Wendy! It's Your Day!!!

It was brought to my attention that today is Wendy Bayne's birthday! Wendy lives in North Carolina. She has been reading my blog since about day one! Thank you, Wendy, for faithfully reading what little I have to say here. It was nice to meet you this past summer. I hope you have had a wonderful day and a blessed year!!

To The World's Best Mom ~

Today, my Mother, Carolyn Courtney, has a birthday! I love the way her birthday is October 10. I've always loved that. Her birthday is 10-10. It's so ordered and alliterated, if numbers can be alliterated. It defines who she is perfectly. She is orderly, neat and complete! Even her birthday bespeaks that about her.
I've written about my Mom before here and here, but I could write many more posts about her and still never tell you all of her wonderful attributes.
My Mother knows no "excuses". I've seen many folks stop various ministries, or not try to serve the Lord at all, because of weaker excuses than my Mom could come up with. I've known people who don't go soul winning because they are tired. My Mom has gone every Tuesday night, after teaching school or working as an Elementary principal all day long. I remember that she didn't make homemade biscuits or prepare fresh baked apple pies, because she used her time and energy to go out and witness for Jesus. Sometimes, she would buy clothes for a needy lady in our church. Every week, she and my Dad would prepare a sack of food and a note with a little money included and leave it outside my Pastor's office door on Sunday mornings. My Mother has continued this loving gesture for Bro. Graham even now that Dad's in Heaven. I remember my parents both memorizing this little poem. They recited it at breakfast many days, and I learned it too! It says: "It's not what you'd do with a million, if riches should e'er be your lot. It's what you're doing at present, with the dollar and quarter you've got." My Mom and Dad tried to use their "dollar and quarter" for the Lord, and for others. It has reaped them many heavenly dividends.
My Mom and Dad took a two mile walk together every morning at about 6:00. My Mother still rises early each day and walks her two miles, even though she walks alone. The reason she continues serving and walking alone, is because, in fact, she is not alone. My Saviour, whom she and Dad introduced to me years ago by living just like Him, is walking with her. While Dad had to move on to Heaven first, we know we will see him again someday. In the meantime, Jesus has promised to never leave us (Hebrews 13:5). He will continue walking with Mom, and with me, until we see Him face to face.
If you don't know for sure that you will be Heaven someday, please settle that question today. Click here for a video message that can clear up any doubts you may have about attaining salvation. This is what my Mom and my whole family live for.

Happy birthday, Mom! Thank you for walking faithfully through the trials of life. You are my inspiration when I get low. Thinking of you keeps me going when I would rather quit. I am so blessed to have been included in the Courtney family.

Happy Birthday to a Great Guy

I want to wish my nephew, David Allen Pledger, a wonderful 11th birthday today!!! I can't believe he is eleven years old. I was only eleven myself when I became an Aunt for the first time. For about 9 years, I was a professional Aunt. I had no younger siblings, but I had two nephews and a niece before David Allen was born. When he was only three months old, I was married. When he was two, I had my first child. I can remember how sweetly he would play on the floor. I remember not wanting to put him, or any of my nephews or niece, down! I wanted to hold them constantly! :) I enjoyed being the babysitter!

Time is flying by, and I am so thankful for every moment I've been able to be a part of your life, David Allen. I hate that we are separated by so many miles and mountains! I'm so thankful that we are saved, for one day, there will be no more separation!

Have a wonderful birthday today, and eat some cake for me, too!

Love,

Aunt Valerie :)

PS I miss you guys so much!!!!

Enjoy these photos taken this past summer in beautiful North Carolina.

This one is kinda blurry. He's speeding by me, and I think he's giving me the "peace" sign. Is that what it is? Or maybe he was doing a "V" for his wonderful Aunt Valerie!! Or maybe that's how many laps he'd taken. Hmmm. Whatever it is, it's cute!! :)

Can It Be?

