Cake balls of 2010

Dum da dum dum dahhhhh....

That's right folks, if you've been reading my blog at length, then you know the past two years there has been a reoccurring theme come holiday time. The Cake Balls. If you're new to the blog and don't know what such a marvel is, please see this post here where I break down my first cake ball experience.

Right now, I have a Butter Pecan cake in the oven, smelling lovely... and then I'll add the frosting after it cools. Hoping to get the rolled balls knocked out tonight so I can dip them after church tomorrow.

So there it is folks, Cake Balls 2010 has officially started. Wonder what different combos I'll come up with this year. mmmmmm.

God is good

There isn't much sweeter than a child singing praises to God. Matthew was singing along with the Phil Cross CD this morning, melting my heart.

"God is good, He's always good, He's never anything less, oh oh oh God is good, He's always good, that's why I know I am blessed."

"He's the merciful and mighty, forever holy..."

"The great I am, still is."

When your child sings words such as these, it is a confirmation that yes, God IS good. And He's right there with you. And He still is the great I AM.

coupons update

I just needed to say YAY! I did so good with the shopping today! *think 12 days of Christmas tune* Four transactions, three stores later, two cranky children and one tired momma, I saved more than half of what I spent in total! This rocks. I went to CVS (for three deals and two transactions), Publix (for deals only) and Kroger (for deals and main shopping) and spent a joint total of $163.64 (note: my spending budget is $180, so this is a very good thing!) and SAVED $99.46! WOOT Half of 163 is 80-something so I did really good! I love coupons. I love rocking the system. I hate staying up late working on it, but I love the end results like this!

Today's top results of couponing fruit are:
-17 boxes of cereal--some were free. (Have you noticed we go through the cereal here?) (Thank you General Mills for today's cereal deal. I really don't mind buying boxes of cereal and being paid to do so!)
-one free soft soap refill bottle (pretty decent size)
-free salsa

I also got bars, kleenex, fishsticks, four gallons of milk, produce, chips, sour cream, cream cheese (love that $5 dollars off Kraft deal going on now), canned veggies, juice, bacon, etc...

Take that full price life! I'm never going back!

pic of the cereal currently:

pic of the condiments shelf:
inventory: mayo, rotel, hot sauce, ONE peanut butter left (ACK!), one ketchup left (almost equal ACK!), two mustards, one salsa, four bbq, one coffee mate, one red sauce, two ranch, two french, three syrups, two soft soap refil and then boxes...


*Nic, you know that was just for you*

Matthew moment

Here's a funny from Matthew this morning. We're driving to therapy (more on that later!) and he says "Mommy you see that line of birds flying there in a line?"
Me: Yes I do, isn't that neat?
Him: No, it's not neat, it's migration.
Me: (skip a beat) um. Well, you're right. They could be flying south for the winter.
Him: They are, that's what they do. When you have birds in a line flying, it's migration.
Me: (again with the big word!) Where did you learn that big word?
Him: you know, I'm smart.
Me: You are smart. Do you know what migration means?
Him: Sure. It's for birds flying in a line.
Me: Do you know where they are flying?
Him: To the migration.
Me: Migration is when birds fly south for the winter.
Him: but it's fall out. Why are they doing it now.
Me: be/c it's starting to get cold, they don't' want to be here when winter comes.
Him: Good. Winters coming. Maybe we should do migration for winter to come. I like snow.

GIGGLE!

Hobbs family pictures

Before leaving from Granddaddy's funeral, we took some family pictures. Here are some of those. We were a pretty nice looking bunch, if I do say so myself. Jamie comes from a very handsome family for sure.

Chuck, Jamie, Kimby, Rick, Sandy

siblings

Rick being well... Rick.

siblings plus wives...

take two

just us

Lilburn Daze

Two weekends ago we did the Lilburn Daze here in town for the second year in a row. It was fun. Mark and I enjoyed walking around while Jamie and Matthew did projects. Jamie and both boys enjoyed the petting zoo. Then, Mark and I enjoyed an italian ice while Jamie and Matthew rode the hay ride. Here's some pictures of the event.

"face" painting booth

made a mask (and still have the "face" paint)

built a really cool pencil holder box (thanks Home Depot's booth)

and the petting zoo

Mark loved it in there.

lastly, the hay ride.

Game Day

Go Tigers!

Go Jackets!


Today Missouri Tigers is playing Oklahoma. That is what my dad will be watching.

And Georgia Tech takes on Clemson at Clemson... that is where my husband will be. (Funny that Clemson is also the tigers though. I don't mean them!)

