Happy Birthday Aunt (Great Aunt ) "TALL" Ginger!!

It's late, but my memories are very clear! Ohhh Aunt Ginger, a lady who has sacrificed, and who has given, and loved her kids with all her might....yes it's you Aunt Ginger! Me being 34 yrs old...(yes very old) I have seen you my Aunt just give and give and give...never demanding or asking for your own recognition...you "knew" that your kids were the best and that's what kept you going! What a godly example of self denial and love! Now with Grandkids and the love you show them...Awesome!!!!!! You rock!!!!!
Lately, these past several years have been the Awsome years of my life...having my kids know you, love you, and get to know thieir TALL Aunt Ginger...GREAT Aunt in ARIZONIA!!!! They all love you very much...and yet you live so far away....oh well they still miss and love you very much! They don't care if you are close or far you are very close at heart!!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Aunt Ginger...Love you TONS AND TONS!!!! See you soon!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday David!

Alex and David
(after Casting Crowns concert in Medford, Oregon)

David, you have been a great cousin, friend and nephew to us all. Well, you have never been a cousin to me or a nephew to your cousins but you have been a great friend to all!!!
16 years old today...WOW
It is so amazing to see the hand of God working in your life. You have matured leaps and bounds this past year. Speaking of leaps, it is very impressive the way you can jump so high...(side note there). Anyway, I am honored to have you as an example for my boys. You are so fun to talk to, and I love your posts on your blog. My kids all look up to you very much. Thanks for being such a godly young man in such a wicked world. I know it is not always easy to do what is right but stay the course on the straight and narrow and seek Christ. We are all looking forward to what you are going to do this year in speech, chess, piano, Omnibus, and whatever else you decide to amaze us with this year.
Fore sure keep up that beautiful piano playing that you do...You are AWESOME at it!!!
I love very much...Happy Birthday
Aunt Tami...and Family

HAppy Birthday Jonathan!

Well another birthday.....Will's buddy (and cousin) Jonathan turned 4 years old yesterday! Wow, how time moves so quickly! We bought Jonathan this guitar...in a round about way (thanks to Grandma Dot for finding it!!) He got lots of nice clothes, a toy box, drawing stuff, two MannaBars and more. He is loved by everyone for sure! It is so fun talking with Jonathan, he is so expressive and animated. He is an awesome boy, a real man in the making! I know God has His hand on this child and it is so fun to watch. He can make anyone laugh and smile!
Happy Birthday Jonathan we love you very much!

Happy Birthday Karissa!

Kaila and Karissa
( I can't find a single picture of Karissa)

Yesterday was Karissa's birthday "ahhhh" Sweet 16! What an awesome girl Karissa is to everyone. She is the extreme sweet in sweet 16! It has been such a blessing watching her grow up. She is so creative, she makes crafts great and with such perfection. It's always fun to have a birthday cause she will makes something very awesome sewing, molding painting, card ect.. She's a true servant and a genuine friend. She never pushes her desires or herself over others, she is always kind and loving to everyone. Oh yes and she is very FUN she is as good at playing cards and playing games as she is at her crafts. I love you my niece Karissa SO much! Happy Be-lated Birthday I pray you will continue to grow in the knowledge of Christ and His Word this year. May your spirit be filled with more of Him. God bless you Karissa

Work Training Time

Steve was fixing our riding lawnmower and Jeb needed to learn a few things! So super daddy put on the front pack and went to work! Jebediah is getting really old now....3 months!!! I mean really.....Don't you think it is time that he carries his own weight??....silly I know. But Steve was sweet to take him while I cooked dinner the other day. After a half an hour or so Steve came in holding his lower back and waddling (like me when I am pregnant) and saying ahhh get this boy off me...my back hurts!! He is soooooo funny!!!! What can I say this daddy loves his boy! And I love this daddy and this boy!

Best Mom ever!

We have been posting about our travels, music and the fun we have been having....but have we mentioned enough who has been so awesome as to take us, spend time with us, spoil us, and help us have the great summer we could ever post about? Of course not, no one can ever talk too much about Grandma Dot...Now you must realize that when we say Grandma Dot, that is and all encompassing name for Grandma Dot AND Grandpa Ken!!! For we all know he is the one working so faithfully at home and NEVER complains at his wifes generosity!

