Ramble-on

Right now I have many things to say, a few hundred opinions to express, and several photos to share. However, I am only in the mood to ramble..... hence the ramble-on. Hopefully, by the end of the ramble-on you will be up-to-date with what is going on in our lives! Enjoy!!

Christmas was great, but went a little too fast. On Christmas Eve, my family did our annual fondue and the boys opened gifts together. Grant took forever to open his presents. By the time that Ryan was finished, Grant had only opened a couple. On Christmas morning, Grant slept until 9:00 a.m., ate eggs, and took a bath.... clearly he had no idea that the living room was filled with gifts!! Once again, it took him forever to open his gifts. He was most excited to receive a guitar that I bought him with my Grandpa and Grandma Booths Christmas money. Seriously, he only needed that present. He has played with it non-stop. The guitar may drive me crazy. Brad and I are still pursuing the path that God has laid before us. Still praying that He fixes the pothole in the railroad tracks. Still praying for His strength, guidance, and patience. I was able to volunteer at the hospital for 2 evenings this month. It was nice to go back. Sad to see babies whose parents just didn't care to take care of them while they were pregnant. Brad and I went down to the preschool for their Christmas Performance. Nice to go back. Nice to enjoy the stress free night. Grant got a cat that rolls around on the ground and laughs out of control. He loves it and has carried it to church, the grocery store, etc. Grant even calls the cat to jump on his lap. And you can't carry a cat without a dog, so he now carries a dog....with the cat. I can't believe that he is going to be 2 soon!!! It is a little sad. However, I can't complain. He is smart, funny, mouthy..... everything a soon to be 2 year old should be! I started using Restasis about a month ago. Terrible for the pocket book, wonderful for my eyes. And no, I have not turned into the actress on the commercial, in case you were concerned. Alisha bought Grant a ball-pit blow-up car for Christmas. Wonderful for Grant, terrible for Mommy. There are plastic balls all over the house! In the bathroom, under furniture....thanks Alisha! My stomach has healed from surgery. I now know which foods to eat.... and which ones to run from! It does stink to always have to watch what you eat. The mail just went by. "Eat Pray Love" was a bit strange...and long. Grant painted Christmas bulbs. He tried so hard not to eat the acrylic paint. Joel and Jessica met us for lunch last week. It was nice to see our "once a year" friends. Brad has been working extra in the evenings and tonight he will be gone to do some work for a friend. Our Christmas tree is naked, sitting outside of the garage. Brad confessed that he didn't water it often, therefore it lived a short life. Thankfully the tree made it through Christmas...just a little picky. Well, I should wrap this ramble-on up. Alisha's dog is cuddled with me. I don't like her. We miss 2 special people. Grant is playing with play-doh. Greg and Aaron wrote a poem about Grant. We are headed to Indiana to celebrate Christmas with Brad's family. I can't stop eating the cake balls that my mom made. I need some diet coke. Have a great day!

All Things Are Possible,

Stephanie Miller

Music To My Ears

When I was younger my parents did not allow us to listen to "non-Christian" music. Seriously, I thought that the "New Kids on the Block" were really new kids on the block. I actually asked my friend where in the neighborhood "these" kids lived.

I would say that my parents, mostly my dad, were a bit overboard with the whole music thing. I remember winning a giant New Kids on the Block button in school....you guessed it....to my, not so surprise, surprise..... I could not keep the button.

One year my parents bought us portable tape players for Christmas. I was in 3rd grade and these were the bomb-diggity. Mine was light purple and had an awesome strap, hence the portability. On that morning I was in my room listening to the radio. I never listened to the radio and had no clue what type or kind of music was playing. I just knew that I was listening to the radio. My dad soon entered my room and told me that if he ever heard "that" kind of music again, he would take the radio out of the tape player. Was it even possible? I don't know, but I believed him. He then informed me of this "awesome" radio station that played "awesome" Christian music..... 99.7 Family Life Radio............ (just what an 8 year old wanted to hear....)

Needless to say I carried my purple, now only playing Christian music on the radio, tape player around for the ENTIRE day....waiting for music. Not just awesome music..... just SOME KIND of music. I played with new toys, cleaned the bathroom, etc., all while waiting for SOMETHING (else) to come from those speakers. Yeah, there sure was a theme to this radio station - talking. What 3rd grader wants to listen to Christian music, let alone listen to some guy in his 40's talk....non-stop.....all day......