Matthew is funny about football, which he calls baseball. We can't figure out how to explain to him that they are two separate sports. Oh well. Maybe he wont be the athlete. And Mark does a great "you're OUT!" with motion but again, not football. Heh. Mark does like running around with his football, even tucked the right way. So we'll see.

anyhow.

Anyone cheering out there?

Go Mizzou!

Go Tech!

Worthy

Worthy --- that is the resounding message in the song service planned for Sunday. Worthy, Worthy, Worthy... Worthy is the Lamb... Worthy to be praised...

I'm singing a solo with the choir called Revelation song... here are the words....


Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, Holy Holy is He.
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on Heaven's mercy seat.

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, Holy Holy is He.
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on Heaven's mercy seat.

Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God almighty who was and is and is to come.
With all creation I sing, praise to the King of Kings.
You are my everything, and I will adore you.

Clothed in rainbows, of living color, flashes of lighting, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and glory and power be, to you the only wise King. Yeah!

Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God almighty who was and is and is to come.
With all creation I sing, praise to the King of Kings.
You are my everything, and I will adore you.

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder, at the mention of your name.
Jesus your name is power, breath of living water, such a marvelous mystery. Yeah!

Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God almighty who was and is and is to come.
With all creation I sing, praise to the King of Kings.
You are my everything, and I will adore you.

Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God almighty who was and is and is to come.
With all creation I sing, praise to the King of Kings.
You are my everything, and I will adore you.

Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God almighty who was and is and is to come.
With all creation I sing, praise to the King of Kings.
You are my everything, and I will adore you.
And I will adore you.

the circle of life

This Saturday, Jamie's dear Granddaddy went home to be with the Lord. He was a good man, an honest and hard worker. Every time we visited, he wanted to know when I was going to be able to finish school and get my degree. I think if I ever do get that chance to go back to school and get my diploma it will be a bitter sweet moment in my heart for I'll be thinking of how much it meant to Granddaddy. He was well known in his community far and wide for he was a principal for many years. He leaves behind his beloved Nanmommy. My heart will break when I see her tonight. We will be going to the visitation tonight and then the services are tomorrow. In 6 years of marriage, Jamie has held me up through many difficult times on my side of the family. We lost many the first two years of dating and then marriage... and in just a few months I've watched him lose members on either side of his family. It's hard to see your loved ones leave. It's hard to watch the hole they leave behind. But it is a great joy and time of rejoicing if you know where they have gone. I'm thankful for our mighty and awesome God who lovingly sent his Son down to die and return to Heaven to prepare a place for us. Thank you God that we CAN be assured of where we will spend eternity if we know and love you. Thank you Lord for taking Granddaddy home to you and not allowing him any more pain or suffering. ... As I carry this baby that Granddaddy wont be able to meet here on this earth, I know that he'll be able to see the faces of my children already gone to Heaven and one day meet this one in Glory too.

Here are some sweet memories of Granddaddy over the years...



Chuck, Jamie, Granddaddy and Matthew-- four generations of Hobbs men

Granddaddy and Matthew (July 07)

Granddaddy and Mark, both sleepin' (May 09)

Granddaddy's 84th birthday (June 10)

Jamie, Granddaddy, and Chuck


We will miss you.

10 on Tuesday (even early in the day, how about that)

1. I will miss Jessica again, it was GREAT to see them this past week when we were able to meet up. I will have pictures soon. Ayden and Matthew are still best best friends even though they now live states apart. You would have thought Matthew’s never had a friend besides Ayden the way he acted when they were back together. He loves so completely. It’s beautiful.

2 . We did Lilburn Daze on Saturday, I will also have pictures of this soon. We had a good time. Mark is still almost too young to do anything except the petting zoo which he loved. We shared an Italian ice while Jamie and Matthew rode the hayride. It was fun. Next year, Mark will be able to do the crafts and chase keep up with his brother. Thank you to Lisa for the beautiful earrings.

3. Jamie’s granddaddy isn’t doing well. I’d be grateful for any and all prayers for him and the family.

4. My best friend is flying worlds away today. I am praying for a speedy speedy trip (HOME) and safety for all involved. I hope that when they get there they can settle and come home fast and if it can’t settle I still am praying for a speedy trial. I ask God to give her an extra portion of strength to endure all she must while away from her family.

5. My church is hurting. My husband feels wounded and fooled. I feel empty and confused and hurt. Lord please don’t leave us in our time of need. In Deuteronomy you promise to never leave or forsake us. We’ve lost the men that are meant to lead your sheep, Lord don’t leave us untended. We pray for their healing and for ours.

