Top 10 of 2007

Top Ten Events of 2007 for our family:


10. Marley's debut as an actress. She really loved playing "Gladys!" She can't wait to do a play again! It was just exciting to see that she was able to memorize the script, put her spin on Gladys, and have fun! She wants to be Hannah Montana. I call her Marley Carolina!

9. The celebration of Christmas! I love Christmas time. I love spending time with family and celebrating Christ's birth. "Oh Holy Night" is my favorite Christmas song, when we sing the "fall on your knees" part.

8. I love our family beach trips to Cherry Grove. It is a little chaotic with all the kids. But they really enjoyed the beach this year. I loved seeing the babies play in the sand and Marley ride the ways. Plus we go with our family every year and it gives us a way to reconnect every year.

7. Seeing my oldest child, Marley, get baptized. I can not truly explain the joy of seeing your daughter accept the Lord as their personal savior and get baptized. Some people of our congregation came up to us and said one down three more to go. I pray for that day, pray for their servant heart, christian spouse, and so on.

6. I loved being apart of a women's small group. We did Beth Moore's study on Daniel. Even though I only got to do a few weeks, due to Rowan's arrival. We are starting the second half in January. The study just seemed to open my heart more.

5. I love seeing the relationships of our children grow! They truly love each other! I love how they play together, look after each other, love each other, and even fight with each other. I have the most amazing children(biased mother speaking)! Thank you dear Lord for Marley Ann, Carpenter Brooks, Sadie May, and Rowan Calvin. I am truly blessed! I pray that their relationship only deepens!

4. Running our own business. This has been the first year Jonathan has run his own business. It has been wonderful to see him do what he loves and for himself. IT has been a learning experience of management, patience, and perseverance. I have been extremely tested spiritually by this and have prayed a bunch over the new business. God has always provided for us. And it has taught me to always rely on Him.

3. Jon has started a small prayer group with friends one time a week. There are a bunch of old and new friends. This connection that they share is amazing. I have seen such personal spiritual growth through this. I am amazed by Jonathan's friends. They have known each other since birth. They all were raised in the same church. And they all love the Lord immensely. They all serve the Lord with their unique spiritual gifts. It is truly amazing! I don't know any other groups like this. What a wonderful job their parents did. I love them all!

2. God blessing us with our fourth child! Rowan Calvin Long! Rowan's arrival was so very special! It was soo exciting about letting his sex be a surprise. It was just awesome seeing a little part of you born into this world. I have always wanted a big family, and now I have it. I can't wait to see what Rowan will be like.

1. Jon and I have deepened our spiritual walk! It has been so an amazing year of growth for both of us spiritually! I can't wait to see what God has planned for us in 2008. I pray that we will do His will! And continue to grow closer together as a couple. The marriage that is centered in God is like nothing other. "What God has joined together, let no man tear it apart."


My husband challenged us to do this in Sunday School and they have done it in their small business group. List 10 lost people's names around you. Pray for them, remember them in your daily life, invite them to know the Lord. Get up enough courage and tell them about Jesus. I am saying this directly to myself. To get out of my shell. Why do I get so nervous about telling people about Jesus? I challenge you to make a difference, and eternal difference.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Christmas 2007

We started off our Christmas celebration at the McCoy's in McConnells, SC. We went there for supper on Sunday night the 23rd. The best stuffing ever! We had a great time with family. Aunt Bonnie and Chelsea were able to make it in from Laguna Beach, CA. They had a few delays.

The morning of the 24th, I got Carpenter and Sadie up and put them in the front den watching cartoons. I thought Jon was going to watch the kids, he thought I was watching kids. I wake up the find the whole front den covered with wrapping paper. Carpenter and Sadie unwrapped every present under the tree! I am kicking myself for not taking a picture. But at the time, I was floored because we had a busy schedule in front of us and I had to rewarap everything. So if you need help unwrapping stuff give Carpenter and Sadie a call!

Next we went to the Long's for lunch on the 24th. We ate,opened presents, and had a wonderful time with family. Wonderful lunch Gran! By this time, Sadie was already worn out by the Christmas festivities. That is why you see her with her pacy in her mouth for alot of the pictures. I hate giving it to her for other than her nap but she was just not her cheery self. Carpenter and Sadie loved the karaoke machine Marley got from Gran and Pop-Pop. It was fun to see everyone sing together. I went to the Vesper service at church. It is my favorite service of the year. Everyone coming together to celebrate Christ's birth! We got in around 8pm and I got the kids dressed and ready for bed!

