Check it out!!!

I was just checking my email and recieved an email from AMTC (Actor's, Models and Talent for Christ) that told me to check out their website...so I did...and guess who was on the front page!!! Miss Macey!!! Way to go Sis!!! Be sure to check it out!!! God is SO Good!!! We are so proud of our little model...and God has been right along with us the entire way....check it out http://www.amtcworld.com/

Here is a copy of the letter I wrote...

Carey, Hi!! I am emailing you from New York City…Macey and I have spent the past 6 weeks in the city, and have had a blast!!! She signed with FFT models and has spend her summer going to auditions and go-sees…We have been so blessed by our time that we have shared together in the city…Nothing like some one on one time with your daughter…and we feel like she has done SO well….She has booked three jobs so far-and is on hold for a couple more….She booked with Children’s Place, Scholastic’s Parent Child Magazine, and Toys R Us…She is actually at her shoot for Toys R Us right now…We are already considering coming back in the fall, and definitely next summer!!!
As a family, this was a huge desicion for us…I have 2 other children, and had a part time job…We began this journey one hundred percent in prayer…I have prayed about finding an apartment, travel arrangements, and getting a leave of absence from my job….which ended up not happening…I know you recieve lots of emails from many people, but I just want to share how God has worked in our lives….I have been truly blessed-daily. To know that we have been in God’s will has been so amazing….My manager wouldn’t grant me a leave of absence, after telling me for over 6 months that it would NOT be a problem…I began to wonder, is this God’s way of telling us to stay home? or is it God’s way to tell me to “get out of my comfort zone” and trust Him…Rely on Him…I am assuming you know the answer…I decided to turn in my notice, and trust in Him…it is scary to do something, in faith, not knowing the outcome, or where I was going to work after we return home….but I did it…
Now, after spending six wonderful weeks in NYC, I can see why He wanted us to take this journey…Not just for Macey-and for her to pursue her dreams-which we def have done….but for us to learn to depend and to rely on Him…It is easy to rely on Him, when you have no one else…My husband, and family were back home, and we did this alone…with God on our side…Macey and I spent many nights together in prayer, and Bible Study…We found a wonderful church that we attended every Sunday while we were in the city…and even if she didn’t book a single job…we now know that God wanted this for us…He wants us to share how he can be there for us…no matter the circumstances…
And get this, after quitting my job…my vacation time was cashed out-and given to me-which was EXACTLY enough money to cover us financially while we were in the city…The past couple of days I began to worry about finding a job when I get home….(I am an RN-so the needs are there) Knowing, I shouldn’t worry, I should begin praying-which I did…Yesterday, I recieved an email from a friend, who is a manager in the local hospital-offering me a position-that pays more than the last job I had, and the schedule is very flexible-which would allow for Macey and I to come back to the city next summer!!!!She said to call her when I get home and we will discuss the details…. Our God is SO Good!! =)
But I just wanted to share with you…and let you know that we feel so blessed to have been a part of AMTC…Without you guys, Macey never would have had the opportunities that she has had…You guys are awesome…and to base everything on God and his love for us…Amazing….Thanks so much…Will keep you updated on Macey and her “journey”…God Bless….

We are continuously amazed by his guidance in this journey, and will continue to turn to Him in ALL things.....

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phillipians 4:13

Happy Birthday James......

Well, who would have thought when I met this crazy guy in Spanish class so many years ago...that I would have celebrated so many birthdays with him....=) and fall crazy head over heels in love with him!!!!!! Wow! 2o years of birthdays!! We celebrated our first birthdays together in 1989....and here we are in 2009, 3 kids later....still celebrating them together....=) and I wouldn't have it any other way....
Honey, I hope you have the best bday ever....even though you had to go to work-The kids want to do something special for you when you get home.... =) Hope you love your new puppy...and enjoy him for many years to come....Thanks for all you do for our family...I love you so much!!! Now and Forever!!!! Happy Birthday!!!!

Our Newest Family Member....

James has wanted a bull mastiff for as long as I have known him...Well, his bday is coming up in 5 days and he met a family during Fun Fest that had Bull Mastiff puppies...well, he has thought about nothing else since...so here is James' bday present...Meet Chaz, our 9 week old bull mastiff puppy...Love you honey...(Now, I want my roof : )Hee hee...inside joke...

