He Knows

More and more, the benefits of taking time out of my day to exercise...alone...are so much more than improving health or losing weight.  I believe I've mentioned this in an earlier blog, but as I walk, I am listening to a praise and worship playlist on Spotify.  A lot of times, the songs go in and out (just like people's advice sometimes...lol), but last night, a song I had never heard spoke to my heart at just the right time...thanks, Lord:) The song is entitled 'He Knows', by Dan Bremnes (check it out).  But before I continue, let me give a little background.

My daughter just finished up her Junior year of HS, which obviously means she's now a SENIOR!!  I'm having some trouble comprehending how this happened because just yesterday, I was taking her for a one year checkup, right?!  It has been a sort of inner struggle within me for the past few weeks...one that I've pretty well kept silent...except between me and Him.  I've prayed, I've cried, I've wondered what twists and turns her life will soon take.  AND...more tears came as she pulled out of our driveway last night while I was out walking. She was headed to a friends house for the night, so I stopped to hug her and tell her the infamous, "I love you...act like you know you should"!  As I walked on and watched that car drive away, the future hit me like a ton of bricks.  In the not so far off, that car will drive away for good.  She'll head off into the great BIG world and chase her dreams. My heart will shatter into a million pieces.

As I continued to walk, having a pity party (hoping my neighbors would think it was sweat, not tears, streaming down my face), 'He Knows' played through my earbuds.  The last line of the chorus says, "just let go and trust Him, 'cause He knows".  There will come a day (soon) where I will just have to let go.  I'll let go of that precious baby girl that I literally grew up with and allow her to find her wings.  I will be broken and full of tears, but I know that "He knows".  What a friend we have in Jesus.  So, be encouraged...trust Him...'cause He knows:)

God's Blessed the USA

Today's blog post is short and sweet (like me!! lol). I just want to take a minute and say "THANKS!" to our military...ALL of them...past, present, and even those to come!  One of our great family friends, Bruce Haynes, penned the words to a great American tribute called  "I Wouldn't Trade America for the World", and my favorite line of the tune is..."She may be battle-scarred, but She's been a good ole Girl, I wouldn't trade America for the world."  How true!  Though America has declined in Her morals and ethics over the past several years, we still live in the greatest country in the world.  As Christians and fellow citizens, may we hold America up in prayer...for the sake of ourselves, and most importantly the next generation!

2 Chronicles 7:14New International Version (NIV)

14 if my people, who are called by my name,will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgivetheir sin and will heal their land.

So, Happy Memorial Day 2017!  Land of the free because of the brave!!  🇺🇸

"Don't Do They"

Well, the NBA playoffs are hot and heavy right now!!  If you're a basketball fan such as me, you've probably heard of OKC's Russell Westbrook.

Russell currently has a Mt. Dew commercial entitled "Don't Do They".  At the beginning of the commercial, Westbrook states all these things "they" tell you NOT to do, yet simultaneously, the commercial shows RW DOING the exact things "they" say NOT to do!!! (sound familiar?)

At the end of the commercial, Westbrook says, "don't do they...do you"...point being: be yourself!  (Russell Westbrook is DEFINITELY NOT a people pleaser, but a self pleaser...a "do you" person).

That last line of the commercial intrigued me the other day.  I DO get the point of the commercial, and I totally agree that we should do us and not "they";  however, I really want to "do Him".  In the Bible, Ephesians 5:1 says, "Be imitators of God...".  How easy it is for us to be whom our flesh desires, but to be an imitator of God...wow!  So, let me encourage us all to dig a little deeper into the Word and figure out HOW God is, in efforts that we may imitate Him!  Don't do they, don't do you, but "do Him"!

Love Life!!!

I've Got A LOT of Catching Up To Do!

So, it's been a while...oh, who am I kidding?!...it's been YEARS since I last posted a blog!  I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it seems to still be a "thing", so here we go...take 2!

