How much time do you have?

OK...so, I said I would TRY to keep up with this blog. I have failed miserably but will try to be better.

The past 2 years in a nutshell...

Jonathan is now in 2nd grade and doing well. He will be 8 on the 29th of April. He continues to be our comedy relief to the point of frustration sometimes, but he is precious. He asked Jesus to come into his heart a few months ago and will be baptized soon. We are so happy to know our whole little family will be spending eternity together!

Christopher turned 11 in February and continues to be such a wonderful kid! He is growing up so fast and making us so proud. He LOVES 5th grade and has made great grades this year.

Both boys played soccer in the fall and basketball in January. But we decided to not do baseball with all that is happening in other areas of our lives.

Scott is going to school full-time now. He left his job at Piggly Wiggly (not his choice...most of you know the story) in March of 2010. God provided an amazing temporary job at AFS at Ft. Rucker for 3 months. He helped my dad out during peanut season and enjoyed spending that time with Papa and learning about what Papa has done all these years. Scott should finish all his classes in December and have his BS in Criminal Justice. He is praying for what God would have him do next, applying for jobs, and searching the dwindling job market. God has blessed us so much with exactly what we have needed when we have needed it most, and we are thankful for his goodness and mercy each day. God has His own timing and we are having to learn to trust, serve, and pray while we wait.

School has been the name of the game for me. Since January, I have spent my days at Hillcrest Baptist Counseling Center working on the 600 hours of internship I have to have completed by April 28th!!! This is another area I see God working things out for our good when we don't see it. Because I am gone from the house until 9 or 10 at night at least 3 days of the week, Scott is home to be with the boys and we don't have to disrupt their schedule. God has been so faithful in allowing me to do both my internships this semester aaaaannnnddddd.....I am finishing up my internship and will graduate in MAY!!!! YAY!!!!! I am so excited!

The Perry family has grown by 2 since I last posted. My older brother, Matthew, got married in November 2010. He married Chrissy DePetris. She is a beautiful girl who has finally made his life complete! She has fit nicely in our family, and we love her so much! Mark and Kaci had Thaxton Reed Perry on February 3, 2011. he is a precious bundle of joy, and I just can't get enough of that baby sugar! Rachel and Jamey will also be adding number 3 to their bunch. They will be having a little boy in July.

The Racz family grew some, too. Scott's mom married Jerry Capps in March of last year, and his brother married Cynthia in November 2010. We were happy to make it to Charleston for Travis and Cynthia's wedding and had a good time. It's been nice to see God working in our lives and supplying those "help mates" to travel through life with.

I'm sure I have missed something but hope to catch up. My thoughts these days turn to the things I'm studying in school and the impact I can have for God's kingdom...am I being faithful to what He's called me to do? Marriage is on my mind these days...we'll see what is to come

Thanks for reading!!

PS...OH MY GOODNESS...I CANNOT end this post before I give a big 'ole WAR EAGLE! Auburn won its 2nd National Championship! We made it to the National Championship Celebration in Auburn in January. What an exciting time to be an Auburn Tiger!

Out of the mouths of babes and other stuff

I knew I was going to have a hard time keeping this updated. I'm here today, and that will have to do for now. I think about updating all the time, but so often just put it off...my thoughts will be random tonight but hopefully enjoyed.

I was putting away towels tonight and thinking about how we learn to do the little things in life (like fold those towels). I LOVE my mom (and she will get a kick out of this), but I would classify her as a "towel nazi". As a girl, I would fold the towels (like little and big girls do) and she would come along only to unfold them, show me AGAIN how to fold them, and I would start all over. Years later she apologized for being what I like to call "anal" about it. Now, I SOOOOOOO understand. If they aren't folded just right, they don't fit in the space just right. My sister was here last week, and Anna Kate (my almost 3 year old neice) wanted to help fold the towels. I was putting them up tonight (without refolding) thinking how precious that was to watch her and now I have a little piece of her left here with me.

