It Happend in a BLINK!

Hard to believe, but just yesterday she was this bouncing bundle of joy!

 

 

 

All of the sudden we found ourselves planning a Surprise Sweet 16 for this beauty!

 

 

 

She has a big daddy daughter trip to Savannah planned later this month, but I was feeling a little left out.  With just a little over a week's time, we pulled off a big surprise with a few of her close friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The girls were waiting quietly on the stairs for Savanna to come through the door.

Savanna quickly changed and joined them for a formal dinner in honor of her birthday. 

 

 

 

We finished off the evening by getting comfy again and sitting around a bonfire.

 

 

I can't believe she'll soon be driving all by herself! 

 

We've known this day would come, but how quickly it came!  We are so proud of the young lady she has become and can't wait to see how God will use her in the future.  For now, we rest in knowing that she's His.  We're thankful He allowed us the opportunity to raise her. 

We pray that she always seeks His will and hears His voice.

 

 

Special thanks to the Watsons for sharing their home with us for this special occasion.  We are thankful for your obedience to God's calling of hospitality that you have always shown to our family.

We love you dearly.



 

 

 

No Laundry, Nanny 911, and Camping

An almost empty washer!?!  Yes.  It's only taken 15 years to get here, but it's a welcome site. 

 How did we do it? 

We are on week 3 of our new laundry plan and we've seen some interesting side effects....

The Plan:  Each child has been assigned a day of the week to do their own laundry- start to finish.

Mom and Dad do laundry on weekend.

The side effects:  miraculously, not as much laundry hits the floor

                                          miraculously, clothes that don't fit have been weeded out

                      miraculously, piles of laundry do not abound

Whoo Hoo for this momma of 4!

 

Nanny 911 is a new (to us) fave for this non cable family.  We didn't allow our kids to watch all these nanny shows when they were on for fear they'd pick up the atrocious behaviors. 

 So, we've just recently begun taking them in. 

I can only handle about 2 episodes before they begin to stress me out!

I love that my children can see how important it is for mom and dad to be on the same page when it comes to discipline and running a home.  I love that they can appreciate all the hard work their own parents have done to make sure our home was not in a constant state of 911:).  I chuckle at comments like, if my kids ever acted like that I'd call you over for a month to straighten them out! 

 

 

We finally broke out the old camper and snuck out for a weekend of camping.  It was short and busy with trips back to town multiple times for sports and events, but fun all the same. 

 We'll take what we can get at this stage in our lives.

Savanna was with us, just missing from this picture.  Selfies are more her style these days.

 

  Time is flying.  Thankful to have them, to know they all have an eternal home in heaven, and praying for God to use them in mighty ways for His glory.

 

God doesn't have Problems, just Plans...

It has been a crazy month at the Hagerty Home!
Everything is in full swing now with school and church.  Piano lessons are back on and the Hagerty 3 are all running cross county!

In addition to the busyness of life, mom and dad have lots of changes in our work, challenges with friends, and family members in crisis.  Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming.  So... how do we handle all of this Hagerty Style?  "We're workin' on it"
We cry and pray and vent to each other, cry and pray some more.  But what I love about us, is when we are all in agreement on what we believe to be God's will and Daddy approved- we are all on board to do whatever it is He's calling us to do. 
Sometimes a break is all we need to get our thinking straight!

 

Time spent unplugged is always a great start!  During our weekend at Grandma's, God spoke to our heavy burdened hearts through grandma's cooking, a call from a friend with help, texts from faithful friends, a church sign that read "God doesn't have Problems, just Plans" and through the sweetest prayers of our children. 

Thankful that my 11 year old knew when praying for the family to be discrete.  He asked God to help with our .... stuff.  He, at the age of 11, knew that something's don't need to be shared with everyone to be heard by our Father. 

Thankful our teens and tweens are comfortable surrendering their battles.

We hit the road early to head back home to join our church family in

worship.  Still a little burdened, we began offering our sacrifice of praise.  I didn't understand that term for a long time until it was explained to me that it's praising God when praising goes against how we are currently feeling (when we're burdened or broken) that's when our praises become a sacrifice to Him.  He is worthy of our praise all the time. 

By the time we reached our church home, we were ready to worship with full and thankful hearts.  Knowing that He has a plan, that none of our drama has caught Him by surprise, and that He is able to do more than we can even think or ask. 

 

We still have another day of our long weekend to go, but it's already more Jesus focused than it began!

 

Blessing from Exclusion

It happens to everyone at some point. 

To parents, children, and even families.

At work, school, church, and sometimes in extended family.

The feeling that you have been excluded. 

