Thoughts, Time with God

God has been dealing with me lately. Is He is a great God or what! When He wants to teach me something, He uses a million different ways to do it....could that be because I have a thick head, or I'm not listening good? Oh Lord help me! I am blessed He has called me and saved me, and wants to help me grow! This time it's good.....O.K. it's always good! I know He could hit me over the head each second, I have so much to learn. Slowly though He molds me and shapes me.

It started with a little jealousy again, ohhh yes, I have a big problem with that. (Confession time? No...just truth) In my agony I was reminded by Jodi and past prayers, God is my only comfort in this. I can not look to Steve for my assurance, true happiness. He is a man, sinner, and not God (God is only perfect). I love Steve so much, but he WILL fail me and if I look to him and not Christ he will not fulfill. I will end up sad, lonely, bitter and completely lost. Christ can fulfill my hearts desires, and only He can comfort completely. Have a close personal walk with Jesus! Daily read the Bible and pray to Him.

Then, we went and saw the movie "Fire Proof" if you have seen it you'll understand, if not you need to! God can help us, He is our strength.

Next we went to a bridal shower. Nathan and Colleen, wonderful Christian speech friends we know in Grants Pass. Anyway, an elderly lady shared at the shower and spoke the words...look to Christ not your husband for total fulfilment. You love your man, but he WILL fail you at some point, BUT Jesus will never fail you. Ahhh. I remember that I learned those thoughts many years ago. Study the Bible, have personal time with God. He is my best friend, my ever thought throughout my daily doings? Study the Word and Pray daily.

Then taking with Anna...she had an issue come up with friends/cousins and gossip. She was hurt and thought wrong was being thought and said of her. She joined in and as gossip works it grows very quickly. Again, friends/cousins will fail you, family will fail you....all are human and sinful! I told her....Honey look to Christ, study the Word, pray and He can fulfill your needs and comfort you in times of trouble.

OK, I know God you love me, I love you too thanks for the patience you show me. Thanks for reminding me over and over again when I fail to remember on my own. I know I need to show you in action as well as feelings my love for you. Reading Your Word and praying to you. I will study and pray and build our relationship stronger, Father help me. How exciting.

Just thought I would share this little bit of 'Tami learning' :)
God is Great and God is AWESOME!! Remember to study and pray and have the relationship with Him. I needed this reminder so much in my busy life.

Happy Birthday Twins!

We had a wonderful party for the Twins last night. They played awhile in the park, had the yummy cake and received tons of presents. After all that we headed over to the movie, "Fireproof". We (as always) took many rows in the theater....crazy! Mom ordered 10 large popcorn bags (one popcorn to every three people) the lady was a bit shocked....then when mom ordered 20 bottled waters the lady said, "Are you serious?" That was funny, and yes, mom was serious! Good news though, they gave us a crate to tote all the waters. :)
Thanks to all who came to the party and for the gifts.
I love you twins so much! We are very proud of what God is doing in your lives. Your doing so AWESOME in school and we are blessed by you both.

Pretty baby dolls from Grandma Dot...along with the new wardrobe of very cute clothes.

Before the party the big kids enjoy the playground too.

So many sweet cards and they love those kind words.

The long awaited Bibles. Mailee and Murren are constantly taking my Bible and reading it, they love to read the Bible in the morning with their daddy. So they were very excited to get there own! (I am happy too, now I can have mine back...HA) I even found a pink and a (we call it purple) one.

Devin and Collin....Boys, I know it's a big slide but YOU CAN DO IT!!

Swinging birthday girls.

Murren and Mailee 8 years old as of today!

They each secretly made a craft for eachother and....yep it was the same! That was pretty funny. Seeing as how the craft book of ideas is over 200 pages. They must be twins.....ummmm.

The girls have learned to tell time...so Aunt Liisa got them real watches.

Fun with Uncle John!

Well, we had a blast the last day with Uncle John! Surprise, surprise he spoiled us!!! Jodi and I wanted to take him and Aunt Ginger out on their last day in Oregon....but Grandma Dot and Aunt Ginger had some unfinished antique shopping to do. No problem we managed and totally understood...(Jodi and I are close too, we would have wanted to spend every second together too like Ginger and mom). Anyway, God is Awesome to have given us this week and a half with Aunt Ginger and Uncle John Cloud.

In front of the tour bus! Jodi,Uncle John, Jeb and me.

Yep, "Harry and David" put Uncle John to work tying those ribbons and bows. Work is hard, but not impossible for an young Arizona boy!!!

After the tour and fun and jokes we had a surprise from Uncle John! He took us and we ate a HUGE ice cream treat....trust me Jodi and I have gone without that for a long time!! :) It's OK we both adjusted very well! Uncle John spoiled us at....ummmm...."Dairy Queen"....shhhhhhhhhh! I love the Clouds! We had an awesome time! we miss them very much! Thanks for an awesome time! Love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

They are on the road so pray hard for safe travels....thanks!

Been havin' a GREAT time!

Anna and "Great" Uncle John

Should I give you the secret "behind the scenes" on this picture?? OK, I will....Jeb was looking directly at Uncle John when I was taking this shot at the volleyball fun day, and this was the results....but it was all in love....right Jebediah!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We all LINED UP according to height....ummm "Great" Aunt Ginger had to keep moving down the line.....ooops....you NEVER hear that from me O.K.! That's the breaks when picking teams....she was AMAZING even though....HA!!!!
An action shot with Aunt Ginger serving the volleyball....everybody repeat after me...WOW! She was really good!

We had an awesome time! We have had soooooo much fun with Aunt Ginger and Uncle John! We all love them sooooooo very much! We hate to see them go back to Arizona. I have been out of a computer and an internet server...oooh that is haaard! Still God is good!

School is going great, Uncle John and Aunt Ginger are awesome, Great Aunt Vickie "Teacher of Many" was an awesome volleyball server (after the warm up), my family (kids and hubby) are great and church has been terrific!

Blessings to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Katrina!

Little Katrina Grace Anderson is 3 years old today!!! 9/11 baby. Wow, my sweet little nice is growing up, and she is as cute and silly as can be!! Katrina used to remind me so much of Kaila (her oldest sister,) but lately she is acting a lot like Esther (her sis too). Both very smart, quick, witty, loving, a pretend shyness, picky, beautiful and sweet!!! Just be sure that Katrina is a gem!!! Today she was wishing everyone a happy birthday at school....ok she's smart but she still is only three!! HA Katrina loves her dolls. She absolutely loves Jeb!! Very Smart girl or that!! I enjoy watching her grow up and I pray God's blessing on her this year. She is being so studious in school and loves to put her papers in her "notebook", which is just a folder. Cutie. She hears everything and can mimic most the songs the kids are learning. May she grow to love the Lord with all her heart. And be a godly young women of Jesus Christ the King!

Love you Trina!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!Aunt Tami

Visiting With Cousins

We had a nice visit with Steve's sister Kelli and her family. Little Emmi is 2 days younger then Jeb (4 months old). It was fun seeing them together, and Emmi for the first time.

Murren, Molly and Mailee

Granny, Jeb, Emmi and Kelli

William and Molly

Molly and Collin

The Happy Family!

Alex, Molly and Collin

Granny and her Grandkids

Ahhhh the cousins together.

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!!