A LOT has changed over the last few years.  One of the major milestones for me personally was the addition of a vehicle AND individual on my insurance!  Yes, Kayelee is driving...has been for over a year now!  My, my, my how I've had to trust the Lord (especially concerning my nerves!).  Thankfully, Kayelee is a VERY responsible teen and has a great driving record thus far (do we knock on wood now or later?!)  This was a HUGE deal for her (how well I remember), but a "HUGER" deal for me!  Did I mention I've had to trust the Lord?  It's a bit like that game we used to play as kids...the trust game.  We'd fall back and trust that the catcher was going to catch us, not leaving us to slam backwards to the ground.  These types of milestones in life are the "fall backs".  We have to completely trust that God will do the catching.  You see, we can't always protect/shelter/smother our kids...and when you think about it, there's not much in life we CAN control. We can only guide and trust...not in ourselves...but TRUST...in God!  His safety net is the strongest one out there, so I choose to trust in His ability to "keep that which I've committed...".  It's funny how we can learn deep life lessons from near whiplash and skyrocketing auto insurance!

Word of the blog:  TRUST

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I TRUST."

Psalm 91:1-2

LOVE LIFE!!!

Kayelee and her new ride, shortly before her 16th birthday.  This, THIS is why I have to TRUST ;)!

Today was the first day of school for the kids!  Kayelee is in 7th grade, and Ri is in 3rd!!  We had a GREAT morning and for that I am thankful!  Gone are the days of having to "help" them get ready...sad, but true!  We even had time for the infamous "first day of school" pic.  I pray that God will give them an awesome year, with fun, friendships, and loads of learning. 

Happy New Year!!

Well, 2012 has made its entrance!!  Yesterday, which was New Year's Eve, we celebrated more than just the new year, but Christmas again as well!!  We traveled all the way to the big metropolis of Selmer, TN to celebrate with Scott's sister, Brandi, and her family.  It was a great day with unseasonable weather, which we really enjoyed.  The kids (my two and Brandi's son) took a trip through the woods and shot many guns...don't worry, JUST BB guns and airsoft guns.  They had a good time, and so did the adults. I didn't have my camera, but thankfully Kayelee did...so I can share SOME of the pics from the day:)

Scott, his mom Connie, and sister Brandi

Kayelee, Ri, and Lake

Having some silly fun!

Kayelee shooting her BB gun

Ri shooting his BB gun

...and Lake shooting one of his MANY guns...lol

The kids getting ready to explore in the woods

SO, as you can see....fun was had by ALL!!

As night came along, Caudill/Crawford time was had for the first time in what seems like many months!!  We brought in the New Year with lots of food and game-playing here at Caudill Casa.  We are thankful for them and glad that we were able to bring in the new year together! 

Ri and Jake...teamwork

Jake and Scott...rules being explained...not sure they were understood by Scott though HA!

Scott and I right at midnight!

Me and my pretty girl:)

Don't ask....lol

Somehow the guys ALWAYS win...i think they cheat

Kailyn and Kayelee getting in on the fun

Dawn and I...New Year's Eve

The guys playing 'BUZZ WORD'

...back to being silly

the boys did NOT want their pictures made!

So, goodbye 2011, and hello 2012...THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR BLESSINGS ON ME!!

December

Hey guys!...It's been a while since I've posted, so thought I would try and catch up.  LOTS of things have been going on with the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season.  By the way, it's the most wonderful time of the year!  While keeping Christ in the center of our focus, we've had lots of family time and fellowship going on.  We began the Christmas gatherings at my Grandmother's house in Hornbeak!  There, we met with my mom's side of the family (well, all that COULD attend). 

Then, after leaving my Grandmother's abode, we traveled ALL the way to Union City (haha) to my parent's house.  There, we had Christmas with my immediate family, which is growing quite large.  Grandchild # 7 should make their appearance in April if all goes as planned.  And no, I'm not the mother, my sis-in-law, Kim is!!

After much fun there, we went home and "Santa" had made an early visit to Caudill Casa!!  So, we let the kids open their gifts on Christmas Eve night this year...with no objection from them!  Kayelee and Ri read the Christmas story with their Dad.  We do this every year:)  The kids got lots of things that they have been wanting, and it makes my heart glad to see them happy!  We are very blessed and thankful for all that we have.  We are MOST thankful that we know the reason in which we have all of these gatherings, gifts, and festivities....JESUS...He truly is the reason for the season!

So, from our family to yours....MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

It's Fall Ya'll!