On Christmas morning, we saw what Santa brought the kids, opened gifts, and thanked the Lord for Jesus' birth. Gran and Pop-Pop stopped by to see the loot. Marley loved her scooter and American girl doll. Marley ran Jon over with the scooter. Carpenter and Sadie loved their Power Wheels. Carpenter ran me over in his Power Wheels. Sadie is scared to push the pedal, so she goes no where but honks the horn. Carpenter giggles when he runs into stuff. Rowan loved Chicken dance Elmo. I have a cute video of him cooing and smiling at Elmo but I can't get it off the camera for some reason.

Next, we were at Meme and Papa Owens house by 9:45 to eat breakfast and celebrate Christmas with them. Taylor gave everyone a Clemson Christmas except Jon. Rowan, Marley, and I got shirts. Marley's shirt says, "I pull for two teams, Clemson and who ever beats Carolina." The Long's are not going to like that one. And Carpenter and Sadie got Clemson orange overalls. We had a wonderful breakfast! Thanks mom! And the kids got to ride their toys before we left.

Next stop, Mema's in Landrum. We had a wonderful lunch! Great job Mema! Marley got to ride her scooter some more! The kids loved playing with their cousins. I love Landrum. By this time we were all worn out and stuffed!

Marley's favorite gifts: Scooter and American girl doll. And everything else!

Carpenter's favorite gifts: Power Wheels and everything Elmo. And the karaoke machine that is not his.

Sadie's favorite toy: She got alot of shoes, she loves her turquoise Crocs, and in her baby and stroller.

Rowan's favorite toys: Chicken dance Elmo

Here is a picture of one of my favorite gifts: My mom got a student at Byrnes to draw a picture of all of the kids. I absolutely love it! I can't wait to get it framed!



Another favorite present of mine, Jon got me a day at the spa. 5 hours by myself! You read that right 5 HOURS BY MYSELF. I don't know what to do with myself. I have never had a massage or anything. I have always wanted one. I never give Jon any hints about what he should get me. Because I want him to come up with something on his own. I am not sure when I am going to go because I am breastfeeding. I am just going to have to pump! Jon said he would watch the kids, so Gran watch out he will probably call for help! I am going to have to get him something big next year. I got him a bunch of books on D.L. Moody. And he bought himself a laptop.

Merry Christmas

We hope everyone had a joyous Christmas celebration! We love you all! Thank you dear Lord for giving us your son to die on the cross to save us from our sins! Merry Christmas to all~
the Longs
Jonathan, Stacey, Marley, Carpenter, Sadie, and Rowan

FIFBC 3K Christmas Party

Two parties down, one more to go! Well everyone is finished with school until the new year. It will be great to not have to go somewhere everyday. Not that sleeping in is a possibility but at least I won't have to have everyone dressed and ready to go so early!

Carpenter had an adorable Christmas program at FIFBC. (I was kind of upset that he was a little overwhelmed at the Meyer Center party.) The kids had made cute Snow Man shirts. He was so cute at the Christmas Party. He did alot of the motions. He was soo cute with the snow man poem, and melting to the ground. I feel so blessed that he has such wonderful teachers, Mrs. Jan and Mrs. Karren. They really love him! Sadie was so excited she yelled out "bro-tha!" Thank you Gran for coming!

Cute plate Carpenter made for us:


Cute moment of the week:
Every night before I go to bed, I go check on all the kids. When I went into the girls room, Marley was not in her bed. Panic was starting to kick in. Then I look over to Sadie's bed. Marley is lying there sleeping beside her little sister. It was just such a sweet moment, I wanted to take a picture, but I was afraid I would wake them up. So Marley has been slipping into Sadie's bed every now in then. It is so cute to see them in this little twin bed. Tonight, Marley went in the bed to sleep with Sadie, and I could hear them giggling and talking. It was so sweet to hear their bond as sisters! I hope the boys will have wonderful moments too. Marley complains about having to share a room sometimes. But I think she would miss Sadie. I hope that they will be able to remember these times when they get older! I know I will!

Come On In Boys, The Water Is Fine

Sorry a little line from Oh Brother, Where Art Thou. Marley got baptised on Sunday night! It was so wonderful being able to watch your first born get baptised. When we first were talking to Marley about baptisim, she said "don't I need to be a better swimmer first?" Marley became brave and walked down the isle two weeks ago. Not that it was a far walk, we sit on the third isle from the front on the right. But she got up enough nerve. She was overwhelmed with support from the church after the service! She didn't know when the isle to welcome her would end.

