Emily's 5 Blessings

Boy it has been a LONG time!

2012-02-10T00:25:00.002-05:00

It's been almost 3 years since I have posted on my blog. I guess I need to change the picture even though I love the picture of my blessings. A lot has happened since 2009. I have become a grandmother of twin boys and oh so much more. I will try to come back from time to time to update.

Pray for Matt and Alexia

2009-07-22T19:51:00.003-04:00

A few days ago Matt totaled he and Alexia's car. Praise the Lord he is ok but the car isn't. Please pray that the Lord provides them with another vehicle because their other vehicle which is an old van goes about 2 miles and then overheats.

Thanks in advance for your prayers!

A New Season In Life

2009-07-11T15:21:00.004-04:00

Family Update

Taylor

Jordan

Landon

Our wonderful new son in law Matt and Alexia

Me and my honey

The girls . . .Alexia, Sierra and me :-)

My poor blog has been has not been updated for awhile as many of you know. I have been trying to get back here but my life is a whirlwind right now and it's hard to find time to get back here.

What's new in our home? Well, we are in a new season of life. We currently have 4 of our 5 blessings in Kansas City at the International House of Prayer. www.ihop.org. Jordan will be starting his third year at their Forerunner School of Ministry and he continues to play keys in their 24/7 Global 24/7 Prayer Room on our son in laws worship team. He has at least two more years in KC and then we pray he comes back to home and back to Orlando House of Prayer where we are contending for 24/7 prayer and worship.

Alexia as you know got married to Matt on May 16th. They had a wonderful honeymoon and they are now back in Kansas City where Matt is on staff at IHOP and is one of the worship leaders there. Alexia will be taking audit classes at IHOP this coming year. She needs to keep her time available so she can travel with Matt on ministry trips. They also just got a new puppy named Jerry :-)

Taylor and Landon has been in Kansas City since June. Landon has been doing their ATC (Awaken Teen Camp) and also did their leadership track. He will be home some time this month. Taylor decided to spend the summer there and is also applying to do one of their internships. We will know what happens with his future in a week or so.

Sierra actually was in Kansas City too this summer. She went for a few weeks with Carlos and then decided to stay another 10 days with the kids. So, at one time we had all five kids in KC and Carlos and I back here in Orlando. . . . boy that felt weird :-)

As many of you know Carlos and I are the Executive Director's of IHOP Orlando - the Orlando House of Prayer - OHOP. We are a missions base that is contending for 24/7 prayer and worship. The heart of OHOP is our prayer room where we are 70 hours away from being 24/7.

We have about 19 full and part time intercessory missionaries at OHOP. They spend about 20 hours in the prayer room a week and the other 20 hours doing service and admin. hours on the missions base or in one of our arteries such as the Compassion Center.

I also volunteer about 20 hours at the Compassion Center. www.cflcompassioncenter.com We feed and clothe about 300 homeless and low income families and individuals a week. I am in the process of organizing the clothing and also reach out to the community to bring in food drives.

For the first time in about 21 years Carlos and I have been working "together" in ministry. I have always supported him but when the kids were small and I was homeschooling all five of them I could not be of much help so I supported him. Now that the kids are older and some have left the nest it has allowed me to partner with him in ministry! We are having a great time and we have an amazing team at OHOP.

I am going to try to keep the blog updated with "life" details. I probably will not be posting many pictures because it takes too long but if you have a FACEBOOK I post almost everything over there. You can find me at Emily Katsanis Sarmiento. I also added the Orlando House of Prayer page box to the right side of my blog. If you have a FACEBOOK I invite you to become a fan and you can see all what we are doing down in Orlando.

I have received so many nice notes and comments from you all saying you have missed my posts. I will try hard to pop in here and keep you all updated!

Where have the posts gone?

2009-05-18T20:14:00.002-04:00

Many of you have contacted me wondering why I am behind or lagging in blogging. Well, my wonderful laptop crashed . . .I did get a new laptop but I refuse to upload pictures to it so I am saving for an external hard-drive.

I did upload the pics to Alexia's wedding so I will be posting "some" of them in the next week. If you all have a facebook or myspace I have already posted them. I posted them on our OHOP Myspace www.myspace.com/orlandohop and on my FACEBOOK www.facebook.com do a search for Emily Katsanis Sarmiento Check my photo's and I have about 4 albums there from the wedding!

(Uncle Andrew - if you are reading this you need to make a FACEBOOK - it's easy. All of us have FACEBOOKS even mom :-)

Dinner out with the gang!

2009-04-22T12:22:00.003-04:00

After one of the night services we headed out to grab something to eat!

Matt and Alexia's OHOP Wedding Shower Part 1

2009-04-22T11:43:00.005-04:00

Alexia and Matt have had a total of 3 wedding showers. This night was our turn to bless them on their upcoming marriage.

The soon to be married Matt and Alexia

Sierra was the punch server

It's hard to believe my baby girl is getting married.

Halfway through the evening we played the "Newlywed" Game even though they weren't married yet it still was a lot of fun to see how much we knew about each other. Christina was the lucky one who asked us the questions.The guys had to leave the building while Christina asked Alexia and I questions.What. . ..you want me to answer that question??You have got to be kidding!

Oh yes . . .I know this one.

I know this one too!Oh my goodness . .I am soooooooooooo embarrassed

No WAY!

I just have no ideaThat is too funny!

"I can't believe she said that!"

Yes, I know this one too!

Let me tell you all about it!

Part 2 in next post!

Matt and Alexia's OHOP Wedding Shower Part 2

2009-04-19T22:27:00.003-04:00

Then Alexia and I had to leave and it was Matt and Carlos's turn! I know Alexia soooo well!
Yeah right Matt!

but I know Emily better :-)

I am hoping you win Matt!

Then we were brought back in to compare answers.

Are you kidding??

OK . that was embarrassing

Yes . .. he is right!

Please . . .answer the question with the right answer!

Oh my goodness . . my parents crack me up.

Congratulations Matt and Alexia!

Worship Roundtable with Matt and the team

2009-04-19T22:06:00.002-04:00

The Saturday morning after every Awaken The Bride service at OHOP we have a Worship Roundtable. The guest worship leader along with their team meet with area singers and musicians.

They get to "pick" the guests brains for two hours about music, the prayer room, recording, writing etc . .

Thanks guys for all the great information! We learned a lot!

March Awaken The Bride with Matt Gilman our Future Son In Law - Part 1

2009-04-10T19:18:00.005-04:00

Matt, Alexia, Jordan Seth and David came in for our March Awaken The Bride Weekend. It is always the third Friday of the month. We had Christina Kimer start the night out with her team from Grace Tabernacle.

Then it was time for Matt and his team to take over!

Oh Clap Your Hands All Ye People!Shout Unto God With A Voice of Triumph

March Awaken The Bride With Matt Gilman our future son in law Part 2 :-)

2009-04-10T18:46:00.004-04:00

Come on everybody dance . . .come everyone dance!

Then Enrique did a "rap" from their new CD "Rise of the Nazarites"

Matt gets to meet my parents and grandma :-)

2009-04-03T14:42:00.002-04:00

Matt and Alexia came home last weekend for OHOP's Awaken The Bride Weekend. Matt was our special guest worship leader for the weekend. This gave him the opportunity to meet my parents and my grandmother for the first time.My dad and mom LOVED him right away! Mema loved him too!
I already loved him :-)

I couldn't have prayed for a better spouse for Alexia!

Taking a look at the "bling"

2 more months until wedding day!

Sierra's first snuggle with Sophia!

2009-04-03T14:40:00.001-04:00

"Mommy, she is beautiful!" "Can we have another one?"

Jordan - worship leader, musician and preacher

2009-03-24T00:04:00.003-04:00

Two Sunday's ago Carlos had to fly to Portland for a speaking engagement. Jordan happened to be home that weekend so he has Jordan lead worship and bring forth the Word. Jordan is a GREAT preacher/teacher

I am so proud of you Jordan!

Sophia Day 2

2009-03-23T23:47:00.004-04:00

I ended up leaving the hospital the first night around 11pm. The next morning I wokeup and headed back to help her out. This gave Ken a chance to go grab some breakfast. More snuggle time with Sophia Grace
Bonnie getting in some cuddle time too.

More friends Rachel and Iris.

