Biltmore trip

This is one stairway from the outside. See how it winds, even from outside.Unfortunately, they wouldn't let us take pictures from inside the castle.
This is rear view of the castle. This view can only be seen from certain tours.
We took a carriage ride. Kalyn loved it, even though it was blue COLD!

We traveled to Asheville, North Carolina before Christmas to see the Biltmore Estate. It was a good trip. I had been wanting to go for a long time and it was worth it. My camera messed up while we were there so I dont have as many pictures as I would like but here are a few.

MOMENT OF MOTHERLY PRIDE

Okay, I know we are not supposed to brag....but I will just have to ask for forgiveness. Let me start at the beginning. When the school year first began, Kalyn was given some sort of reading test that placed her on a reading "level" so her teacher would know how well she was doing. Kalyn was at a 3.2 level, meaning that she could read and comprehend on a 3rd grade, 2nd month level and she is only in 2nd grade. We thought the score was wonderful. We were so proud of her. But here is even greater news. She was tested again before school let out for Christmas break and her score has improved. She is now reading on a 4th grade, 5th month level!!! We could not be prouder of her. She is so amazing!!

On another note--since we were so busy around Christmas time, Steven and I didn't have alot of time to spend with Kalyn, just us.We usually spend time with her making sure she knows the true meaning of Christmas. But this year, we just didn't have the time. So one night, right before Christmas, we were sitting on the couch together and I asked her if she knew what Christmas really meant. She explained the ENTIRE story to us. She never missed a beat, not one word, not one small detail. We sat in awe just listening to her. It was like she was really there, that first Christmas so long ago. She told every single detail. Her eyes would light up at certain parts. It was like she was teaching it to us. I don't think I will ever forget it.... Her telling us the true meaning of Christmas.

LOVE DARE

Steven and I have begun the Love Dare book. Love Dare goes along with the movie Fireproof. We are currently on Dare 4. So far, it is kinda cheesy. Steven actually said last night, "I hope we get to the good stuff soon because we already do these things." And, you know what... He is right. I'm not bragging...well..maybe I am just a little...but we do already say and do things that let each other know we love them and are thinking of them. So, maybe we are not as bad off as we thought. LOL!
However, if anyone is having trouble letting their spouse know how much they actually care, the Love Dare book is something to check into. Each partner must be committed to the cause though, or I can see where it would not work. Because sometimes you do think it is a little silly, but if it helps your marriage..Why not give it a try?

Clean calendar

I am so glad that the New Year is here. January brings a " cooling off" period for us. Things begin to slow down a little at the Rouse house, which is always refreshing. We actually get to spend some relaxing nights at home. It is nice to be able to look at each other and say " Ok, we don't have any plans for tonight." We absolutely live by our calendar. We keep it posted on the wall. It brings a smile to my face to look at it and see days with nothing written on them. I may be strange, but it is sort of a stress reliever to be able to play board games or watch TV with my family and not have to worry about making sure we don't miss some kind of plans.

Gosh.... its been a long time

Didn't realize how long it has been since my last post. Time has flown by. We have been so very busy, I just didn't take the time to blog. Well, let's see, what has happened since I last blogged.... Halloween came and went, Thanksgiving came and went and now here it is 3 days until Christmas!!! Where does all the time go? My days seem to pass by, one after another and I wonder what I accomplished during that day.
Kalyn's soccer season is over. The girls had a winning season. We thoroughly enjoyed coaching them. We had a great bunch of girls!
We had our annual church Trunk or Treat on Halloween night. It was better this year. We ministered to approximately 200 kids!! That's awesome for a town our size! We had a great time. Steven and I really like being with those young people.
Thanksgiving was blessed this year. We enjoyed family. Steven is able to be off work for Thanksgiving now and that is great. We are so thankful for what God has blessed us with. He continues to impress us almost daily.
I finally got to take my trip to Biltmore Estates!!!YAY!YAY! I have wanted to go for years and we just could never manage it. This time, we planned our trip a year in advance. We went the first weekend in December. The House was decorated for Christmas, a great time to go. Nothing like a different themed Christmas tree in every room! One drawback--they won't let you take any pictures of the inside of the castle. But we still had a really good time. I would recommend going, at least once.
So, despite all of our Christmas social events of the season, that pretty much sums it up. Not so much, when you look at it in print. But it has sure kept us hopping. Steven has been sick most of the month. He cant seem to get rid of the crud. He has been to the doctor, but I think he may need to go again. Sometimes, he can hardly catch his breath from all the coughing.
Kalyn is growing up more each day. She has asked Santa for just about everything you can think of this year. Whew.. the list has grown tremendously.
Well, I am gonna stop for now. Maybe it wont be so long next time. And maybe I will post some pictures also.

Sonshine Avenue Seminar

One classroom- decorated as movie theatre- even has theatre seating inside

The stage in the large worship room- actually moves

The characters were true to their parts.

Here are some pictures of the Sonshine Avenue Workshop that I went to at North Cleveland Church of God. The place was awesome. Bro Keith Mcmanus is truly annointed. It just pours out of him! I sat in wonder at the amazing things God has done for that Children's department. My feelings? I was totally and completely overwhelmed. Heard wonderful uplifting and encouraging things. I just kept thinking "This will never work at Skyline." " For one thing, we have very little money." " It will be close to impossible for people to jump on board, especially since they have never seen or felt the awestruck wonder of a place like this." ( Yeah.... I know that is Satan casting doubt and discouragement. But , boy, It's hard not to listen to him sometimes). So, for now, I am waiting. To see what God has in store for the Children's Ministry. I brought back some ideas that I think are gonna work nicely on Wednesday nights- countdowns, candy cash reward system, 3 strike discipline program, memory verses, repetitive themes in our lessons. Small baby steps, one at a time.

Children's workshop

Laura Olinger and I are attending a children's seminar for the next three days. The workshop is at North Cleveland Church of God, just above Chattanooga. We leave this afternoon and will not return until late Saturday evening. We are hoping for uplifting and the installation of creative ideas so maybe we can better minister to our children. The class itinerary looks great. They have several classes that you can choose from, depending on your point of interest, so our plans are to catch as many different classes as possible between the two of us. I hope the class proves to be wonderful. However, I have never been away from my family for that long. SO I am having some major anxiety over that aspect. Please pray for my peace and reassurance over this matter so that I may fully receive from the Lord during this seminar. My desire is to move our children out of "play", from candy, movies, and bible stories into active worshipers, prayer warriors, and praise facilitators. I just don't know exactly how to accomplish that yet.