Until Next Time…

God Bless

Jess

I have been reading Proverbs 31 Ministry each day for my daily devotions. I sometimes make the excuse of not always having time in my busy day to include God, so when I have a free time at work, I usually pop into Proverbs 31 Ministry for my daily dose of devotions. Believe it or not each time I am on there the devotion always hits right at home for me. With it being close to Thanksgiving and the season of Giving and being Thankful...Today’s topic being close to Thanksgiving and the season of Giving and being Thankful was Thank You Power, written by Rachel Olsen…the verse that she uses is

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

The devotion goes on explaining that a research study showed the great benefits of being grateful. It said that grateful people report higher levels of positive emotions and are more satisfied with life. She also goes on to say that people that keep journals about gratitude on a weekly basis is healthier. How great is that???

Also if you go to Rachel Olsen's Blog it talks about the Gratitude Journal…I am thinking about starting one, because this would be a way for me to go back to the journal to reminded that I should be grateful and should be praising God.

Hope you enjoy:)

God Bless.

Happy Birthday, Amanda

Happy Birthday to You!!!! Saturday was Amanda's birthday (my brother's girlfriend). Matt and I went down to Evansville with my mom and cousin Jacy, did some Christmas shopping (and let me tell you it was BUSY). We met up with Amanda and her family and friends for dinner at Texas Roadhouse (Yummy). We enjoyed meeting everyone and having the time to spend with Amanda on her birthday.
I know that the biggest birthday wish and present would be for Grant to come home, safe and sound (a presnet we would all enjoy).

Until Next Time...

God Bless

Jess.

P.S. Amanda I really liked your outfit that you had on...it was super cute.

Some News...

So my mom just emaailed me and said that Grant called my dad last night and said he was doing fine. He said that it won't be long until he will be home and he will call again...Again we don't know the exact date or time due to Security Reasons. We (meaning my parents) will get a tenative date, but won't know the exact date and time until they are in the air. So, hopefully everything will run smooth and Grant will be home in the next week or two. So, if you please say a prayer for him and the rest of the Task Force 1-151 Soldiers for their safe trip home.

God Bless...

Jess

Busyness of Life...

We always say that we are busy, busy, and we don’t have enough time in the day. The thing is that I am grateful for my busyness, because it makes me really appreciate the time that I have a moment to just be spontaneous. To take an extra minute to really dance with my girls or just have that extra long hug from my husband. But some of my busyness has to do with my girls and husband, so I shouldn’t complain, Uh??

This past week seemed to busy as ever, but as the week went on it seemed to slow down. Grace had her first Slumber Party at a friend’s house and although she said she wasn’t scared of spending the night, I was scared for her. After dropping her off the rest of us went to Loogootee to get gas, supper, and went by my sister’s for a bit. Then we made a surprise stop at Greta and Rob’s house to visit them and B. The more I was there the more I thought…we haven’t been there since B’s birthday party back in August. Are you kidding me??? Man, we really need to get out more and visit the people we love.
I guess Gracie did fine at her slumber party because I didn’t get a phone call asking me to come and get her. She seemed so much more grown up when I saw her after Ladies’ Day the next day.
Speaking of Ladies’ Day, I had the opportunity to go to the Ladies’ Day at Providence. Let me tell you, I really enjoyed my time. The Ladies that put this on did a great job on putting this together. The guest speaker was Lauren Biggs and she was AMAZING…I hung on to every word she spoke. I have known her for several years and she truly a wonderful blessing. After she spoke, we were able to choose two sessions to attend and I was in Awe of the sessions I attended. Just hearing these women speak was great. After the events were over, I felt so rejuvenated and blessed to be part of this. I just wished I would of got my mom and sister involved because I believe they would have liked it as much as I did.
The rest of the day we just hung around the house, what else could we do, since it was rainy and cold? So, the girls and I went downstairs and did some finger painting. They played, while I worked on one of my dances (the Senior Vikettes are dancing to “I can Only Imagine”). Grace and daddy went to Fat Boy’s for some ice cream, while Izabelle took a late, late afternoon nap. We just enjoyed the time together. We started to watch Wizard of Oz (until it got to late), a tradition that I have had since I was a little girl. It seemed like each year at this time, the Wizard of Oz would come on and I remember watching it with my sister and brother and I wanted to keep that tradition going with our family.
Sunday, we went to church, had an early Thanksgiving meal with Matt’s grandparents and family. And just spent the day with them…headed home for a nap. I had my Christian Life class (more to come on this subject) that afternoon and Small Groups that evening and was able to take a break for our topic and just have the opportunity to just talk and relax. We did our shoe boxes for Operation Child…although we (the Gingerich’s didn’t have all of our items we enjoyed watching everyone getting in the spirit of giving). So, you see if I wasn’t busy I would miss some these opportunities that have presented itself.