Yes world . . . I am beautiful and wonderfully made!I feel so loved!

Doesn't Lisa look beautiful for just having a baby!!!

Baby Sophia's Delivery Day

2009-03-13T20:07:00.005-04:00

About 3 1/2 weeks ago I had the pleasure of being at Lisa's 4th and final birth. I would have posted these pictures sooner buy my HP Laptop that I use to blog died and so I couldn't get to my pictures until now.

Lisa went in for an induction around 11pm on Thursday night. I arrived around 1 am. I brought my pillow and sleeping bag and pretty much set up my bed when I got there and we all headed to sleep.

Around 5:30am her water broke and then things started rolling.

In the delivery room was Kenmeand then arriving around 8am was Kathleen.Ken was her rock and never left her side.
Lisa normally only has to push about 20 minutes and the baby comes out but this time it was different she had pushed for 2 hours and nothing was happening. So, the doctor decided she better have a C-Section. Lisa was not too happy about this but she knew it was best for the baby.Here is Ken getting on all his "gear"They were ready to head to the operating room.Sophia Grace came into this world totally perfect and beautiful!Kaitlyn the proud big sister.

Lisa's friend Cindy stopped by along with JT and Taye

Lisa's dad - the proud grandpa!

Sophia is so beautiful! It felt so good to hold her! Thanks Lisa for letting me be part of this precious day!

Sophia- we all fell in love with you right away! You are so beautiful and we love you~

Sierra's Singing and Playing Debut

2009-02-26T22:00:00.003-05:00

For about the last year I have been teaching Sierra the piano. She has caught on so quickly. Well, this past Sunday morning she and her friend sang a song during the offering at church. Sierra played the piano and sang. Her friend sang too! They sang one of my favorite songs REVELATION SONG. When you get to the site it's song number 11 on the playlist. The girls did an amazing job and the received a standing ovation. Way to go Girls!!!

The Five Amigo's

2009-02-26T21:45:00.003-05:00

As baby Sophia's gets close to making her arrival. I thought it was time for an update with "my other kids" :-) Here are a few random pictures from the last few weeks.

Landon and Christian

My sweet Ava!Me, Ava and Christian at the mall!

Lisa and I get the kids together to play a few days a week. We take turns hanging out at my house and then on another day hers. She has been keeping the kids bikes at our house because there is more places the kids can ride. Here is Sierra, Kaitlyn, Christian and Ava going on a bike ride. They are all growing up so fast.

Sierra Is A Terrific Kid!

2009-02-20T09:05:00.002-05:00

This past week Sierra was picked by her teacher as a "Terrific Kid". This is the same award , wthat Kaitlyn, my Goddaughter won a few months ago. The school had an award ceremony and invited all the parents of the children that won this award. Sierra's friend on this award too.Sierra was chosen to be part of a skit which talked about what a Terrific Kid is.

Here is Sierra getting her award. The vice principal is reading a note from Sierra's teacher about Sierra.

Congratulations Sierra!

In my book Sierra is one "Terrific Kid"!

Lisa's Baby Shower - baby number 4

2009-02-18T20:36:00.003-05:00

A few weekends ago I hosted Lisa's baby shower here at my home. I have had the pleasure to host all four of her baby showers for all four of their children. Baby Sophia is arriving some time next Friday. Lisa is being induced early Friday morning on the 27th.

I can't wait until next week when we are actually holding her and get to look at her sweet little face.

I also have had the honor of being at all of Lisa's birth and I will be at the delivery next week of baby Sophia! I am soooooooooooo excited!!

Kim Walker and Jesus Culture

2009-02-18T19:31:00.003-05:00

Last month OHOP brought in Kim Walker and part of Jesus Culture. We do these "Awaken The Bride" weekends once a month. We bring in a nationally known worship leader and sometimes part of her band. They come in for a Friday night service, Saturday morning roundtable and lead worship for our Sunday morning fellowship. Here are a few pictures from the weekend.It was our largest ATB we have ever had! Kim was amazing! Her worship is incredible. You can hear her music also at her myspace by clicking here www.myspace.com/kimwalker2

This is Chris Quilala he is an amazing worship leader to plus he is a drummer for Jesus Culture.

Our new OHOP shirt!

Another new OHOP shirt.

Me and and my very good friend Christina!

Christina is an amazing worship leader and this is part of her team minus Taylor :-)

Me and Chris

Me and my friend Sara who is with the One Thing Prayer Center in Tampa.

A Future American Idol?

2009-02-01T22:58:00.002-05:00

Little Ava is following in her mother's footsteps! Here she is in singing debut! :-)Actually we were at our friends birthday party that had this stage all set up for the kids to dance and to sing!

Sierra's New Haircut!

2009-02-01T22:55:00.002-05:00

I had been wanting to take Sierra to get her haircut so we took time out a few weeks ago to do just that. I called my friend Jane who cuts hair and asked her if she had time to cut Sierra's hair. She gave her a great cut which is perfect for her to maintain each day! Great job Jane!!!

You're A Good Man Charlie Brown

2009-02-01T22:37:00.003-05:00

My sister Stephanie surprised me, Sierra, Kaitlyn and Lisa and treated us to a play that was being put on by Steph's sister in law Courtney's production company. Lisa was not able to go so Sierra, Landon and I ended up going.

The play was held at a local Civic Center.

When we arrived we immediately ran into Steph's father in law Jim. We then saw Courtney! She has always been into acting, directing and singing. We were so excited for her and this new endeavor.

For those who live in Central Florida please keep your ears and eyes open for further productions from the Princess Charming Productions. You can check out their website at: www.princesscharmingproductions.com for future upcoming show dates.The play was just GREAT! We all three enjoyed it a lot. After the show Sierra and I got a picture with the cast! Thanks Steph for treating us to such a fun day!

Jordan and Jessica are Engaged!!!!

2009-01-17T00:01:00.005-05:00

A few months ago Jordan called us and let us know he wanted to ask Jessica to marry him. He wanted us all to be there so we could all celebrate so decided that New Years Day was going to be the day!

Jordan had made plans to take her out to dinner and then he made reservations for a horse and carriage ride in downtown Kansas City. This picture is right before he left to take her to dinner.

My last hug with my first baby before he was engaged to be married!

Jessica had no idea what was about to happen.

While they were at dinner Jordan had asked their friend Tasha and Austin to get things ready at Alexia's house for a engagement party.

Here they are after arriving to the party! The newly engaged Jordan and Jessica!Many of their friends came throughout the evening to help them celebrate!

I am so happy for the two of them! Jessica will be an awesome addition to our family!

It's hard to believe two of our five children are now engaged to be married. Both couples plan on marrying this spring.

Jordan and Jessica are getting married in Kansas City and Matt and Alexia will be getting married in Orlando.

It was awesome to have George and Janice with us. George has been Jordan and Alexia's youth pastor since they have been 14 years old.

Chelsea played a joke on me saying she got engaged too! And yes- I believed her!!!

I love this picture too! It brings tears to my eyes because since my kids were first born I have been praying for their future mates. It's so neat to see in the flesh two of the five I have prayed for. Also, we are so blessed that both Jessica and Matt are involved in houses of prayer like we are. Jessica's family is part of the Detroit House of Prayer and Matt being involved at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. Thank you Lord for bringing such wonderful fiances to Jordan and Alexia!

New Years Day with Matt and Family

2009-01-16T23:49:00.003-05:00

New Years Day we met Matt, his father, his sister and her "fiance" . . . yes, I said fiance. Laura and Jonathan had just got engaged two days before. So, now Matt's parents have Matt and Laura both engaged!!Hopefully their weddings won't be to close :-) Laura's fiance is living in New Zealand and working at a House of Prayer over there.

The newly engaged Laura and Jonathan!Laura's ring and Alexia's ringAlexia and Matt the other newly engaged couple :-)The future Father in Laws - Tom and Carlos

This picture is so special - it has all five of our kids plus our future son in law Matt and hopefully our future daughter in law Jessica!

