Out of order but so funny!!!

We went to a pumpkin patch back in October and I was trying to get all three kids in the picture and thought it would be a smart choice to ask Whitaker to hold Creighton for me but boy was I was wrong!! Brinley threw a fit because she did not get to hold him...this picture totally captures it! Then the next picture she has Creighton and is happy.

Brinley and the Camera...

Allison has the magic touch, she got Brinley to pose for all these great pictures! It was a riot -Ali got her to kiss at the camera to put her hands on her hips - all very cute!!! Thank you Ali for getting great pictures!

Turkey Trot Pics!!!

Chelsea, Gayle and LIsa
Greg and Creighton - This is Creighton's warm outfit



We had another great year running the Turkey Trot!! Lisa, Gayle, Erika and Chelsea ran the 8 mile and I think between me and you Chelsea finished ahead of all those girls. Granted she has about 10 years on them and a 12 inches of legs but all done in fun!

Overcast and Gloomy

I feel gloomy today. The day after Obama has been named President. Anyone else gloomy? Really not much to say...don't have the energy or the will. I feel drained.

Scripture for Tuesday's Election Day

The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.
Ecclesiastes 10:2

Really...are you kidding me...

Why am I so caught up in this crazy race. I try each day to ask for the Lord to intercept what is taking place. Everytime something comes up about Obama, LA Times, the Rev. Wright, pro-abortion, anti-constitution, socialism, etc...I seize that moment to just talk with God and ask him to use this to open people's eye to see the truth.

I just recall one word...Idiot!! I have never been known for being compassionate and it is shining through right now.
Really? Really?
You want this man who is possibly going to appoint 2 or 3 Supreme Court Justices during his term in office?
Really?
Do you really want this man who does not take a stand against abortion in office?
Really?
Do you want a man who associates with radicals in office?
Really?
I feel like I could go on and on but we cannot take what the media is feeding us and just run with it. We must do our own research, we must not be complacent. I don't understand and I guess this is my venting...how a person who claims to be a Christian can support this man's decisions, actions, judgement and more importantly his character...like Obama.

All this leads me to another thought another moment of Really?
Ever since I was in high school I have been consumed with the whole idea of the anti-christ. It completely mezmerizes me that people could follow someone who would install such evilness into the country and now I see it. I know Obama is no anti-christ but this is really laying the groundwork for a great illustration of how someone is going to come up and take over our civil rights and take over a country and everyone just be in awe of their doing.
Really? Really?
Too many of us have that mindset of whatever MSNBC says or ABC says is the truth...good try! Why does this make me think of the word - IDIOT!!!! The definition of the word Idiot is an utterly foolish or senseless person. That makes me laugh. I just heard someone call him Inspirational - how is he inspirational!!! Okay I will stop (and write again later) and end with - please don't be an utterly foolish or senseless person also known as an IDIOT!!!

My closing thoughts would be from Chuck Swindoll - Do not be so comfortable or complacent in your Christianity that you do not think.

Fall Festival

We went to the Stonebriar Fall Festival and had a blast. We saw Riley the ladybug and Madison, Tinkerbell there. Whitaker was a zebra and Brinley is a chicken and by the way she was in heaven with all that candy!!

Sleeping Giant

Hello friends - my sister sent this to me and I thought it was so powerful! Please read, take to heart and really soak up the scriptures below. I am going to figure out something I can fast from and replace with prayer, maybe it is for me to stop watching Fox News in the afternoon - haha!!!

September 25, 2008

Dear Sleeping Giant…It is time to awaken and “Turn the Tide!”

It has amazed me how the race to the 2008 elections has encompassed so many twists and turns. Now, our nation is also faced with incredible financial consequences because of decades of poor choices on every level (government, business, state, local and individual). Today, as I drove my children to preschool, I found myself praying for our nation and asking the Lord how I could help bring change. As many of you, I am concerned about the coming weeks, months and years. I am also concerned about the future of our nation and what we will be leaving as a legacy to our children and children’s children. A thought then came to me, “It’s time to turn the tide and call the sleeping giant to pray.”