Some pictures of Matt's Deer

Below are pictures taken by Matt's buddy Scott out in Missouri. Thank you Scott for giving Matt this opportunity to hunt on your property and letting him stay with you.


God Bless.

Jess

Last Week: Hunting Trip, Home Alone, and Stomach bugs

Last week Matt was able to go on his Hunting Trip to Missouri with a friend of his that lives out there. He left on Wednesday morning after he took Grace to Preschool. I knew that he was thinking about being gone for 4 nights, 5 days, but I was hoping that I would be able to presuade him to come home earlier. The first day of hunting (Thursday), Matt saw a nice buck and was able to get a shot in, but when they went tracking for it, they were not able to find the buck, but Matt's arrow with about 5 inches of his arrow missing. On Friday morning, Matt was able to shoot a nice size Doe. Then later that evening he got his 10 pointer that he was hoping for. I am so happy that he was able to go out there and have the opportunity to hunt. He didn't get any pictures, but his buddy did, so hopefully I will be able to post some when I get them.

From my cell phone...


Back at home...the girls and I were sure missing daddy, but I figured as long as I kept them busy (and myself) we wouldn't miss him as much or at least I would hope. By Friday afternoon we were ready for Daddy. Poor Izabelle, everytime she heard a noise, she would perk up and say "daddy". On Saturday, the girls and I decided that being couped up in the house was enough, so off we went to my mom and dad's. When we got there I started to feel alittle sick, then my dad started to say he wasn't feeling good either. So, about 5 0'clock we decided we needed to head home and get our stuff done before bed. When we got home, I felt even worse, so I called my mom and she came right to my house to take care of the girls. I didn't want to be sick and leave the girls alone by themselves. I just kept getting these heat waves then nausea...I kept applying a cold wet washcloth on my neck to help me keep cool and that seem to work. My dad called me and said he was experiencing the same thing, so I knew it was some sort of Bug that was going around. My mom was truly a great help to me and I apprepricated her coming to my rescue. Although I didn't get any sleep, I felt a lot better, but my stomach was still in knots the next morning (probably because it was empty).
I decided that the girls and I wouldn't attempt church, so we just hung around the house until Jake called and said that we could come over for lunch...Ummm I couldn't resist their cooking. So, we ate lunch at their house, which gave me some time to just relax because the girls sure love their Memaw and Papaw. Then about 1:30, Matt called and asked where we were, that he was at home. I told him that we were at his parents. We were so excited that Daddy was finally home and the girls were just jumping for joy. When Matt got their Izabelle just stared at him and wanted to him to hold her.
Matt took Grace with him to drop the doe and buck off at his Uncle Dan's, while I took Izabelle with me to get a nap in.
I was so glad that Matt was home and I was able to have my partner back.
Unfortunately, on Tuesday morning, Matt woke up with the stomach flu. Poor thing. I was off that day due to Veteran's Day, so the girls and I kept checking on him and trying to keep fluids in him. He feels better now.

2 Weeks and Counting...

My brother will be home approximately 2 weeks...I am so excited. He transitioned into tents about a week ago, so that the new group will take their position in their rooms. He also has limited time on contacting us, due to working and he no longer has Internet connectivity (he has to go somewhere on base to that). So, please keep him and the rest of the troops in your prayers during this transition period and a same trip HOME!!!!! WHOOO HOOOO:)

God Bless...

Matt's Reflections

I have wanted to post this for awhile…Actually Matt has wanted me too. Matt started a new hobby; well actually he started it about 5 years ago. It all started when he wanted to do something special for his friend’s mom.

See, a close friend of Matt's died in an automobile accident 5 years ago this past September, a couple of weeks after the funeral, Matt really felt compelled to do something special. He wanted something that he could remember him by and be ever reminded of his faith, so off we went to get a tattoo (I know, some might not think tattoos are appropriate, but this was his decision), he thought long and hard on this and finally found the perfect symbol…A Cross. It was beautiful. It was his way of honoring his friend and I was very supportive of his decision (I couldn’t be hypocritical especially since I have a small tattoo).

But that wasn’t enough he knew that he needed to do something for his friend’s mom. He wanted make a cross for the roadside, so that when people went by there you will see it and be reminded of his friend. He didn’t want to make one out of wood, since it would whither, so since he was a welder and had metal at the shop, he decided to use his resources. He drew out a cross (somewhat like the tattoo), got stainless steel, cut the cross out, and put reflector tape on it. He worked and worked on it for days, until he made the right one for her.