It's a sad and hurtful feeling and can even allow anger to show it's face.

So where's the blessing?

The world gives us lots of advice on this subject.  Many ways to help your teen or tween not to be excluded.  A list of steps to take to ensure they're never excluded. 

 

Here's how we handle it Hagerty Style:

We don't believe this feeling can be blamed on others.  We are responsible for how we feel.
Most of the time when we perceive we've been excluded, we are wrong.  People do not think about us as much as we think they do.  Sometimes, it is simply an oversight.  It still hurts.  It can still cause anger.  But we must stop and remember we have a choice to stew and be angry or a choice to be happy. 
When we sit and think about the things I want, I wish, I plan.... we find ourselves right in the middle of sIn.  Focusing on all our "I feels" rather than on the Father and His feels, His wants, His plans.  That feeling of "I'm left out" distracts us from our goal of I'm His and I'm following His will and He will provide all I need.  That distraction allows space for the enemy to lie to us and continue to distract us. 
The blessing that comes from exclusion is the opportunity to draw closer to Him.  To see new plans He has made and to tune our listening ear of discernment.  It also is an opportunity to rejoice in Him and continue sharing His joy in all things.  We also gain the blessing of social empathy for others.  An intentional lifestyle of sharing hospitality in every situation. 

Blessings come in many ways.  Like the song says, "what if our greatest disappointments, or the achings of this life, are the revealing of a greater need this world can't satisfy.  What if trials of this life, are Your mercies in disguise. 

Boys on a Mission

We've just returned from a children's ministry mission trip.  It was a little bitter sweet due to the fact that this was Tommy and Trey's last mission trip as part of the children's ministry drama team.  Soon they will be heading off to student ministry, where I'm sure their mission adventures will continue.
As with most mission trips, the people who go are as ministered to as the people they visit.

This group of mostly tweens spent four days sharing the gospel in Gatlinburg, TN.  People were willing to take in their message because of their age and the level of confidence they displayed in sharing their faith.  I noticed three different reactions to our group. 

1. People were amazed at them and would stop and listen to everything and soak it in. 
2. People would wonder at their willingness to share so boldly and be encouraged to do similar things with children at their church.
3. People would totally pass them by, but would still take notice.

Our leaders were also encouraged by them.  Listening to their sweet prayers before each event.  Hearing their insights on the events of the day.  Watching them grow as they completed daily Bible readings and prayer journals.  Watching them bond as a team, as a family of believers.  The joy that comes from seeing them encourage one another is incomparable. 

Of course there was plenty of time for fun! 

 

I mean- what boy could resist baked beans!!!

 

We hit "watering holes", raced go carts, go lost on narrow mountain roads, and went on picnics too!

 

They had a great time sharing their faith with their church family.  We don't have to worry about their self esteem when they've got Jesus esteem- when they know who they are in Christ. 

I know a lot of moms that worry about if they teach their kids too much about Jesus their kids will turn out weird.  Jesus doesn't want your kid to be weird, but He does want them to be different.  This kind of different is exactly what I want my tweens to be!

Breezing into Back to School Mode

Back to school time is expensive- especially for large families.  So how can you be frugal but keep teens and tweens happy?  For us, it starts with keeping that expense in mind when making summer plans.  Saving up for all the supplies, fees, and clothes before planning that beach trip or even an extra movie/dinner out. 

The Hagerty Top Tips for Breezing into School

Be honest with your kids- we can't afford it all at once and you don't need everything

keep the need v. want talk going

make a list of needs- if they find something they want, allow them to purchase with their own money if they just have to have it.  But stick to your list- only buy what's on the need list

Start early and spread the buying out

 

Our Buying Schedule

At the end of June, we purchased the school supply lists

In mid July, we purchased clothing- NEEDS ONLY

At the end of July, we will buy shoes and socks

Mid August, we will be ready to shell out money daily for awhile for team uniforms, club dues, memberships, and lunches.

 

How do we buy affordable and fashionable clothing for 4 teens/tweens?

Before shopping we go over the needs list

We plan to shop for clearance and sale items only

Our first stop is ALWAYS at our favorite Thrift store in Buford- for as long as they can remember, we've had a rule that if you do not try on clothes at this store you may not try on clothes at the mall.  They always roll their eyes at the mention of it, but are never disappointed with their finds.  Today alone at this store we bought 3 dresses, 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of shorts, and a jean jacket for $30.

 

There's no fighting or fit pitching.  Everyone knows before we leave the house what the plan is and we have a fun day out as a family together.  Hopefully they are learning to budget, discern between wants and needs, and learning to be content with what they have. 

