our days in HIS hands

Williamsburg Day 2

2012-02-13T19:39:00.001-05:00

Day 2 began with two excited little girls and a beautiful creature. The girls couldn't believe that she walked right up to the fence to see us. The horse was a little disappointed that we didn't come bearing sugar cubes, but she still tolerated us for a while.

After petting and playing with the horse, we headed to the museum for a toy making workshop for home schoolers.

Everyone made miniature dolls out of craft materials. Leah did a great job making her look like she was from the 1700's.

After the workshop, we headed for some retail excitement. The girls certainly take after their mommy with their love of shopping. Everyone used their christmas money to buy a souvenir. Leah got a creme colored horse. Rachel got a mini tea set. Nathan got a race car and Luke got a ball. Anyone surprised by their choices?

We also headed into the peanut shop for some samples. It was like costco without the ladies in hair nets.

After lunch, we finally headed to the streets of colonial Williamsburg.

Luke found some small balls (otherwise known as rocks) to throw in the creek.

I loved this shot of Luke on the street.

The girls' favorite stop of the day was the Milliner. They learned all about wearing stays and making clothes. The milliner also told Leah that the horse that she bought was a very rare breed. Only 50 in the US!

Here are the girls in the Milliner. Behind them are some of the dresses that he would have made in the 1700's.

Next stop was the wigmaker. The kids loved seeing the different kinds of hair. Yak, horse, goat and human hair were all used in wigs.

We stopped for a traditional gingerbread cake cookie.

And posed for a group shot.

Next we headed to the weaver. The boys couldn't wait to get out of there.

But the girls really enjoyed picking cotton and watching as the spindle made yarn.

Tomorrow we make chocolate in the governor's palace and attend a few special programs!

Williamsburg Day 1

2012-02-12T21:50:00.002-05:00

We are so excited to be blessed with the opportunity to go to Williamsburg this week for Homeschool days. We've been studying US history this year, so this trip is the perfect hands-on experience.

Much to our delight, Day 1 began with a light dusting of snow. Just enough to play in, but not so much that it complicated our plans for the day.

After we played in the snow, we had a church service in our living room. We are staying at a beautiful time share with Grandma and Grandpa.

After Rachel opened with a prayer, we sang praises to Jesus. Here is Luke singing "This little light of mine"

Of course Rachel blessed us with some dancing as we sang, "Here I am to worship"

Leah wanted to sing "courageous." Here they are singing the line- The only way we'll ever stand is on our knees with lifted hands. Make us courageous.

As we headed out for some exploring of Williamsburg, we found some icicles.

Today's stop was the candle factory. We enjoyed some indoor snow as we window shopped the Christmas villages and toy stores.

Grandpa took them to the candy store for a lollipop.

Snuggling with grandpa outside the popcorn shop.

After a morning of shopping, we headed back for some relaxation in the pool. Yes, it was 32 degrees outside. Apparently the hot tub is fun in freezing weather.

The girls were much wiser and remained in the indoor pool.

We are going into Colonial Williamsburg tomorrow. Can't wait!

Sweetheart Dance

2012-02-12T19:44:00.000-05:00

The sweetest date ever...

Handmade Valentine's

2012-02-11T19:40:00.000-05:00

Creation factory....

Rachel made a smote kit for her friends...

Nathan made super hero suckers

Leah created her own book marks.

Carnival of the Animals

2012-02-10T19:30:00.003-05:00

We were blessed with the opportunity to attend the Winston- Salem Symphony Orchestra Kids day. The theme was Carnival of the animals. They played pieces with animal themes and even brought in a representive from the zoo.

The kids were very attentive during the show.

Afterwards, we played in the sculpture garden.

Jungle fun

2012-02-06T03:52:00.000-05:00

A few weekends ago, we went to a friend's birthday party at a new kid's play place. I snapped a few cute shots...

Luke was in ball heaven.

Leah and her friend, Ginny. Who is less than a month older than her. Poor girl, I think she got her momma's height.

Nathan going up the stairs for the zipline...

I promise that Rachel did go. She was having far too much fun for pictures.

Creativity

2012-02-04T15:45:00.001-05:00

Leah had to do a presentation about something that she created. She asked to use some fabric and then disappeared for about an hour. When she came down this is what she had made. Such a sweet girl! I am amazed at her ability to create.

