Project Revealed!

After 4 1/2 years our front "porch" looked kinda like this -- with no steps to the front door. It is peices of plywood that have seen better days. One section fell through where it was rotten when I stepped on it recently. FYI: the life of untreated plywood is about 4 years ask us how we know!

We finally hired a man in our church to help with this problem. Problem was, there are more problems.

This semi-circle of an object in the middle of this picture is a rock. This IS the biggest one, but there were many small ones that became an obstacle. He ended up having to get a bobcat with teeth on the front to cut through the rocks and clay. (The top right of this picture is the gravel in our driveway. Don't know that that helps much with prespective, but trust me, the rock could not be carried by even two people.)

The kids loved to go outside when "Brother Allan" (or as Zaya would say "Bru Ayen"). Zaya would even wake up from his nap asking if Brother Allan was still here. He was so patient with the kids and let them help from time to time.

Isaiah loved watching all the big trucks. A large flatbed truck brought wood.

Then the cement truck came. This kept the kids attention for hours. It was very chilly that morning, so they had to watch with their jackets on.

Brother Allan helped Madi put her 'mark' on the driveway. She didn't mind doing it. Isaiah on the other hand kept yelling, "No, dirty. Dirty, yuck!" One of the other guys that came to help out teased that we were raising another accountant. No dirty work for Zaya.


The kids couldn't be happier with a flat surface to ride bikes and scooters.

There's still much landscaping to do -- flower beds, gravel, grass, etc. But we are so excited that we can FINALLY welcome people into our house through the FRONT DOOR even if it does come with a payment plan.

Plan to post a final photo once we get the rest of the work done . . . don't hold your breath though. It may take a while.

Update On Makenna

Thank you to all who prayed for Makenna's dental appointment today. Praise the Lord she did unbelievably well! It was only an exam, but new places and new people make her uneasy. She was very nervous when we arrived, but by the time the doctor came to check on her she was calmed down and even cooperative! I'm sure the trip we had planned to Chuck E. Cheese that was conditional on her behaviour had nothing to do with it!

To explain a little, when she was 3 we took her to the dentist for her first cleaning. The regular gal that usually cleaned my teeth (who Makenna knew) wasn't in -- had I know that, I would have reschedule. She wasn't too thrilled about the new girl. Unfortunately, the new girl wasn't too kid-friendly. After a lengthy struggle to get Makenna to lie down and cooperate, the hygentist basically put her in a headlock to get her to stay still -- one of the few regrets I have as a mom, trusting professionals know what they are doing. (sigh) Needless to say, she hasn't taken well to any doctor or dentist for a long time. Fortunately, we now see a friend of ours & his wife for our dental needs! Unfortunately, Makenna has to have some extensive dental work done after school is out (July 26 unless an earlier opening becomes available), and it is out of our regular dentist's capabilities. We do covet your prayers, and I will fill you in as I can regarding this situation.

I also had this thought today . . . Makenna had surgery to have a cyst removed from her arm also when she was 3 years old. She did wonderfully except for the usual not wanting the IV and blood pressure cuff on in recovery. But I'm wondering if both those experiences have contributed to her fears??

With the Lord's help, we are working through it. You can specifically pray that this situation she has to go through will not cause her any further trauma. We don't take your prayers lightly and thank you for praying for our family.

Something Big Is Going On Around Here!

Today is an exciting day at the Lott house . . .

Can you guess what is happening?

Here's a clue from the last couple days.

Thank You, Gramma & Papaw!

Ok. It's after midnight and I should be sleeping, but I don't want to take time out of my day tomorrow to do this. We've got a busy week ahead of us.

Please pray about a dental appointment Makenna has on Tuesday. She has a huge fear of doctors and dentist from a bad experience she had when she was 3. Thankfully, she's not as resistant to the news of going to a new dentist this week, so I'm optimistic that she'll do okay. I may be able to explain later what exactly has to happen, but because of Makenna's fears we can't take the chance of her getting wind of what will be happening to her. She will be seeing a pediatric dentist, and we will keep you posted as the situation allows.

Now on to fun things . . . This weekend we went to Cleveland to visit with Mommy's family . . .

Papaw had recently visited with his Aunt Judy and brought back this BIG RACTEE (or big tractor for those of you that don't understand toddler). Isaiah is so enthralled with this new working tractor, I can't even begin to explain. It's pretty much all he talks about. He LOVES toys with moving parts and was thrilled when he realized he could steer his new tractor.

"Thank you Aunt Judy!"

On Saturday afternoon, Gramma & Papaw took us to an indoor amusement park. (My apologies to those of you on Facebook that have already seen these photos.)

Gramma & Isaiah watching Madison have fun on a ride. He was too afraid to ride on it with her -- mind you it was a "worm" with seats that went in a simple circle around a big apple.

I love this picture. Who do you think she takes after, Mom or Dad??

This lady was doing characitures for tips. Isaiah was hamming it up and had the attention of all the bystanders. He even cracked up the artist.

Here's the final product.

This sleeping pig is the only animal our kids would touch, and at that, Madi jumped a mile high when his ear flinched!

Papaw showing Madi how to have fun on a ride.

Isaiah did like to ride on Quadzilla. Worms scare him, but large vehicles make him squeal with excitement!?!

This was another "ride" he enjoyed.

On the way out, we let the kids spend $2 on a game where 'everyone was a winner'. They picked one prize out of many barrels -- of course, it was the noise maker which we've deemed an outside toy.