As the years went on I learned how to "sneak listen" to the music that I wanted to hear. I didn't listen to bad music, however, to my parents, any non-Christian music was bad music.

I knew that I had to listen to "positive hits" when I was home, in the car, and anytime I was around my parents. In high school I even joined a CD club and ordered my choice of music. Do they even have those clubs anymore???

Years later, I STILL listen to Christian music. In fact, it is my choice of music. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy non-Christian music, but prefer Christian music most of the time.

When I worked at the preschool I had a 45 minute drive - one way. If the roads were snowy it could easily take me well...well over an hour to get to school or home.

(I remember one time specifically, there was a snow storm that had started around 10:00 a.m. and I was scheduled to close at 6:00 p.m. that night. Needless to say, I left the school at 8:00 p.m. and got home at 10:00 p.m........ ONLY to turn around and open the school at 7:00 a.m the next day..... WOW....so glad I got out!!!)

I spent a lot of time in the car....rain or shine....sleet or hail... most of the time listening to Christian radio stations. I began to really enjoy the music, as many of the lyrics spoke directly to my heart.

Now that I am not working and with Grant all day, I listen to DVD's in the van. I have to make a point to change the radio over when he is not in the van with me - which is not often. I must say that I miss listening to "positive hits" for an hour and a half each day. I do listen online, however it is not as often as I would like.

(This is where must I shamefully admit that I have also enjoyed SOME talk radio...... )

I would say that there are approximately 4,522 songs that I could talk about......4,522 songs that have spoken to me in one way, shape or form. (Okay, not that many....I can't lie while discussing the importance of Christian music......)

One song that has spoken to me.....over and over is "Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns. Yes, I know that it is an old song...... some may believe that it is overplayed.... I remember when the movie "Facing the Giants" was released and EVERY church on the block was playing the movie during "Friday night family nights" .... yeah I know.

Okay, past the movie... here at the lyrics....

Oh,what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
You you'll never win

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the Voice of truth says "this is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me

But the Voice of truth tells me a different story
The Voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the Voice of truth
I will listen and believe
'Cause Jesus you are the Voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you are the Voice of truth

(Lyrics from: http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/voice-of-truth-lyrics-casting-crowns/c476d6c52be8e8c048256e9c000db7a4)

This song is so encouraging and beautifully written. I could ramble on and on about this song and how it pertains to my life, but I will spare you.

I'm way over due to hit the "publish post" button.... and I know that this song pertains to many lives. The "crashing waves" don't have to be huge and you do not have to be walking through something "gi - normas." I believe that Christians face giants each and everyday. This song specifically, encourages me to stay strong - no matter the situation.

In closing, if you do not listen to Christian music, I would encourage you to do so. I can't believe how the music can lift spirits and change attitudes.

Yes, I know that there is a lot of talking....and advertising....and fundraising......on these stations, however if you can get past the logistics and "mum-bo jum-bo" there is amazing music and even more amazing lyrics!!!

All Things Are Possible,

Stephanie

Like Yesterday - Part Two

I remember her like it was yesterday. Her cold wrinkled hands and heart warming smile. She had a way about her.

I remember her wearing collard sweatshirts, with bears or decorative designs on them. I specifically remember her wearing a white sweatshirt. She wore cotton pants, I remember her wearing a navy blue pair often.

She moved slowly, taking in the world around her. I can still see her folded hands placed by her mouth, and I can hear her saying "praise Jesus."

She always took time for people. While in her presence, we would play games, pick berries, or read stories.

In spirit she prayed, for everyone that she knew, by name. She prayed out loud, in a soft, quiet voice.

She lived a life of purpose. She knew when to have fun and she knew when it was time to be serious. She knew how to love, care, and serve.

She was also a very smart woman, who knew that people were watching. As a child and young adult I watched her. I watched the way she treated people and the way she carried herself. More importantly, I watched how she followed Christ.

I'm sure that she has had a ball in Heaven. I'm sure that she is still smiling, laughing, and folding her hands.

I just wonder, does Jesus spread His cards out, while they play Uno at HIS table??

All Thins Are Possible,

Stephanie

Like Yesterday

I remember it like it was just yesterday. Walking up the sidewalk and into the utility room. The room was white, a washer and dryer was to the right, and a wood burning stove kept the room warm.

