Oodles of Odle's

The boys of fall

2010-11-29T13:56:00.005-05:00

Well, I guess you all are wondering why I haven't blogged in a while... and I'll have to say, I'm just at the point where I can catch my breath! Its been a whirlwind of a fall! Our fall could be described in one word, Football! What a fall it was.... Enjoy!

Football - make slideshow

Down to #2

2010-07-13T19:13:00.003-04:00

#2. This summer we've been at the pool just about every day of the week. Bekah and Jaron went out for the swim team.. so I've been lugging them up to the pool just about every morning. So, you know what they say about the oldest and the youngest. The youngest always gets drug along and eventually will catch on. Micah has struggled with swimming, even though we've been at the pool every summer since he was a newborn. But this year.. it just clicked! HE GOT IT! A couple of weeks ago, after swim team practice, he went off the diving board, with no life jacket, and no floats. He's been a fish ever since! That's four down, and one to go. (kids swimming independently, that is!) Momma is happy!!

Significance -Continued

2010-07-08T14:12:00.004-04:00

#3. Bekah turned 13
The day began with singing in the apartment. Bekah said she really wanted to spend the day with her best friend, Alyvia. So, at noon, she and I went to get her to spend the night with us. At 1:49 pm (her birth time) she opened her big gifts... money from grandparents, art supplies, clothes, and a laptop with an art easel. She was so happy! We headed to the pool, out to dinner, the mall for shopping and strawberry fraps, and then home for mani's, pedi's and movies!
I guess the most precious part of the night was when Dan gave Bekah a promise (purity) ring. We had just finished reading "Authentic Beauty by Leslie Ludy" earlier in the year and the book talked a lot about purity, finding the right prince, and being a princess of the King! So I found this great box with a crown on it, and put the ring inside with an inscription. It was a very tender moment between all of us, including Alyivia, who promised to keep her accountable. I watched her glissen as her dad took her by the hand and spoke to her. I pictured her barely walking, paci in her mouth, with her cute little blond curls bouncy up and down. I saw her as a four year old, playing with her 50 stuffed puppy dogs on her bed, imagination running wild, doing cartwheels in the hallway, watching Cinderella, and writing on my comforter and on the walls with sharpie marker ( that wasn't a great memory). My sweet little peanut playing in the dirt, sandbox, sprinkler, and anything else she could climb on!! I teared up for a moment, and then smiled. It was a very strange, sad, but wonderful feeling all at the same time. I know my little girl is growing up, and its all good! Happy birthday to my sweet Rebekah Katherine. I love you more than words can say.

Significance #2

2010-07-08T11:05:00.001-04:00

#5 Our pastor was elected president of the Pastors Conference at the SBC this year, so Dan was given the great privilege of helping lead worship at the conference along with all of our music and media team. We also asked our great friend, Travis Cottrell, who isn't too shabby, and David Moffitt, another great friend, and songwriter to help lead. (He wrote Jesus Saves!) We had a blast! It was one of those "once in a lifetime" opportunities, and we were grateful! We all had an amazing time leading and worshipping the Lord. I can say it was exhausting, but a blessing. It rocked.

#4 Family Vacation. After pastors conference, we were exhausted, so we ventured to Palm Coast Florida for family vacay! Our condo was beautiful and the beach was relaxing. The children had great fun swimming, and saw a lot of sea life. Dolphins and starfish were few of the favorites. It was so much fun, and we really enjoyed ourselves and watching the children. I'm going to have a beach house in heaven!!
Below is a picture from our condo/ and the kids after Toy Story 3 ( the highlight of our vacation!) Even Ella loved it and did very well in the theater.

More to come!!

Summer of Significance

2010-07-06T14:24:00.002-04:00

This Spring and Summer have proven to be lots of things going on with much significance for our family. So much to blog about, but so little time. So, I decided to list our happenings!

#10. Rebekah went out for the tennis team this spring. She loves tennis and is developing quite a skill. She made it to regionals with her doubles partner, Victoria! For 7th and 8th grade girls, playing high school seniors, they lost, but did very well. We were very proud of them!

#9. May continued with Dan's annual Odle/ Cremer fishing trip his family takes every year with some of the men in his family. This year proved to be an even greater one, because Jacob was old enough to finally go. He and Dan had a wonderful time with Dan's dad! They fished, ate, ate and fished! Jacob baited, fished, and cleaned the fish. Jake was very proud and so excited to be able to go.

#8. We decided we had outgrown our house this winter and decided to put it on the market, thinking it would take a while in our economy to sell. So we put in on the market in late April and it sold within three days! So needless to say, we began to frantically pack our belongings in order to get out within 15 days! THAT WAS FUN!! I didn't think I would be as emotional as I was to leave it though. I began to think about everything that we had done, and all the get-togethers' we'd had. I loved that little house, and I shed some tears pulling out of the drive one last time as I took this picture.

#7. Micah graduated from preschool. Micah has had his share of issues, but were so elated to see him up on the stage with the rest of his class participating in graduation. He will go to kindergarten next year. This will be a totally new chapter in his little life and ours! When I think about it, I have to catch my breath because it's really hard to believe he's going to kindergarten. We are hopeful about his future and pray he can get the help he needs in school to catch up with his peers... I will expound later.

#6. After frantically packing and closing on our house, which by the way, is a blessing. We were homeless and needed a place to live fast.. so we moved out of our house and into a three bedroom apartment for the time being until our house is built! It has been a little crowded, but we're making it and realizing what we can live without. Our family is getting a lot of "together time" too. LITERALLY SPEAKING! I told the kids to think of it as an extended vacation...so we are!!!

TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW!

