More than just Music

Brian and I had a date this past weekend that we'll remember for a long time. We went to a Casting Crowns Concert. Anyone who is a fan of their music, know their songs are very God-centered and rooted in rich truth. If you are not familiar with their music, I encourage you to check them out. (In fact...the song playing on my blog is them). From the minute they stepped on stage, it was so much more than just "entertainment". It was a worship service! Thousands of people joining their voices to sing songs and praises about our Lord! Words cannot describe the experience...it was truely a "Holy Moment". But as the lead singer, Mark Hall was quick to remind us, songs may change our "mood", but it's the Lord that changes our lives through our intimate, everyday, walking-around friendship with Jesus. That experience last far beyond any concert!

The group Leeland and John Waller are touring with Casting Crowns. They were both really good too. Leeland's song "Carried to the Table" has such a beautiful message and "The Blessing" by Waller is one for the ipod. How blessed we were to take part!

Gladness and Thanksgiving

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving

and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the Lord is good and his love

endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations.

(Psalm 100)

Training the young women?!

Oops...bubbles were a flowin' everywhere as my ladies realized why we don't put liquid dish detergent in the dishwasher. We all had a good laugh! By the way, in case this ever happens to you...the secret is salt and vinegar sprinkled in the bottom of the dishwasher (defizzes the bubbles)...who knew?

Add one more Teenager to the family!

Happy 13th Birthday Jordan!

Jordan had a fun day with friends and family. We celebrated by inviting her three girlfriends to surprise her at lunch and then off for some "pampering" by getting her very first pedicure. Lots of Fun!

We love you Jordan!

Trick or Treat!

I'm not a big fan of Halloween, but each year I am able to experience the fun and innocent side of the holiday through my children...Hope your night was filled with lots of treats!

The Love that Lasts!

“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on Love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." ~Colossians 3:12-14



Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad Andrews


As we come upon this Special Day, we cannot thank God enough for you and your marriage. It is truly the Lord's kindness and a wonderful example to all that know you. Your devotion, friendship, and understanding towards each other reflects the way our Lord lavishes His love on us. One specific evidence of grace in your marriage is how you "prefer" each other above any other person. You love to spend time with each other. Though you have very different personalities and interests, you have learned to embrace those differences and discovered there is much Joy (and humor) to be found ! What an example of considering each other more important than yourself. Thank you for your influence in MY husband's life. I'm definitely receiving the "fruits" of your strong example! I pray the Lord continues to pour out His grace and blessing upon your marriage. May your legacy be lived on through your children’s marriages and for generations to come.


We Love You!

Rain, Rain, Come our Way!

For those of you not in Atlanta, you might not be aware of our desperate need for rain. Our drought conditions are the worst in 50 years! Everyday is the same, beautiful weather...but not a raindrop in sight. There's lots of talk about the restrictions and how long the water supply will last. All the concern has caused me to realize how much I take for granted and again reminded how totally dependent we are on the Lord for our every need. Would you join me in prayer in asking the Lord for His mercy to be "showered" upon us by sending the rain...

He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your heart with joy. ~Acts 14:17

A "Hole-ly" Moment!

God's protection was obvious and evident when we realized that the "hot coals" that were placed in this styrofoam planter burned right through the bottom. Not only did the heat burn out the container but right through the wood on the deck! It simmered for over 20 hours! The Lord is so kind...even in our foolishness...who's foolishness? We'll let you figure that one out for yourself:)

Happy Birthday Dad!

No better day to encourage you Dad...than on your 70th Birthday! As you take time to reflect back on your life, may you see the Lord's faithfulness and kindness echoed throughout the years. I know that's what I see. Even before you knew God, he knew you. He watched over you, protected you and lead you to pleasant places. He blessed you with a devoted wife. He has directed your steps and allowed you to financially provide with a job you love. Faithfully poured out His grace and kindness on your family. He opened your eyes and heart to the Gospel and provided the answer to your greatest need....salvation. He loves you and accepts you as only a Father can. He gives you the strength and the perserverance to continue to run the race everyday. His love and grace is unending.

WE love you Dad, and thank God for this day...the day He started our family story! May you find much joy in Him today and always.

May this encourge you about turning the "Big 7-0"....:)
Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life. ~Proverbs 16-31

"Permit"ted to Drive!

It's official...

Lauren got her drivers permit! What mixed emotions there are when you see your first child behind the wheel of your car! You're happy to see her growing up and embracing all the new privileges the teenage years bring. On the other hand, it is a true reality check of how fast the time is going. It doesn't seem too long ago that Brian was running beside her trying to keep her balanced on her bike. Another new family adventure as we travel down this road of "parenting".

Gone....but not Forgotten

Little did I know when I posted our wedding picture...we would all still be looking at it a month later(yikes!) We have had several "technical difficulities" in the past month. Our home computer crashed and then my camera stop working. So, needless to say, the blog updates stopped coming. However, looking for things to improve soon...we'll hopefully get back on track soon and catch you up on all the details of life. Keep checking in!