What Jessica doesn't know is that later that night she would be engaged too :-)

One Thing 08 Day 4 New Years Eve

2009-01-16T22:02:00.004-05:00

We had lunch with our friends John and Christina Kimer, Carlos's mom and brother andall our other friends from OHOP at Cheesecake Factory Yum!!Later that evening at the night session on New Years Eve Mike invited Carlos to come up and tell about what has been going on at OHOP and to pray.It was true honor for him to have this opportunity.Not only was speaking to the 18,000 at the conference but also two millions on God TV. I believe that God TV is seen in over 200 countries around the world.You can watch archives of the One thing Conference at http://www.ihop.org/

We rang in the New Year in worship. IHOP worship leader Misty Edwards and her team lead us into 2009 with amazing worship to our King.

I received these pictures later that night from our friend Rachel. She and a bunch of our friends from OHOP who were back in Orlando got to together for New Years and watched One Thing on the computer. He they are watching Carlos LIVE at the conference.

One Thing 08 Day 3

2009-01-16T18:09:00.003-05:00

We were so excited for Day 3 - Matt and his team were leading worship for the afternoon and evening sessions.The place was totally packed!

If you haven't heard Matt you need to check out his music at www.myspace.com/mattgilmanmusic

Carlos's mom and his brother Ray came to the conferenc e and this was their first time to hear him.

Matt has a gift of leading people right into the Lord's presence.

Mike Bickle, the Executive Director of IHOP KC brought forth another word on Revelation!

Then Matt ended the service back in worship!

It was awesome!

One Thing 08 Day 2

2009-01-16T13:03:00.004-05:00

The second day of the conference was just as amazing as the first. Misty Edwards lead worship and was just totally amazing!The love of the Lord just flows right out of that woman!Mike Bickle brought forth a great word! I ran into my friend Austin. He sings on two different teams at IHOP! I am so proud of him! After lunch we ran into Matt and Alexia. Matt had to do some sound checks to we decided to get some Starbuck's with his dad Tom, his sister Laura and Alexia.

Matt's family is from Minnesota. His father is a pastor too. His wife Patty was not able to make it so we look foward to meeting her in the future - probably at the wedding :-) Matt also has two sister Sara and Laura. Laura is on staff at IHOP too and his sister Sara is married with two children.

We had a great time getting to know Tom and Laura. We found out that Matt's parents names is the same as my parents names Tom and Patty. Also, Tom's birthday is the same as Alexia's May 9th :-)

After having coffee we headed back to the convention center. One time of year the prayer room is moved to the convention center while the One Thing conference is going on. IHOP KC's prayer room has been 24/7 for over 9 years.

Jordan has joined Matt's team and is the backup keyboard player. Matt's team was scheduled in the prayer room next so we all headed there to listen to the set.

After the set I headed back to our OHOP booth. I really enjoyed meeting so many people. I had two camera's with me the whole week and took a ton of pictures. I did have an accident with one of my camera's and lost hundreds of pictures of the week which included many friends we met that are friends of ours on the OHOP myspace. Here are a few pictures that we had on my other camera.

This is Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner. They have an incredible family that are all part of IHOP KC. Their son Truman came to OHOP to play keys with their son in law Marcus Meier when he came to lead worship for our September Awaken The Bride. Also, their daughter Grace is an IHOP Worship leader too. Our very own Christina Kimer and part of her team were at One Thing too. It was great so spend time with everyone that week.

I was sitting in one of the conference sessions and received a text from my friend Rebekah Ingalls who works for One Thing. She is part of the Mobilization department. She said that they wanted to interview me in regards to how we are mobilizing down here in Orlando. I at first thought she wanted Carlos so I handed the phone to me but then a few minutes later he leaned over and said they wanted me. So, I headed over to the interview area .Rebekah is orginally from Lakeland, FL but has been living in Kansas City since starting her job at IHOP KC. www.ihop.orgThe interview went pretty good . I explained how we were using Myspace and Facebook to get the word out about OHOP and also how we do monthly Awaken The Bride Weekends which brings in people from all over Florida and south Georgia.

Rebekah is just a doll and she does an amazing job!

One Thing 08 - Opening Day

2009-01-14T14:48:00.003-05:00

The next day on the 28th was the beginning of the One Thing 08 Conference. It was so cool to see thousands upon thousands of young people flowing into the convention center. An estimated 18,500 people attended the four day conference!
People came in from all over the world.It was so packed they had to bring in more chairs.Cory Asbury, IHOP Worship Leader and his team lead worship for the first day.

Alexia's fiance Matt use to be on Cory's team but now has his own team but for the conference he did sing with them. Also, on Cory's team is our good friend Austin and of course Cory's wife Anna.
You can here his music by clicking here: Cory Asbury

Many of the houses of prayer across the United States had booths at the conference. We had a booth for OHOP

Over the four days I spent a lot of time at our booth! It was great because we were able to meet so many people from all around the world. Our OHOP Myspace has almost 7000 friends and many of them were at the conference!

Arriving in Kansas City

2009-01-14T01:08:00.003-05:00

We drove halfway the first day to Nashville spent the night at a hotel and then finished the trip on the 27th. Welcoming into Kansas City was a snowstorm. I was so thankful that we only had about an hour of driving in the snow but I was so happy for the kids that they were able to see it snowing. I have seen enough snow in my life to last a life time so I stayed in the hotel while they unloaded the van.

The snow continued to pour down!What a perfect beginning to what was going to be an incredible week!

Off to One Thing 08 in Kansas City

2009-01-13T23:38:00.004-05:00

On December 26th, we packed up the car and headed north towards Kansas City. We were headed to IHOP's One Thing 08 Conference. Matt and Alexia flew back that day because he needed to get back because he was one of the worship leaders who would be singing at the conference. Jordan was flying the next day to Michigan so he could drive his girlfriend back to Kansas City. He didn't want her driving by herself. So, that left me, Carlos, Taylor, Landon, Sierra driving.

My sister Stephanie and her family were headed on 75 South coming to Florida. We were headed on 75 North headed to Kansas City. We kept in touch and when our paths finally crossed it was just south of Atlanta . We decided to pull over at the famous Hwy Restaurant - Cracker Barrel.

The weather was gloomy and cold that day!
My sister, her husband Todd, my niece Ashley and my nephew Nathan. My other nephew Travis couldn't come this trip because he is on the high school basketball team and he had a tournament that he had to play in so he stayed back in Indiana at my other sister's house.

We were all so excited to see each other! I am so happy it worked out for us to take a little time to meet and catch up a little bit.

Taylor getting a hug from his cousin Ashley!
It was so cold so we hurried inside. Taylor and Nathan!
All of a sudden I saw something sparkling from Nathan's ears.

Yes, he got his ears pierced. Oh brother :-)

Our friends George and Janice were going to One Thing too so we were following each other. They stopped at Cracker Barrel with us too.

Steph and TaylorSteph, Ashley and Sierra

Steph, me and Todd

Steph and Landon

Our visit was too short but we were thankful for the time we had.

It was so hard to say goodbye! I really miss my sister's a lot. I have to plan a trip to Indiana.

Christmas Morning 2008

2009-01-07T19:13:00.007-05:00

We had a not so typical Christmas this year. We were sooooo busy that sad to say we did not get to one of our traditions this year. There are so many special things we do each December but due to our schedules and travels none of them happened this year. We didn't do our annual decorate the house weekend. We didn't put up a tree. We never made it over to Downtown Disney which have done for almost 15 years with our friends The George's. I didn't have my Cookie Exchange. We didn't get to the mall to see Santa, see a Christmas movie and eat Chick fil A . . .I could go on and on. I honestly didn't think the kids were going to mind too much but did I guess wrong. As I soon found out as we got close to Christmas how disappointed the actually were.

Another sad thing that happened is that I got sick. I never get sick but on the 21st of December the night we went to Disney World I came down with the worse cold and cold symtoms I have ever had. That cold is still lingering with me today and I am writing this on 1/7/09. On Christmas Eve we always go to my inlaws to celebrate with Carlos's side of the family. I was so sick that I stayed home while they went. I did make a Sausage Egg Casserole so we would at least have that for Christmas morning. Also, I wrapped up the rest of the gifts and had them ready to go for the next morning. I usually get all their stockings together and ready too but sad to say all of our stockings were put away with all of our stocking stuff so I didn't do stockings but thankfully our friends Martha and Nathan surprised the kids and had sent home with me after church a stocking filled with goodies for each one . .even for Matt, Alexia's fiance and Jordan's girlfriend Jessica.