Rachel also dug into the bin of fabric and came out with a few new scarves. Beautiful simplicity....

today is the day...

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

What are you doing over here?

All the action is over at my new blog! Come and join the party!

Click on the button above!

final thoughts before the big day

2012-01-24T21:55:00.001-05:00

In April of 2008, I signed up for my first blog account. We had just moved 12 hours away from family and I had heard that it would be a fun way to show pictures to family. It was. For years now I have posted pictures of everything from birthdays to days at the park. (Just look at how cute they were back then!)

In that time, we have laughed and cried together. I went from one reader (my granny- love you granny!) to over 300 readers a day. In the fiery trials, God has built up a community of people who want to know HIM more. I am humbled and awed that he would trust me with being a voice.

With great excitement, I will launch my new blog tomorrow. Holding fast to HIS promises and praising HIM for the work he plans to do.

By all means, if you love to see pictures of my family, stick around. There will still be plenty of that right here on this blog.

If you'd like to help support my new blog, here are some things you can do...

Pray for me and the people that God brings to the new blog
Like my page on Facebook for the latest information and updates.
Visit the new blog and subscribe by email or through rss. Both links are on the right side of the page.

Friends, I can not thank you enough for the ways that you have prayed for my family over the past two years. I stand in awe of how great our God is. He is doing a new thing and I can hardly stand the wait!

Are you ready?

2012-01-23T23:24:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for the party? The clock is counting down. Get out the streamers and the noise makers. I can hardly wait!

Only 2 more days until the launch party for my new blog!! I hope you will be there.

Give it away

2012-01-21T23:08:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love gifts. No, not just getting gifts. I love giving them, too!

Which is why I am so excited about my very first giveaway: Seeds Family worship CD.

My whole family LOVES these songs. They are often sung by popular artists, such as Matthew West. The songs are usually upbeat and contemporary. Honestly, I don't mind enjoying them even when the kids aren't in the car. Each song is a different verse on the topic of faith.

Want to win this CD? I am giving it away on my facebook page. Click here to enter.

Post about my giveaway and you get an extra entry!

Only 3 more days till the blog launch party! I hope you will be there!

beloved community

2012-01-20T18:25:00.000-05:00

Moving to a new town is a very difficult thing to do. When we moved here, we certainly found this to be true. We love big churches and all that they have to offer, but with that comes the challenge of getting connected. We knew that challenge and plugged into a small group at our church the second week we visited. Even though it's been 4 years, I clearly remember having meaningful conversations with several of the ladies you see pictured below.

While, I have had so many friends from around the US help me in different ways, this is the group of ladies that literally picked me up off the floor to rush to the ER, held my hand before surgery, watched my kids for days/hours/weeks, brought me meals for over 5 months, cleaned my house, wrote cards, listened to my cries at 2am, gathered to pray for my family...you name it. They've done it.

I've posted about them before, but I wanted to make sure everyone hears it.

If it wasn't for this small group of ladies, I have no idea how I would have made it. Their desire to follow God no matter what, their obedience to his calling, and their love for me is absolutely amazing.

So this is my plug for small groups. This is God's perfect design for HIS church. That we would lift each other up in HIS name. He designed this "safe" place to fall.

I encourage you to find a small group. Seek one out. Get involved. Love on someone. Be available. You never know when you are going to need the favor back.

Only 5 more days till the big party! Will you be there?
Click here to follow the details on FACEBOOK.

Growing Readers

2012-01-18T14:44:00.000-05:00

Over Christmas, grandma and grandpa introduced the girls to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. They absolutely LOVED it. When we got home, Leah wanted to buy a copy. I told her we had one and she proceeded to locate it on the shelf. She got a hold of our box set- the whole series. 7 books in all. She carried them around like treasures for days. Once she started reading, she didn't stop.

No really. She didn't stop.

I had to force her to eat, sleep, and even play.

She read the first three books in less than two days. That's 600 pages. In less than two days. She is half-way through the forth book now. Fortunately for all of us, she has slowed down a bit.

All of this reading got me thinking about the art of nurturing great readers. It's not an easy task. But, the love of reading is a highly sought after trait.

So I made a list. I've combined my experience in the classroom, as a grad student, and as a homeschooling mommy to make a must read list of the things that can help you grow readers in your home. Whether you homeschool or not.