Well, Fall has arrived!!  Yesterday I took a day off work to spend with my husband and kids, celebrating their Fall break from school!!  It was a great day of family relaxation.  We did some work around the house, the kids played outside in the perfect weather, and then last night, we attended the movie, COURAGEOUS.  Courageous is a must see if you haven't already!  I love having family days:)  This time of year is my favorite because of all the activities and holidays that are associated with it.  And I don't know about you, but my family and I do EVERYTHING together, which is the way I think it should be.  I am so blessed to have a tight knit family and am looking forward to the rest of October and the remainder of the year with them!  Have a great day friends and <3 Life!!

Life of Riley....and the rest of us!

This morning, Ri had his first Chorus Kids practice at his school.  He was so excited!  Normally, he'll take a 20 minute shower and then take FOREVER to get dressed.  Not this morning!!  He had showered AND dressed in like 10 minutes TOPS!  HAHA....it was hilarious.  I hope he really likes it!  And it thrills my soul that he is interested in music, surprise, surprise.  They have to wear a "chorus kids" polo when they perform somewhere.  I just gave him Kayelee's from when she was in this group.  I told them yesterday that this was the only time they would be able to share clothes LOL! 

And tonight, Kayelee is cheering during half-time of the UCMS football game.  She attended a cheer clinic hosted by the 7th and 8th grade cheerleaders, and those that participated will be cheering tonight!  She is excited about that.  She thinks she wants to be a cheerleader for the school, so tonight may give her a taste of what it's actually like...we'll see:)

I hope you all have a marvelous day!  And remember, Life is good, God is great, and We are STILL Blessed!!!!

Another Great Time!

Last night, my family and I sang at Word of Faith church in Mayfield, KY.  We had a ball!  It was so good to see lots of family and friends there.  My Uncle Bill and his friend, Leta, were there from Springfield, MO.  And some longtime friends that are really family, Edwin and Barbara Haynes from Malden, MO, were also there.  And last, but not least, Jim and Brenda Cagle, longtime friends that I grew up in church around.  They are all just awesome people.  The church was very kind and when the singing started, the presence of God fell and people were touched.  And THAT'S what it's all about!!  I love doing what I do, but without HIM, its nothing...BUT He never disappoints!  I am so thankful that God continues to use and bless our music ministry!!  I am excited to see what He has in store for us...He didn't bring us this far to leave us!!!  Have a great day!!

Battlefield of the Mind

A few years ago I read Joyce Meyer's best-seller, Battlefield of the Mind.  I have remembered the words of its' pages since.  Satan will try to put things on our minds from past "bad"experiences that, if allowed, can divert our attention from present successes.  He (Satan) will also try to plant things in our minds that don't even exist i.e., certain situations within relationships (marriages, friendships, kid/parent).  But we are overcomers in Jesus!  I am SO thankful that God is the Commander and Chief of the battlefield of MY mind.  So, let this encourage you...if you are dealing with mind games that will not give you release, turn it over to HIM!  The tongue and mind are the hardest things for us to put under subjection.  And that is why we must let God help us.  I am an overcomer and YOU can be too!! 

CHURCH

Yesterday was a GREAT day in church!  I have not been THIS excited about church in a LONG time.  I am bubbling over with thankfulness that the Lord led us to New Life!!  I think the part that excites me the most is that my kids are finally seeing the outpouring of the Holy Ghost in a REAL way!  My words cannot express how I feel right now....and this post will be short and sweet, but the thing that I cannot get off my mind lately is GOD IS FAITHFUL!  To those that truly love Him and seek after HIM, He ALWAYS comes through!  I love Him!!   Have a good day everyone!!

BACK IN THE SADDLE

Well, I missed work yesterday.  Woke up about 2am with something I don't even want to describe.  But today, I am back at work, going strong LOL.  I am really blessed to have a job that I love.  It's one of the things I was blessed with and KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was a "God thing"!  You know, sometimes it's good to KNOW that God had His hand in something.  I think His hand is in everything, don't get me wrong, but sometimes it's more evident than others. 


And now to change the subject:   When the kids and I opened up the garage door this morning, this VERY cool breeze came in reminding us that Fall is here.  I love Fall.  I am NOT a hot weather person whatsoever, so the coolness this morning was very welcome:)  So, I wish you all a HAPPY FALL!  I guess I'll keep this post short and sweet HAHA!