So, we wokeup Christmas morning around mid morning. I did feel bad that we didn't even have a tree up but there was nothing I could about it at that point. I wokeup feeling horrible! I wanted to stay in bed but I knew that wasn't going to happen. I had Jordan preheat the oven so I could get the Sausage Egg Bake going. We all eventually made it downstairs. I took a place on one of the sofa's .

Poor Matt still isn't use to our camera being out all the time but actually he lucked out because I normally am snapping pictures the whole time but due to not feeling good I had the kids take pictures this year.But he was a trooper and eventually warmed up to having the camera going :-)We didn't have too many wrapped presents because most of the kids wanted money this year. So, we started with present that Sierra gave to the family. She gave Carlos a coupon for something and a picture of herself.Then she surprised Jordan with something.Then AlexiaShe actually made this little jewelry holder for Alexia.She even gave Matt a little something.She gave Taylor a bear. And I forget what she gave Landon. She gave me a coupon for a free footrub!Alexia loves Bare Escentuals like I do so that is one thing she asked for. She got a few kits.
Sierra asked for clothes!
Taylor wanted mostly money but he got a few shirts so he had something to open.Alexia still loves Hello Kitty and she loves jammies.
Our friend Martha and Nathan gave Landon and Sierra two DS games.
A Bare Escentuals Makeup Travel Case for Alexia

Alexia and I did make it to the mall a week or so before Christmas so I could pick up something for Matt. We had a hard time deciding.
We finally decided on a gift certificate to his favorite store Banana Republic!More BE for Alexia!
More clothes for Sierra!
Jordan had told me about a month he ran out of ProActiv .
I ended up finding these jumbo sizes on QVC. He loved it . . .it should last him a long while.
More clothes!
Alexia surprised me and made this picture book for me.
I LOVED it!
Sierra's big gift was a featherbed which is what she has been asking for since last Christmas when Landon got his.
We then gave them their Christmas money which is always a hit.

Then we had one more surprise. Our friends Martha and Nathan surprised the kids this year BIG TIME. They purchased a WII system for the kids . . .along with games, accessories, 3 extra controllers and more. They were SHOCKED!!!! It was actually the biggest hit of the morning.Jordan then had a surprise for all of us. He was so excited for us to open it . . .. . I had no idea what it could possibly be. He set it out in the middle of the room and then had us open it. Much to our surprise it as a new Apple computer and a printer. Jordan works for Apple and receives one huge discount a year on a computer and he chose to use that discount on us! Wow! We were shocked!The computer is awesome! It is a desktop that does not have a tower. It' so cool!!I love it! My desk downstairs off the kitchen now has an amazing computer for us all to use! Thanks Jordan for this huge surprise.

The rest of the day we just all relaxed and then later that night everyone headed out to the movies except for me. I stayed home and went to bed! We were leaving the next morning for Kansas City. We were heading back up there to go to the International House of Prayer's One Thing 08 Conference. Thank goodness I had everyone pack on the 24th!

The Annual Hallmark Christmas Ornaments 2008

2009-01-01T20:32:00.003-05:00

Well, for those of you who have followed my blog for over two years you know by now that this was not a typical Christmas for us. First of all, we did not decorate at all this year. We had a wedding Thanksgiving weekend which is the weekend we normally do all of our decorating. The following week we were in Kansas City. The next weekend we had another wedding. So, at that point we decided we weren't going to decorate at all because we were also leaving the 26th to go back to Kansas City for IHOP KC's One Thing Conference.

Normally, I pass out the kids Hallmark Ornaments and give them their new ornaments on the Saturday after Thanksgiving but since that didn't work out I gave them their ornaments Christmas morning. This Christmas we were happy to have Alexia's fiance Matt with us. I did feel bad because we didn't even have a tree up but he was kind enough to understand.

Jordan's ornament this year was a choir singing. I gave him this one because I really think 2009 for him is going to be a year where he is going to get more secure with his voice and start using it in the IHOP Prayer Room.

For Alexia, I normally do not doing a "character" ornaments but this year as I was looking through all the ornaments I came across the Cinderella and her Prince Ornament. I loved it because the prince had brown hair and Cinderella blond. It was just perfect especially since they got engaged before Christmas.They are very much in love! I was just mentioning to someone how exciting it is to see the person you have prayed for since the day Alexia was born. To finally see her future spouse in the flesh is just amazing and he is perfect for her! Taylor's ornment is a snowman who is on his cellphone with a up of coffee. This ornament so fits Taylor perfectly. His cellphone is permanently attached to his ear or at least we think it is :-)Landon's ornament, is the manger scene. Landon has such a sweet spirit and loves the Lord so much. The Lord has been doing awesome things with him this year and I can't wait to see what 2009 has in store for him. (I also forgot to take a closeup of his so I will when I get back home)Sierra is such a fun loving girl! Everyday after school she plays outside with her friend Braxton. When I saw this ornament I immediately knew this was hers. We didn't even take them out of their boxes but they will be all ready for next year!

Jordan Comes Home For Christmas!

2009-01-01T20:26:00.002-05:00

Taylor and I went to the airport on the 24th to pickup Jordan from the airport. We were so excited to see him and to have the whole family together. We made a quick stop at McDonalds before heading home!

Disney in December thanks to our Friends!

2009-01-01T18:44:00.003-05:00

We were blessed with 5 Disney tickets by our friends the Kimer's for Christmas and our friends the Dykgraaf's gave us one more so all six of us could go to Disney for a day. The one day we could all go was on the 22nd of December. It just happened to be one of the coldest days we have had so far but we got all bundled up and headed to the Magic Kingdom! We were all excited to be at Disney but we were all sad too that Jordan couldn't be with us.

Our first stop was the Monster's Inc Laugh Floor - it was a really cute show!We then caught the tail end of the Christmas Parade.

We then ran into our friends Edwin, Heather and Nick. We decided to stay together and hit the rides. We went to the kiddie area and rode the mini rollercoaster for Sierra.

Heather, Alexia and me

Then it was off to a Small World

I love this picture!

Then we went to FrontierLand

Thunder Mountain!

While we were there we ran into Tito, Erika and Illiana.

This was only Sierra' second time to Disney!

These crazy ones were the only ones to ride Splash Mountain but they were very lucky they didn't get soaked. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Then we watched the Christmas Show in front of the castle.

It was getting colder by the minute so we tried to stay warm. Heather is about 7 months pregnant so her hubby Edwin rented a wheel chair so she could rest.

Disney at Night!

Thanks again to the Kimer's and the Dykgraaf's for blessing us with an incredible day!

Birthday wishes to Sierra from OHOP

2008-12-27T11:07:00.004-05:00

This past Sunday Carlos and the whole church sang Happy Birthday to Sierra. She loves her daddy!
Getting a hug from PG!My lovable Christian! He is so sweet - he always says "I love you Ebby"! Where is my AVA????????????? There she is!!!!!

Alexia's Marriage Proposal

2008-12-27T10:29:00.004-05:00

A very special event took place tonight under the moonlight under this giant Florida oak tree in our backyard.

Alexia's boyfriend Matt was secretly waiting for her to return.
This note was taped to our front door so when she arrived home she would see it and head to the backyard. When she saw him she ran to him and jumped into his arms.

He then looked into her eyes and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him as Mrs. Matt Gilman! She immediately said yes!

He shared with her a letter that was written from his parents just for her.

Alexia's dream was coming true!

The happy newly engaged couple!

The future Mr. and Mrs. Matt Gilman The ring!12/23/08 our daughter's dream came true!

Christian's Preschool Christmas Program

2008-12-26T17:43:00.003-05:00

There he goes making his way onto the stage. What a cutie!
The kids were dressed so cute!

It was so sweet to hear them sing all their Christmas songs.

I was surprised how many songs they performed.

He did GREAT!

Ava goes to the same preschool so after the program I went with Lisa to pick her up from her class. Here she is saying goodbye to her teacher.

She has her backpack and she is ready to go.

We then went to a small reception area where they served refreshments.

Lisa's sister Michelle with Kaitlyn.

Lisa's dad with Christian

Lisa's dad and Ken's dad with the man of the hour.

Christian Ebby is so proud of you! You did GREAT!

I love you!

OHOP's Children's Equipping Center's Christmas Program

2008-12-26T14:40:00.005-05:00

On our missions base we have a Children's Equipping Center.