6. I’m tired of feeling totally completely emotionally drained.

7. On a positive note again, I’m super excited that we ordered our beach pictures and now I have to count down 6 weeks for them to come. (maybe not so positive) I’m not great with patience! Thank you Mom!

8. I love my mom. I am so blessed with her role in my life, her support and unconditional love.

9. I miss my sister.

10. I’m already missing Nic.

1st Timothy 5

Honor the Elders

¹⁷ Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. ¹⁸ For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” ¹⁹ Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. ²⁰ Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.

²¹ I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. ²² Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.

²³ No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.
²⁴ Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. ²⁵ Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.

untitled

I don't have much today, only this:



"...And though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm...."



.

10 on Tuesday

1. I love our new family picture. It will be on the left side here soon enough. I'm so so glad I had the camera with me (when am I without out it---wait! Don't answer that) on Sunday. We were actually sort of coordinated and I thought very cute! Look, we're ALL looking and smiling in the same direction! When does that happen!? (Matthew looks a bit washed out, but his shirt is light blue stripes and his pants khaki)


2. Matthew about broke my heart this morning, talking about his heart breaking: After he was being rude to me getting in the car for school I said, "you need to dig down deep in your heart and figure out how to be nice to me." He thought for a minute and said "but .... if I dig in my heart, I'll break it" ... How do you even go about explaining that one to a four year old? Sigh. Melt. Rip. Break.

3. I love our Occupational Therapist. OT might be a little (LOT) overwhelming and it's scary and it's hard and unfun and and and... but I love her. This week we've come so far. We really can see a difference. Now is everything BAM! fixed? no. But we knew that going in to it. And next week I *know* will be rough based on what we've already discussed the changes we'll try for, so it will be a long road still, but I'm certain we're on the right path currently. We have our next appt in the early am.

4. (I'd started this list earlier and got distracted) I just got back from water aerobics. Good grief. This class beats me up. It's amazing what you can do in the water that there is no way at all by any stretch of the imagination that you'd be able to do on land.

5. I've begun dreaming about (plotting/planning/pestering) the nursery. I've got two beautiful boys and do you believe that I've never had a "nursery"? Well, I haven't. And I want one. And I want a cute one.

6. I'm looking forward to Friday night with my moms club friends!

7. I got an appt today to see an ENT next week. This is step two in "Will Kate need a hearing aid?" The answer is probably yes, but we want to see what this doc says, the first one, an audiologist wanted this doctor's opinion about something in my middle ear before proceeding.

8. I want to go back to the beach.

9. I love my husband.

10. I hate the dishes.

(Sorry if some of these suck tonight. I'm tired.)

Six

Six. Half a dozen. ... I can't believe it. Has it really been six years already? Today is our six year anniversary. The candy year. (following traditional gifts) Six. That seems like a lot. More than five. Sure it's not ten or twenty or fifty, but still... six is a good long while. Six years ago I was in college (heh) and slender (ha) and living in MO (ahem) and just excited about being able to start a new portion of my life with my husband. But look at all that has happened in six years. ....

we moved to GA,
we found a great and wonderfully supportive church and acquired a church family,
we got a cat,
we suffered great loss of loved ones,
we were able to support my best friend with her first beautiful child-- a boy,
we had a beautiful baby boy,
we survived Jamie traveling more than 18 months away for week at a time repeatedly,
we witnessed my dad battle cancer and get his prostrate removed,
we moved again,
I was able to go and support my best friend giving birth to her second beautiful child--a girl,
we suffered personal loss,
we were blessed again with another beautiful boy,
we gave the cat to a happier home for him,
we watched my sister know the joy of being engaged to someone who loves her dearly,
I was able to witness the birth of another sweet friend's beautiful girl's arrival,
we knew loss again,
we witnessed my sister graduating and becoming a Doctor,
and now we're expecting again--a miracle.
(of course so much more has happened in between these)

We have traveled in these six years to Hawaii, Mexico, Grand Cayman Islands, Helen GA, Nashville TN, Myrtle Beach SC, Charleston SC, Nashville GA, St. Louis of course and KC MO *both too many times to count*, Breckenridge CO, Florida...

In the next year alone we are looking forward to another sweet baby to come join us and my sister to become a bride. I'm praying daily for my dad to overcome his battles of cancer.

I love my life. I love being Jamie's wife. I can not wait to see what's in store for us in the next six years.

Happy anniversary, love.