And a special Happy Birthday to Papaw! Glad we could celebrate with you a little early.

THE END.

I Leave You With This . . .

I will be without the laptop for a couple days while Rick is out of town. (SIDE NOTE: Please pray the children are normal -- They have been anything but lately, so I would welcome "their normal".)

In light of that fact, I thought I would post a couple picture and give you all an update. Here are the three hoodlums, I mean, siblings. For some reason I got on a little sewing kick and made Makenna's sundress (modified for spring in the NE with a long sleeved-shirt) and Madison's skirt. I was going to make her shorts with the fabric, but when I found that jacket at the thrift store I knew I had to make a skirt. Not bad without a pattern, huh? Well, for me anyway. I'm no seamstress, so that's a big deal. Isaiah just couldn't be left out, so I photographed him as well. You'll have to pardon the squinting. We are again thankful for the sun even if the pictures didn't turn out great.

Madison's PeeWee Pirate class had a presentation Sunday evening. She did a great job participating this time.

And just a quick update on our prayer request and burden referenced here. Once the emotions ran off, it was easier to deal with the situation level-headed. We feel the Lord gave us a game plan (which includes much waiting especially in the beginning) and a timeline that will signal we are no longer comfortable with the directions things are taking us. We have peace that the Lord will show us His path for us and that He will provide our every NEED as he has promised. BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD!

Mother's Day Giveaway

Head over to Less-Than-Perfect Life and enter for a $30 jewelry giveaway.

Here are a few of the beautiful things you can buy . . .

Hurry and head over . . . entry closes at midnight this Sunday, April 11.

Square?

I've learned to adapt to a few tradtionally non-square things over the years . . .

A Wendy's hamburger

(Don't ask, but I had a hard time with this one. Probably due to the fact that one of the first ones I ordered in highschool was partially raw. If you know me, you know that doesn't go over well! I come from a long line, well, short line of well-doners, I guess! Mostly, my dad & I.)

Square pizza

But I think I draw the line at SQUARE FISH! Imagine my surprise when I open this package today! There's something not normal about square fish. Honestly I couldn't get over it mentally and didn't eat it all.

Reminds me of that Long John Silvers' commercial where fisherman dump their net and live, square fish are flopping around on the deck. They say something like "that ain't natural" referring to McDonalds Fillet-o-Fish sandwich.

Why not. I'll link up to the commercial.

Standing Still

Life is not always easy (as I'm sure most of you know). I am blessed beyond measure and feel I have no room to complain. There are others who are suffering from major health issues, financial strains and far worse things than we are facing.

However tonight, we are going to bed with heavy hearts. I can't really go into details, and it's nothing really serious or life threatening. Just struggles that our family is having to deal with right now. One difficulty is that one decision we have to make will affect many, many other areas of ours and our children's lives. We need wisdom and are praying that we will see the clear path that God has laid out for us.

I know you wouldn't know TO pray for us or HOW to pray unless we asked, so that's why I'm posting.

(Our Easter Family photo in the welcomed bright sunshine)

A friend reminded me of a verse today . . . I Samuel 9:27 b ~ "but stand thou still a while, that I may shew thee the word of God." This in turn reminded me of one of my favorite songs, "Stand Still and Let God Move". I've included the words and a link so you can be encouraged along with us.

Stand Still and Let God Move

The Father has a plan. Though it's hard to see it now
You feel you're walking all alone. But He is there no doubt
When the storm around you rages, And you're tossed to and fro
When you're faced with life's decisions, Not sure which way to go

Stand still and let God move, Standing still is hard to do
When you feel you have reached the end, He'll make a way for you
Stand still and let God move

When the enemy surrounds you, And the walls are closing in
When the tide is swiftly rising, And you wonder where He's been
Friend, there never was a moment, That His arms weren't reaching out
You can rest assured and be secure, God is moving right now

Stand still and let God move, Standing still is hard to do
When you feel you have reached the end,
He'll make a way for you
Stand still and let God move

When you feel you have reached the end, He'll make a way for you
Stand still and let God move
The answer will come, But only in His time
Stand still and let God move, Stand still and let God move

(Not too crazy about this version, but it's what I could find online.)

Easter Fun 2

Here are a few pics from our annual Easter egg coloring and egg hunt at Nana & Pappy's house . . .

Easter Fun

First of all, let me just say, "I'm very proud of me!" I am not one to let the kids paint or make a mess. I know they need to experiment, but my extreme dislike for messes usually wins. Thanks to my friend over at Tis the Season, I thought I'd try a not-so-messy project. It helped that I didn't make it a free-for-all, and we all sat calmly and took turns with mommy's help. Well, all except for Makenna. (We had friends over to share in the fun.)

Madi patiently waiting for her turn to "paint" the flowers.

Isaiah painting the stems -- the forearm is covered with paint and pressed onto the paper.

Painting Isaiah's hand to make the flower.
(Photo unedited by Makenna)

Makenna making her craft.

(Funny story: She was teasing me about how slowly I was making the words on Madison's picture. Then she started making the "H" on her sign . . . I said "not so easy, is it?" She then agreed with me. I was finishing up Madi then looked at her paper. She had made a 2x2 block of pink paint trying to cover up her messed up letters . . . hence the large rectangle of pink with letter written over it on her craft. I told her to ask for help next time before painting a blob on her paper.)

FINAL PROJECTS BELOW:

Isaiah

Madison

Makenna

Praying we all remember the reason we celebrate on this Easter holiday.