Who is the sleeping giant? It’s you and me! According to the media, it is the moms of the United States who are busily working to raise our children, care for our homes, buy groceries, make it to soccer games and various school functions, pay bills, get laundry done, set up play dates, and the list goes on and on. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are an estimated 82.8 million mothers of all ages in the U.S. and approximately 5.6 million (2006 estimate) of those are stay home mothers. (January 2, 2008 “Facts for Features” by the U.S. Census Bureau) That is an astronomical number! The press calls us the “sleeping giant” because we are not the vocal majority. Our voices have not been heard…but the time is now. Let’s make our voices heard where it really counts!

Who am I? I am a college educated woman in my 30’s who was given and made the choice to not work outside our home. I have 5 children ages 3-10 who keep me on my toes…24/7. I am a soccer and ballet mom with 3 other children who will one day add to that load. I am married and help my husband run our business in addition to housework and managing our personal finances. I attend church and love serving the Lord by blessing and serving others. I have friends all over the nation and world who are in the same boat. I have dreams of being debt free, retiring with dignity, seeing the world, making a difference in my lifetime, and leaving a legacy for my children and children’s children. You and I have much common ground!

Friend, I am asking you to consider joining me and countless other moms who will cross the line of no return. I am inviting you to be a part of the awakening giant and turn the tide of this nation. I am not asking you to go to a meeting, work phones or anything of that sort. Very simply…I am asking you to consider fasting and praying for the 21 days leading up to the November 4th elections. The dates are October 15-November 4, 2008. I urge you to consider what you can lay down for the cause of our nation’s future. Some may choose a liquids only fast while others may opt for a Daniel fast. Many may be inclined to lay down sweets, videos/movies, television, etc. Whatever the sacrifice, the idea is to use that time to pray in unity with other women for a concentrated time. I believe when we stand in unity with the good of our nation, submission to the heart of the Lord and a cry for godly integrity at every level of our nation as our focus, there will be no stopping our impact!

Here are some prayer focuses and scriptures you may find helpful: (taken from “Pray for Our Nation” copyrighted and published by Harrison House in 1999 – excellent tool)

1- Prayer for our current President (scripture: Romans 13:1, Proverbs 21:1, 28:2)

a. The Lord would guide him.

b. He would be surrounded by wise counsel.

c. He would have discernment, understanding and knowledge.

d. Forgive and bless him.

2- Prayer for Congress (scripture: Proverbs 8:15, 19:21, 21:30, 15:22)

a. That by the power of the Lord, they would make laws that are just.

b. That they would make right decisions concerning politics, social welfare and economics.

c. That they would be motivated by the hand of the Lord more than partisan and personal concerns.

d. Forgive and bless them.

3- Prayer for the economy (scripture: Deuteronomy 8:17,18, 28:12, Psalms 112:1-3)

a. That people of skill and wisdom with inspired ideas would be raised up in these times.

b. Congress would have foresight and not vote just concerning the present but would have eyes to see the future.

c. The Lord would continue to prosper our nation as we have given to the poor and needy worldwide.

d. That repentance on every level would begin for the debt of this nation – government, business/Wall Street, state, local and individual. We have all had a hand in the increase of debt in this nation. From the individual carrying credit card/consumer debt to the billionaire on Wall Street who financed questionable

loans, to our government that has taken loans from nations such as China, Russia, etc. to finance our nation’s debt. Our need for more and inability to patiently wait for the right time for purchases has created a monster to be reckoned with. We must repent for the debt we have allowed ourselves to incur (whether emergency reasons or just couldn’t deny oneself), humble ourselves and ask the Lord for his strategy on becoming a nation free from the chains of debt on every level.

4- Prayer for elections (scripture: Luke 12:1-3, John 16:13)

a. All U.S. citizens would vote intelligently in all elections.

b. The Lord would bring to light the hidden things so that we would vote in line with His plan, will and purpose using wisdom and demanding honesty and uprightness from our politicians.

c. The Lord would cause our nation to become so weary with sin and degradation in our leadership that we will begin to seek out godly leaders as a nation.

d. The Lord would give upright and honest leaders favor with the public and media

5- Prayer for Foreign Relations (scripture: Proverbs 16:7, Matthew 28:18,19)

a. The Lord would give us favor in the earth.

b. The Lord would open doors to the gospel that have been closed.

c. Godly men and women to fill positions of international leadership and would be equipped with skill and wisdom in working with international affairs.