Today, our precious Lauren turns nine years old. I really can't believe that my time raising her is halfway over. It brings tears to my eyes. I've tried so hard to be the right kind of Mother to her. She is strong willed, but, so am I. My home pastor, Bro. Ken Graham, always taught us that we should break the will, but not the spirit. I don't want to break my daughter's spirit. I fear that I have come close at times.
There have been days when I have lost my temper, shouted or sounded extremely irritated with her. I have gone to ask her forgiveness when this happens. I want to teach her that we all fail, but when we do, we should make it right. I hate that I fail. I am so worried I will ruin my children. I bathe my children in prayer whenever I think about them.
The desire of my heart is that my children grow to love the Lord. I want him to be real to them. I want them to serve the Lord because they know Him for themselves, not just because "that's what Mom and Dad did." I want it to be personal.
The only way for me to accomplish this is through the power of the Holy Spirit. Only God can do the true work on their hearts - from the inside, to the outside.

Lauren has already had to face some struggles in her life, but even so, she has a tender heart. She stood proudly in our Sunday night service to give her salvation testimony. I am so thankful that she isn't afraid to tell the church and her friends what Jesus did for her!
I'm not the perfect parent (Oh! How I long to be!) But Jesus is the perfect Savior. I pray He will do the work in her life that only He can. Now, I must go dry my tears. I hope you enjoy a look back on our sweet Lauren Kassidy.

Happy Birthday, Lauren. I sure do love you. I don't deserve to even be a Mother. I am so thankful that God is merciful and gave what I didn't deserve.
I am so very proud of you.

Happy Birthday, Stephen!

I want to wish my nephew, Stephen Pledger, a happy 5th birthday today! We just got to visit him and his family in North Carolina for our vacation. I can't believe you're really FIVE!!! Here are some recent photos of the birthday boy, and a few friends.

Stephen and Leslie having fun. Look at Stephen's sweet smile! Oooo, and notice Leslie's black feet...she's fitting in here in Arkansas just fine! She never wears shoes! I guess North Carolinians are similar because no one said anything. Or maybe they were just silently appalled. :]
Here's Andrew, Laci and Stephen. Stephen sure did love Laci! He loved playing with her and kissing her!

On Saturday, July 26th, he broke his leg while jumping on the trampoline. :[ He has to wear the cast above for another week, and then a smaller cast for three more weeks after that.

Stephen, I hope you have a wonderful birthday! I hope that cast isn't bothering you too much!

We love you and miss you!!!

Mitchell Is Six

Today is Mitchell's birthday! I can't believe how quickly the time goes by. I know it's zipping along, but it still surprises me for some reason! I see my children every day, so the changes are gradual. As I look at the photos of days gone by, I can see how much they have changed!

Here's a look back at Mitch:

In Texas, age three. I see architecture in his future! See how that tower leans, but doesn't fall? Don't you think that's talent? No? Oh. Must be the Mom in me! :]
Weeks after moving into our home in Burnet, he's already looking like a Texan, and working hard!
My Hero!
Here's his second birthday. He has a deep cut on his head, and we don't know how he did it. He had to wear steri-strips for a while.
Age two, in Lawrence, Kansas...and in the dryer!

Here's my big guy at our house in Topeka at 18 mos. Okay. I may start tearing up now. See his new stick? We try to give our kids the lastest and newest items to play with. We go all out.
"No, that's a little too much water for me." Mitchell at the beach in Florida, April 2004.
Here's Mitch at age three again. He made himself a nice new bed! I told you that we go all out in our family! I guess now you believe me!

Here's Mitch on Pilot Mountain in North Carolina two weeks ago.

Here's Mitch at the pump at Helen Keller's home in Tuscumbia, Alabama two weeks ago. I'll be posting more about our trip later. I just wanted to share this photo. He sure does look six, doesn't he? Why do kids hafta grow up, anyway? *sigh*

Mitchell is full of energy and such a joy to be around. This morning I asked him if he felt ready for first grade. He said "Oh Mother, do we start first grade tomorrow?" I hope he is just as eager when we do begin!

He got saved on May 25th. I had the privilege of leading him to Jesus. I am praying that he truly understood...he's got a very active mind, and I wonder if his concentration was with me while I was talking to him. If not, I pray God keeps his heart tender till the time is right.