Thank you to Meme, PaPa, Gran, PoP-Pop, and Milli who came to support Marley. And thank-you to all our friends and family who have prayed for this moment. Please continue to pray for Marley to follow God's will for her life.



Side note: If I had know for sure she was going to "go down front" I wouldn't have worn blue jeans that morning. Sunday mornings at my house are kind of hectic getting everybody ready. I give all the kids a bath on Sunday mornings. So by the time I need to get myself ready there is none left.

Meyer Center Christmas Party

I was soo worried Carpenter wouldn't sit down during the program. He actually was frozen. I think he was a little overwhelmed with all of the people. Carpenter got a little pepped up when they sang "Jingle Bells!" He wasn't so eager to see Santa Claus again. Thank you Pop-Pop for all of your help with the kids!

Tis the Season...

This week proved to be a busy week. But next week seems even busier, with three Christmas parties. Two for Carpenter and one for our Sunday School class. But I love Christmas, I love the celebration of Christ's birth.

Every year I make our family ornaments. I am running out of unique ornaments. I have done glass balls and gingerbread. Does anyone have any suggestions? I like to include the kids in the ornament decorating process.

Marley has been ice skating some more. She has been working on homework. And had a great chorus concert.

Sadie has been the funniest girl this week. On our way home from Old Navy, she sang the entire way home. Rowan cried the entire way home. I don't think he is a good rider. We have long trips to Greenville and he almost always cries the entire way. On the way home from the Meyer Center on Tuesday, all three of them cried all the way home. I had reached my breaking point in that car. And finally it dawned on me to pray. I prayed all the way home. Did the crying stop? No! But I felt peace and calm, like I could handle this. But back to the story. Sadie's song consisted of:
Baby cryyyyiinnnnggg tree
Baby cryyyyiinnnnggg truck
Baby cryyyyiinnnnggg lights
and so on along the highway with the final verse
Baby cryyyyiinnnnggg hush!

Jonathan got out the Johnny jump up for Rowan today. I am not sure why, because he is way too little. I think he ways just trying to find away to make him stop crying. But Sadie and Carpenter fought over the Johnny jump up. It was the funniest thing. They had to take turns! I am just glad that they didn't break the door frame.

Whenever I get woken up by the kids in the middle of the night, it can be often. It takes a while for me to fall back asleep. So I usually spend this time in prayer. The past few nights have been filled with prayers for David and Caylyn in their battle with cancer. Honestly, it frightens me. That they have to go through this. There is a specific type of cancer that is linked to Down Syndrome(T-21) called AML. I learned back ground information from Anne's website. About 1 out of 150 children with T-21 get cancer. When I read that the numbers seemed to great. I will never forget our first meeting with our geneticist, Dr. Geer, the information we went over was overwhelming. You could easily get depressed by statistics. With vision, neck, thyroid, cancer, and other problems. Dr. Geer was really sweet. You have to know this information so you can watch out for your son. Make sure all of the proper tests are done. Dr. Geer gave us a great sheet with tests, what they are for, and when they should be done. I guess I try not to spend too much wasted time on the statistics. I just look at Carpenter and say he is my son and we will conquer anything. I spent more time focusing on this little boy then I ever did about the things that could go wrong. I was just grateful Carpenter was in my life.

Please continue to pray for David and Caylyn. Archie also had some follow up cancer appointments, please pray that the results are good. Suzanne also had some dental work done, please pray for God's healing powers for everyone.

Blessed

I read an article out of our local paper, the Tribune Times, about a family of a son with down syndrome who had leukemia. I read the story and was crying on the inside. I felt sorry that the Wilkerson family had to go through this. That their son David has to fight this battle. I felt blessed that Carpenter has not had to go through this.
It actually kicked me in the butt. That I needed to go get his thyroid checked. It will be done by this week. By checking thyroid levels in children with Down Syndrome can alert you to many different problems.
Another friend of ours has gone through the cancer hospital journey, Archie Moore. I followed his journey before I ever met Archie. I rooted for this little boy. Prayed for God's healing powers.
I sit and think that I am blessed. Carpenter, only has a tiny hole in his heart(VSD). We did not have to have open heart surgery. We did not have to go through cancer treatments and hopefully we never will. You sit and think "why Archie, why David?" There is no answer. Just the blessed assurance that Jesus is Lord.
My friend Tammy thinks I have a crazy schedule. But to me it is not that crazy. It is all I know. School and therapy appointments make up my week. Yes, there are some times that I would like to stay at home in my pj's. But these appointments are very important to me. I feel I must take advantage of this time.
I still have not settled on what I think is best for Carpenter in regards to school and therapist. Please continue to pray that I will know for sure what is right for him. Wouldn't it be easier if God had a bullhorn from heaven letting you know what is His will.
I think the beautiful thing about being a believer in Jesus Christ is faith. We have our wonderful Bible to learn about God, we have proof that archeologist's have found. But ultimately it takes FAITH to believe. Wonderful Faith. Your personal faith.