Collin watching the ipod. Better be related to music, history or God...HA

Alex writing a song.....I am sure it will be good
Anyway, here some pictures from the motel....of course the instruments, ipods and swimming was involved. The kids (Alex, Collin and Anna) had their own room and stayed up writing songs and learning new songs and visiting.

Heading for some food!!!! Muscle man Alex is so helpful!

Grandma Dot never wants pictures but she is sooooooo cute!!!

So yes we had a fun time at the Mexican restaurant before we got home!!! Always, I love Mexican Food....they can sure cook!!!!!! Not to mention the yummy strawberry daiquiri drinks!

Someday I pray I can be half the women my mom (Grandma Dot) is to my children, and Grandchildren....only because wishing to be the "whole" women my mom is would be crazy and sort of unreachable!!!!! So all this to say here is the whole picture, we have been so blessed, God is awesome....hey have I said that before?? HA

I pray your summer has been good too.....we are totally looking forward to spending some time with Aunt Ginger, Uncle John, Troy and Heather and their family and more time with the rest of the family! Oh I will post some pictures soon of Aunt Vickie and her pool...we had soooo much fun there too. Right now I need to go make dinner.

Music...Blessed....2008

How could I be so blessed as to have my dreams come true???
Before Steve and I were married (by the way that was 16yrs and 7 days ago on the 11th) we talked about, yes we dreamed about a few kids and playing music with them together to glorify our Lord! Wow....my oh my God answers our simple dreams sometimes!! I was blessed, and honored to be on the same stage with our children...especially Alex, Collin and Anna Last weekend at the Prospect Bluegrass festival 2008!! Though for me, and my skill level it was humbleing ....I don't want any sympathy...trust me...it was AWESOME to be at a festivel with these kids as our band!!! These kids are amazing, and a blast to work with!
Guidance, direction, His Name Glorified and continual help I seek for the future! Thank you Lord for your direction in advance! May our talents bless you as you have given them to us!!!!

Happy Birthday Collin!!!!!

Handsome, Funny, Sweet, Kind, Giving, Gentle, Warrior-like, God loving, and (p.s. Alex said...ummm stinky..HA....no not you)

Happy B--Day my wonderful second born son...Collin James Goldman!! I love you sooooo much! Follow Jesus, love Him and be all He wants you to be!

I love to play games with you, getting you wet in water fights, hurting from the scratches you give in games of "mercy", playing cards and any other fun thing in our house oh yes it ALWAYS has you as a part of the fun! Because you are FUN!!!!! And as your crazy mom I love that, FUN. LOVE YA Happy 14th Birthday

Follow Up / Up Date

Goldman Kids!

God is Good! The 4th was busy and different but still it was nice. We went to Ashland in the afternoon because Alex was playing with the new group that hired him...Emy Phelps, it was a great set. I was so very happy for him, and I feel he did a wonderful job. After the show we came home, packed and headed to Grandma Dot's and then off to Fossil, Oregon for a bluegrass festival.
The lady (who wanted to go in the Ashland parade with nothing on) I mentioned before in the below post, was not to be seen by our eyes....Praise God! That was one of the highlights of the day..HA
It's hard to believe life is flying by as fast as it is! The kids are growing up lightning speed. But through it all I am enjoying life, loving the kids and very proud of my husband who works hard all the time and loves me so sweet!!!!!
Tomorrow I must pack for our three day Prospect Bluegrass Festival. I am excited and nervous. I am praying about our upcoming performance...Father, You Lord be glorified completely, bless those who hear us and touch your people and use us. Please draw your people close to you!!!
Hope life is awesome for all you....Blessings!!

Please Pray For America! Pray for Ashland Oregon!!

Below I copied and pasted an artical from our local paper the "Mail Tribune" (that's here around Medford, Oregon). What an eye opener...God please help us, the wicked are a lost, many and confused people!
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July 02, 2008

The Ashland woman who created a stir over her plan to skate in a G-string in the city's July 4 parade now says she'll take part wearing a bikini.

"It's not that I like it, but I'm being realistic," said Jen Moss. "I figured it would probably happen."

Moss, 33, placed an online ad last month asking for people to accompany her in the parade as she skated along its route in only a G-string. When parade organizers found out, they said they'd bar her from taking part. Moss later told the Mail Tribune she'd wear the G-string but stay on the sidewalk.