Want to read it? I'm going to publish it on my new blog....next week. Don't miss it. The party starts January 25th! Be sure to Like my page on Facebook, so you won't miss a single detail!

Once we get to 75 likes, I am giving away a prize! Be sure to tell your friends.

Only 7 more days until the blog launch party!

Good-enough gifts

2012-01-17T14:30:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I just have to laugh at how practical kids are.

Don't have a ride-on toy? No problem, just mount one of your sister's favorite dogs. Everybody's doing it!

Don't you wish you had that kind of flexibility still? I think sometimes I get so wrapped up in the way I think things should be or look that I can't see the more obvious option right in front of me. I get the impression that this is what God is always saying to me. My daughter, why are you looking for a horse? I gave you a furry little dog to ride on. Ok, maybe he doesn't use those words. But often, I find myself feeling as though something that God has given me isn't quiet enough. I'm broken over how it must grieve his heart that I don't think his gifts are good enough. Lord, may I find blessing in all that you have given.

Only 8 more days until the big blog launch party.....woohoo!

Have you joined us on facebook yet?

THE BIG NEWS

2012-01-16T22:08:00.000-05:00

I know that you have been waiting on the edge of your chair, hardly able to stand the big announcement that I promised. Well...I am so excited to announce that I am starting a new blog!!

This blog will remain open as a place to share pictures with the many family members who live far away.

The new blog will be a place to find encouragement for this life. When the waters rise and the flames engulf, I am not consumed because He calls me daughter. In HIM, there is HOPE, PEACE, LOVE, JOY, COMFORT and HEALING.

I can't think of any better way to introduce you to the new site than a huge party. Complete with streamers, balloons and a game of musical chairs. Ok, maybe not. But there will be prizes! Yes, I said prizes!

The kickoff date is Wednesday, January 25! To keep up with the latest news, you can LIKE my Facebook page here.

Friends, I am praying you will join me on this journey. I can't wait to see what God has planned!

Stay tuned

2012-01-16T08:54:00.001-05:00

I'm sincerely sorry for the lack of posts around here. I am working on a wonderful project. God is doing something really cool and I can hardly wait to share it with you! Stay tuned. Big announcement in a few days....

nothing is wasted

2012-01-11T11:55:00.000-05:00

The steps seem to go on forever. The path is deep and lingering. The skies are filled with dark and pain. While the path was not chosen, it must be taken. Tears well up as the drops of rain fall from the sky. Will it ever stop?

There is no use asking why. Only one has the answer. Many have traveled through. The trail is dusty, harsh, and crushing. There is no place to hide. It must be endured.

But God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20

The hurt that broke your heart
And left you trembling in the dark
Feeling lost and alone
Will tell you hope’s a lie
But what if every tear you cry
Will seed the ground where joy will grow

And nothing is wasted
Nothing is wasted
In the hands of our Redeemer
Nothing is wasted

It’s from the deepest wounds
That beauty finds a place to bloom
And you will see before the end
That every broken piece is
Gathered in the heart of Jesus
And what’s lost will be found again

And nothing is wasted
Nothing is wasted
In the hands of our Redeemer
Nothing is wasted

From the ruins
From the ashes
Beauty will rise
From the wreckage
From the darkness
Glory will shine

Lyrics to Nothing is Wasted by Jason Gray

Can I ask you a favor?

2012-01-09T22:32:00.000-05:00

Can I ask you a favor?

Will you honor your marriage vows?

Because you said you would...

Because God told you to...

Because your kids deserve it...

Because love is giving all of yourself without expecting something in return...

Because the demise of your marriage is a WIN FOR THE ENEMY and mars the name of Christ...

Because your marriage is God's picture of his love for the church...

Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate. Mark 10:9

I will honor this covenant. Not because he is good or has done anything to earn it. Not because I am good or could possibly deserve it. Because I promised that I would. Because I want God to have the only glory in my life. Forever. Even though it has been and probably will continue to be costly.

Cedar Creek Stables

2012-01-08T01:00:00.000-05:00

I have to agree with Leah's love of horses. There is something magnificent about these stately creatures. Like many 7 year old girls...she eats, breathes and sleeps horses. You can imagine her excitement when grandma and grandpa announced that they were taking the kids horseback riding.

When we arrived at the stables, the huge box of old horseshoes was a big hit.

Luke was the first to ride. No one told him that there was no horse under the saddle. He was none the wiser. I love the facial expression.