Twenty Years Ago Today

Little did they know......

-They would be living in Georgia instead of in New York.

-They would be raising five wonderful children together.

-Who Jesus is and what He did for them.

-That Brian would loose all that thick hair he had :)

-What it meant to love unconditional and serve sacrificially.

-Who the leader was and who was suppose to follow.

-They could love each other more than they did on that day.

-How much mercy and kindness would follow them into each day.

Even if they did know...they would do it all over again in a second.

Celebrate Love...47 years together

Rejoicing with you Mom & Dad on 47 blessed years together. How the Lord has been so kind to bring you to this day...together, best friends, and still In love! What a journey it has been...Amazing grace before our eyes! Thank you for your continued example of loving each other in a way that honors the Lord and brings glory to His name...unconditionally, sacrificially, joyfully devoted to one another. What a wonderful gift the Lord has given us in marriage. May you continue to reflect His light and love together for many years to come.

A wife of noble character is her husband's crown. Proverbs 12:4

Makin' a Memory with Madison & Mom

Turning "10" in our house is pretty special. As I have done with both Lauren and Jordan when they turned ten, I took Madison away for the night for some special "mom & daughter" time. We stay overnight in a local hotel and spend about 24 hours celebrating becoming a young lady! One of the highlights of our time is they get to finally get their ears pierced. Madison did great, she was very brave. She also got a haircut that made her look very much like a young lady...ouch! I so enjoyed my time with her. It has always been a very special time with each of my girls. Their personalities are all so different, but it is fun to relate and choose activities that bless them. I now pass the "10-torch" on to Brian to make special memories with the boys. I know one thing, they won't be getting their ears pierced:)

Happy 10th Birthday Madison!

Our sweet, joyful, wild Madison is turning 10! For whatever reason, maybe because she's the youngest of our three daughters, this one seems a little harder to accept...she's growing up! It's seems as if the time goes by faster the older our children get. I'm learning to not take the time for granted anymore, but "try" to consider each day as another opportunity for all of us to keep growing and walking this road together. I guess I'm growing up right along with my kids!

Madison-we love you so much! We love your fun spirit, your smile, and how you always have a song in your heart! Being in the middle of five children is sometimes not easy, but the Lord has made you strong and confident. His order is perfect and we couldn't imagine life without you. May your big heart continue to grow in faith and love for our Savior all the days of your life.

I'm looking forward to our "special time" together.

The One that got away...and one that wasn't so lucky!

While in New York, we spent much of our time on one of the Finger Lakes. Brian got in lots of fishing...one of his favorite things to do. He won the "unspoken" competition of catching the biggest fish; a small-mouth bass. But, the bigger story, was the fish he almost caught! One night fishing out on the dock all by himself..you know the story...just a man, his pole, and a BIG fish! He'll never forget "The one that got away". But, at least he has a good story to tell for years to come.

Lake, Fun & Family

What a great time we all had in New York. Both of our extended families live there, so we were able to spend special time with both families. The Lord was so kind to give us such wonderful memories to share. We love and appreicate our extended families and always find it so difficult to say Goodbye.

There's No Place Like Home!

When we arrived in New York, we took the "backroads" into our hometown. What beautiful country New York has...rolling hills as far as the eye can see. It's good to be home!

Walking on Water?

I took this picture of Josh, our nephew/cousin jumping off our boat. Isn't it cool how I caught him right before his toes hit the water?!

Texas Fun!

We were able to get a quick visit with our Texas family; my sister and her family. On their way up to North Carolina to celebrate Ray's (brother-in-law) parents 50th wedding anniversary, we were able to spend Thursday night, all day Friday and Sat. am together. What fun it was to see them! We so enjoy their company. What a blessing for our family to be able to see ALL of our extened family within one week. (We are on our way to NY this week). That hardly ever happens and we do not take it for granted.

Road Runners!

Brian and Chris (my brother) both fulfilled a personal goal this morning. They ran the Peachtree 10k Roadrace. Do you know it is the largest 10k race in the world?! 55,000 runners...unbelievable. They both felt good throughout the race and beat their personal times they had set for themselves. I'm so proud of both of them! Maybe next year I'll.....NAH!

Happy 4th of July everyone! May we all rejoice in the fact that we live in America-the home of the free!

Brandon's Eye-Report!

We are so thankful for a good report on Brandon's eye. His vision in his left eye has improved, and with glasses on, he was able to read 6 more lines on the eye chart! Even with this improvement, the specialist did "officially" diagnose him with having amblyopia. But, at this point, it is treatable and his eye muscles/brain are responding. All wonderful signs that this condition may be corrected. Brandon will need to wear a patch over his good eye for two hours a day. After 8 weeks, the doctor wants to test him again and check for progress. We appreciate your continued prayers.

Action Shots at the Lake!