Our Vision

To equip, empower and release young people to pray the Word, preach the Gospel of salvation, teach of His Coming and walk in the Power of the Holy Spirit.

Our Motives

To help children understand the context of night and day prayer, in order to to see young people establish night and day prayer throughout the Earth.

Our Passion

To assist a generation and those called to lead and parent them with truths that will pass on to a generation the desire to have a passionate love and pursuit of the Word of God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Our Prayer

To see a generation of young people and their parents and leaders raised up to advance in the Kingdom of God, while learning and experiencing the reality of being a “Friend of the Bridegroom”.

The CEC children had been working for weeks on a wonderful Christmas program that was led by Lorretta Steele. The Lord actually gave her the idea for the whole thing.

You can barely see her but Sierra is playing at the second piano on the left.Core Equipping Values

BIBLE LITERACY
We have sought to raise up a Bible-literate generation. Children will be equipped with a heart-felt knowledge of the Bible through godly content, creative teaching methods, resources, environment, solid leadership and life experiences. We believe the scripture of the entire Bible to be inspired by God. We believe that the Bible is the divine authority for our faith and beliefs—it is God’s revelation of Himself to mankind. (2 Timothy 3:16)

PRAYER (The Pursuit of Intimacy with Jesus)

Children will be taught to understand that the Holy Spirit is orchestrating a global prayer strategy in these very days, and they are a part of it!

We teach principles about enjoyable prayer that assist children with a deep passion to develop an intimate dialogue and a desire to communicate with God just as He communicates with them. Children can hear from God and understand more than most people think. We hold true to Isaiah 56:7, “Even them I will bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer.”

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

We place a high value on teaching children about praise and worship. Mike Bickle in the Forerunner School of Ministry syllabus states that King David described three responses of people who are fully possessed by God. They tremble, rejoice, and kiss the heart of God (Psalm 2:9–12). We believe every child deserves the opportunity to express their love for God and have a place to receive His love for them. This is the environment we have set out to create. We focus our attention weekly with the children on the following:
His Majesty: We believe and teach children that they can be drawn into the presence of the Lord and tremble as they come to understand the His majesty.
His Redemption: We believe that if we teach children to experience and understand His majesty, they will celebrate and rejoice knowing of the benefits of His redemption.
The Heart of God: We believe when children understand at an early age His majesty and the benefits of His redemption, they will see how worship and praise touch the heart of God, which will grow into having a more intimate relationship with Jesus.

POWER, SIGNS & WONDERS
We teach children to believe that Jesus expressed the Father's heart when He called them to come to Him and compared the Kingdom of God to them (Luke 18:15–17).

We believe God's power, signs and wonders are not just for adults to experience. Children, too, can walk in the boldness, zeal and power of God; to participate in ministry to one another in such a way that signs and wonders can be released through them. Isaiah 8:18 says, “Here am I and the children whom the Lord has given me! We are for signs and wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, Who dwells in Mount Zion."

THE PROPHETIC
We teach children to believe the promise given to us in Acts 2:17 that in these days, His Spirit will be poured out on all flesh and they are the ones who will prophesy, dream dreams and see visions. We are seeking the Lord for daily wisdom, strategies and opportunities to mobilize this promise in the hearts of young people worldwide. We believe there is a "Sons of Issachar" anointing being poured out on children across all the planet to understand the times and seasons we are living in.

Celebrating my friend Heather's birthday Japanese style

2008-12-26T14:02:00.002-05:00

Alexia and I have a mutual friend Heather. She is married to Edwin who is a worship leader at OHOP and also a very good friend of mine. I play keys on his Saturday night prayer set.

Heather and Edwin invited Alexia and I to go out for Japenese to celebrate Heather's birthday! Also joining us was Adam and Christiana who were home from IHOP for the holiday's and Jenny,Ome and their baby Genesis.

Me and Genesis! I had fun watching her react to all the "fire and noise"Heather and Edwin are expecting their first baby this spring.Where is Genesis?
There she is :-)

Happy Birthday Heather! Alexia and I love you very much!

Sierra's 9th Birthday

2008-12-26T13:49:00.003-05:00

Sierra's birthday fell on a Sunday this year. Sunday birthday's always are difficult in our house because of church and not getting home until late afternoon. So, we decided to celebrate on Saturday instead. Sierra had a few friends over on Friday night and Saturday.

She loved her cupcake "cake"!

Our weather has been crazy this winter. One day it is 82 and then next day it is 55. She lucked out and it was a beautiful 80 degree day so she and her friend went swimming.Blow out the candles and make a wish!Sitting pretty at on her birthday chair. She was anxious to open her presents.This year she had one thing in mind for birthday presents and that was boots. Here is what her "breakfast" present was. The lunch present.
The dinner present.

She was so excited to get her boots. She has seen Alexia wearing all her boots and she wanted to be just like her big sister. Happy Birthday Sierra! We love you!

Alexia dancing with the Roman Soldier

2008-12-26T12:10:00.003-05:00

After the OHOP Christmas Banquet I looked up on stage and saw Alexia dancing with the "Roman Soldier".She is always the life of the party.I have to admit she is an awesome dancer. Then our friend Tito got in on the action.Ought oh - I don't think the soldier likes him cutting in.Is he drawing his sword??????????Tito has no clue what is coming his way.Watch out Tito!!!!!!!!!!!
That's our girl!

Alexia Singing in the OHOP Prayer Room

2008-12-26T11:54:00.003-05:00

My friend Christina leads a two hour set every Tuesday in our prayer room. Last week she asked Alexia do sing on her team She did an awesome job! I keep trying to convince her to tryout for IHOP KC's prayer room.A few days later I was up at OHOP meeting with Gabrielle, a worship leader from Titusville. He and his team want to start doing sets in our prayer room too after the first of the year.

That night Alexia and I subbed as singers on Natalies team. Once again Lexi did a great job.

One Thing House of Prayer

2008-12-22T01:34:00.002-05:00

There are hundreds of Houses of Prayer all over the US and around the world. I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah Love who is from the One Thing House of Prayer in the Brandon/Tampa area. She came to OHOP last week so she could take a tour of OHOP and to network with us. It was great meeting her!
Here is an excerpt for their website:
Why Prayer As Worship
King David made that truth a living reality when he launched a national movement of singing and instrumentation that helped thrust Israel into her Divine destiny. He paid 4,000 full-time musicians and hundreds of prophetic singers to gaze day and night upon God as they sang the prayers of Zion. This was their primary occupation in life. They were employed in the Tabernacle of David, which combined worship with intercession that never ceased as it continued 24/7.

Many Christians love music, yet they do not have a revelation of the power of anointed music and worship. Onething has a vision to see music restored to the place of glory God intended for it. We must never allow prayer and worship to be reduced to form and function. God intended it to be the vehicle that transports us into the His glory.

Jeremiah 24:7 I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with all their heart.

OUR PURPOSE: Onething - To Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Mark 12:30

Purpose:
1. The reason for existence. The reason for which something exists for which it has been done or made.

2. The desired effect. The goal or intended outcome of something.

3. The desire or the resolve necessary to accomplish a goal.

OUR MISSION: To establish 24/7 prayer in the Greater Tampa area. Isaiah 62:6

Mission:
1. Assigned task. A particular task given to a person or group to carry out.

2. Calling. An aim or task that someone believes it is his or her duty to carry out or to which he or she attaches special importance and denoted special care.

OUR VISION: To dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 27:4

Vision:
1. Ability to see.

* Your vision statement is the force that will sustain you when your mission statement seems too heavy to endure, enforce or engage.