Fun Fest Balloon Glow

We ususally don't make it to too many Fun Fest Events...but we decided to take Cade to see the balloons...and he loved them...I was wanting to take some photographs too...Nothing like shooting at night...We had a good time, and I think I got a few awesome pics....a few of my fav balloon pics... Cade and Daddy...checking out all the action....Cade talked the whole time...Ian and Macey were gone with the church group...so he took advantage of the one on one time....=) sweet little guy...Me and my little man....In awe....loved the flame shots...I took way too many pics last night....these are just a few...;) won't bore you with all of them...Every time the flame would go-Cade would get so excited...so we "posed" this one...He cracked me up...we did the same thing 3 or 4 times....Running to the street where the balloons were...couldn't wait to see them...Daddy in the background...

Little Update...

I got a job!!! Yippee!! God is so good...I will be working in Endoscopy at Holston Valley...and I am so happy...Much prayer has gone into this, and I truly feel that this is where God wants me to be....thanks to all my friends and family who have been praying for me...Love you guys...

On another note...Be sure to check out my photography site....www.stillmomentsphotography.blogspot.com....I am booking some "mini sessions"...and hope to get started back taking pictures and helping you create memories for your family....Be sure to email me if you are interested in one of these mini sessions....

"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Home is where the Heart is....

Well, long time, no blogging...I am sorry...I know that those of you who check my blog wonder where I have been...=) (all 3 of you) Hee hee...So, here goes...We finished up an amazing summer in the city...Can't believe that our summer in NY has come and gone...We are already making plans for next summer...and can't wait....Where do I begin?

The things that I experienced this summer...I can just hardly put into words...I mean-I blogged about a lot of the details of our trip...the go sees, the auditions, and the shoots...but the "life lessons" that I have learned I will never forget...Learning to exist, in a strange city, where we knew no one, and had no idea even where to begin...People visit NY all the time for vacation...but to go and "make it home" for a time, is surreal...I still hear the sounds of the city when I am just being still...We take silence for granted here in TN...I am amazed to go outside my house, and listen to nothing...something that I wouldn't have realized without this experience in my life....We did miss our home...but I realized that once my family was together-the boys were back with us-that Home is where you make it...For a time, our home was in NY...and I was happy with that....actually LOVED it...=)

The spiritual impact that I had while on this life journey was unexplainable...I have said to one person after another....yes, Macey had an amazing experience, and did lots of work...but if she didn't book the first job-I know that God had us go for a reason....He wants us to have faith in Him, to trust Him, and to put Him first in our lives...from the big things like traveling safety to the small things to making sure we get on the right subway to make it to an audition on time....amazing..and He was there-the entire time...=)

Well, now that we are home...will update you on the "modeling stuff" for Miss Macey...We are planning a little road trip this weekend...Macey has an interview Monday with an agent in Nashville...She is hoping to get represented by them, so she can be working while we are in TN...This is her dream...and we are praying continuously for guidance through all of this...So remember her in your prayers..=)

I go for a job interview tomorrow...so remember me as well...Many of you know that I had to
quit my job to get to take Macey to New York...I really had a difficult time with that entire situation...but I have given it over to my Lord...and do you know what I have recieved? Peace...complete peace...and I just following his will...not sure what that is yet...but just waiting...God is In Control...

I have many more NY pics to post...and will do that as soon as I get time...Trying to let my kids enjoy their summer...We have 3 weeks before school starts...and trying to cram in all the summer fun we can in this time frame...Love you guys...

Blogging from My Blackberry?

Blogging from my Blackberry? I haven't really tried to do this before,but thought I would give it a shot...:) I am siiting here outside the studio where Macey is having here second Children's Place shoot...She is inside getting her hair and make-up done-and LOVING it-I might add ;) hee hee...It is so hard for me to believe that our time in the city is almost over-has flown by!!! I love seeing Macey getting the opportunity to pursue her dreams...and we are giving God all the praise!!! He has been our ROCK through this entire journey-and we are so grateful to Him...well-heading in to see what Macey is up to-have a great day!! God Bless!!!