Now, however, she said she's decided to take part in the bikini. She expects about 10 people to walk and bike alongside her, beating drums and holding signs of peace. She said parade organizers told her she could be part of the parade as long as she's clothed.

"It's unfortunate that on the day Americans are celebrating their civil liberties, mine are being taken away," she said.

Moss became known as "The Pastie Lady" and "The Naked Lady" after she began appearing nearly nude in public. She has said she is trying to draw attention to causes including the environment and peace.

— Ashland Daily Tidings

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So what is the 4th of July about?????????

Be with me in prayer for the nation on the 4th, 2008!!!

Happy Birthday Meghann

Dear Sweet Meghann is 12 years old! Wow, a princess, a daughter of the King is growing up. Meghann you are such a joy to be around, so tender and sweet. I wish so much that we lived close to you but the times we are with you we LOVE it! I hope you have an awesome year. It is wonderful that your dream of having a horse came true, God is awesome! Keep your eyes on Him as you grow. I love you sweetheart!!!!

Baby Steps

We went to the park today and the kids played while Jodi, Liisa and I talked and then walked. Aside from realizing how totally out of shape I am and it being fairly hot it was a wonderful time. Jodi was filling us in on a sermon she had heard about depression. Most people are depressed because they don't do what they should do when it should be done. Amen to that for me. She said that mom's and preachers are most likely to get depressed because they don't have people watching and telling them what to do and when to do it...it's all self government. Oh dear, bingo, to get up and clean the house, make dinner or whatever is tough when I feel like just sitting on the computer or reading a book. But I can change, I will overcome. Ever see the movie "What About Bob"? Ah yes, baby steps, baby steps when you seem to be overwhelmed. After Jodi told me some of this the day before yesterday I went in our laundry room and organized, I got rid of 3 trash bags of clothes and 3 trash bags of trash. One step at a time and I will get this house in order. No time to be depressed and complain, just get up and do what needs done. By God's grace only can I do this, the spirit is willing but my flesh is ohhhh very weak. Baby steps and in time the rewards will amaze me I know it. Depression has no place in this home. God reigns and He will guide lead and direct this mom.

Talk about Proverbs 31>>>

Cassie Marie...my little sweet pea (as her daddy calls her) surprised me tonight! I was on the phone...totally important!! and next thing I knew Cassie had dinner all ready, plates, salad, main dish (thanks to the Deems and all) as well as the table set and ready!!!!! WOW I was so happy yes, she is the bomb when it comes to daughters!!! Next time thinking or even looking at Proverbs 31 think of Cassie!! At a Huge age of 10 she is the GIRL!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Cassie

The Joy of Twins

Mailee and Murren 7 yrs.

Having twins is better then my hopes of having twins were. They truly ARE a double blessing from Jesus Christ and I love them so much! Some people see the girls, 'twins' and think it would be so hard or that they could never handle their child if there were two of them....well in most cases that is true, I could not handle their child if there was just one! Ahhh the joys of the rod, no the blessing of the rod of correction. Anyway, back on point. The twins are fun as can be! Sure the girls have their moments (just ask Vickie) but they really do love each other in a unique way. Jodi and I have decided that we are twins, just born 14 months apart (we so many times have the same thoughts).
Yesterday after Mailee and Murren woke up and had took out the braids that I had in their hair the night before....Mailee looked at Murren and said "oh our hair is all poofy and frizzy from the braids." Ha. Murren looked at her to see what her own hair would look like! "Oh cool." said Murren. Funny girls! No need for a mirror I guess. Now, as you might see in the pictures I have had Mailee grow out her bangs long and have keep Murrens trimmed up, so a little difference.
I don't know...I saw these pictures and just felt like sharing some of my thoughts with the blog world on my little twins :) God is so awesome to give me all 8 of my wonderful children but today a little twin talk was in order!!

Happy Birthday Devin!

Devin, I am very proud of you buddy, you are growing up into a godly young man. It is always fun hearing what my kids will tell us at the dinner table that you said..."Devin said this, and Devin said that." It's crazy, you really make an impression. :) You are a so good at giving back massages, your very strong. I am excited to see what you will do this coming year with chess, speech and Mannatech. I know you will do great! Love you Devin. It was a fun birthday party this evening.