The Grooms Clan

Who is like our GOD?!?!

2010-08-21T15:10:00.004-04:00

And the only answer is, "NO ONE IS LIKE OUR GOD!!!" Our sweet Father has been up to some amazing work in the lives of this Grooms clan and we praise Him for His great faithfulness to us! We have been in exhausting trials and struggles over the past several months, but we hold tight to this truth: "[We] consider it all JOY when [we] encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of [our] faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that [we] may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1: 2-4

God has been answering prayers and working in mine and Jason's hearts to conform us to the image of His perfect Son in amazing ways. Provisions and blessings at just the right time every time! Though He has not chosen to change our circumstances, what He has done is change our attitudes and hearts. God is allowing us to see things from HIS vantage point, which is the only one that matters in the first place! Contentment was formerly not a word I would have used in my vocabulary, but has recently become a precious peace to me from the Father. He alone is worthy of all honor and praise! When things seem right, He is Sovereign. When things are a mess, He is Sovereign. When we feel like giving up, still He is Sovereign. In ALL things, He is Sovereign. He is good, ALL the time.

Our family is looking forward to this school year, to the weeks and months ahead as we prepare for the "Kingdom Challenge" kicking off at church, and for whatever our great God has in store!

He is Jehovah Roi, the God who sees. And praise be to His name that He is the God who sees to it all!

Our "Pray & Plan" weekend!

2010-01-18T13:27:00.003-05:00

Well friends,
I don't have any new pictures to post, but boy have we been busy at the Grooms house! God has been so gracious to us! Jason and I just finished our annual "Pray & Plan" weekend for 2010. We've done this now for 4 years and it is definitely a high-light that we look forward to. Usually, we book a cabin or hotel for Friday night and Saturday night, but our budget wouldn't allow for that this year, so we sent the boys to Mimi and Pappy's house and stayed at home! Friday night we went to dinner at Puleo's and just enjoyed couple time that night. Saturday morning we typically have breakfast and spend time praying and talking about things that center on just us as husband and wife, and man and woman. Around lunchtime, we spend time praying specifically for each one of our boys and discuss things for and about them. Then Saturday evening, we pray specifically for our finances (budget, upcoming expenditures, and savings goals) and discuss anything pertaining to that. This is our usual game plan, but this weekend had just a few kinks thrown in.......but we managed to discuss and pray over what we felt we needed to. Plus, because Jason had to go into the office and work a little, that alone time gave me opportunity to extend my prayer time!

I really enjoy this time that Jason and I take. It ensures that we are both on the same page and allows us to discuss in detail things we normally don't have the opportunity to talk about what with the kids running around! I encourage you and your spouse to consider starting your own tradition of "Pray and Plan". Some of you may already have lots of opportunities to do this kind of thing and that is fantastic, but for those who don't, trust me, make the time! It is soooo worth it! God teaches Jason and I so much during this time, and He also uses this time to refresh us and tighten the knot of love around us!

The most wonderful time of the year....

2009-12-08T19:21:00.003-05:00

I realize it has been a very long time since my last blog, but I'm just not good at keeping this thing up! I was thinking about some of the Christmas songs I've heard lately. "Jingle Bells", "Mary, Did You Know", and "Winter Wonderland" are just a few of my favs. But I thought about the song "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" today and kept asking myself, "Why is NOW the most wonderful time of the year? And is it really?" Don't get me wrong, I love the Christmas season! The parties, the school plays, the events to attend, the messages, the songs, all of it I love! But as a Christian, celebrating my Saviour's birth and life should be the most wonderful time ANY time of the year! Yes, I agree, that this season brings about nostalgia and fondness that we all love, but do I realize that it is because of the life Christ gave me, that I can even enjoy this season or any season for that matter? I'm guilty of saying things like, "Jesus is the best gift" to my kids and others, and while it is completely true, do I life that out and treasure Him as the BEST gift? I fall way short I'm afraid. I want to marvel at the fact that Almighty God would empty heaven of its BEST, and send Him for me, to be born, live, and die so that I might have my wretched life exchanged for HIS BEST LIFE!!! It blows my mind, and yet all I can do is praise HIM for it!

My family and I are beyond blessed. We are healthy, have plenty to eat, are well dressed, and have a comfortable home in which to live. We're spoiled indeed. We are so thankful for our friends and family. We have such a fantastic bunch of people in our lives that we love deeply. Our prayer for ourselves and all of you is that we each will truly treasure the gift of Jesus Christ, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the awesomeness of God our Father! Because of Jesus Christ, this and every time of the year is the most wonderful!