Down the hall was the bathroom. It was small and I remember the color red and a lot of doilies. During the Christmas Season, a manger sat on a shelf in the hallway. This manger had real hay and a red bulb shined over the animals.

The kitchen was also small, but always had room for laughs and Uno games. Instead of holding my cards in my hand, I always laid them on the round, brown table. During the game I would snack on Neapolitan Ice cream and drink Fay-go from a cold, tin cup. I always sat by the window, on a pale yellow chair, next to the phone hanging on the wall.

We gathered in the large, dark dinning room and ate Mexican food. The table was also large and seemed to take up the entire room. A terrarium sat in the corner of the room, housing fake plants and a painted river. One Halloween we went trick or treating and I remember eating an oatmeal pie cookie in that room.

The sound of Jeopardy echoed the mirrored wall, as I sat in the brown recliner. I didn't enjoy watching jeopardy, but I enjoyed being in the living room. Through the pictured window I watched the cars on the busy street and through the wall or mirrors I watched her. I would get restless and escape to warm up by the wood burning stove.

Outside I would run and swing on the rusty clothes line, as clothes pins fell from their cloth bag. We always played croquet.

I remember being in her house like it was yesterday. I remember the colors, sounds, and smells from the small, white house.

I remember the Uno games, ice cream, tin cups, plastic ice cubes, Jeopardy, wood burning stove, storage shed, wall of mirrors, and Christmas Manger like it was yesterday.

More importantly, I remember her like it was yesterday.......

To be continued.....

All Things Are Possible,
Stephanie

Advent Conspiracy. Enter The Story.

Pothole In The Railroad Tracks

The other day my mom and I were driving the down the road. Just as I crossed a railroad track I yelled "pothole in the railroad tracks!" I tried to slow down, but it was too late. As I crossed the tracks I braced myself for the pothole.

To my surprise there was not a pothole in the tracks. As I braced for the pothole, my van just bumped across the, known to everyone in the area as horrible, train tracks.

I usually slow down for these tracks because they are so bumpy. I don't remember a time in my life that they were not terrible. And when I say "terrible" I mean, its not uncommon to see car parts scattered on the tracks. These tracks are bad. So bad that they are ingrained in my memory. Like the day Alisha was born, or the Christmas that I got a Nintendo, and....yep.....the train tracks on Belsay Road.

This trip, however, I thought that I had prepared for the worst. I had slowed down as usual, but didn't remember about the pothole until I crossed the tracks. As I crossed I braced myself. I knew that I was not going slow enough to avoid car parts falling to the ground, as I slammed the pothole.

To my surprise the pothole was gone. It had been fixed. I couldn't believe it because the pothole was there a week prior...I remembered it quite well.

For the first time...ever....the railroad tracks didn't seem that bad. Remember their poor quality had been ingrained in my memory....ranked right up there with.....you know.....Alisha's birth and Christmas.......(un-bunch the britches, I'm being dramatic).

The railroad tracks didn't seem as bad as usual because I had expected worse.....I had expected car parts flying....I had expected tires rolling......

Currently, I feel like I'm crossing terrible train tracks. I keep bracing myself for the worst. I'm actually not sure whether or not I have even began to cross the tracks. I'm ready for the tracks because I'm used to them. I have crossed them before. I am used to allowing God to lead my life. Those specific situations are also ingrained in my memory.

There have been many times in my life that I have followed God and His will for my life. There have been times that the outcome was clear and following Him was easy, and then there have been times that His will didn't make sense.

Although I have crossed these tracks before, allowing God to lead my life, I'm more nervous than ever. I keep telling myself that I don't have to take this path...I don't have to choose to cross the tracks......

However, I then feel God telling me that this is the path He has laid for me and for my family. He reminds me that the tracks may be rough, but that He has a plan and a purpose.

As Brad and I choose to follow God's will, we also choose to cross the tracks. Although it seems like the path may be rough, we pray that it will not be as expected. We pray that in the end the tracks were not as bad as they once appeared. We also look forward to the other side of the track.... of course the less bumpy pavement, but more importantly, knowing that we followed Him. The greatest reward in choosing the bumpy road is knowing that God is in control and will lead us through the entire path.....start to finish.

So we brace ourselves, choose to follow Him, and pray for strength. The path seems rough and bumpy, but we serve an Almighty God!!

Well, I just covered the railroad tracks...... Let's just pray that God will repair the pothole in the middle......