Operation Outcry and A Cry Without A Voice visit OHOP

2008-12-22T00:52:00.002-05:00

Our friend, Cecilia Sullivan is part of a ministry called Operation Outcry and A Cry Without A Voice. We invited her plus some of the ladies that are part of these ministries to come to OHOP to tell our missions base about what they do.Operation Outcry is the project of THE JUSTICE FOUNDATION to end legal abortion by exposing the truth about its devastating impact on women, men and families. We believe that this will be accomplished through prayer and with the testimonies of women and men who have suffered harm from abortion. We are working to restore justice and to protect women, men, and children from the destruction that abortion causes.
OPERATION OUTCRY exposes the two great lies surrounding legalized abortion: 1) abortion is good and safe for women; and, 2) it is not a baby being aborted.
OPERATION OUTCRY has a national network of leaders to assist, encourage, and train women and others to speak out in the public arena and to collect DECLARATIONS for the historic legal effort to end legal abortion. PLEASE JOIN ONE MILLION VOICES

HOPE AND HEALING
OPERATION OUTCRY reaches out to hurting women and men and refers them to the National Helpline for Abortion Recovery - a 24-hour, toll-free helpline to help women and men deal with their grief and to offer hope and healing. If you are hurting from abortion, please call the National Helpline for Abortion Recovery at 866-482-LIFE.
Operation Outcry is:
Touching hearts by “crying out” the truth that abortion hurts women, men, families, and the culture.
Changing lives by offering hope and healing as women and men share their personal stories of tragic grief and pain of abortion.
Restoring justice through legal and legislative efforts. The U.S. Supreme Court cited to the written testimony of the women of Operation Outcry in upholding the federal ban on partial-birth abortion. But the Court said it did not know the size of the problem, so help us collect one million declarations to show the Court how many are hurt by abortion!
BackgroundIn 2000, The Justice Foundation agreed to represent Norma McCorvey, who was “Jane Roe” in Roe v. Wade, and Sandra Cano, who was “Mary Doe” in Doe v. Bolton, in their legal efforts to reverse their 1973 Supreme Court rulings that made abortion on demand legal in America. In the evidence collection phase of the legal effort, women who experienced the tragic and harmful effects of abortion provided sworn testimony about how abortion hurt them. See “Legal Cases” for more information on the Roe and Doe case. In light of the partial-birth abortion decision of April 2007, our goal is to now collect one million DECLARATIONS to show the court the size of the problem with abortion and how it hurts women.Operation Outcry inpired a national movement of women and others harmed by abortion who are sharing their stories in the hope that others will be spared the suffering and tragic consequences they have endured. They are exposing the truth that abortion hurts the mother and father of the unborn baby, as well as others. Abortion strikes at the heart of a culture: the family. Join us!

A Cry Without A Voice A Cry Without a Voice HistoryKrissi and Rebecca's Story
Krissi Rutledge Vasquez was a young woman at Southeastern Bible College who began to think of the 'silent' war which is ravaging lives in our 'Homeland' everyday. She saw that as men and women risk their lives for our freedom, it is those 'freedoms' that are ending unborn life.
She began to collect 3500 baby shoes to display on the Washington, DC Mall to show how our nation's children's 'destiny's' are affected by abortion.
The 'A Cry Without a Voice Project' was to represent three 'cries' associated with abortion.
1. The first cry is the unborn child(ren) in the womb crying out for LIFE.2. Second, are the mothers who silently grieve year after year and have no voice due to the guilt and shame they carry. 3. The third cry represents the fathers who have no voice in whether their child will have a destiny thanks to a 'woman's right' to choose.
Only 1200 baby shoes were collected but it created a bigger impact when people realized it was only 1/3 of the daily loss. There were 35 pairs of baby shoes tagged 'In Loving Memory' at the original display.
Rebecca Porter was asked to take over the project in 2005. She helped with the original display and her children's tagged baby shoes are part of it. She has taken small displays all over America and around the world.
There are not over 700 tagged pairs and 1500 total pairs collected since becoming the 'A Cry Without a Voice' Memorial.
Some of the baby shoes are tagged by women, men and siblings in memory of their family members lost to abortion. Some have been sent to the memorial after completing an abortion recovery group, but the majority has been tagged during the display.
Parts of the Memorial have traveled to Operation Outcry events and retreats • TheCall prayer and fasting gatherings in Nashville, Orlando, Montgomery and Washington DC • America for Jesus Rally • Creation Festivals • Soul Fest • Texas, Pennsylvania, Georgia • University of Florida and University of Miami • Internationally to Israel, Holland, Hungary and Jamaica.

All of the women shared their testimonies which brought tears to most of us.

This woman's daughter died due to a legal abortion procedure.

Most of these women had all had abortions many years ago but today have asked the Lord for forgiveness and they are now involved in both of these ministries.

Carlos brought our Bound4Life Orlando Director's up to the stage so he could pray for all three ministries.
Our very good friends Edwin and Heather are the Orlando Director's of Bound4Life Orlando.

Another Teenager In The House!!!!

2008-12-17T16:58:00.003-05:00

Landon turned 13 on December 12th. I can't believe we now have one child in his 20's and three others in their teens. Thank goodness Sierra still has four more years before she hits the teen years. Landon opened his "breakfast present" after breakfast.Then a bunch of Landon's friends came over for a small party. They played football mostly and then it was time for cake.

Happy 13th Birthday Landon!
I had a feeling things were going to get messy so I moved them to the basketball court.Oh No !!!!!!!!!!!!!

And it did get messy!
There went the cake - sure wasn't expecting that - but I guess that's teenagers for you.He opened his "lunch" present after lunch :-)Carlos and I took him out for dinner.

"Mom, it's my birthday, please no pictures"

It's hard to believe he is already a teenager.My little Landon Tommy not so little anymore.

I am not sure where the rest of the kids were so he had us to himself.

After dinner the last present was opened. Happy Birthday Landon! We love you!

Our Trip To Kansas City

2008-12-12T23:39:00.006-05:00

This past Monday Carlos and I flew out to Kansas City. He has meetings with IHOP Leadership all week and I went to spend some time with Jordan, Alexia and Alexia's boyfriend Matt Gilman. We don't get to go too often on trips on our own without kids but thanks to my mom we were able to go. She came in on Sunday and watched the kids the whole week we were gone.

Matt and Alexia picked us up at the airport and then we stopped by a restaurant and got something to eat.
It was great having a few hours to spend with just the two of them. They seemed very HAPPY together!

After lunch we headed back to Alexia's house where Carlos and I were going to be staying. Four of the girls that room with Alexia already had headed home for the Christmas so there was plenty of room.

While we were unpacking Alexia showed us a picture of their "first" date. Matt surprised her and took her out to eat the most incredible restaurant. When he went to pick her up he had flowers and chocolate for her too. After dinner they went to the top of this building and he had brought some "Frank Sinatra"music (Oh - I knew I loved this guy - Frank is my FAVORITE) and they were able to spend some time dancing and talking. Alexia's camera was not working so thankfully a gentleman at the restaurant took this picture of them.

I think they make an adorable couple! And the best thing is - they both love the Lord more than anything on this earth!Later that evening we met up with Jordan and had dinner with him. He is doing great! Besides going to school at IHOP he also has a GREAT job at Apple which he just LOVES. He is doing so good at the job he won some saleman award this week.

We then went back to Alexia's and settled in for the night!

The next day we woke up to snow, ice and freezing temps. The first day we were there it was a beautiful 52 degrees . . .something happened overnight and winter had arrived. We decided to go and grab some breakfast because Alexia did not have any food in the house because she was flying home with us for two weeks and didn't want to have any food go bad.The roads were getting bad but we were still able to make it to the restaurant.I was so cold and all I wanted was a nice hot cup of tea and of course the Spinach Mushroom Omelet to go with it.While we were waiting for our food Alexia called and said that she , Matt and our friends Adam and Christina were going to come and eat too.Adam and Christina are actually from OHOP but they moved to Kansas City to work and go to school at IHOP for one year. Christina actually sings on Matt's team and Adam is a graphic artist. They will be moving back to OHOP in March.

After we ate we all headed to the IHOP Prayer Room. The weather was getting worse by the minute.The snow was really coming down by the time we parked.We were going to be at the prayer room most of the day. When we got there Jaye Thomas and his team was playing.
At 4pm was Matt's set. The picture came out blurry but I am still posting it :-) You can see the IHOP Prayer Room live at http://www.ihop.org/. You pay just $10.00 to have it live 24/7.

When we left the prayer room that night the snow was still coming down. We didn't have a snowscraper.I have to admit the snow was beautiful.Cold but Beauitful!

When we got back to the house we were able to see Tasha and her friend who had come over to hangout.

We hungout with Matt and Alexia.