When he presented it to her, instead of putting it by the road, she put it in her garden, so that everyday; she could see it and remember her son. I am so proud of Matt and the things that he does. He has made several more and has given them to friends/family that have lost a loved one or just to put in their gardens to just remember.

We have one in front of Matt’s garage and every time I see it, it reminds me of how loved I am, how precious life is, and my faith. When I drive in the driveway at night, my lights just light it up, and that is the only thing that I see. It is beautiful and I can’t help but to smile and say “thanks” to God.

Here is a picture of one of the crosses that Matt has made…This is one with a butterfly on it, but he does have ones without it (the flash was on, so that is what you would see at night time). If you like to have one, you can comment below. I am not for sure of the price, but I can get that information to you.

God Bless

WOW!!!!

My birthday started off pretty good...then after work I got the girls and headed to the polls!!! I waited for over an hour to vote (thanks to Matt's cousin Jamie for helping me with the girls). I do have to admit I didn't really know who to vote for. I was on the fence until the minute I went in...I know that is bad, but both of them in my mind were a toss up. There were somethings I didn't agree with regarding their policies they were putting up.
My decision was basically was on this...yes the President is a Big factor in America, but I had to realize that the whole Congress, House of Reprenstatives is the other Big factor. Even if the President promises us free ice cream for a year, the administration has to agree upon it too.
Anyway, when we were watching the Election news, I was holding Izabelle and talking to Matt (I know I am a great Multi-tasker), Izabelle decided to throw up all over me and the floor. I thought maybe it was all the candy at the Polls she ate, but after a few more minutes more came out...I know GROSS! So, I called our babysitter, to let her know that Izabelle was sick, so she could keep an eye out for her sons, she said that her youngest was doing the same thing...O'man...poor thing. So, I held Izabelle while she slept hoping that if I kept her with me she would be fine and after a few hours, she was fast asleep with no other episodes (she is back to her ole self).
Back to the Election...I watched the final moments before they announced that Obama won...I wasn't surprised (a little disappointed) that he won, but I was hoping that McCain would be alittle closer in the numbers than what it showed.
Although I might not agree with all of Obama's promises (policies), I still am an American, I still am free, I still have my rights, and I still love my country. And I will do my best to support our American President, as I have the last 8 years.
Because I know that there is a higher power that is with us, I trust in him, and I will never give him up.

God bless:)

Jess

What an Important Date...A date that will be historical!!!

What an Important Date...A date that will be historical!!!!! Because it is MY BIRTHDAY!!!! Yeah. I really dont get to excited about birthdays, particularly my birthday, but this year I am excited. Maybe because all the excitement in the air for Presidential Election (another historical moment).
Today, started off like any other day, just some warm Happy Birthday hugs and kisses from my little girls and hubby. Then some of my co-workers and boss bought me lunch, card, and a GIANT Hershey's bar...how did they know I love chocolate...maybe because I eat it all the time;)
Anyway, I am loving my birthday and hopefully be able to make it to the Polls to Vote.

Until next time...

God Bless:)

Trick or Treating and Date Night

So many things to talk about, but don't really know where to start. Gracie had her Halloween Party at Preschool and I didn't get any pictures because my batteries went dead. Then that afternoon I taught the Worship Dance to the two girls for their Christmas Program. These girls are so precious and their mom is just wonderful (thank you for the encourgament and uplifting talk we had) and I am so overjoyed to have this opportunity to do this for them. That day couldn't have been better for us. The rest of the afternoon we decided to play outside...we went for a walk (Grace likes to ride her back on the black top and Izabelle enjoyed her ride in the stroller), then we played on the swing set, danced, enjoyed a visit for Aunt Kaycee, and went in about 4:30 exhausted.
I knew that we were going to be up Trick or Treating so I put Izabelle down for a nap since she decided to skip her regular nap time. Matt came home and decided to go out to my parent' s farm and get his climber, so he wasn't home until after 7. We started our trip a little late. We stopped off at Memaw and Papaw's, then headed to Loogootee to meet my sister and her family and do some lite Trick or Treating.

Here are some pictures of that evening:

The only picture from her Preschool Halloween Party.

Saturday Night, Matt took me on a Date in Evansville. We got my some of my favorite make up, went to BabiesRUs, and Target. Then Amanda (my brother's girlfriend) met us at Target, we went to the Riverwalk, took some pictures, and then she took us to a German American Resturant (food was good).

Here are some pictures:

Don't we make a cute coupleAmanda and I

God Bless

P.S. Please keep in your prayers for the Jim Miller family, Jim Miller passed away suddenly yesterday and they need all the prayers and support during this time of need.

Jess