6- Prayer for Social Conscience to be restored (scripture: Acts 24:16, Proverbs 20:6,7)

a. The value of teaching our children to not only live for the good of themselves but the good of others would be revived.

b. As a nation, we would once again strive for integrity and excellence.

c. That our nation would become mindful of the need to pray and seek the Lord’s wisdom in all things.

7- Prayer for the Media (scripture: Proverbs 14:34, Psalms 68:11)

a. That journalists and publishers would be raised up who will walk in integrity and speak, write and print truth no matter the opposition.

b. That citizens of this nation would no longer buy into or support the hype of the media as a whole.

8- Prayer for National Protection (scripture: John 16:13)

a. Divine protection for the people of this nation.

b. Stop strategies of destruction that our enemies would try to evoke.

c. Give wisdom and strategy to leaders concerning the safety of our nation.

d. Help us to be watchful and discerning as a people.

e. Help us to unite with leaders to insure that all Americans can enjoy freedom without fear.

9- Prayer for our military (scripture: Psalms 119:114, 117, Isaiah 41:12,13)

a. Protect them and their families as they protect and defend us.

b. Encourage and strengthen them: body, soul and spirit.

c. That each soldier and leader would be given wisdom, discernment and knowledge of the enemies’ plans.

d. Give our military forces favor.

“Direct my thoughts, words and work, wash away my sins in the immaculate Blood of the Lamb, and purge my heart by thy Holy Spirit…Daily frame me more and more into the likeness of Thy Son, Jesus Christ.” -George Washington, 1st U.S. President

Ladies, I believe with every ounce of my being that we really can make a difference. We can turn the tide of our nation! I and many others feel these elections are crucial, as well as decisions being made concerning our economy and international standings. You may want to begin praying and fasting immediately. Great! Whether you start now or on the 15th, I encourage you to pray, talk it over with your family and cross the line of no return.

Thank you for your consideration. Should you choose to join this prayer strategy, I encourage you to let other godly women/moms know. This will allow us to build a network of support in the coming days that will surely be filled with intense times of prayer. Together, you and I will create a legacy our children and children’s children will be thankful to receive. Let’s not be silent anymore and turn the tide together!!!

In His Service,

C. Swank

turnthetide@msn.com

Chicken Dinner

Whitaker First Soccer Season

It has started and we all love it-kids in sports.

Whitaker is playing mini soccer for 3 year olds. Honestly he really loves it, after the first game he asked me where we were going and I told him home and he started whining saying he wanted to stay and play more soccer. He would play the whole time no problem. His little brain is getting it and understands what is going on - so fun to watch. He is number 7 in the pictures as if you can't tell with his long hair. His team has not won a game but they have fun. Whit did score in the second game when I was out of town, two goals actually. One for us and one for the other team! We also have a fabulous coach that is good about trying to play everyone. I will post more pictures as I get them...

Kids say the Darndest Things...

So lately some of the things coming out of Whitaker's mouth are absolutely hilariuos - here is sample - if this is any indication of what Brinley is going to say oh wow we are in for a laugh!!!

(before Creighton was born) "Mommy are you going to pop that baby out?"
"No Mommy Donald is a duck not a boy".(while watching Mickey Mouse Club)
"I want to watch golf and relax". (This is after playing outside for an hour or so)
After his first soccer game - "Mommy I don't want to go home I want to play more soccer"
Cathy told him to go ask Robert before he let Gizmo outside and Whitaker looks at Cathy and goes "That is a good idea, Cathy"
"Brinley Suck It!!" I asked him where he heard that and he said Daddy and Doug say that when they watch football - nice huh?