All Things Are Possible,

Stephanie

Happy Thanksgiving!!

As I sit here, listening to relaxing Christmas music...admiring the aroma of a candle...with the Macy's parade in the background, I am overcome by the blessings that surround our cozy, warm home.

It is more than turkey and stuffing, more than reduce prices and receipts, and it is more than get togethers and traditions.

I have heard many say "why not be thankful all year round?" True. However, today is a special time of the year to really think about and be thankful for what means the most to you. I am thankful all "year round," but it seems as though it is a little easier to count my blessings as the holiday seasons creeps upon us.

This time of year makes me especially thankful for......

health - as many will spend their holiday's in the hospital.

life - as some will spend this holiday season remembering a loved one that was with them the year prior.

friendship - as some may have their holiday slip away with out those who were once near and dear to them.

five senses - I am able to hear, smell, touch, see, and of course taste the holiday season as some have never seen the glow of Christmas lights.

resources - as I enjoy heat and dependable transportation, some will gather at local food shelters for their celebrations.

So, as we stuff the turkey, hang the decorations, cut down the tree, wrap presents, attend holiday performances, and gather for celebrations, I hope that a spirit of thankfulness follows.

I also hope that you are able to do more than remember those who are less fortunate. Whether it be a pair of mittens, change dropped in the red bucket, a toy for a child, or money given to a food bank, there are many small -and big-ways to bless others.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. May God bless your holiday seasons as you spend time celebrating with those you love!

(Thanksgiving Day 2009)

All Things Are Possible,
Stephanie Miller

Got Label?

Advertisement. It's everywhere. Ads, flyer's, commercials, bill boards. Although a variety of items may be advertised through these means, they all have something in common: SELL.

What better way to sell an item than to claim that you simply cannot live without it. Want to make your product known? Then blow the end result way out of proportion. These ads are colorful, well displayed, and created to get our attention.

One great advertisement: Infomercials. I cannot help but watch these, whether the product is good or bad. Infomercials are loaded with promises, exaggerations, and drama. I love watching people struggle to.....curl their own hair, spot treat their clothes, and chop vegetables. I mean, what are you supposed to do when you vacuum lost its suction, your couch is filled with fur, and you cannot keep yourself wrapped in a regular blanket?

I also love prescription drug commercials. Is it just me, or did those commercials not exist 10 years ago? I thought that doctors were supposed to keep up on different types and brands of medicine. I think that it is weird to knock on our doctor's door, requesting medication because the commercial "says so."

Oh, and you talk about drama. Would a certain drug really make me want to jog with my dog in the woods on a crisp fall morning? Could a drug really make me become the life a party while
I dance the night away? And who really wants to risk nausea, mood swings, dry eye, swelling, constipation, chest pain, and not to mention death?? Hmmm..... maybe I do want to jog with my dog......

Finally, shampoo advertisements. Seriously, how many "rich vitamins" in that bubbly, creamy goodness? You can't help but to get a kick out of their verbiage...... intense, complex, enriched, fortified, nourished, incredible, amplify, manageable, ph balanced, protects, moisturizes..... just to name a few.

I wonder what would happen if we were all shampoo bottles. What if all of "us" was put into a bottle, with our insides advertised on the outside? What if we had labels on us, advertising all of our "ingredients?" What our insides were displayed and advertised. What if we came with a long, typed list of our positives and negatives?

I imagine that we would act or carry ourselves differently. We would have to live up to our label or rather, our label would have to live up to us.

I wonder how many people are hateful and angry on the inside, but act loving and compassionate on the outside. Has your opinion of someone ever changed after getting to know them? Could you imagine how ugly it would be to see.....angry, mean, doesn't care, lies, cheats.......etc on our neighbors bottle?

What would be inside of your bottle? What big words would be used to advertise you? Would your infomercial promise characteristics that are beneficial to those around you?

What's the verbiage on your label? .........loving, respectful, compassionate, kind, caring, truthful, patient, giving........

Examining my label.......

All Things Are Possible,
Stephanie

Vace Of Sticks

Grandma, you took care of me all this week.

You taught me good manners and how to speak.

I wanted to do something special for you,

Because sometimes I act like an animal from the zoo.

Grandma, you are great and you know all of the tricks.

I went outside to find you flowers,

but I picked you some......STICKS!!!

Love, Grant.

Wondering

Last night, or should I say early this morning I wondered...........