The Big 1st Birthday

2010-05-13T19:24:00.006-04:00

It happened, sooner than I thought. I was just living life and she did it. She turned one! Growing up before my eyes, my sweet little Ella!
On April 28th, 2009, I went for my routine Dr's visit, wanting him to so badly send me to the hospital. After the exam, he looked at me and said, "See you in September" meaning, no change, I wasn't going anywhere. Usual.. all of my pregnancies have been like that. So we scheduled a routine induction for the next week. I then proceeded to call the family to set up childcare for the children for the next week. It was all planned. That evening, Dan took Micah and the boys to swim lessons, and Bekah and I went to Target for a few last minute baby things. We met the boys at our favorite place for dinner, Puerta! After dinner, it was late, so we gathered children, proceeded with our night time routine and bed. I headed for the couch, which had been pretty normal for me, I hadn't been able to sleep in my bed for two months. (sciatica) I remember, turning over to get some relief from my side, and it happened, my water broke. I headed for the bathroom and then looked at the clock in the kitchen, it said 3:04 a.m. I woke Dan and told him my water broke, he went back to sleep. I told him again and the second time it wasn't nice! We proceeded to head out the door with no one to watch the children, so I called my mother, my sister, and the next best thing, Kim, one of my dearest friends. Kim came and sat with the kids until 7:30. Then she had to go to work.
So we proceeded to the hospital to check in, Dan got me settled and left around 7:30 to relieve Kim and get the kids squared away! Ten minutes after he left, six nurses came rushing in my room, elevated my feet over my head and one gave me a shot in the back of my arm to stop my labor. I knew something was wrong, this wasn't at all like my other deliveries. Ella wasn't tolerating labor, so they had to give me a c section within 20 minutes.. Dan got back just in time, and I had little Ella. The cord was wrapped around her neck and her arm. The Dr. said she would've never been able to make it on her own! Praise Jesus for modern medicine!
I had planned a big "Derby" bash outside, but the rain decided we would stay in. It was a little crowded with people and LOVE, which was the best part of all. So glad our families and sweet friends could make it in for the occasion, even my sister could come!! YAY SIS! This year has been a year of many ups and downs (post pardom depression) I'll write about that later! However, the Lord is gracious and He has lifted me out of the pit!! As I relished in the moment, I reflected on how incredibly blessed I am. So grateful for healthy babies, and what a miracle life is! I will be forever amazed and in awe of grace upon grace He gives to me. Thank you Jesus for the wonderful blessing of Ella Grace and all the many blessings you so graciously give.

Crusin'

2010-04-21T13:14:00.006-04:00

Finally, she did it!
We've been waiting and waiting... On the eve of Easter Sunday, Ella decided to stand and it has been busy, busy, busy ever since. She's crusin', as the song would say! We're headed to the beach in June and it would be so much better for momma, if she could walk. NOTE.... Add to prayer list! :) Until then, she will be crusin' and the Odle house is back in the business of "no no's" and baby gates! YAY!! Now, if we could only grow some hair!

Eleventh Birthday!

2010-04-19T13:43:00.007-04:00

On every April 13th we celebrate Jacob Daniel McKee Odle. He was the first boy born in our family in 3 generations. He was named after my grandfather Bill McKee. My grandfather, as far as I was always concerned, could walk on water... he was a man of integrity, hard worker, man of his word, loved his wife, family, and most importantly his God! I miss him!! He was a great example of what a follower of Christ should be.
My grandfather was an amazing baseball player. I never got to see him play, but many who did grow up watching him, or had him as a coach have always raved about how good he was. He was so good that he was drafted by the Pittsburg Pirates in 1947 to play in their Triple A League.
We asked Jake what he would like to do for his birthday and we talked about the possibility of many things, but he finally decided on a Louisville Bats game, Triple A ball club for the Reds.
As we drove downtown, the weather was gorgeous, the kids were excited, chatting in the car, and I couldn't help but to think of my grandpa. How proud he would've been of Jacob. As I sat quietly and tried to take it all in as the night progressed, I watched the sweet boy that God gave me, I watched as an old man walked up to my son and gave him a game ball the team was practicing with,( it made me think of my grandpa, Thank you, Lord!) I watched his sweet friends with hats and gloves on, watching the game. I watched them get excited about an outfielder throwing them a ball, and get mad as Bekah, (the only girl in the group) caught the ball. She shouted "Girl Power" as she caught it! I watched them throw popcorn up in the air and try to catch it in their mouths, I watched them eat snow cones, and throw the baseball in the pitching radar. I watched as a man sitting close to the boys told Jacob how much he liked his Cubs shirt, and Jake, with a smile from ear to ear, so proudly yelled back, "GO CUBBIES!" I cherished the moment!
I knew in my heart that these days were numbered, as little boys grow up to be men, and little girls, women. I knew this was the only eleventh birthday he will celebrate, and it was good!! I celebrated! My heart was bursting with joy and pride!! It was fabulous! It was only fitting that we happened to celebrate it at a Triple A ballpark, in the city, on a beautiful spring night at the beginning of baseball season. A season his namesake knew all too well!! Happy Birthday Jacob Daniel MCKEE Odle! Your grandfather was proud of you. Wear the name well!

Easter 2010

2010-04-09T21:28:00.004-04:00

Fridays + Man Lunches = Faith in Action

2010-04-02T23:50:00.005-04:00

Since we've been homeschooling, every Friday is what our boys call their "Man Lunch" with dad! Friday is Dan's day off and he takes the boys out to lunch every Friday.The boys look forward to spending coveted time with dad and Dan really enjoys getting to "talk" to them about life, what it means to be a man, and scripture. This Friday was a little different!
About three weeks ago, our sweet neighbor, Mr. Whitaker, 72, went home to be with the Lord. He was a precious pastor in our community, and the children loved playing in his driveway. We would talk now and then and the children would always talk to him when he was outside. It was very sad for the children when they learned of his death.
Today, at " the man lunch" Dan talked to the boys how the bible teaches us to take care of widows and orphans, and so the boys (and Bekah) put that faith into action. They raked, mowed, and cleaned Mrs. Whitakers yard. It took them all day, and they were so tired but Dan and I couldn't have been prouder! Our children... learning what the bible says... and then not just hearing it ... but doing it!