Nathan was next. The scenery was beautiful. The trail was treacherous, but the horse didn't mind. The mommy taking pictures was a little out of breath though...

Rachel and Leah were next to ride. They were so beautiful and so excited.

Leah is still talking about how great the ride was. The guide told her that she was old enough to go on a trail ride by herself (without an adult guiding the horse). She is so excited about this possibility.

I am out of control

2012-01-07T11:28:00.002-05:00

When it occurs to you that you have lost all control of your life and what you wanted for yourself and your family, there are many ways to turn. It's only natural to try and fight to gain control of your life again. It's only natural to listen to the screaming voices of others telling you to do this or do that and start "fresh".

Sometimes I just want to smack these loving friends upside the head. I know they mean well, but let's face the facts here. I WAS NEVER EVER IN CONTROL. Neither are you. Shhh...don't cry just yet.

The truth is, we have control over almost NOTHING. You and I are really no different.

Whether you agree to submit control to God or not, HE IS STILL IN COMPLETE AND TOTAL CONTROL.

Uncertainty can be caused by a multitude of storms in life. Affairs or marriage trouble. Being laid off. Moving to a new city. Cancer. A wayward child.

It's crushing. It's hard to get out of bed. It's hard to believe that there is a good purpose that WILL come out of it all. It's hard to believe that you are loved.

But most of all...it's hard to not know. Wait. Hard doesn't adequately cover the feeling. It's excruciating to not know.

How can you live like this? I'm so often asked that question. Truth be told, the unknown is a very scary thing. But, truth be told, God isn't. There is peace that passes ALL understanding, friends. (Phil 4:7) And you and I both know how to get it. It's not tied into a perfect life or perfect circumstances. It's not reserved for those who have a stable job, those who go to bed at night with a husband by their side or those who have cancer-free scans. It's mine. It's yours. Right now.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7

There is one little tiny thing that God trusts us with. One little thing that we have complete control over... OUR RESPONSE to what he is calling us to.

When we wake up in the morning, we chose whether or not to respond. We chose how we will respond to what HE is asking of us. Just because I don't have ultimate control doesn't mean that I should just stay in bed and give up on the world. He's given me 4 children to mentor. That alone is a big responsibility. There are things that he is asking me to do.

I've never been big on new year's resolutions (since they rarely stick). However, I've always been big on goal setting for the new year. And this year I have some lofty goals.

My goals~

To respond to God's calling on my life in my today. Regardless of circumstances.

How~

Organize my life back into a working schedule. Not living in fear of the unknown or the what if...

Organize my home into a place of rest.

Organize my time in his Word. In the words of my friend, Lara.. I will abide in him.

Organize my thoughts onto serving others.

Can you tell I like to organize?

I still don't know what will happen tomorrow. But I do know how I will respond today.

How about you? How will you respond to God today?

The Cost of Love

2012-01-06T15:37:00.000-05:00

I've been spending time in the book of Ruth over the last 4 weeks. In recent years, the book has become one of my favorites. There is something in every girl's heart that is irresistibly drawn toward the story of a godly man (noble and strong) who sweeps in and saves a gentle and humble widow left in the rubble of an epic disaster. Yet, it's more than a fairy tale. There is much to learn from Boaz and his willingness to trust and obey God. There is much to learn from Ruth as she walks through the loss of her husband and into a potentially treacherous life of poverty. No, this book is not a romance novel, but it is an amazing story that points directly at the redeeming love of our Savior.

Lately my mind has been pondering and re-pondering the tremendous sacrifice. Both Boaz and Ruth made huge sacrifices. Both are faced with a crossroads with huge consequences. Both are faced with the choice to either do the RIGHT thing or do the easy "popular" thing. In Ruth's case, she didn't have to follow Naomi back home. She was even urged to do the easy or popular thing. But, she chose love. She chose to love Naomi enough to make the sacrifice of going back with her. Neither popular nor easy. Boaz also had a choice. He didn't have to get involved. He didn't have to protect Ruth from the men in the fields. He didn't have to become her kinsman redeemer. Someone else was actually in line before him. But he chose to love.

What strikes me most about all of this is that both Ruth and Boaz were willing to do the right thing, even if it cost them something. God has blessed me with many personal examples of this kind of love over the last few years. I have watched many godly people stand up for what is right- KNOWING that it was going to cost them. Friendships have been lost and relationships have been damaged. But they have done what was right. This is such an amazing witness to me and to all who watch.