Will he be tall?
Will he grow hair?
Will he love Jesus?
Will he have a -little- attitude like....mine?
Will he be a hard worker like his dad?
Will he like going to the zoo?
Will he listen to christian music?
Will he EVER eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?
Will he drive too fast?
Will he keep his room clean?
Will he have close friends?
Will he always be healthy?
Will he ride the bus?
Will he EVER be -officially- be potty trained?
Will he get married?
Will he stop picking on puddles?
Will he serve others?
Will he beg for a pet goldfish?
Will he be an uncle?
Will he be a good student?
Will he follow the rules?
Will he play sports?
Will he be a poet?
Will he get stitches?
Will he believe in Santa?
Will he continue to be easy going?
Will he serve Jesus?
Will he sing in a Christmas play?
Will he leave the Christmas tree alone?
Will he travel the country?
Will he go to College?
Will he be a skate border?
Will he EVER stop watching -his- cartoons?
Will he dig for worms?
Will he help a stranger?
Will he always watch DVD's in the van?
Will he fight with his siblings?
Will he pick his nose?
Will he always enjoy getting the mail?
Will he have children?
Will he EVER stop moving?
Will he know and remember his Great Grandma Booth?
Will he always love water?

..................... while snuggling next to my baby. His soft, fuzzy hair tickled my nose. I could smell baby soap coming from his sweet, soft skin. The sound of him breathing made me smile, as my arm could feel his heart beating. He was cuddled with his blanket and wearing fleece Christmas pajamas that said "Dear Santa, Define Good." Hmmm......that made me smile even more.

As we cuddled, I wondered.

Sigh. Then I prayed.

All Things Possible
Stephanie

A Friendly Farewell

Dear Gallbladder,

It's time you and I talked. It's time you and I went our separate ways. For you, it's GO TIME. I'm sorry that it has come to this, but you simply are not doing your job. You actually don't even have that hard of a job, but for some reason you are unable to do what you were asked.

And to think that I even considered letting you stay. I really thought about keeping you around. However, you made it very clear to me the other day that you need to leave.

So, on Thursday, November 11th at 9 a.m. you are leaving. I'm not sure where you are going to go and I don't even care. This was your decision, not mine.

Pack your bags,
Stephanie

(Oh, like you have never written a letter to your gallbladder before.......)

Sometimes

Sometimes God leads you down a path.

Sometimes the path does not make sense.

Sometimes life doesn't make sense.

Sometimes it is not a matter of lemons or lemon aid.

Sometimes there is more hurt than happiness.

Sometimes the puzzle was not finished even though all of the pieces fit together.

Sometimes God leads you down a different path.

Sometimes it is worth the pain.

Sometimes there is peace and healing because you know that God will continue to guide.

All Things Are Possible,
Stephanie

This Week

This week we pray.

This week a decision will be made.

This week lives will change.

This week we pray often.

This week is exciting.

This week is in God's hands.

Will you pray for us this week?

All Things Are Possible,
Stephanie

You Know That You Are A Stay At Home Mom If...

-you cannot function or think in the morning without a cup of coffee, no matter how many hours of sleep you had.

-your clothes have food and snot all over them, and you know that it was not from you.

-you look forward to nap time, some days more than others.

-your toddler brings you a bag of cheetos and you contemplate serving them for breakfast.

-you say things like "don't lick the shopping cart" - "we are not eating uncooked spaghetti noodles for snack"

-at the request of your toddler, you turn on the Halloween lights, even though it is daylight and no one can see them.

-you thought that you were the CEO of house, but clearly the one wearing diapers is calling the shots.

-you questioned your intelligence because you cannot figure out why a toilet paper roll us so much fun to unravel.

-you are tempted to watch "The Polar Express" everyday because you know that your toddler won't move during it.

-you don't know what "me time" is and are wondering where to buy some of it.

-taking a shower is the highlight of your day.

-the sight of left over pizza in the fridge makes you smile.

-it takes you 2 hours to leave the house, on a good day.

-your toddler poops between changing his diaper and loading him in the van.

-you drive a van.

-tickle fights are a part of your daily routine.

-you believe that the person who decided to put DVD players in vehicles should rank right up there with the President.

-you have spent many days in your pj's.

-you only know that the weekend is here because you see "Garage Sale" signs everywhere.

-you let your toddler play with his Christmas present in the store to keep him quiet.

And finally, you know that you are a stay at home mom if, you would not change your job for the world.