Music Team Ladies

2010-04-01T09:55:00.004-04:00

The one thing that I've always enjoyed and looked forward to, since being at Highview, are fun times with the praise team ladies. We've been at East and Fegenbush both.. and I have to say, those have been some of the sweetest times in our ten years here. Did I just say that? Ten years?! A couple of Saturdays ago was no exception. Three sweet ladies on our music team are expecting and we had a sweet ladies luncheon for them. A labor of love on my part, but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE hosting! I'm especially proud of the cake from scratch (yes I'm bragging!) It is a true honor for me to celebrate with each of them.
Meg(boy) Ashley(girl) and Kim(boy).. are going to be great momma's! So happy for them.

My "from scratch" Lemonade cake... Amazing! (still bragging)

The "ya ya sisterhood"

The girls with their baskets

Bekah and her bff Alyvia helped serve.

Having it all?

2010-03-16T11:05:00.004-04:00

Just recently came across this ...read this article in the October 26th issue of TIME and ladies, it turns out we can't have it all after all...but I think most of us have already figured that out. The article is titled The State of the American Woman and here are a few of the statistics comparing where we are today with where we were in the 70s:

• Today 61% of women are overweight compared with 41% in the 70s
• 39% of all births are to unmarried mothers compared to 12% in 1972
• 71% of women with children under 18 are working moms - it was 47% in 1975
• By the end of the year (2009) they're guessing the majority of workers in this country will be women (a first in history), which lays more of the family's financial stress on the shoulders of women.

The article celebrates the fact that women are now making .77 for every dollar a man makes, compared to .58 in 1972. This might sound a little disappointing to some, but we are definitely making progress and that's worth celebrating. It also notes that more women are holding high ranking positions in companies and places of power; 57% of college students are women; and more women than men are going on to get advanced degrees. However, after crunching all the numbers and weighing the facts, the finding that has everyone stumped is that "as women have gained more freedom, more education and more economic power, they have become less happy." Interesting. It turns out that what we thought would make us happy has actually left us stressed out, empty, and exhausted.

This article gives a hint of the fallout our girls may experience if we support that lie in our homes. It's obvious when you read the statistics that our generation bought fully into the "have it all, do it all, be whatever you want" myth and now we and our families are paying for it. Instead of teaching our kids to trust God with whatever He has planned and live fully for Him, we've modeled a lifestyle that's about following our own plans and asking God for help to get what we want...which reminds me of that line in Bruce Almighty when God asks Bruce "Since when do people know what they want?" Ummm...almost never.

Along with fighting the "you can have it all" myth, we need to help our girls understand that whether God has motherhood in store for them or a career as an astronaut (or both), each job has value but neither should determine their personal worth. Our value was settled once and for all when Jesus gave up everything in order to save us from ourselves and the consequences of our sins. We were never meant to pursue the things of this world with all our hearts and put all our hopes and dreams on the outcome of that pursuit. We were told simply to seek God with all our hearts and trust Him completely with our lives.

If you get a chance to read the Time article, it's worth the read. It offers valuable insight into the world in which our girls are growing up. Of course, the most valuable tool we can offer our daughters is our own personal example of living a Christ-centered life. It's time to expose the lie and tell our daughters that the world's formula for "having it all" is a faulty equation that doesn't add up in the end. Most importantly, let's show them by the way we live out our daily lives that "having it all" is the product of making Jesus Christ our all-in-all.

Another Day.. Another Birthday!

2010-03-15T00:22:00.011-04:00

I'm not a big birthday gal! I go all out for my children, always have, but not so much for me. I've never had a surprise party, or a big get-together, although... that would be nice. *hint!!
This year for my birthday, my sister in law, Maribeth, was getting married. Dan was doing the ceremony, of course, so my birthday consisted of getting school done, packing up five children (Note. I don't pack for Dan) and traveling to Southern Illinois. Packing for a wedding isn't easy and even harder with kids. Making sure I had church shoes, socks, shirts, suits, dresses, jewelry and hair accessories took my whole day! The afternoon was eventful, packing the car and a three hour drive in the middle of nowhere, literally, followed by a wedding rehearsal, dinner, checking into the hotel, swimming and finally in our rooms at 10 pm. No cake, no singing, no presents, no fancy restaurant... but a sweet husband coming in the hotel room with a box of Hulk cupcakes and a personal cake just for me. Micah had given me his Puzzle's Fun Dome invitation to someone else's party. It wasn't anything to write about, but just me and my family! As I get older and birthdays start to remind me of my morality, I am also reminded of the sweet blessings in my life and that I'm allowed to live a little longer to enjoy them!

Mentoring Mom

2010-02-18T10:27:00.006-05:00

I have been asked to speak at our church to our moms group! A great group of ladies abiding in Christ to be keepers of their homes, raising their children and loving their husbands. I'm always honored, humbled yet feel so inadequate when I'm asked. I'm just a mom on the journey abiding in my Father, striving and making the most of every opportunity with my five sweet children... because our days are numbered. I am reminded of this when I look into the face of my twelve year old daughter, try to fight back the tears, and smile. She is precious to me, as are all of my children.
"she's slipping through my fingers"

When we became parents almost thirteen years ago, we began to realize the enormous task the Lord had entrusted to us. So many questions. How do we discipline, How do we instill values, How do we train our children to have a heart for God, How do we educate them...and then tell me how to do it at home??? We immediately began to seek the Lord, asking for His wisdom. Little by little, the Lord has given us so many bits of His heart in the wonderful journey. I am so excited and so humbled to be able to share with these women.