My mother was a meticulous housekeeper...she had to be with 4 kids. I wish I had that trait. I look around at this house that I grew up in and wonder how she did it...what motivated her to get up EVERYDAY and clean something, everything? The bathrooms were always clean and the floors were never dirty, laundry was hardly ever piled up (like the 4 baskets I'm looking at while I type this...and the 6 loads that are on the floor of the laundry room), and dinner was always on the table. OHHHH, now I get it, she didn't have blogging, blackberries, facebook, etc... Oh to be the woman she is....one day, Mama :D

Christopher was coming down with what would later be diagnosed as strep and was worried. I did his devotion with him and the Bible verse was "be anxious for nothing...." It lifted his spirits right up to know that God was watching out for his every worry and he didn't have to. You should have seen the look on his little face when I started reading that verse!! I prayed over both of them and as I was leaving, Christopher and Jonathan were talking about getting into Heaven. Jonathan has not quite "got it" but is headed in the right direction. He asked me if I had Jesus in my heart. I said I did and he said "Let me see"...priceless. We were talking about sin and that we are all sinners. He said, "Is Daddy a sinner...are you a sinner," and so forth..I said, again, we are all sinners...he said, "am I a sinner?" I said, "yes, you are". You know those moments when you realize that you are part of something and are so excited??? He did the little hand pump thing and said, "YES!!!!!!" I laugh everytime I think of it...he was just happy to be a part of the club. He is my funny man who provides me with laughter everyday.

Christopher is coming into his own, and I struggle with how to be the best mom for him. We are alike in so many ways..selfish, loving, forgiving, frustrating. He is my joy and my big man. God will guide us as we learn how to live and grow together.

Not much to report with Scott and me...we are still doing what we do...work and school. Scott does the work, and I do the school (need to do the work, too). We are learning to take time and have fun with the family. He is enjoying his time with the boys while I'm at school. I don't know what I would do if he weren't so willing to endure the wrath of his boss to be home with the boys. One day I will repay his sacrifice, and he can follow his dream career, too. He is truly God's gift to me.

We have come through Easter, and it was a wonderful season of celebrating our RISEN LORD! No matter what shape the economy is in or what is going on in the world, I have hope because I have read the end of the book...WE WIN! Praise Jesus!

I have requested unspecified prayer this year and ask that you all continue those prayers. I know that God is working in hearts and lives and will be glorified in all outcomes. Thank you for being prayer warriors.

Thanks for reading my ramblings, laughing with me at my crazy family, and sharing in the triumphs of our Savior.

Blessings to you all!

Christmas in Dixie

It has been so long since I posted and since I finished my last final for the semester tonight, I thought I would do a little update!

Christmas is here and we have just gotten the tree up. The boys helped the other night while we watched "Charlie Brown Christmas." I had forgotten how wonderful it was...especially when Linus stood on stage at recited the true reason for Christmas. In the midst of Christmas lists, parties, toys, and family, we needed them to be reminded about why we celebrate the season. I got misty-eyed while watching them watch...Our Savior came to earth knowing He would die on the cross for me...yet He still came! I am anxiously awaiting His return!

Scott and I have celebrated another wonderful year together. This makes 11 years for us! We made our annual trip to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game. This year had a more special activity for us. We were able to see Casting Crowns in their Christmas Celebration. We had 2nd row, center stage tickets and couldn't have enjoyed something more! What a wonderful way to ring in the Christmas season! Scott and I always come back renewed and refreshed. The past 11 years have been the best of my life, and it's wonderful to fall in love more and more each day.

The boys have thrived this year and are growing into such wonderful little men. They have enjoyed the 2 days they get to spend the afternoon and night alone with Daddy while Mommy goes to school. And they LOVED spending the weekend with MiMi and Papa while we were in Atlanta.

The extended Perry family grew this past October as Mark, the youngest Perry, married the wonderful Kaci. She is lovely and fits in so well with us already. Of course I think we have loved her longer than Mark has. Kaci is a godly woman who loves us and, more importantly, Mark...btw, she waited patiently for him...she knew long before he did that God had sent her her husband.