A Star is Born!

Marley did absolutely wonderful in the play "the Best Christmas Pageant Ever!" Thank you to Meme, Papa, Gran, Pop-Pop, Amy, Lee, Missy, Bailey, and Kyle who came to see Marley perform! She appreciated their support. The play went really well! The children of Fountain Inn really do have talent! Marley can't wait to do another one! She was so excited on Friday, I couldn't get her to eat anything for supper. She kept asking how much longer it would be! Marley told here Meme that she was nervous and sad. She told Meme she was sad because she would miss spending time with her friends.

We went to Marley's play on Friday night and Sunday afternoon. We went to DSFAG Christmas party on Saturday night. Our weekend was packed! And tonight Marley has her chorus concert!

At the DSFAG Christmas Party, Carpenter pitched a fit! A real tantrum! It was embarrassing. He has never really acted out as bad as he did. Hopefully it is just a stage he is going through and will be over soon. Consistent Discipline, is the key.

On Sunday evening, I came home from a quick trip to the store. I found Marley, Carpenter, and Sadie playing in a pile of leaves that Jonathan had raked up. It was a sweet moment to come home to. Marley was singing "Let it Snow" while dropping leaves on the kids heads. They loved it! IT was wonderful seeing everyone happy and playing together.

Later that night, we tried Christmas pic attempt number two. I don't even attempt to try and get everyone to smile. I just try to get everyone to look in the same direction with out a weird face. I got a pic, it's not perfect, but I am satisfied!

Christmas Pic Attempt One

Oh, My! Things did not go well for our picture taking. Carpenter kept saying "cheese" and smiling so big that he winked one eye. Sadie kept saying "ho, ho, ho!" Marley was holding Rowan, and freaked out because she felt his soft spot. I have never had to do Christmas pictures twice but it is looking like I am going to have to.

Marley is in "the Best Christmas Pageant Ever." It is on December 7-9. She plays Gladys! I can't wait to see her. Marley has been practicing very hard.

Carpenter has been practicing for his Christmas parties for both his school. He is such a sweet boy!

I heard Sadie toot. Then she said "I tooted! Bubbles out my hiney!" And I was like that is true! Kids do say the funniest things. She started calling Carpenter "bro-tha" and now it has become "bubbha." Sadie refuses to call him Carpenter. Sadie called Rowan by his name. Sometimes she calls him "little bro-tha." But lately she has started calling him "Ro-eeeee!"

I have just been escorting my kids around all week. It looks like we are going to have some outside weather this weekend to enjoy with the kids! I am looking forward to our Sunday School party next week. I love our Sunday School class. I think we will have to bring Rowan with us, but it will be nice to go out with friends. I will post a slide show of it.

HELP! Can someone tell me how to change my blog background to a Christmas one and where to get it from? And how to add a counter. I tried it once but it never appeared on the blog! Thanks in advance!

Fountain Inn Christmas Parade

Today was a busy day. Jonathan drove his mom and dad in the Christmas parade. I took the kids to the parade by myself. I put Rowan and Carpenter in the double stroller. Marley pushed Sadie in the single stroller. Marley was my big helper! I couldn't have done it without her! We had a wonderful time at the parade.

Next, we went to the center of downtown Fountain Inn to see the ice skating show! That's right Fountain Inn has an ice skating rink. So you can go on a carriage ride and then go ice skating! I think it is a wonderful addition to Fountain Inn's Christmas celebration!

Then we went to the town's Christmas banquet! We had a wonderful supper and enjoyed great company. The kids were worn out, so we had to leave a little early.

I love this time of year, the celebration of Christ's birth!

Sorry you have to turn your head for some of the pics, but I did this slide show twice because I pressed the wrong button and couldn't stay up any later to fix it!

Please pray for Candice Vasquez

I just wanted everyone to lift up Candice, her family, Tello's family, and friends. Candice is one of my sister in law, Amy, best friends. I know that there is nothing I could say to make Candice feel better. But I know of the power of prayer, that God can comfort, love, and heal Candice from the devastating lose of her husband, Tello.