Dan and I pray and work diligently as parents but ultimately realize it is He who gets the glory and is in in control. The hard part comes because we want control, instead of giving it ALL over to Him, a hard lesson for parents to grasp! We think of children as ours... but really, they're His, entrusted to us for a time. Notice I did say work, parenting is work, but in order to reach our goal of training our children to be "image bearers" of Christ we must work and pray, pray and work! Which brings me to my point... I'm so excited to be talking about the way the Lord has moved in my life, so I'm going to be sharing things that have helped me! "The Mentoring Mom... modeling behavior your children deserve!" Here are some thing of those I'll be sharing.....

To hear you pray earnestly and often
To spend time with you as you talk about the things of God
To hear you talk to others about becoming Christians
To see you put God first in your giving
To watch you live a consistent Christian life
To go with you to visit the unfortunate
To hear you say good things about people
To be exposed to experiences that will bring Christian growth
To see you love your spouse
To be taught how to know the Savior in a personal way...
what this looks like day to day and so much more.

Please pray for me as I speak on March 2nd. Pray as I seek the Lord and His heart! May the outpouring of the Holy Spirit abide in me and take root! May my words be His words. May He and He alone be glorified. Amen!

A WONDERFUL THING

2010-02-04T12:07:00.004-05:00

Been having the winter blahs! So depressing! I'm soooo needing some warmer weather about now! I sprained my ankle yesterday morning, and in the midst of school, ball games and my complaining (in my heart) I was reminded that I AM on a mission.
Read this yesterday and it blessed my heart. If you're a mom, I hope it will bless yours too!

Being a mother is a wonderful thing,
My bedside alarm, it never need ring,
I'm awakened each day with bright cheerful faces (except for my middle schooler)
And soon 'round the table they've all taken places

Our meal is seasoned with plenty of chatter,
The fruit and the muffins fly from the platter,
There are stories to share and a Bible verse too,
We "sometimes" pray _ it's not always a zoo.

The day is so full of a number of things,
Chores, then schoolwork, then ball practicings.
Cooking and cleaning and book-reading too,
A mom of many children has plenty to do

I've heard busy times end as quick as they start,
So I'll treasure these days, store them up in my heart,
Small children grow up - the time goes so fast,
The business of mothering soon will be past

Be cheerful (STEPHANIE) and thankful each day that you've got,
Greater joy anywhere, there surely is not,
As you work through your duties may God hear you sing,
'Cause being a mother is a wonderful thing

Nine months and crawling!

2010-02-02T23:25:00.006-05:00

Ella turned nine months last Friday. She's a whopping 20 pounds! (the smallest of all of my children) She's crawling like crazy! What a added blessing she has been these last nine months! Looking forward to the next nine with much anticipation! I shot this video on her nine month birthday! Ella is crawling and stops in excitement. Also, notice the dog, hilarious!

True Woman | Vampire Craze

2010-01-27T09:37:00.001-05:00

As the "Twilight" series has been one of interest to middle school girls. Bekah came home asking about it, since it has been a topic of interest among her friends at church and school. We began to talk about it and we started a mission. It has been a project for Bekah (7th grade) and I to compare Twilight and God's word. This is some of our research. Thought you might like to read an interesting article we found by "Revive Our Hearts" Ministry.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you already know that the Twilight sequel, New Moon, was released in theaters Friday. News organizations nationwide reported sell-out crowds at local theaters. Thousands of fans camped out for hours to stake out their seats for the heavily hyped movie premiere. Experts are reporting that New Moon is now the number-one advance ticket seller of all time. In other words, it's a mega-hit! It's more than a blip on the landscape of culture. It's more like a bombshell, and young women are among the series' biggest fans.

Because I care so deeply about pointing young women toward God's truth, I couldn't let this movie premiere go unaddressed. I know it's controversial and I know, because I've blogged about Twilight in the past, that my stand on the series doesn't make me the world's most popular blogger. But I also know what's at stake. These aren't just books. New Moon isn't just another hit movie. We need to talk about it.

Proverbs 4:23 warns, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

What we allow into our hearts and minds will impact us. As I've researched New Moon and heard about it from countless young women in my sphere of influence, it's clear to me that this movie and the rest of the Twilight series are designed to pull at your heart strings.

People magazine released its "Sexiest Men Alive" issue last week. An entire section of the magazine was dedicated to "Vampires to die for." Twilight star Robert Pattinson topped the list. Stars from the hit vampire shows The Vampire Diaries and True Blood were also featured. All three series have this in common—they're centered around male characters who are dark, brooding, and dangerous.

Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder offered this explanation for the phenomenon: "The mythology behind vampires has never really gone away. It was always there. Now you have this market for it because I think they're fun. They're powerful. They're sexy. They're dangerous. They're beautiful. Something draws you to them . . . The girls like the bad boy."

Vampire Diaries co-executive producer Julie Plec offered this spin: "You want to believe there is so much going on behind those eyes. You want to believe that they have epic amounts of knowledge and soul and spirituality and intelligence lurking behind those eyes. And in real men, you don't often get that. So in a vampire, just by definition, you are getting the bad boy with the brain."

Here's where my spiritual antenna starts to perk up. As young women everywhere choose between Team Edward and Team Jacob and as over 5 million viewers tune in weekly to the vampire shows I mentioned above (for comparison, that's equivalent to the population of Scotland), I can't help but wonder if this fascination with the dark, dangerous, bad boys featured in these series is fitting for girls and women who love Jesus.

First Corinthians 13:4–7 says this, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Galatians 5:22–23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

I've always seen these passages as a great barometer for choosing a fella. These are the qualities that I would advise Christian young women to look for in a man—patience, kindness, joy, peace, goodness, faithfulness, self-control. This is what we should be drawn to. We shouldn't link our lives with those who are envious, boastful, proud, rude, self-seeking, easily angered, concerned with keeping score. It isn't wise to form emotional attachments with a guy who delights in evil.

I've seen firsthand, in my own life and in the lives of so many young women, the train wreck that occurs when we're drawn to bad boys. I know the pain that can occur in real life when girls link their lives with guys who are dangerous, brooding, dark, and unpredictable.