In a world where most are more concerned with how something might affect themselves, there are still people out there that are more worried about how something might affect the name of Jesus. Thank you for your example.

If we do not love with sacrificial love, 1 John 4:7-8 says that we do NOT KNOW GOD! Those are tough words to hear. It's so much easier to let stay quiet or not get involved. But is that really love?

I want to continue to strive to stand up for what is right...even when the price is high.

Biltmore Estate

2012-01-03T23:34:00.001-05:00

We were completely excited to be awarded the opportunity to visit the Biltmore Estate last week. The home is amazing on it's own, but with the Christmas decorations, it was absolutely beautiful. The girls enjoyed searching in each room for various decorations and trees. Everything from one gigantic tree to a room filled with 6 trees was found.

The girls are standing in front of one side of the house. It's at least twice the size of what you can see!

After touring this amazing mansion, we headed out to the stables. Today they are not working stables. Instead they are shops and restaurants. Leah was so excited to get to eat lunch in one of the actual stalls that a horse lived in!

Grandma, Aunt Sarah, and Leah

Aunt Emily, Rachel, and mommy

After lunch, we rode out to Alter Hill Village. This was where Vanderbilt kept most of his working animals and machinery. The girls got to pet horses, goats, chicken, etc.

It was a wonderful experience. We were so glad to have the opportunity to go and so thankful for grandpa and Uncle Caleb who stayed back and hung out with the boys for the day.

Our week in the mountains

2012-01-01T21:54:00.003-05:00

The kids have been counting down for this trip since last Christmas. They absolutely could not wait to go to the mountains with grandma and grandpa. Fortunately, the drive was only a few hours. The second the mountains appeared in the horizon, the entire van erupted in squeals.

The days were mostly slow and quiet. We had very limited internet and phone service. Just family, the mountains, and a few new toys. We are so blessed and thankful to have this time with family.

The kids loved playing at the playground with grandma and their cousin, Claire.

I challenged Nathan to run to the top of the hill and touch the light post. I couldn't believe he made it up there. Getting down was a bit trickier though.

One day the whole family headed to Health Adventure. It was a cross between a children's museum and a science center. We played for several hours.

The favorite by far was this chair that the kids took turns spinning in. A few hours after we left, Nathan was still complaining about his stomach hurting. Imagine that. Ha.

Snack time was a favorite activity...

Looking for wildlife is a Sorgius family tradition. The kids certainly did not disappoint grandma when we spotted this group of deer off of our balcony. They watched them for about 30 minutes. It was so cool that the deer did not seem bothered by our observation.

Each night after the kids were tucked in, the grown-ups would gather round for some fierce game playing. There were lots of card games. But why stop there? It's not fun until you've played four corners and someone has a deep flesh wound.

Uncle Caleb was the lucky winner. Both in spoons and in flesh wounds. I guess there is a price to pay for such a title.

A New Year

2011-12-31T21:30:00.001-05:00

As I type, I am breathing in crisp, cool mountain air for the last day. Our time here has been quiet and refreshing. In a few hours, we will drive home again and life will resume as it was.

While there is always some element of relief to come home after being away, this time the feelings are very mixed.

A new year lies ahead. I have now celebrated this event three times with the same feeling. Thoughts that surely the new year would be better. After all, how could it get worse?

As I ponder these thoughts, I am reminded that less than 7 days ago was the celebration of the end of all despair. Don't you remember? Hope was born.

As I enter 2012, there is NOTHING but promise. I have a father with a love that has no end (Jer 31:3). He is working all things for my good (Rom 8:28). Nothing will stand against me (Rom 8:31).

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Rev 21:5

Happy New Year!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

2011-12-26T15:53:00.000-05:00

We woke up Christmas morning to our family's most favorite tradition... Jesus' birthday cake. This year we tried a slightly different spin on the cake. We used donuts to construct it. The cake was hit!

Gifts awaited by the fireplace...

I made a new blanket for each of the kids.

Leah got a horse blanket...

Rachel got butterflies...

In the afternoon, the girls spent some quality time together...

And the boys spent some quality time together...

The two had a slightly different focus!

We had a wonderful day celebrating the birth of our savior. Now we have a week of family to enjoy. We are so blessed.