I must share one more story and I promise I'll stop! Maybe. :]

Mitchell turned two shortly after my Dad went to Heaven. One day not long after his birthday, I sat on my bed crying uncontrollably over the loss of my Dad. It would sweep over me at all different times. Terry worked long, hard hours. I was lonely and distraught. I turned to the Lord many times and could only cry - no words would come - but the Lord knew. Mitchell came to me that day and saw me crying. He couldn't talk much then, but he did something I'll never forget. He went over to where Terry kept his handkerchiefs and opened the drawer. He pulled out a white handkerchief and handed it to me. I didn't know he even knew where we kept the handkerchiefs. The Lord used my little Mitchell to comfort me. Mitchell has kept that tender heart. He cries so easily, and he loves so strongly. He is very observant, and very friendly!

I thank the Lord for my only boy, Mitchell Lee Basham. I pray that He will grow up to be and do just what the Lord wants.

Happy Birthday, Mitch! We love you!

Happy Birthday, Amanda!

I just wanted to wish my very good friend, Amanda Tyler, a wonderful birthday today! She has been an encouragement to me ever since we met in 1993. She has always been someone to listen to my heartaches and disappointments. She has sent me a card or given me a call just when I needed it. She is now a missionary to Brazil and inspires me with her sweet spirit and hard work as she and her hubby and three boys travel from sea to shining sea on deputation. She never complains or gripes about the struggles that surely must await her every time she hits the road. She never whines. She is only happy, kind and loving. She's another one of my friends who only encourages me to go forward in my Christian life. She has a "never give up" attitude even when she's tired, worn out, or lonely. When I feel that way, I only need to give her a ring and before I know it, I'm smiling - or laughing - and ready to go on for a little while longer.

Thank you, Amanda, for being my friend. Thank you for encouraging me by your life to go forward for the Lord. I look forward to seeing you face to face again in a few days (can't get over that I'm gonna see you twice in eight months!! Yes!! Can't wait!!).

Have a wonderful day, and a happy 29th year!

Love,
Valerie

June Is A Busy Month

We have lots of birthdays in June in my family! We have so many, that I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get something posted for each person on their actual birthday, so I decided I would do everyone on June 30th...which is today. :)
I hope you all got your cards from me on your birthday, I'm sorry this post is a belated birthday wish.

June 2nd...my niece, Ashley in Florida turned nine! My how the time flies!
June 8th...my nephew, Levi, turned nineteen. I can't believe that. It feels like it was yesterday that I held him in my arms and played with him. Wow.
June 18th..my sister-in-law, Kathy celebrated a birthday. She was just about the only friend I had for a period of time in my life. I'm so thankful for her. (Wish we could see you all!)
June 22nd...My mother-in-law had a birthday!!! We sure do miss you, Kathy!
June 27th...My Aunt Kathleen in Phoenix had a birthday! She is the lady who introduced me to aerobic videos. It's because of her that I love to workout!! (sometimes!)

Happy Birthday to all of you! I love you all, and I am praying for you daily. I hope we can see each other again soon!!

Leslie Anne~

Our little Leslie turned three on Saturday, May 17th - one day after we arrived in Hope! We planned her party for the following Monday evening, and I paused the unpacking so we could celebrate!! I didn't have the time to get out my cake decorating stuff, so I ordered a cake for her from Wal-Mart. It had the tasty cool-whip type frosting! Dee-lish.Here are some photos of our party for our sweet - but stubborn- well, that's not a good word, let's use feisty. Yes, That sounds better. Our sweet, but feisty, little Leslie. She definitely has spunk!

Enjoying her birthday meal. She's spunky, and a ham! What a combo!

Her Cinderella cake. Leslie is a girly-girl. She loves princesses and dolls.
Blowing out the candles.
I think Mitch took this photo!

Her gift from Mom and Dad, a pink and purple tricycle!(She LOVES pink!)

My Mom was helping us get settled, so she got to be there for Leslie's party. Here she is with the card she gave her (with a little cash included) and the sunglasses she gave her. Our church family sees her walk in church wearing these shades and calls her "Hollywood"! :]

Leslie wanted to do "school" like her big brother and sister, so I ordered her some books from Abeka. I planned to do them with her in the fall, but when I saw how busy I'd be with the older ones, we decided to get going this summer! She's working on coloring the number two on Button Bear's shirt below.

Here's Leslie working on her alphabet page. She's gluing dried beans onto the shape of "Aa". She's also concerned about the scratch on her cheek. She's wearing a bandaid on her face!