That's why I can't help but see New Moon and the rest of the vampire craze for what it is—dangerous! It isn't wise to buy in to the fascination with these characters who are "sexy" because they are dark. Remember the warning in Proverbs, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

As New Moon rises to the applause of our culture, I have to ask, are you guarding your heart above all things?

CBS urged to scrap Super Bowl ad with Tebow, mom

2010-01-26T10:36:00.000-05:00

Check out this article someone sent me today..... Interesting!!!! Tim Tebow is an outstanding Christian role model for my sons and all Christians. Even though I'm NOT a Florida fan.. it's a great article about sanctity of life and family ! ;)

CBS urged to scrap Super Bowl ad with Tebow, mom

Books-A- Threesome!

2010-01-26T09:48:00.001-05:00

This year.. even though I'm late posting, one of my resolutions is to read MORE!! I love to read, but have not been able to read as much due to the homeschooling of five children that constantly need my attention. So, it's official, I started reading three books in January. Crazy Love, by Francis Chan, which was on my list. All I can say about this book is... I think every Christian should read it. It has been eye opening and a life changing experience! If you haven't read it go get it, buy it, borrow it, whatever you need to do and read it!

The second book is Adopted for Life, by Russell Moore, our dear friend and pastor. We adore him and his family and are so blessed to have him at Highview. I'm only halfway through it.. but it is incredible. GET IT! READ IT! Even if you're not the least bit interested in adopting, if it's not even on your radar, if you feel as though maybe God IS leading you to adopt, internationally or stateside... YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!! That's all I'm going to say about that.

And finally, one accomplishment... Bekah and I finished Girltalk by Carolyn Mahaney. I can't say enough great things about this book. If you have a daughter, middle school or high school, this is a MUST READ in my opinion. If you have daughter that is younger than that, go and get this book and save it for when she's ready! It is one of the best books on biblical womanhood for young girls I've read.

Now on to Authentic Beauty by Leslie Ludy... I'll let you know about that one soon! Anybody read any other good books lately?

Bekah's Masterpiece

2009-12-18T13:40:00.000-05:00

Bekah took a culinary class this past month where she learned how to make a gingerbread house (from scratch). We've made them as a family but never anything like this. She designed it, baked it and decorated. It is awesome... especially with the stained glass windows and electricity! Many thanks to Chef Jim!!!

Tourney Champs

2009-12-17T08:52:00.000-05:00

Jake was on two basketball teams this fall. Whitefield 4th and 5th grade . The 5th grade team won their tournament on Tuesday. Talk about excitement. I stood up with a baby on my hip and did the "Arsenio Hall" for those of you old enough to remember what that is! HA!! Scared the baby too! oops. So proud of the way he played and improved this year. Way to go Jake. Go Wildcats!!!

Ella at the game.. she's been drug to every football and bball game this fall.. a trooper!

Highview Family Christmas

2009-12-16T09:35:00.000-05:00

Pictures of the boys at the Christmas program Sunday evening.. So proud of them! Great night of worship and celebration of our Warrior King, Jesus!

Ella was ready to go home after the festivities!

Faithful friends who are dear to us.. gather near to us....

2009-12-15T10:38:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday, Dan and I held our once a year praise team party for our praise team and band. It's something we've done since we've been at Highview. It's always a great time. Lots of friends, and lots of laughs. In our ten years at Highview, we've seen so many people come and go, but there are still some of the "old faithful" still involved! These people are not only a talented worship team that lead our people weekly in worship, but they have become family to us. People who we have weeped and prayed with, rejoiced with, and fellowshipped with! Our babysitters, brothers and sisters, and our parents away from home. We love these faithful friends, servants, and brothers in sisters in Christ. Yet, there are always new ones every year added to the fold. We always look forward to getting to know them as well. So thankful for the opportunity to know these people and serve with them.

An Artist Among Us

2009-12-12T14:46:00.000-05:00

Rebekah recently has taken an interest in art. Everyday she doodles and oodles...wolves, shapes, animals.. you name it. Whitefield Academy had a contest recently and asked students to draw a Christmas scene for the Christmas Card and Program. We encourgaed her to enter... she did, and guess what? Yes.. she won. Her art was on the Christmas Program for the school music presentation. We were excited and so proud. She was especially surprised when Mr. McKinley came to her class, recognized her and presented her with a check for $25. Congrats girlfriend!

Bekah's artwork

Big Birthday

2009-12-11T22:39:00.000-05:00

Jaron turned eight on December 6th. Jaron was super pumped about having his best bud Nathan over to stay all night. (The beauty of homeschooling... staying all night on a Sunday night!) Love it!! We went to Incredible Dave's Sunday evening and took Nathan with us.. Realizing that after having one extra child in the car... if we were to add to our fam any more... We would, without question, need to purchase a fifteen passenger! They played and ate and ate and played. A fun time was had by all! We came home, opened presents, and had cake! My fave. Nathan got Jaron a Louisville Cardinal shirt. He is a major Kentucky Wildcat fan, so....If getting your friend a Louisville shirt isn't love, I don't know what is! They are two very precious boys and its so fun to watch them play.. no agenda.. no pretense... just pure, untainted love! A great example and blessing they are to me. If all of our friendships could be like that. WOW!! Hope you had a happy birthday Jar! I love you.