Yankees vs. Blue Jays

James met his co-worker and his daughter today to go to a Yankees game with the boys...They had a great time...and the boys loved the game...James took the camera and here are some of the pics that he took...The New Stadium....

Cade thoroughly enjoyed his cotton candy...love these pics.... Ian enjoying the game....Check out those eyes...too much...My boys...love them so much...James' friend, and his daughter....The boys, cheesing....Some baseball pics...that is what they went for, right? =)

One More Week....

Boy how does the time fly....I can't believe that we have been here for 5 going on 6 weeks...I know now why everyone wears the I {heart} NY t-shirts-because after being here for so long...it becomes a part of you...I never thought when we arrived that when it came time to go home, I would be saying that I would miss the city....but I am...=) The sounds, the lights, the smells, being able to just simply walk any where you need to go...no need to drive...I probably won't even remember how to drive when I get back to TN...I mean it has been over 6 weeks since I have been behind the wheel...hee hee...(A few pics from our Broadway show...)

It is amazing to sit back and realize that everything we have been through the past few weeks, has been part of God's plan for our lives...I have grown so much...done things I never thought I would do...and learned to depend on God for everything...even the small things...=) We truly have been blessed...We found a church to worship in, that has blessed me with every service...

Today Macey has an audition for a commercial...She is SO excited about this one...so remember her in your prayers today...She has practiced all weekend, and I think she will do great...Like I told her, God is in control of ALL things...and we just need to do our best...and the rest is up to Him....and she smiled at me. =) Loving to see how much she has grown spiritually also...She has journaled every night, and read a devotion and Bible that her good friend Madison gave to her...She has amazed me with her growth also...She asks me to pray for her before every audition, go see, even when we are traveling...she has asked me to pray for our safe travel...I have gotten closer to Miss Macey that I ever have been...and I am blessed by that...God is SO good....

James and I have been talking and we are planning on coming back to the city next summer again...The opportunities for Macey here are amazing...Praying for direction...=)

Worry...After all of the praying I have been doing, and the time in God's word...Why would I worry? I wish that I could say I don't...but I can't help it...Most of you know that I quit my job with the health system I have worked with for many years, because they wouldn't grant me a leave of absence...Knowing that God wanted us to come to NY...In faith, I left my job,...Now, as we are getting ready to head back...I wonder what to do concerning my job....I have a couple of possibilities...but just wanting to be where God wants me...so remember me in your prayers as I face this upcoming desicion....

Going to get off of here...The boys are headed to a Yankees game, and Macey and I are going to the audition...even considered doing something "special" with my girl...Love you all, and looking forward to seeing you all soon...God bless...

Happy 4th of July!!!

We hope everyone has a blessed holiday weekend.....We are planning on having a great time today...Broadway Show, and fireworks tonight...Love and Miss you guys!!!

Museum of Natural History

Today was a rainy day in the city...so we promised the kids a day at the Museum of Natural History.....the kids really enjoyed the museum...especially the animals...and the dinosaurs...

I took a few pics today in the subway on the way to the museum...and thought they were pretty cool...and would share them with you all....We use the subway as our main way of transportation, other than walking...so wanted to capture it in pictures....
On the subway....wasn't very crowded...sometimes it is so packed there is standing room only....My kids sitting on the subway...being silly... Cool shot....here it comes...Theodore Roosevelt outside the museum.....The inside of the museum...The kids getting ready for the dinosaurs...Cade's fav part....playing on a computer....Cade was so excited to see the statue from Night at the Museum...I want some "gum gum, dum dum...." Hee hee...The Dino HallRexy...=)
We had a good day today...and the kids had a great time...Going to settle in and watch some tv and then we are off to bed...
Macey got a call from her agent today...and she has another audition on Monday...She is SO excited!! This one is for a commercial....=) Say a prayer for her....

One more week, and we will be home...hard to believe the time has passed so quickly...I think we could be city girls...at least Macey and I...Hee hee...Going to miss this place...but we are looking forward to coming home...We are already planning on coming back next summer....Continue to pray for us...We love and miss you guys....