Aren't they cute? :-) Carlos worked on the computer.The next morning Carlos had a meeting with some IHOP Leadership and Alexia and decided to sleep in! We had a leisurely day - it was just perfect. Later on that afternoon we went out for a late lunch with Jordan, Alexia, Matt and their friend Seth who is an amazing guitarist at IHOP. He plays on Matt's team and Cory Asbury's team. He has also played on Misty Edwards CD's. Seth will be coming to OHOP in March with Matt and also our friend David. They will be the guest worship leader and musicians who will be coming in for our March Awaken the Bride monthly service.After dinner we headed back to the IHOP Prayer Room to go to Matt's set. That night Jordan played backup keys for Matt. Matt invited us to go to his briefing before the set. I was excited about that because it was great to see how they brief before they actually start there set.

In fact, it looks like Jordan will be joining Matt's team fulltime in January.Christina sings on the team and Seth plays electric guitar. Our other friend Candice is also a singer on his team along with Jessica and Hurley. Matt's first chorus leader is IHOP's very own Justin Rizzo - who is totally amazing too.I wish these pictures had come out better.

After the set they let us come back to listen to their debriefing. This is the room where they brief and debrief in.

After the set we went back to Alexia's. We ran into another friend and roommate of Alexia's Chelsea.

Chelsea is an absolute doll! Carlos and I love her so much! She also goes to school at IHOP and sings on Luke Woods team. We decided to play Phase Ten!As you can see Matt just LOVED all the pictures LOL! Alexia told him he might as well get use to it.

I thought I had more pictures but I think this is it. We had the best time and actully brought Alexia home for Christmas last night. Jordan will be coming home on or around Christmas Eve. Thanks Matt for putting up with all the picture taking!

Our Towns Christmas Parade 08

2008-12-10T14:17:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday was our towns Christmas Parade. We got there later than we wanted and we had to search for seats.We finally found a spot and got situated. Landon wanted to go to a friends house to play so we thought we just had Sierra coming with us.But Taylor decided at the last minute to come too! It was funny to watch how many girls said "Hi Taylor" that day :-)Let the parade begin!

Santa always brings up the tail of the parade! After the parade we got a small bite to eat and then we walked down to the lake.Sierra took a walk on the floating pier. I went with her but then had to get off quick because the motion was making me feel sick.

We had a great time and it helped to put us just a little more in the Christmas Spirit!

Jeff and Marcella's Wedding

2008-12-10T13:51:00.002-05:00

You may kiss your bride!

Jeff and Marcella's Wedding Reception

2008-12-10T13:00:00.003-05:00

Off to the Reception!

My beautiful God-Daughter Kaitlyn!

Jeff loves his new bride!Love is in the air Ahhhhh - go ahead and kiss her on the lips - remember you are married now LOL

The first dance!

Is this champagne or apple cider?????I'm feeling good Ebby!

Our good friends Kevin and Lisa - our Sushi Partners! We had enough of the camera!

Time to call it a day!

Carlos Preaching in Russia - Part 1

2008-12-09T10:43:00.003-05:00

Carlos was invited to preach at a church in Russia in the city of Yaraslavl. He went for about two weeks and preached 17 times. They sent me a disc with over 1700 pictures from the two weeks. I couldn't post them all but here are a few that I will share.

Carlos Preaching in Russia Part 2

2008-12-09T10:10:00.003-05:00

Jeff and Marcella's Wedding Rehearsal

2008-12-02T20:44:00.003-05:00

This past Friday was the wedding rehearsal for our friends Jeff and Marcella. The wedding was going to be at Marcella's parents home who live on 20 acres out in the country. Carlos was going to be marrying them, Kaitlyn was the flower girl and Christian the ring bearer. Ken, Ava and I came along too because they invited us all to the rehearsal dinner.

When we got out of the car Ava went right to the fence.

She had spotted some wild boar which were headed her way.She didn't look to happy about that :-)

"Ebby - get me out of here!"

They had an area all set up in their front yard.

It was a beautiful setting. I am sure everyone was praying for good weather to happen the next day.

While they were all working on the rehearsal, Ava and I took a walk around their property.

We came across their tractor which Ava loved.

A country girl - just like Ebby!

After the rehearsal we all headed to the restaurant for a wonderful meal! It was a great end to a perfect day!

Sierra Michelle's Self Portraits

2008-12-02T20:41:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-02T18:51:00.008-05:00

This year for Thanksgiving we were missing our two oldest. Jordan was back in Kansas City having dinner with his good friends Adam and Christina, Matt-Alexia's boyfriend and Austin. Alexia went to Texas with her good friend Sarah how is also a student at IHOP.

My mom, dad, Mema (my grandma) and my Aunt Vicki came in on Thanksgiving Day.

Aunt Vicki Mema Mom

DadI set the table the night before.I always roast the turkey in my NESCO Roaster Oven which frees up my other oven for my side dishes. This year the bird weighed in at 20 3/4 lbs :-)The menu is pretty much the same every year. Corn Casserole, Spinach Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, Swiss Bean Casserole, Homemade Dressing which we baked this year in a muffin pans instead of 9 x 13, mashed potatoes, Orange Jello Salad, Marinated Salad and Cranberry Jellied Sauce plus a loaf of my homemade bread! The only thing I didn't cook this year was the dressing which my mom and grandma always do and the pies. My mom got busy right away on the pies.Sierra was so excited to have them all here.

Mom and Dad live about 2 1/2 hours away so we don't get to see them as much as we'd like.

Carlos spent most of the day at his parents house and then came back in time to eat with us.

It was fun spending time in the kitchen with mom and mema.

We took time to call Jordan and Alexia. We also called Jordan's girlfriend Jessica who was home in Michigan and Alexia's boyfriend Matt.

Sierra wrote a poem which she read before we prayed for our Thanksgiving Meal.

Here is what she wrote:

The turky comes out of the oven. The steam fills my nose. It's Thanksgiving! I love Thanksgiving because it is the holiday when we give thanks. One thing I am thankful for is my family. I am thankful for my family because some people don't have a family.

Another reason why I am thankful is for my home. I am so grateful for my home because some people do not have a home and they are homeless.

I am also blessed for my freedom. My freedom is great because I can say and do what I want to do. In South America they do not have the same freedoms.

I am so blessed to be who I want to be because in some countries people cannot be what they want to be.

The last thing I am thankful for is God. God created the whole Earth. If it wasn't for God we would not be here. Most all we are fortunate to have each other and for our love.

By Sierra - 8 years old in the third grade

After dinner we did the dishes and then relaxed.Molly found her favorite spot on the couch. She was also happy to have two of her family members come to dinner too!Yankee which is her brother and my parents dog.And Motley who is my aunts dog.Then it was time for the pies. 2 pumpkins, an apple and a cherry! YUM!

We made coffee, hot tea and everyone had pie.

Then Sierra gave us a concert on the piano. She played and sang Marcus Meier's song PLEDGE.

I taught her a few chords last spring and she has self taught herself the rest.I then got in on the act. I sang and played "All Who Are Thirsty".And for my MEMA - "The Old Rugged Cross" and "In The Garden" her two favorite songs.Then everything got crazy - I don't know if it was because we were all so full, or the caffiene hit all at once or we were just plain crazy but the next few pictures will show you . . . . . .Even the mayor got into the action :-)Like I told Matt on the phone - we are one crazy family LOL!!!!!!!!!!As the day came to a close I reflected on all the things I was thankful for. My wonderful family who I adore, my husband and my healthy five children, Jessica and Matt, our close friends and our "other children" and our wonderful beautiful radiant Lord.

I am also thankful that my horse is home safe and sound behind our house. We had a scare last week when some young kids opened our pasture gate and let him out. I didn't know he was gone until later that night and by then he was long gone. For four days we looked for him but no sign of him. Then on the fourth day I found out that Animal Services had picked him up at another farm. My friend Angela hooked up her trailer, picked me up and then we were off to bring him home.

Thank you Lord for a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. You are such an awesome God!

Our Sweet Ava is "2" today!

2008-11-29T20:24:00.004-05:00

Two years ago today our sweet Ava Young was born. I was blessed to have been in all three of Lisa (my best friends) births. Ava was the last one but sweet Sophia is on her way in March 09.She was so excited to blow out her candles."Hey guys - those are my candles!!!!" "Now mom?""OK - here I go!""Blow out the candles and make a wish"
Ava is amazing!

She is independent but oh so loving!

She has the most joyful personality!

She has such a free spirit!

She has mind of her own!