Tis the Season

2009-12-03T16:58:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had an awesome "Turkey Day!" We did, although not much fun when both families eat at the same time! UHG! We managed to fill our bellies though. So much that Dan and I are on a major diet through the holidays. I don't know what were thinking. Hopefully we'll not regret it. (I'm crossing my fingers)

I was really stressed about not finishing our unit on Pilgrims, but we did. So all is well. (sigh)

So, the tree is up the stockings are hung and the Odle's are ready for Advent. We started our calendars on the 1st and read "The Legend of the Candy Cane" today. Enjoyed talking through Isaiah with the boys today along with some verses in John and Mark. Love It! Micah especially enjoyed it! Check out his pic (below) This is what he did while the boys and I were working on our Candy Cane lapbooks today? I guess we'll have to start on our study of St. Nicholas... The "real" one soon! Meanwhile... we're going to be decking the halls

Our Pilgrim Lapbook

Stockings

Micah Claus

A Birthday Baptism

2009-11-24T16:04:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday, November 22nd was Dan's birthday. As with all birthday's in our house, it's a special day. This birthday, however, was an extra special day. Jacob, our oldest son, was baptized at our combined campus service. Dan was honored to baptize him. As I stood in the wings taking pictures, a thousand things rushed to my head. I thought about the day he was born, the day he was diagnosed with Sensory Integration Disorder and the day the doctor told us he would not be normal. I thought about the many nights we cried and prayed for him.. not only for this day but for many days to come. I thought about all the days I watched him grow and mature to the boy he is today. He is a joy! Today, he's very normal, loves people, has a heart for the Lord, and a great blessing to me every day!! I had prayed for his salvation before he was born, and it was amazing to be able to pray with him when he made the decision to follow Christ. I was blessed to be able to walk with him and witness his declaration.... I was beyond words.. I am also grateful for a husband who is a great example to him... in all ways. Joy was bursting from my heart and it was a wonderful feeling!! Happy Birthday to my awesome husband of almost 16 years..... and so proud of my boy who was obedient today to the call of his Savior, Jesus Christ! AMEN!!

Unit on Jamestown

2009-11-18T11:50:00.000-05:00

This year for history.. we are studying "Early American History" and next semester going onto the "Revolutionary War." The boys and I just did a fabulous study on Pocahontas and Jamestown. They have worked extremely hard on these replicas and I was really proud of them for attempting it. I think they look awesome! Now onto Pilgrims.. Just in time for Thanksgiving!

Last Football for the Year

2009-11-16T14:37:00.000-05:00

The boys were selected about three weeks ago to participate in their Highview All-Stars league. We traveled to Owensboro Kentucky this past weekend for a weekend full of football! Talk about FUN! We are so proud of Jake and Jar. Jar's team came in 3rd place overall... not too shabby! Jake's team won the Championship... he carried the ball, got his first interception, caught the ball and made several tackles! Dan, Jar and I were screaming like crazy people! Can I say I was so proud? Yes.. I can!
This was a perfect way to end our football season for the year.. Three- Four nights a week of practice and Saturday games since July... All WELL WORTH IT.. to see my boys play this weekend! To grow in their love for the game, and learn a skill, character, perseverance, teamwork, and hard work......and to grow up be men!!! I love being a mom and I love them even more.
Jakes team with their trophies

Jar's team

With the Championship Trophy

Celebrating after the big win and interception

New Do!

2009-11-12T21:36:00.001-05:00

Bekah got her hair cut yesterday.. I love it! She looks soooo grown up though! Don't you think??

HERO PAPER

2009-11-10T08:45:00.000-05:00

Rebekah recently came home from school with a paper she had written on a "hero" in her life. I would like to let you read a little bit of it.

....."I am lucky enough to live in a home my mom works so hard to keep clean. She loves me enough to take time out of her day to love and take care of me. She works extremely hard to provide us with plenty of food and a good, clean, warm house to live in. She's a wonderful mom and will always love my family and me. My mom is very smart. Whenever I ask her a question about life she can answer it. My mom is the smartest woman I have ever known. My mom never lets her pride take over all of her responsibilities. She works hard to give me a good life. She is a wonderful person. My mom is someone I can look up to as an example of a Godly woman who works hard to provide for her family. I hope that someday, I'll be able to be a wonderful mom, wife and servant , just like her."

After crying... I hugged her! She got an A... on the paper, and always in my heart!

Ella's Dedication

2009-11-03T18:24:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday was a special day in our house.. "baby dedication" at our church. I can't say enough how blessed we are to be at a church that loves babies, and children. It's always a blessing to be able to commit to raise our "inherited" child in the ways of our Great Lord and Savior! We committed, as a family, once again, the fifth time to teach Ella the ways of our Lord and to raise her in a way that would be pleasing to Him.
Ella was precious.. she couldn't have been better. She smiled on cue and loved the attention from our pastor (notice the picture) our pastor said she was just like Daddy!
Micah was a champ and stood very still.. a great accomplishment for him... I have to confess that I started praying at 7 that morning and put his patch on while he was still sleeping.. so .. what can I say... prayer works! We are blessed.

Trick or Treat

2009-11-01T23:23:00.000-05:00

Halloween this year was full of fun! The kids had a ball carving pumpkins..this was the first year that Jake and Jar did their own without my help.. and they did an awesome job!! Trick or Treating was fun and lots of candy has already been eaten. Bekah went as someone who doesn't like mornings, Jake and Jar went as the Manning bros..VERY COOL, and Micah was, of course, a pirate, last was Ella as a Louisville Cardinal cheerleader. They were really cute.. if I do say so myself. We traveled the neighborhood as usual.. and then went to the fire station for free hot dogs and chili... YES, I KNOW, were cheap! Happy Halloween!

Six Months!

2009-10-30T00:24:00.000-04:00

Ella turned six months today.. and to celebrate the milestone, she cut her two bottom teeth. YAY! Where has the time gone? She is so precious.. and I couldn't have asked for a better baby! She has been textbook awesome! Sleeps well, adjusts well, pleasant all the time... what more could you want? I am often reminded of how precious and fleeting the time is when I look at her and out of the corner of my eye... in the blink of an eye.. there stands my 12 and a half year old.. I was just holding her a minute ago(seems like). We have enjoyed Ella so much and are so grateful to the Lord for giving us the opportunity to raise her. Thank you Lord for the gift of girls...Help me to be the mommy you need me to be. May I be worthy of the call to bring them up to honor you with their lives.

Birthday Number Five!