All Three Together

Creighton at One Week

These are some updated pictures of the newest member. He is one week old in these and a wonderful baby. Already sleeping 4 to 5 hours at night! Love that!!! Yeah!!! Whitaker and Brinley love to hold him and touch him. Brinley is very "motherly" to him. When I am feeding she wants to be apart of it.


Creighton at 1 Week


Brinley, Whitaker and Creighton saying Cheese!!!


Johnny, Lisa and Katie (johnny's fiance)



Mama with Brinley and Little Creighton

Whitaker Singing to Creighton

We captured this moment today at the hospital.

It's a Boy 8-8-8

Daddy with Creighton ----- Sophie holding little boy, Madison, Brinley, Whitaker and Daddy all looking at the new arrival

Brinley the Big Sister ------ Mommy exhausted after pushing!


Little boy all cozy!


Creighton Walker Williams made his appearance at 4:10 p.m. on Friday. He was two days past his due date and we were debating whether or not to induce, no need too, he showed up on the luckiest day of the century. I had small contractions at 3:30 a.m and by 6 they were a little more intense so we went to hospital. I was so paranoid that this baby would come like Brinley I just wanted to be in a hospital no matter what. We checked in and measured me at 3 cm at 7 a.m. I had a fabulous nurse, Jill, that was convinced this baby's shoulders were stopping his head from coming down, which is why she suggested I try the runner positions to get him to turn. It worked but still took a while. By 2:15 p.m. I was at a 6 so she gave me a bit of potossin(Sp?) and that helped but she upped it a bit more so by 3:15 I was a full 8. That is when the contractions got worse! So by 3:50 I was in full labor. After about 4 big pushs out came a little boy. Of course my first question is why is he not screaming and second is the cord around his neck. After a couple of rubs on the chest from doc he let it rip! Praise the Lord!!

A small sign from God that he is in control, as though I doubt. When we went in for the first sonogram at 12 weeks, the doctor said there was fluid in his kidneys and sent us to a different doc so she could get a better look, high risk Baby Doc. She confirmed there was but nothing we could do right now except come back. Of course we immediately prayed but did not worry knowing God had something in store. She talked to us about it and said that it could be a kink in the tube that allows him to pee but I had a good amount of fluid so that was not a huge concern but when he comes out he might have to have surgery if it does not work it self out. We went back 6 weeks later and everything was fine, great confirmation! But double confirmation that there is not kink in his body that will allow his body to release pee, when he came out and his warm body his the cold room he just started spraying everywhere and he had a ton to spray. Thank you Lord just another little sign that He is in control and that we are blessed to have another little baby.

He weighs in at 6 lbs 12 oz and 19 inches long. He is bald and very fair skin. Precious little boy! I will post better pictures as soon as I get them today.

Where is Baby Number 3

Today is a new month and maybe this little baby will decide to show up today. My due date is not till the 6th but COME ON since the other two were early I really thought this one would be too. I also thought since I was so busy keeping up with them that it would trigger labor, clearly not the case. It is too hot to last any longer. Usually I don't like the idea of a baby coming early but today I am ready. Let's get life with 3 kids rolling!

Puddin Fun!!

So I was reading in this book on some fun summer activities and they mentioned taking pudding and letting them use their hands to make pictures on paper. So we tried this but what kids are really going to put it on paper. We started off with great intentions of putting it on the paper which lasted for about two minutes, which is fine with me! Either way a fun activity. I highly suggest it but don't allow them to have clothes on or touch you with their little hands!

The Power of a Girl - at a young Age!

Madison and Whitaker played dress up. I guess I need to go and get some boy dress up stuff.
Where do you find fireman, policeman dress up stuff? His hair does not help his case.

Whitaker Running the Horses

This is the funniest thing to watch and I will add a more animated one with Greg calling the race, but this Whitaker's new favorite thing to do, Run the Horses. Greg took him to Grand Prairie on a Saturday and the winning jockey gave Whitaker his goggles so of course he has to wear them when ever he rides Rocky. Poor Rocky has to run in races 4 or 5 times a day. Also I have attached pictures of Whitaker with his goggles on. Don't think we forgot about Brinley, she has a horse and it is named, Snowcoverd Baseball but she is not a fan of riding it like Whitaker.