Thanks Grant for keeping life interesting!

All Things Possible,
Stephanie

Fourteen Percent

So, I have been sick for a long time. To be exact, I have been sick for about 21 months - since Grant was born. I have not been sick non-stop, but pretty often.

This summer has been terrible. I have been sick a lot. For the most part, I know which foods make me sick....but I have also come across some mystery foods. These "mystery foods" may make me sick one day, but other days I am able to eat them.

Why would I let this go for so long? I am stubborn. VERY stubborn. However, in August I gave in and went to the doctor. I simply could not take the pain any longer and I was sick of being sick. I was also sick of not being able to eat what I wanted.....sick of trying to eat healthy. I just wanted to eat a giant banana split...and move on with my life......you know what I mean??

After a blood test and ultrasound I found out that nothing was wrong.

A couple of weeks ago I had some strange attack thing happen to me while in Home Depot. It hurt to breathe....it hurt to walk....it hurt to talk......it hurt to think. I must add that although I was in horrible pain - Alisha and I still managed to pick out an awesome paint color and some other supplies for her basement.....we are just good like that :)

After that wonderful adventure, I requested to have another test done. I must add that my wonderful mom pushed for this test - mothers know everything!!!

Anyhoo, the doctor's office called this afternoon with some GREAT news.....my gallbladder is not functioning properly.....it is functioning at a whopping 14%.

This is great news to me because I knew that something was wrong. AND I am very excited to start feeling better. AND I am very excited to possibly eat a big, fat, banana split - or something just as unhealthy!!!!!

I go to the doctor on Monday to get more information about my disobedient gallbladder. I will post more information when I know more. I'm sure that ALL of you are dying to know more and that you won't sleep until you know more details.

Yeah....there is something wrong with me ;)

All Things Are Possible,
Stephanie

Keep Your Arms And Hands Inside Of The Ride......

When I was younger my dad, uncle, cousin, and I would go to Cedar Point each year. This was not, however, your average Cedar Point trip. We would wake up early, leave the house early, and arrive to the park early. This trip only happened once a year and it was very important to us that it was done right.

When it came to our annual trip we followed a couple of rules:

1. Water rides are over-rated: "we can stay at home and play with the hose" -Dad

2. Spinney rides are a waste of time: "we can just spin in a circle at home" -Dad

3. Never enter the park on Father's Day: No comment.......

Each year we packed into a car, stopped at McDonald's for breakfast, and drove non-stop the rest of the way to the park. We always arrived to the park as it was opening. As we pulled in we could see the tops of coasters as they started their day. We could see a handful of lucky folks who managed to make it on the rides first, without waiting in line.

After setting our cooler on a picnic table, and turning our tickets in, the day began. We walked through the gate - telling the photographer that we did not want a souvenir picture taken - my dad mostly likely said something to the tune of "we can get our pictures taken at home."

On the other side of the gate - wonderful. The sight of people scrambling to their ride of choice, the sound of roars coming from the top of hills, and the smell of corn dogs in the air - a recipe for an awesome day.

We always rode the Blue Streak first. It was tempting to jump to the bigger and better coasters, but we enjoyed starting small and working our way up to the big thrills. My dad enjoyed the history behind the Blue Streak and I looked at the coaster as an appetizer.

Sometimes the lines were very long. Sometimes the lines were short. Sometimes the lines seemed long, but moved quickly. If you were lucky there was a cool mist blowing and plenty of shade. As we zig-zagged through the line - watching the same people zig-zag along with you - the anticipation for the ride grew.

We would ride non-stop for the entire day. Food and bathroom breaks were quick and we never visited a shop or played carnival games. Not only did we arrive when they opened - we stayed until they closed. There was a reason why my uncle and cousin would come with us - they were also serious. They were not there for "sissy-ness" and giggles. Their agenda match ours and they followed our 3 rules :)

The days at Cedar Point always exceeded our expectations. We loved spending the day bouncing from coaster to coaster - thrill to thrill. There was nothing better than feeling the wind in your face and your stomach drop. There was nothing better than waving your hands in the air and coming to a screeching halt at the conclusion of the ride. There was nothing better than screaming at the top of your lungs and hearing "click, click, click" as you climbed a hill.