DENTIST

Happy Monday to everyone!  First of all, let me clarify that we DID NOT go to the high school football game on Friday like I previously posted.  We had every good intention, but when Scott and I got home and settled, there was no getting back out LOL!  Don't we sound like an old married couple?!?! HAHA!  Anyways, from what I hear, it was another blowout and would have been a disappointment to watch anyways.  I really hate to say that, but no one wants to go pay money for a "not so good" game.

Well, today's blogging will be about the DENTIST!  First of all, let me say that I believe I go to the best one in this area.  Dr. Sullivan is da man, well, BOTH Dr. Sullivans!  I have been a patient of Dr. Jerry Sullivan since I can remember.  And while going to school at West KY Community and Technical College, I did my internship with him.  I also worked for him for two years after graduating from that school, until I decided to be a stay-at-home mom.  So, needless to say, I am VERY partial to Dr. Sullivan and his staff.  NOW, Dr. Jerry's son, Gabe, who I attended high school with, is the primary dentist.  He has saved me LOTS of pain by doing an extraction that would normally be sent to an oral surgeon after I broke a third molar here at work.  I have LOTS of confidence in him as well.  So now, after the plug....the dread!  Today I have a dentist appointment.  I think I am dreading it as much as I dreaded BOTH of my c-sections LOL.  Yes, I know that sounds ludicrous, but I just can't help it.  I can work in YOUR mouth all day long, but I HATE to have someone work on mine!  I just dread what they may tell me HAHA!  Just pray for me as I face the dental chair this afternoon HAHA!!

It's FOOTBALL Time

Well, football season has arrived!  Tonight we will be going to our 2nd football game for our Union City High School Tornadoes!  Looks like we'll be getting more involved since Kayelee has entered middle school!  I have to say I enjoy it though.  Football's not my favorite sport, but I've been watching and learning for the past couple of weeks!  I really hope UC pulls off a win tonight.  We played OCCHS last week and lost 36-6.  It was horrible!  I hated it for our team so bad:(  I'm not saying that we would have won, but our main quarterback was hurt during practice, so the TORNADOES had to perform without him...and I do know enough about football to know that your quarterback is pretty important lol!  Anyways, hoping for a good game tonight.  I'm thinking the weather will be nice tonight as well, so we'll see. UC UC UC UC UC UC UC.................... 

Bible Study

Hey Everyone!  Today is Wednesday.  I know, it's been a few days since I posted, but to be honest, sometimes I just forget LOL!  Those that know me will not be surprised at that statement.  Anyways, as I was pondering what to blog about, Bible study came to mind.  Scott and I have always put an emphasis on the Bible, prayer, and our beliefs (based on the Bible) to our children.  However, I am ashamed to say that it (Bible study) hasn't always been a priority in our home.  But, in the past few weeks, the Lord has really been dealing with Scott and I about some things, Bible study being one of those.  For you see, we, along with MANY others, have come to the conclusion that if your kids don't get it at home, they won't get it.  Even since I was a kid/teenager, the face of the church has changed dramatically.  Things are tolerated that shouldn't be, the Holy Spirit does not move (whether because we don't allow Him to, or because we don't know what to do with Him when He comes), the blessings of God are taught, but not HELL (which DOES exist)!  I can't remember the last time we heard someone talk from the pulpit about being filled with the Holy Ghost or speaking in tongues for that matter (which we believe in:).  And trust me, I'm not blaming anyone but myself!  My kids MUST see it in ME!  We have been doing a Bible study on the book of Proverbs and wisdom, along with other Bible books and topics here and there.  There have been some very enlightening conversations with our 11 and 7 year olds.  I am proud to say that they are engaging themselves in these Bible studies.  Sometimes it seems that these studies are in vain.  The kids are tired and sluggish, they don't comment much, or you can tell they are in lala land.  (not ALL the time, but sometimes LOL)  However, as times passes, I will notice them both making comments about certain things we have recently talked about and I realize they are GETTING IT!!  And that just proves the point of how very important teaching your kids is. Especially in these end times!!  We are responsible for making sure our kids know what it takes to be ready for Jesus' return which is SOON AND VERY SOON!  Just wanted to encourage you!  Yes, it takes effort, and sometimes does not "fit" into our schedules.  I know at my house, it might be 9:30 before we begin, but in the scheme of life, what's more important?!?!   NOTHING!  Have a great day guys!!