2009-10-27T11:48:00.000-04:00

It's so hard to believe that Micah turned five a few weeks ago. It seems like yesterday he was born as do all of my children. It reminds me of the verse... "Teach us to number our days"... so true.! So here we are, five! What a great day we had! Goodies at preschool, presents at home, a visit from Maw Maw and Paw Paw, and getting to play soccer! Micah lately has been a challenge with his ADHD. I've been reading a great book for ADHD moms called "She's Gonna Blow" the author refers to her ADHD child as a sizzler.. so appropriate! So recently I've began to refer to him as my sizzle child.. and that he is!
Soccer will continue with to be a a challenge as do all adventures that require some sort of focus.. But he had a fun time "rolling on the floor" anyway! Thank you Lord for the sizzle... Gotta love it... and thanks for the purpose you must have for his life! I love you, nine!

Micah

2009-09-20T21:13:00.000-04:00

My Micah was diagnosed with ADHD in March and we have struggled since then to find a medication that we all can live with! I'll have to admit it has been very difficult. I always thought I had a great handle on parenting... after all Dan and I have read all the books, been to countless seminars, and with our five, have experienced just about everything you can experience with kids.. then along came a headstrong little boy that started walking out of the house and down the subdivision, hung out of windows, colored the dog, and a lot of other things.I knew something wasn't quite right and after a series of interviews and testing, it was done. ADHD.
I have to say that the Lord has used this is my life to remind me that our lives need to be completely surrendered and dependent on Him. I have to be honest and say that there have been times I would've liked to have gotten in my van and driven far, far away... but there has always been that strong peaceful sense that the Lord was telling me to endure and to lean on Him... oh how very hard that is to do at times when you just want to be mad. "Lord, why did you give this to my son?" Why him? Why us?
I was having a rough day trying to homeschool with him a few weeks ago, when some friends who have sons with ADHD gave me some suggestions during our school day and I talked to the pediatrician again and they changed his dosage. It has been a better week, with a few minor kinks.. but all in all, good! I'm so thankful for my precious boy, what he means to me, and that God is using him to strengthen my faith! God is so good. My friends told me to try to focus on his positives. He loves to build things so here are some pics of him during our school day.. he was very proud of himself.

Love these Ladies

2009-09-12T17:31:00.000-04:00

A couple of Saturday's ago, I had all the Fegenbush praise team/band ladies over to my house for Pedi's. It was a beautiful day and we had such a great time! These girls are the bomb!!! They are such a talented group of gals with hearts for the Lord. Dan appreciates them ...... A LOT! They all give up alot of their Sunday so they can help lead our people in worship. Never a complaint and always willing, team players. I am so grateful to serve with them.
As we talked about " How beautiful are the feet of them that spread the gospel.. I can say I am proud and honored to call them friends. We had such a great time of fellowship and reflection....... they all have beautiful feet..spiritually and now.... literally! Thanks gals for you sacrifice..Love ya

Stitches

2009-09-11T13:30:00.001-04:00

We had just gotten home from the boys football picnic and I had to run very quickly to the store... Dan had to sing at a funeral the next morning and was at the piano practicing. I had just put the baby down for the night, the boys were downstairs watching t.v. before bed and Bekah was getting ready for our girls movie night. I left the house and came back 30 minutes later to hysteria. Bek had cut her leg on a cuticle remover.. Yes, a cuticle remover! It had sliced her leg open like a potato peeler. Jaron was crying, Bekah was crying and Jake looked like a deer in headlights. Needless to say Dan, at 10 pm on Friday night, took her to the emergency room. Fifteen stitches later, she was up and walking again. YAY!! Brave girl!

School Days!

2009-08-21T10:32:00.000-04:00

I know this is the second post today.. but there has been a lot going on and I'm catching up!!

After the three years of homeschooling, Bekah went back to school last week! She was both anxious and excited.... but has loved it!! She comes home every day with a smile on her face... (which we're finding isn't as often anymore now that she has turned 12.) She has so many stories to tell the minute she comes home and I'm loving to hear ALL about her day... even down to the itsy bitsy detail. She loves all of her classes, except history.. I guess you can't love everything, huh?

Micah is going to preschool two days a week as well. It's good for him and good for me and gives me a chance to get some much needed things done (Did I mention he is VERY active already?) He'll be home with us on Mondays, Tuesday's and Thursdays as well.

We started homeschool with the boys this week on Wednesday. It was a GREAT day! I'm so excited about the year and have so much fun planned. Both boys had a great day and are excited about school. Co-op starts in less than a month and we can't wait!!

Are you ready for some football?(and volleyball)

2009-08-21T09:27:00.000-04:00

So we begin a new fall sports season. For us, that literally means three nights of football practice a week and Saturday games. VERY BUSY! Addition to football, this year, Bekah made the middle school volleyball team at Whitefield Academy.. we're very proud of her! Last Saturday.. Jake had a football game at 10:30, Bekah had a volleyball game at 11 and Jaron had a game at 1:30... and all kids had to be there an hour before the game! Needless to say, we were grateful that Dan's parents and sister came down last weekend or it would've been quite the challenge!! THANKS GUYS!!! Oh well... This is only for a season, right?? And I have to say there is nothing greater than the joy of watching your child make a tackle or acing a serve in volleyball... I LOVE IT!! I AM ready for some football and volleyball!!!

2009-06-22T16:47:00.000-04:00

ok....soooo.. life is slowly getttng back to normal after pregnancy and birth of baby number five! I am enjoying my family so much these last precious weeks at home.. I have made a slide show of some precious moments. Enjoy!

2009-05-20T10:48:00.000-04:00

Ella Grace Odle finally arrived April 29th 11:21 a.m. She was 7 lbs 5 oz and 20.5 inches long. The smallest baby I've had! She came c-section because she didn't like labor very well. She had the cord wrapped around her shoulder... Dan said it looked like she was already carrying a purse!! (Little Diva!) She has red hair and is starting to fit in great, although the kids won't ever let her fuss... They are all right there as soon as she makes a peep! We're all so glad she's here. Thank you. Lord!