As I grew older, went to college, and got married our Cedar Point trips became less and less. We were able to go here and there, but did not go each year. We did take a trip together after Brad and I got married. At the beginning of our wedding ceremony my dad gave us two Cedar Point tickets and whispered in our ears "life is a roller coaster, enjoy the ride."

Six and a half years later we are on "the ride" or should I say another ride.

Over the years we have made the drive, turned in tickets, pack coolers, and waited in line. Brad and I struggled early in our marriage with employment. It took us 3 years to find jobs that we enjoyed and that were stable. As our friends found jobs, moved into homes - we wondered why we could not find jobs and only dreamed of owning a home one day.

God answered our prayers. He blessed us with jobs, a home, and a wonderful - beautiful - amazing son. We thought that our ride was over. We thought that the park had closed. We thought that it was time to reminisce about "our day."

Perhaps I was distracted by the fact that it was our wedding day, perhaps I was so excited to receive Cedar Point tickets, perhaps I just didn't listen. I somehow missed the part when my Dad said "life is a roller coaster....."

I have mentioned before that I feel like we are on a roller coaster. I have felt so up and down about quitting my job, I have felt up and down about staying at home, and I most certainly have felt up and down about playing the "one income" game.

Lately I have realized that quitting my job, staying at home, and following a path that God has laid before me is just the beginning of this ride.

Our annual Cedar Point trip parallels our current situation. We have asked people to join our ride in prayer and support......we want to jump to the big thrill, but know that we need wait and be patient......we hope that the line to a solution is short.

For the most part, this ride is better than our first ride. We have grown in our faith and have a better understanding of what we stand for.

The most enjoyable part of this ride is knowing that God is in the first car. We have put our faith in His coaster and have jumped in for the ride.

There have been, and I assume there will still be, parts of the ride that we do not like. There are moments in this ride that are not full of thrills, there are tunnels on this ride and we cannot always see what is going to happen next.

There are also parts of the ride that we enjoy. It is a thrill to know that we are living in His will - doing what we believe He is asking us to do.

In the moments that I want to bail off this coaster - I realize what I am about to do and jump back into my car. This ride is SO FULL of ups and downs, but it feels safe.

It the meantime, we hold tight and hold on. A good friend reminded me last night "where He takes you, He will meet your needs." I am a little concerned about "meeting our needs," but I am most concerned about where He is taking us. We know that He is taking us somewhere - we have faith that our needs will be met once we arrive.

I just hope that all of this happens before the park closes...... :)

All Things Are Possible,
Stephanie Miller

No Need For Words......

Hold the Name Tags and Pass the Potty Seat

As I thumbed through the ads on Thanksgiving Afternoon, I stumbled upon something that I could not live without, I simply had to have.

I'm not sure why I was even looking at the ads because at 32 weeks pregnant I had vowed that I would not go shopping the day after Thanksgiving. I was not interested in the crowds, people, and not to mention lugging my big self in and out of stores.

Usually the day after Thanksgiving is a big day for us. We get up in the middle of night, stand in line with crazy people, fight over merchandise with crazy people, and crawl through parking lots filled with crazy people. After a long day of shopping we return home, unload the trunk, feel the pain of empty pocket books, re-heat turkey leftovers, and realize that indeed.....we are those "crazy" people.


What did I find on this particular Thanksgiving day? What did I have to buy? What could I not live without? A glider. I had to have a glider and most pregnant women would agree that a half off glider is worth a little shopping trip in the middle of the night.

We set the alarm. Slept for several hours. Woke up. Headed to Babies R Us. Exciting, huh?! I was freaking out.....sure that there would be a huge line and I would lose my glider. Brad reassured me that I was not exactly after a "big ticket" item and that I would be fine.

Sure enough. Like 10 pregnant women and their husbands line up outside of the store. It was cold and dark. I had to pee...

The store opened. The line slowly waddled into the store. Many women headed to the bathroom before getting their merchandise. I hauled to the furniture desk and purchased my glider.

We threw the box in the van, headed home and went back to bed.

My new glider was perfect. It was exactly what I wanted. It was on sale and it matched (I am obsessed over things matching) Grant's room.

The glider sat in the corner of his room. Over the next several weeks we slowly got his room ready.....paint.....border....furniture..... Of course, everything matched. Remember.... I am obsessed.

I rocked in the glider as Brad put all of the furniture together, I rocked in the glider as I read, and most importantly....I rocked my newborn in the glider.