FINALLY FRIDAY!

I shouldn't say "finally" friday, like I don't like every other day, but it makes for a title for this blog lol:)  I really don't have much to say today, but you know me...I can conjure up something!  This weekend, I plan to clean my house.  It's been a while since I REALLY cleaned.  Scott and I do things every night that help keep it orderly, but I'm talking about getting out the chemicals and thoroughly cleaning!  I guess I will do this tomorrow while Scott is at work:(  I hate it when he has to work on weekends, but also hate to complain because I am VERY thankful that he has a great job.  After he gets off, we are planning to go to the UNION CITY vs CENTRAL football game.  It will be my kids' first HS football game.  I think they are excited...or at least I HOPE they are!!  The only problem I foresee is what side to sit on.  We are going with our friends, the Crawfords, whose kids go to the county schools.  Our kids go to the city schools.  AND Gary and I went to UC, but Dawn and Scott went to OC....my, my, my!!!!  I really hope the weather cooperates as well....hoping it's not rainy AND not too hot!  However it turns out, I'm sure it will be fun!  And of course, on Sunday, we will attend church of our choice...haha....those that know us know why!  Hope you all have a GREAT weekend!!!

FREEDOM

Today, we saluted the local National Guard Troop 913 as they headed out for Afghanistan.  As I was watching through the window at work, I realized just how very blessed we are with so many BRAVE soldiers.  They are essentially throwing themselves into the great unknown, and why?  For our freedom.  I don't agree with alot of things that are going on in this country, but I still think we have the best country on Earth.  I am very thankful to live in the "land of the free, and the home of the brave".  So today, I want to thank each and every one of the men and women that are so freely giving their lives for us.  And also to their families who are left behind....THANK YOU!  It is my prayer that God will watch over and protect our military as they go abroad to accomplish their mission.  God bless the USA!!

FaIr TiMe

Tonight we will brave the crowds at the Obion County Fair!  My kids are super excited for this once a year event!  I wish I was as excited lol...although I'm sure once I get there, I will have a blast.  This year, me, along with our (Scott and my family) and several friends are going.  I think it will be a fun time!  I already have the cash out of the bank HAHAHA!  I can honestly say that the thing I look forward to the most is the FOOD!!!  Caramel Apples, Funnel Cakes, Hamburgers, Lemonade, Cotton Candy (just a few of the Caudill favs)....I can taste it all now.  I'm also really thankful for the weather.  It has cooled down tremendously the past few days.  Temps are in the high 80's during the day, and dropping to the 60's at night.  By 6 o'clock, it should be superb weather!  I know I've been saying this for a while, but the plan is to post pics on here...hopefully soon!  I keep forgetting when I get home...seems other things grab my attention, surprise, surprise.  Well, IF you go to the OC Fair tonight, I'll probably see you there!!! 

Registration Day!

Well, today I registered both kids for the 2011-2012 school year!  It was smooth sailing, but I can't help but be a little nervous and sad all at the same time:)  We went to the middle school first to register Kayelee for sixth grade.  Her teacher is Mrs. Cox.  I'm not really familiar with her, but there are several kids in the class that we have been with before, so that eased my mind a little bit.  You can already tell the difference though...as far as independence and stuff like that.  She'll do fine though!  Mrs. Cox issued a locker to her and we got to go out and practice opening it with the combination.  Kayelee did well, and I'm thankful because that's the one thing she kept mentioning over and over....so I think that was her biggest worry!  After we finished up at the middle school, we made the drive across the street to the elementary school.  Riley will be in second grade this year and his teacher is Mrs. Bondurant.  I graduated with Mrs. Bondurant's husband, Dylan, who is an optometrist here in town.  So, I am a little more familiar with her.  She seems really sweet and interacted GREAT with the kids!  Riley was a ham as usual:)  Joke here, joke there, jokes EVERYWHERE!!!  Some little boy had the same tennis shoes as him and he had a little issue with that LOL!  I think the kids will have a GREAT year!  Let's Go TORNADOES!!!!