She is our adorable Ava and we love her so much!Kaitlyn the big sister!

Christian the big brother - as you can see he loved the cake :-)Happy Birthday Ava! Papa and Ebby love you so much!

Our "other" blessings!!

November Awaken The Bride with Christina Kimer and Grace Tabernacle

2008-11-29T19:42:00.003-05:00

Grace Tabernacle along with Christina Kimer are were our guest worship leaders and dance team for our November Awaken The Bride Service. The service started out with the dance/drama team.

Then Christina and her team lead us in worship!

Then Carlos brought forth the Word.

Then there was a time of ministry!

The kids and adults cried out to God.

Words were given.

Thanks Christina and Grace Tabernacle! We love you!

Dad Makes The Paper

2008-11-29T09:03:00.004-05:00

The local Sebring newspaper did this article on counting your blessings. They called my dad to interview him about what he is thankful for. Here is the part of the article where they mention dad:

Calling other leaders in Highlands County we found them all in the same frame of mind. Some thought in terms of the work they do, many counted personal blessings.

Mayor Tom Katsanis, for example, said, "I'm thankful to be alive. I'm 75 and praise the Lord in good health with a body in good enough shape to I can play tennis five days a week and still water ski using one ski. Katsanis also mentioned his joy in his family, his wife, his four children and all 14 of his grand children and his three son in laws and his daughter in law. He was especially grateful that the Grace Bible Church is vibrant and thriving under the leadership of his son, Andrew. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve the city. "Every day I am mayor I feel blessed." he said.

Missing Jordan

2008-11-26T23:25:00.002-05:00

It must be the time of year but I am missing Jordan and Alexia. Neither one can come home for Thanksgiving but they will be home for Christmas. I know he is having a great time living in Missouri but with the great change of seasons come the falling leaves.

Oh my goodness - I can't believe how many leaves he raked up. And what do college guys do after they rake up all the leaves?

:-)

I love and miss you Jordan! Come home soon! Love, MOM

Missing Alexia

2008-11-26T22:59:00.004-05:00

I have been missing Alexia a lot lately - especially since she isn't coming home for Thanksgiving. She will be coming home for Christmas so I know it won't be long until she is home.

Alexia has a new "friend" :-) His name is Matt Gilman and he is one of the International House of Prayer's Worship leaders. You can check out his music by clicking here: Matt Gilman
Matt actually called Carlos a few months ago to ask permission to "pursue" her. They are enjoying getting to know each other.
Not only does he lead worship at IHOP but he also travels with The Call and Lou Engle.
I know she is enjoying this new friendship!

I am very happy for Alexia. She is having a great time at school and she has made great friends.
I miss you Alexia! I can't wait until you come home for Christmas! I love you! MOM

OHOP's Central Florida Compassion Center Thanksgiving Outreach-Part 1

2008-11-22T17:23:00.007-05:00

This past Thursday night our missions base Compassion Center hosted a FREE Thanksgiving Dinner for the Homeless and Needy of our community.We are so excited to see so many people coming to the free dinnerThe food was prepared by many of our missions base members, other churches and also Restaurants and grocery stores. We had so many of our OHOP family and other churches come to volunteer for this outreach.We had the people seat at the tables and then our volunteers served them the dinner.The food was so good and everyone seemed to really enjoy the hot meal.

Carlos, Ken and George gave away many door prizes that were donated by differnt people. All of the prizes were gift cards to different places.

The first winner!This guy was so happy he kissed George on the forehead LOLA happy winner!

The Compassion Center is always looking for donations. This time of year we really need blankets, coats, jackets, gloves, sweathers, mittens, scarves and all types of warm clothes. We had one of our missions base members talk to her employer and he gave her permission to let her fellow employees know that the CFCC needed blankets for the homeless. Well, they came through with TONS of blankets which we were able to give out that night. A cold front came through Florida so it was chilly and the blankets were greatly appreciated.

We also had bread donated by Publix Grocery stores and eggs by many OHOP members and other churches in and around Central Florida. We were able to give each family bread and eggs too.

Each family left with a full stomach, a blanket, a carton of eggs and bread!

OHOP's Central Florida Compassion Center Thanksgiving Outreach-Part 2

2008-11-22T16:59:00.004-05:00

More and more people kept coming. It was so neat to see the amount of families that came that night.The food never ran out. The blankets were a HUGE hit.
It was getting colder by the minute so they all started wrapping up in their new blankets.

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and they were very thankful.

The 3 Amigos

Chatting with one of the men who came to the outreach.

Our children stayed in the CFCC's Computer Lab most of the evening. This kept them safe and busy with some thing to do.

I did have a nice surprise. Lisa introduced me to this gentleman who was from another church. She said he use to play in the major leagues. I said, "GREAT!" He said, "Oh, do you like baseball?" I told him I did but not to laugh when I told him what team I liked. He said he wouldn't so I told him the Cincinnati Reds. Well, wouldn't you know it that is the team he played on as catcher when he was playing ball. His name is Eddie Taubensee and he was the Red's catcher for many years. I got so excited - I told him my dad was an avid RED's fan and he and his whole family was from Cincinnati. I asked him if he would give him a call and he did. It just made my dad's night! Thanks EddieHe also blessed me with a picture and he took my dad's address so he could mail him an autographed picture! Thanks again Eddie - you made our night!

More blankets

More eggs to give away

More smiles

Another door prize winner!

He was so thankful!

Even more door prizes.

More food

And they kept coming and coming!

Turkey's and Ham's

They waited patiently for a table.

The good kept coming!

What a wonderful successful night! A huge thank you to Ken and Lisa who are the Pantry's Director's. Also, to all the volunteers who made this dinner possible! If you would like to make a donation to OHOP's Central Florida Compassion Center please email Ken at KJArtigas@aol.com

Can you help my friend?

2008-11-21T16:13:00.001-05:00

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED - SHE WON HER CATEGORY!!!!!!!!

I have a very good friend who homeschools and her blog was nominated for an award. She is 11 points behind in the voting and I would love to help her out. Could you take just 30 seconds and follow the directions below and go and vote for her blog. The voting ends this evening. I would love to help her out.Thanks Emily

Hello FriendsIf you would like to cast a vote for my blog, please vote before this Friday, Nov 21st by doing the following:
1.Go to http://www.%20homeschoolblogawards.%20com/
2. Click on the word VOTE on the right hand side.
3. Scroll down to #19 - Best Variety and click on it.
4.Click on the circle for my blog - Life Is Good
5. Click on the button at bottom that says vote

THANKS much for taking the time to vote for my blog! Cindy

John Paul Jackson

2008-11-21T15:47:00.003-05:00

Last weekend our missions base was part of a conference with another house of prayer. We were able to set up a table with some info and some of our product. Plus, we had our laptop there where we had the IHOP prayer room webstreaming live. Carlos was asked to be part of a "roundtable" with three other ministers one being John Paul Jackson who is the founder of STREAMS Ministries International.I was back in the back and couldn't get close enough to get a good picture. But I did manage to get a picture with John Paul afterwards :-)

24/7 Night and Day Prayer

2008-11-14T18:25:00.003-05:00

We are hoping to have our prayer room 24/7 in the next 3-6 months. Please be in prayer that the Lord sends us more musicians, singers, intercessors and sound techs so this can happen. Thanks so much!

2008-11-14T14:24:00.002-05:00

Taylor's Homecoming Night was last Friday. He was the winner for the Freshmen guys for the homecoming court. They had the Homecoming Parade that afternoon. Taylor was paired up with Natalie. Thankfully her parents had this hot car for them to ride in for the parade and for that night at the game.Photo Opportunity In the parade. .. . Passing the school during the paradeThat night at Homecoming
Making their way fround the football field

Good memories!

Congratulations for being the Freshman winner for the 9th grade Homecoming Court! You are one handsome dude!

The Kids Hanging Out Together!

2008-11-13T22:59:00.003-05:00

One day last week I looked out the kitchen window and saw Taylor, Landon and Sierra all playing in the backyard. I have to admit that doesn't happen too often anymore so I grabbed my camera to capture it.They all had baseball mitts and were practicing catching and throwing! I love it when they all find something to do together. Sierra had so much fun hanging out with her two brothers.
She has a pretty good arm.

Catch that ball Landon!

:-)