Many hours were spent in that glider. I remember rocking Grant when he was itty-bitty. There were times when it took everything inside of me not to fall asleep. There were times when it took forever for him to fall asleep. There were even times when he fell right to sleep and I sat there forever.....too tired to get up and put him in his bed.

As I rocked Grant....it seemed as though his room changed before my eyes. Suddenly there were less burp clothes and more toys. The newborn smell was long gone and a "1st Birthday" balloon drifted in the air. He needed a nightlight and hooks (rest assure...the hooks matched his bedding set) to hang his hats.

I watched shoes fill his closet and his crib go to the big boy setting. Teeth filled his pink gums and he learned how to pull his pants up on his own.

Many things have changed over time....but one thing has not changed.....well okay two things.....

#1 - God has blessed us with a precious gift. Grant has been a blessing through all of his ages and stages. As he grows in height.....he also grows in attitude and independence. I cherish every moment with him and cannot wait for all of his future ages and stages :)

#2 - The glider is still sitting in the same spot. It has only been moved this way and that.

I still rock Grant to sleep for nap and bedtime. Although he is slowly growing out of my arms....I enjoy rocking him.

This afternoon I was rocking Grant for his nap. After he fell asleep I held him and analyzed the glider......hence this post......

Over the past year and a half there has been a lot of rocking in the glider, however there has also been a lot of thinking while rocking the glider. This afternoon I reflected on the past year that our family has had together.

I remembered the times that I wondered what it would be like to be a stay at home mom, I remembered the times that I wondered how in the world I could ever be a stay at home mom because I loved my job, I remembered the times that I was so exhausted from a looooong day at work that I wondered how I had the strength to continue being a working mom, I remembered the times that I questioned God's plan.

I remembered the times that I questioned why God would send me to Bethel College.....bless me with a degree and a great job.....then ask me to quit.

It seemed as though God was not really sure what he was doing. Like He sent me to Bethel....gave me 4 awesome years there.....and then blessed me with a great job. Then one day, He was like "hmmm.....I haven't rocked Stephanie's world in a while......"

WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!
God DID know what He was doing last fall (like He really needed me to confirm that) when He spoke to me about my job.

It seemed as though God had some big thing that was going to happen, immediately, if we decided to follow Him.

Last fall, when I started the new school year I had no idea that it would be my last. A year later I see "back to school" commercials and hear about teachers setting up there rooms. Not me. I am staying put. Instead of hanging borders - I spent my morning in 12 minute intervals as Grant tried his hardest to use the potty :) Instead of buying work clothes - I spent my morning in sweatpants. Instead of loading teaching supplies into my van - I rocked my little blessing to sleep.

We have had a lot of little blessings happen to us during this year. It has been a great year - waiting to see what God has planned and watching His blessings fall upon us.

All of God's little blessings are leading to something big. God is speaking to us....we can feel it in our bones :)

Although His plan or purpose for me quitting my job was not shown to us immediately - the pieces of the puzzle are starting to fit together. We are very excited to see His finished masterpiece.

All Things are Possible,
Stephanie Miller

(Grant is now awake - set the timer - time for my 12 minute interval afternoon.....)

Tomatoes and a Race Car: A Smashing Tale

There once was a little boy

who relaxed peacefully one summer afternoon.


Two seconds later he thought
"I need something to do!"


He looked around

and then jumped off his seat.

"I got it!" He said to himself.

I'll pick tomatoes, smash, load, and deliver them!

He carefully picked the tomatoes.

He carefully smashed the tomatoes.

Then he carefully loaded the tomatoes.

He did not realize that tomatoes could be such hard work.

But he continued to do his best.


He carefully drove the tomatoes.

He carefully delivered the tomatoes.

He carefully picked the tomatoes.

He carefully smashed the tomatoes.

He carefully loaded the tomatoes.

He carefully drove the tomatoes.

He carefully delivered the tomatoes.

He carefully picked more tomatoes.

He carefully smashed more tomatoes.

He carefully loaded more tomatoes.

He carefully drove more tomatoes.

The exhausted little boy needed to stop for a break.

After his break, he continued to carefully drive more tomatoes.


He carefully unloaded more tomatoes.

He was very excited to deliver this last load of tomatoes.

He climbed up on his chair to relax.


He was very sad to see that tomatoes were smashed all over his shoes.

But don't worry, he cleaned the tomato off.

Now the little boy was able to relax, peacefully on a summer afternoon.

The End.