The kids were "ham-ing" it up for the camera trying to get the best "jump shot." What fun we are having on the boat! The "best pic" of the day had to go to Lauren who actually fell in when she and I were "attempting to help" Brian park the boat back in our docking spot-the boat hit the dock and she looked like she had springs in her feet and just leaped forward...right into the water-too funny! So sorry I didn't have my camera out for that one!

All the Pieces Fit!

One of our family summer goals has been completed! We finished not just one but two puzzles...550 pieces each! (actally 549 pcs., since "spanky" our dog chewed up a piece from each puzzle) I think the kids were surprised at how much fun it is once we get it started. A sense of accomplishment was felt by all:) They actually want me to buy more! The only problem is that once we put one together, none of us can "bare" to take it apart...space is quickly becoming an issue!

WANTED: A Few Strong Men (who love their daddy)

Dad comes into the house..."Okay boys, I have a BIG job for you if you choose to accept it." "But, its going to take alot of hard work"...the boy's heads start to look down. "It's hot outside, so you are going to sweat alot."....the boys start to moan. "Your hands will probably be sore from carrying the bundles down the hill and around to the backyard. The boys really start to make painful faces. "You'll get to hang out with me all day." The boy's faces light up and with much excitement say..."Okay, we'll do it!" May it always be!

Lauren turns 15 years old!

It's official...she's 15! On her way to getting her permit...driving? Say it ain't so! The years have gone by...and we have enjoyed being your parents for every single one of them! We are so thankful for the young woman you are growing to be. May your faith continue to increase as you trust the Lord for the plans He has for you. Happy Birthday Lauren!

"L"- Love being your dad!

"A"-A+ Student

"U"- Understands Me

"R"-Really Creative

"E"-Excellent Babysitter

"N"-Not too old to still play with
me

Snow in June?

There's a daily new treat we're enjoying in our home..."snowcones!" Thanks Mom & Dad N. for purchasing the snowcone maker. It's a Hit! The kids have had lots of fun creating all the different flavors. Whenever I can find something for them to do ALL together...it's an added Bonus! If you are ever in the neighborhood...stop over for a snowcone!

Oh...Happy Day!

I looove June 3rd! Good things happen on the third of June. I experienced for the first time the "starts of motherhood" on June 3rd when I went into labor with Lauren. My niece, Heather was born on June 3rd (Happy 20th Birthday!) My sister-in-law, Karen got engaged on this day. Twenty-four years ago on June 3rd, I went out on my first date with a guy named Brian Andrews, and three years later, that same wonderful man asked me to marry him...of course, on June 3rd! We have since celebrated many special "June 3rds" together. I always anticipate this day with excitement! I woke up this morning and my first thought was "Yeah! Its June 3rd!" Because I've seen God's kindness revealed in such wonderful ways, I seem to have a special connection to this day. However, I think the Lord gave me a thought to consider...This day is really no different or more special than any other day. Each day is a gift from God. His grace and mercy rush to meet me each of my days. It may not always come in the form of births, engagements, or finding my one true love, but it still comes; just as sweet, just as undeserved. The challenge-to approach each day with eager anticipation of seeing His hand in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary. Celebrate each day like it was "June 3rd!"

For this is the day the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Quick Visit to the Airport

What a blessing it was to see Mom & Dad for a few hours today. Thanks Guys for taking the extra time to make an

"intentional" layover in Atlanta. It was wonderful to see you. You both looked good and rested...must be the spa treatment (thanks Sue). Thanks for the gifts and the ice cream stop. We are so glad the Lord made it possible for you to enjoy this special time with our Gibson family. (Congratulations Shawn! We expect great things from you!) Mom & Dad, we will continue to pray for grace and strength as you daily serve and care for Grandpa. We love you and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Ready or not....Here Comes Summer!

School's Out...finally I always look forward to the summer months. No more homeschool! No more school projects and homework! No more carpool, packed lunches and clock watching! However, what that leaves is lots of free time together, which provides lots of opportunity for each of us to grow in grace. Last summer, I made a schedule that really helped us keep our days structured. I plan to do the same this year. I approach summer like I do a new year; fresh starts and goal setting. Here are my TOP 10 things I hope to accomplish with my family this summer...

10) Get on a daily chore schedule.

9) Have a Family Devotion every morning.

8) Decrease the # of hours kids spend watching/playing media.

7) Have the kids work together to paint our wooden playground.

6) Complete a new 500 pc. puzzel we received.

5) Have the kids come up with an idea for a community or neighborhood service project.

4) Have each of us read at least 1 book.

3) Enjoy a family vacation (just us)

2) Teach each of the kids something new.

1) Laugh alot and enjoy each other!

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

Extreme Makeover-Backyard

WOW! What a couple of crazy days it was around here last week. Since we moved into the house three years ago, one of the BIG projects on the list was to put in some retaining walls on the hill in the backyard. The dirt came in by the truckloads...and before I knew it, we were surrounded by large machinery my boys only dreamed of ever having in their own backyard! It was a bit overwhelming at the time...but it has made a huge difference! Thank you Lord for giving my husband a desire of his heart!