Scott has spent the last 10 weeks going to Troy University online. I am amazed everyday more and more by him. He has made A's in his classes and has one more final to confirm it! I am so proud of him and try to tell him daily how proud I am of him. It got stressful a couple of times, but he handled it and was rewarded in the end!

I have finished my 3rd semester. I have 7 more classes then my practicum and internship! I am still looking for a job, but I know that God will provide when it's time. I pray that I am faithful to His will.

I pray that this Christmas season brings everyone joy and happiness. Remember that Jesus is the reason for the season!

Blessings to you all!

Auburn

I don't have much time, but I had to tell of the excitement we had taking the boys to Auburn this past weekend. It was Christopher's 2nd ballgame and Jonathan's first. Even though it was so hot, we had a wonderful time. Christopher got into the ballgame in a way I've never seen, and Jonathan spent most of the time looking for the eagle and Aubie. They were troopers for walking so much. We had to park past Momma Goldberg's and walked all the way up to J&M and Toomer's. So much has changed since Scott and I were there. It was like seeing it for the first time again. I hope we will be encouragers to the boys and will find them in Auburn in 10 years!!! I will write more later and post some pics....Love to you all!

2 Weeks down [insert tragedy/drama masks here]

Well, Jonathan and Christopher have been in school for 2 weeks. They have taken to school this year like gangbusters. I am so proud of both of them!

Jonathan had no issues getting into class and settled. He has made fast friends of his tablemates. Each day he came home from school the first week I would ask him if he made any friends. Each time he would say (in his precious little voice), "Mama, you have to remind me to ask them!" For my little boy who refuses to speak most of the time, I was informed that he actually got fussed at a little on Friday for TALKING at lunch!!! Like I said before, he would be the one to come home with every story of the day. He enjoyed his first pep rally today...well maybe enjoy is too strong a word. I will be bringing tales from Kindergarten for everyone's pleasure.

Christopher has been doing very well in 3rd grade. We waited a whole week and a half before the first meeting with the teacher. He made all A's on all his papers...until Thursday. We had a little conference and was better today. Please pray for him and us. He is such a smart little boy but just gets distracted so easily! Scott is spending a lot more time with him, and Christopher's had his stomach turned upside down when he realized he had to tell Daddy about his bad day! He is playing football and doing so great! He has turned into a real player. Scott and I are so proud! He will do amazing things! God has such an amazing plan for him, and we will continue to pray that Christopher takes the time to realize it and listen!

I have 2 weeks of school down myself. Continue to keep me in your prayers. This will be a challenging semester for me as I learn how to be the best counselor to God's glory!

As an added note...please pray for my little brother, Mark. He leaves on his first trip to Israel on Tuesday.

God is continuing to bless our family each new day, and we will praise Him for each new blessing and trial!

Love to you all!

School Days

I just was sitting here tonight thinking about what will be coming up in the life of our family on Monday. Christopher begins 3rd grade. Even though this will be his 4th first day of school, this is a new year and things will be different around here. I'm looking forward to what will transpire in the next few weeks and seeing how he will grow and find his way.

Now, for Jonathan....this is the last 1st day of school for our family. I don't see anymore children in our future, but God has His plans for our lives and laughs daily at me as I tell HIM my plans. My little Jonathan...for those of you who know him (and me) know that this will be an interesting week. He is his own little man...marching to his own beat. He, more than Christopher, has been my sidekick for 5 years. I will miss him dearly, but I know that he will enjoy this time away from me. He will be the one to come home and tell me EVERYTHING about his day...while Christopher says, "It was fine". Christopher was his own little man from day one! Jonathan has always acted like mine...just mine. Christopher has always wanted to go anywhere but where he was. Jonathan has been content to be wherever I was.

I love my little men...and that's what they are...little men. Scott and I will say good-bye to them on Monday, and I just feel like life, as we know it, will never be the same again. I will pray over them before they go and trust our Father to care for them while they are away.

Thanks for reading...and praying! Love to you all!

It's only just begun...

OK...I have been jealous of those who can blog consistently, so I am going to try this. I love my life. It can be rough at times, but it's mine and I'll take it anyday! We'll see what comes out of this disorganized head of mine...should be interesting!