Easter

2009-04-13T12:15:00.000-04:00

Still waiting on baby Ella... It seems as though the waiting gets worse every pregnancy.. maybe it's just because I'm old and my body is running down... I'll think about that later.
We had a fabulous Easter. Services were fantastic.. I have always loved Easter Sunday. It's such a blessed day when we can celebrate the Risen Savior! The worship was exciting... music, baptism and preaching. LOVED IT!! Dan sang one of my favorite songs ever.. HE'S ALIVE! It was so good!! My dad sang that growing up and it was so nice to hear it.
I really didn't feel like cooking this year so Dan grilled steaks and they were fabulous.. I did SOME cooking inside.. you have to have potatoes and green beans on Easter! Then the kids had a great time having an Easter Egg hunt among themselves in our backyard! A great day!!

Baby Almost Here!

2009-04-08T14:00:00.000-04:00

So I went to Target today and it all of the sudden hit me as I was buying last minute things like newborn diapers that.... Baby will be here in less than 27 days. I go back to the Dr. on Tuesday and hopefully will know more then. With great excitement and anticipation I'm so ready for this to be done! Pegnancy a 5th time is def. not for the weak!! Update soon.

2009-02-25T12:23:00.000-05:00

Here it is almost March and I have realized I haven't blogged since before Christmas... So much has been going on. We are in the middle of renovating our upstairs to make room for one more! Since there are only 69 days to go. In January we had a great time with Dan's parents at Disney World for a week. Here in Louisville, they were having the ice storm of the century and without power for a week while we were in sunny Florida swimming in the pool. It was wild! I'll have to say Disney is one of the most magical places there is. We had the time of our lives and the kids have talked about it non stop. I know it will be something they will never forget. We are so grateful to Dan's parents for giving us the trip and inviting us to go.. We we never forget it. AHHH MEMORIES!!!

Christmas

2008-12-18T13:24:00.000-05:00

Ahh.. the Christmas Season. I love it! Although it has been a rough fall for me, Christmas has been full of fun. It started with my big Jar's 7th birthday. Where does the time go? Then... we had a great field trip with some fellow homeschoolers to the old candy factory. (What a fun trip!) and yesterday we found out we are having a girl.. Bekah and I are so excited to have some company in our family. The children were all present at the untrasound and were amazed to see the baby moving and pictures of her! It was so cool. Today is my 15th wedding anniversary. I am again reminded of how wonderful it is to have a great husband who provides and loves our family. We feel so blessed and are amazed at how God provides and protects us even when we are unaware! I will blog again soon with all our Chirstmas activities next week!

Sicker than sick!!

2008-10-21T20:57:00.000-04:00

YES.. I know I haven't blogged in over a month. We were so surprised and thrilled about having baby #5!! UNTIL... four weeks ago, when I started getting sick! It truly has been horrible. I haven't been out of the house in four weeks unable to move and so nauseated morning noon and night! Hopefully it will be over soon. I am 11 weeks and 5 days today so... hopefully I will be back to blogging soon.

Green River

2008-09-04T21:11:00.000-04:00

What a fabulous time we had at the lake over the weekend. The singles at church invited Dan to come and speak at their weekend retreat at Green River, and the children and I were able to come along. We had a blast. We tubed and swam and ate and played on the beach. The kids had a wonderful time and enjoyed being with the singles. They thought is was so cool to stay in the cabin and swim in the lake. Thanks for invting us, singles!!!

Weekend with the boys

2008-09-03T16:01:00.000-04:00

A few weekends ago, Dan and Bekah went to Chicago for the weekend. Dan spoke at a music conference and Bekah went along wit her dad. They shopped and talked. Micah was spending coveted time alone at his grandparents. While they all were away, they two older boys and I had a great weekend together. I absolutely love being their mother!! They are the greatest. We went out to eat, went to Game Stop (that is a treat) and had lots of ice cream. Not to mention a full day of football! Enjoy some of the pics.

Summer Vacation and such!

2008-07-23T01:00:00.000-04:00

The Odle's have been so busy since the last time I blogged. We had VBS, vacation, and tiled our kitchen floor. VBS was a blast! The kids enjoyed it so much, especially Micah. He would come home every night singing what he called "the Ha-le-lu-lah song." After a week of VBS we took off for Sanibel Island, Florida. Dan performed a wedding there(some of our church friends from Southern Illinios). It was beautiful. He does a beautiful ceremony. We were so proud of him. After the wedding we stayed for a week and had the most awesome time at the beach. Can I just say that "I LOVE FAMILY VACATION!!! The vacation was absolutely perfect until we got home and I discovered I had sand flea bites all over me... and yes, they itch... worse than poison ivy!!! But they are better now and life is worth living. The kids are enjoying summer alot. We are swimming, eating ice cream, the boys started football last week and Bekah and I are loving our tennis lessons. Life is good.. We are grateful! Thank you Lord for families and the love that you give!

Ridgecrest and a wedding!

2008-06-07T14:44:00.000-04:00

We've had an eventful week! Dan was teaching on worship at Ridgecrest this week (for those of you who don't know what Ridgecrest is and you're a southern baptist??.. shame on you!) Bekah had a solo in one of the worship times.. She was fabulous, of course.
We had a wonderful time. Then, to top off the weekend we had the great blessing of being a part of Brittany and Brandon's wedding!! (He's a part of our worship team.) Jaron was the most handsome ring bearer (and so serious about his job!!) Of course, I'm a little partial. Enjoy the pics!

2008-06-07T13:52:00.001-04:00

2008-06-07T13:04:00.000-04:00

Well, I know I'm behind the times, but have decided to start blogging so friends and family can keep up with us throughout the year! And believe me, we are so busy, that is a lot of keeping up.