 

We love them enough to teach them to make wise choices.

 

 

 

 

 





Lazy Days of Summer??

Well, summer IS a little more laid back these days... but certainly not lazy!  And, only laid back because we are very intentional about keeping a steady pace! 

 

With so many mission trips, field trips, day camps, overnight camps, and more to choose from- we have to be real choosey about what we do.  Sure, we could do them all.  But....should we? 
We're teaching these guys about boundaries, right?  Just cause we can doesn't me we should- no matter how much we want to.  So some may ask (and have) how do you decide?  Others look at us and say- you do it all!  Our kids look at us and want to do even more.  Here's the short of it:

• prayerfully consider the events or activities and the impact they will have
• will it prevent us from worshiping (will we be too tired or behind on grocery shopping/laundry)
• consider if there is adequate down time between events/activities to be still
• can we financially afford it (little eyes are still watching)

I hear- but Amanda, not everything is church related?  I guess what they mean is not every decision can be left up to God?  We disagree.  No decision should be made without God.  When making decisions about your teen or tween, there is no greater name to seek out than Jesus.  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.  Proverbs 3: 5-6

Ring Around the Roomies

School is out for summer break and we couldn't be happier!

More time to stay up playing our favorite games, watching movies, singing around the piano, and just enjoying each other. 

 

We began our break with our traditional room switch a roo!  This year, the boys moved into separate rooms and Ambie picked a new room.  Savanna stayed put. 

It was a morning of tearing the entire house apart, but in the end everyone was happy with their new rooms and new beginning.  A gentle heart prep to not grow too attached to one spot.  It's still home, we're all together, but surroundings change. 

It's also a time of clearing out.  Going through things, throwing out and cherishing. 

 

My prayer is that as the Lord leads them to take a giant leap of faith and step out of their comfort zone, they will be ready to obey and willing to follow.  That they will take time to remember the things God has done for them.  To be thankful for blessings but not tied to them. 

 

So far, summer is off to a great start!

 

 



Working on it...

"Working on it...."

has become sort of a catch phrase at our house.

 

mom- You're going to fast

driver- working on it

mom- we're late, get in the car!

student- working on it!

mom- Tom pick up Vanna

Tom- working on it

 

Get the idea?

 

While it's a funny Hagertyism, this week it became the theme of our week.

Trey came home with a top honor.  We oohed and ahhed, asked to see it in writing

then celebrated. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Tommy- who exceeds in every subject, is devastated that Trey has out scored him in one subject.  Not so much that Trey one upped him but that our attention was on Trey.

 

 

 

So how did we handle this??

We're working on it!

We've reminded him how much we love and celebrate him, but this (in Trey's words)  is a miracle!  We should all be happy for him and encourage him.   He still isn't happy about it.  His pride was hurt (pride comes before a fall).  But through prayer, patience, and humility he has come to a place where he can genuinely congratulate Trey. 

I love my boys!  They are hard work, but worth it!  

 



Celebrating Moms

It's hard to believe, but Mother's Day gets better with every year.  For one, we appreciate and understand more and more the sacrifices are own mothers made as we were growing up.  Celebrating Grandma takes center stage for now- as it should!

Second, as our children age, it's even sweeter to know they still think the world of their mom! 

Here is a highlight video of our Mother's Day spent at Grandma Hagerty's

 after celebrating with my mom on Saturday.

 

Mother's Day began with worshipping our King with our church family.

I am thankful to have the blessing of raising 4 children with the biggest hearts for God imaginable. 

Thankful for the pastor we had as a young family that challenged us to worship only God

and not our blessings - be they children, cabins, boats, etc.

And to never use those blessings as excuses not to serve the risen Savior,

to always keep first things first.

Our time is so short on earth, do not waste your life.

Our life goal is to bring glory to God and enjoy Him forever!

Thankful for Another Day Here on Planet Earth

A Play, Solo and Band Ensemble, Hair appointments, Multiple Meetings, and more filled up our weekend and preparations for those events ate up last week....

So, today we needed a time out and we took it!

We all stayed home and spent the day together.  This called for sleeping in late- really late.

Our day of celebrating family was filled with their favorite treats (pizza, boiled p-nuts, soda, cookies- they're easy to please), movies, and games. 

After a weekend of busyness and sharing heartache with our church family, we needed to just "be still, and know that He is God."   We pray that we remember to live every day for His glory and to keep our eyes directly forward and our ways sure.

Hustle is Right!

It's that crazy time of year....