Here is a copy of the email Lee sent out:

Subject: Tello

I am attaching a link as well as an article below regarding the accidental shooting death in a hunting accident last Friday of one of our best friends.

Amy and I were really close to Tello (pronounced Tay-o). His wife was Amy's best friend along with two other girls (Corinne and Joy). As a result, we have spent the last 4 New Year's with them, been on cruises with them, and ski and beach trips. He was an amazing guy, and he impacted a lot of people.

For those of you that believe in the power of prayer, I am asking that you please pray for his wife Candace. She is a 27-year-old widow who just lost her husband to a freakish tragedy. In addition, please pray for Wells and Pam White, who just lost their only child. Finally, please pray for Kinon Lecholop, who was Tello's best friend. Kinon was with Tello when he died holding his head and attempting CPR. Tello died from a single pellet of buckshot entering his chest and he bled out within 2 minutes. Kinon is really struggling as are so many, so please keep in your prayers.

Thanks in advance.

Lee

http://www.heraldonline.com/109/story/200627.html

Rock Hill native killed in hunting accident

A post-Thanksgiving hunting trip turned fatal for a 28-year-old Rock Hill native.
Tello Vasquez was deer hunting in Willamsburg County, about two hours southeast of Columbia, on Friday morning when he was accidentally shot in the chest, said Lt. Robert McCullough of South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. He was buried in Rock Hill on Monday.
"No other mother could have asked for a better son," said his parents, Wells and Pam White, in a joint statement to The Herald. "He loved his family and friends with all of his heart."
The hunting trip was a tradition spanning a decade for Vasquez and friends, said lifetime best friend, Kinon Lecholop. "Tello somehow ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time, and he was hit at just the right angle," said Lecholop, who was with Vasquez Friday. "The wound eventually killed him."
Vasquez died as a result of that injury at Williamsburg Regional Hospital around noon Friday, said Willamsburg County Deputy Coroner William Horton III. The death was ruled accidental with no signs of foul play, Horton said.

Lecholop was holding Vasquez as he took his last breath, Lecholop said.

"His final words were, 'I'm going to be OK.' It's a way of allowing everyone else to know not to worry about him," Lecholop said. "I was thankful I could be there for him because I would have wanted him there for me."
Vasquez, who played soccer for Northwestern High School, was with about 15 friends on a farm outside of Kingstree on a man drive, which McCullough explained as a hunting tactic to drive deer toward hunters ready to kill them. He went on the trip because of friends, not because he wanted to hunt, Lecholop said. "That's the only day of the year he'll ever hunt," he said. "He enjoyed hanging out with us. He didn't care about shooting the gun or the deer stories. He enjoyed the time."
Lecholop, who has been friends with Vasquez since sixth grade, said his friend was a prime example of how bad things happen to good people. "Tello is the nicest guy you'll ever meet; never scared or stressed. And if he was, he never showed it. He's a guy everyone loved," Lecholop said."He never complained of anything. His wife, his family and his friends came first. He exemplified the words 'good buddy.'" Lecholop said Vasquez was the happiest person he had ever met. "He always had a smile on his face and had a laugh I'll never forget,"he said. "I wish everyone could have been blessed to have known such a man. A part of him will always be in our hearts."
Vasquez, now of Charleston, graduated from The Citadel in 2001 and worked as a vice president of mortgages for Atlantic Bank and Trust. His wife, Candice, was presented with a South Carolina flag Monday at Vasquez's funeral.
"No other wife could have asked for a more wonderful and loving husband and best friend," Candice Vasquez said in an e-mail to The Herald. "I loved him with all of my heart."
DNR is investigating the incident, and no charges were filed as of
Monday,
McCullough said.

Old Slideshows!

Meyer Center Trick or Treat!

Halloween Night at FIFBC

Thanksgiving at FIFBC preschool!

Oh, Christmas Tree!

On Wednesday, we decided to go to Lowe's and pick out our Christmas tree. Rowan cried the entire time. Sadie kept running off from us! Carpenter was cold! Marley kept picking up the trees by herself. Needless to say, that was our record time for picking out the Christmas tree. Usually, I make Jon pick up and twirl every tree in the place. We picked out a tree in less than 10 minutes!

The tree is up and ornaments have been moved all over the place. I have wrapped three presents for underneath the tree. Sadie has already opened two of them. So I am deciding on what to do about where to put the presents!