The school year is coming to a close.  Tests, projects, parties, plays, musicals, fundraisers, award ceremonies all bring life to a new level of hustle.  At the same time, typical everyday life continues to rush us right along.  Even our very deliberate efforts to not allow our family to be over committed seem useless.

How do we stay focused on keeping first things first? 

Exactly that.  We keep first things first.

 

• Taking time to sit and chat awhile no matter how busy the day gets
• Singing praises each morning on the way to school
• Studying our scriptures together
• Sitting down as a family, praying, and sharing an evening meal
• Making sure attending church services and activities remains our top priority

 

It's not always easy, but this is what being a Hagerty means to our tweens and teens.  An ever present reminder that God never promised to remove the obstacles from our path (busyness/stress).  He did promise He'd help us through them.  That He'd never leave us or forsake us.  We are thankful for that promise!

 

 



Persevering with Grace

This shot of Savanna is a little out of focus... but I love the smile on her sweet face. 
2013 started off with challenges for the Hagerty Family.  We were pretty much forced to evacuate our home for nearly 3 months.  We were thankful we could crash with my mom and the kids never complained.  Eventhough we were sleeping on airmattresses together in one room and not getting the opportunity to wash laundry as much as we'd like.   We were safe, together, and knew God had a plan.

The above picture of Savanna was taken at the Habersham Associational Bible Drill.  She'd already passed the church drill and had earned a spot here.  The rest of the family did not participate in Bible Drill this year.  With our lives turned upside down, it was all we could do to focus on completing our Awana books.  That decision was not very popular with some, but it was best for our family.
At Savanna's age group- they have 8 seconds to turn to key passages, books of the Bible, Doctrinal Statements, etc., and then to step out.  It took a tremendous amount of work to come to the place of being able to accomplish that task.  We are so proud of her and thankful that she has hidden God's Word in her heart.  While she did not pass on to district for the first time in 6 years, she did her best.
And that is all God asks of us.  That we give Him our Best. 

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, A workman that needeth not to be ashamed, Rightly dividing the word of truth."  2 Timothy 2:15

Modesty went up in FLAMES!

It was a normal Tuesday night.  Boys were getting homework done in between neighborhood air soft battles.  Girls were organizing their wardrobe choices for the next few days before dinner.  I was trying to cook supper for all of them- bean and cheese quesadillias, one of their faves.  All was well.... until one beauty came in the kitchen to ask if the track shorts she would be packing into her "Wednesday night for church bag" would be OK to wear to youth group:)

• Victory!  Her spirit of discernment already told her no.  That's why she was asking.
• Bummer!  She wasn't willing to concede to MY no... without a battle.

I turned my back to the stove and launched into the repetitive speech (which is why her spirit had already told her no).  It went a little something like this, minus all the excuses thrown in between:

• Hagertys (our family) do not dress that way for church
• I don't care if everyone else does, we are going to church- not a track meet
• We are not going to be comfortable, we are going to worship/hear from God
• If it's that hot- wear a skirt or dress
• We do not dress in a way that might hinder others from hearing God's Word

At which point, beauty's eyes got really big and she begins pointing to the stove.  I turn around to find dinner going up in flames.  I throw a lid over it and then thinking it's out, remove the lid.  Larger than life flames shoot up to nearly the ceiling while high pitched girl screams pierce my ears.  I throw the lid back over and ask beauty to grab some water.  Flames doused.  Fire out.  Beauty agrees not to wear the shorts in question.  Battle over. 

Parenting isn't easy.  It's not supposed to be.  It's hard work that sometimes takes years before it pays off.  I am thankful to have had some godly women influence my parenting.  I'm thankful that I've already seen benefits from hard parenting work.  Those victories give me courage to know that God will get me through this next stage of parenting.  It IS worth the hard work and pleasing to my Lord. 

A New Teenager in the House!

 

This weekend we gave thanks to the Lord for yet another teenager in our house!

To Celebrate, Ambie requested a country cook out. 

 

We created a fun, purple party area complete with purple rope lights and lots of candles for eating after dark.  The menu was made up of redneck caviar, white pizza dip, hamburgers with all the trimmings, baked beans, and coleslaw.  The girls then finished off the night with a bonfire and marshmallow roasting. 

 Our Polka Dot Cake was saved for breakfast the next day!

 

 

Each Girl went home with a fun goodie bag

Of course- who could resist some group pictures!

 

 

In our family- Birthday Parties end at age 13.  So this was our last girly party.  We'll still celebrate and give thanks to the Lord for allowing us the opportunity to raise them
and I'm sure there will be plenty more sleepovers.  It will just be different.
We are thankful Ambie has a heart for Jesus
and is becoming the godly young lady He has called her to be.