Merry Christmas! We love you all!

4th of July fun!

2009-07-06T21:00:00.017-04:00

Summertime is the BEST time!!! We have loads of fun while the boys are out for summer break. Going to the pool, watching baseball games, eating ice cream, and get-togethers are some of our favorite summertime activities! Celebrating the 4th of July is another great get-together that we enjoy. We had friends and family over to enjoy a big cookout and lots of fun! The boys planned a water-balloon fight, the kids decorated tattoos on each other, and had fun with their sparklers! We all ate more than we should have, and topped our dinner off with super yummy banana splits! I love entertaining, and desire that all those who enter our home, feel at home! We had lots of fun watching the kids do what they do best.....be kiddies! Earlier in the week I spent time really pondering what it means to be "free". So many folks have given their lives so that my family and I can enjoy the liberties that we do. But I smiled every time I thought about the complete freedom I enjoy in Christ Jesus! Nothing is sweeter than being set free by the Creator, and Almighty God!

"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

Summer Camping fun!

2009-06-04T11:23:00.018-04:00

Ok, so it's been a while since I've blogged.....but with the end of the school year, and all the stuff to do to get ready for summer, I haven't had much free time. We did finally get to go camping this past week and boy did we have loads of fun! We always go camping with Mimi and Pappy, and whoever else in the family that can go. We headed up to Greenbrier Island campground last Thursday for a week long adventure. Our trip also coincided with Mason's 9th birthday! I can't believe he's nine! He's growing so fast, and this is his last year before double-digits!!!! He had a special day on Saturday with friends and family. We had a great dinner, all picked out by Mason. His menu consisted of grilled salmon, shrimp, and bbq ribs, with parsley potatoes, corn on the cob, and a big tossed salad. To finish the meal, we enjoyed ice cream with Aunt Sarah's chocolate cake with peanut butter cream frosting, also his request. Man, what a meal! Everything was great and we all had so much fun together! It's so nice to just get away and do a bunch of nothin' when you can.....I got some reading done, some sweet walks with the boys, lots of playin' and fishin' too! These are the times I pray my kids remember the most.....they may not be fancy, but our times together are so sweet because we love each other so much. We are greatly blessed! Just as it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1, "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven-" We definitely enjoyed our time relaxing, playing, and in fellowship. Our prayer is that wherever we are, and whatever we're doing, that God would be glorified and honored in it all!

"Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

Easter Celebrations

2009-04-13T14:12:00.019-04:00

What a wonderful Easter weekend our family had! God is so very good to us in so many ways, not least of which is His merciful salvation to us through Jesus Christ our Lord! Hallelujah, what a Savior we serve! We kicked off our weekend with our lifegroup social at the Bailey barn on Saturday afternoon. All the kids enjoyed an egg hunt, playing with Mrs. Laura's 5-week old donkey, and running around in the warm sunshine. We all had a wonderful meal together, and afterwards, Mrs. Jennifer gathered all the kids to talk about the Resurrection of Jesus using the Resurrection Eggs. We are all so grateful that Jesus is alive indeed!!

When we got home that evening, after the boys got cleaned up, Jason and I gave them their Easter baskets. They love the Star Wars bobble heads they received, along with all the candy and other goodies. It's fun to "treat" your kids to some of their favorite things on special occasions!

Sunday morning, we woke up ready for a day of celebration and worship! Jason took some pixs of the boys in their new outfits....aren't they cute?!

Here they are give out over taking pictures....Typical.

Jason doesn't like it much when I match them up, but until they tell me they don't like it, I'm going to keep on! We enjoyed a great lunch with our friends Chad and Kristy Gay and their daughter Lainey. Then Sunday evening was our Easter Celebration service at church. It was packed!!! The worship time was so very sweet and such a blessing to my heart. I can't wait to get to heaven when we get to worship constantly, without worry of tiring, loosing our voices, or any other distractions, and most of all see my Jesus face to face!! I'm looking forward to going home, 'cause that's definitely where my heart is!

"I'm kind of homesick for a country; to which I've never been before..." (Beulah Land)

"This little piggy....."

2009-04-10T16:23:00.009-04:00

Well, the girls and I were at it again. At Girls Night a couple of weeks ago, we decided we all needed pedicures before Easter, so being the organizer that I am, I called and booked us pedis at one of the newer salons on this side of town!

We all kept laughing at the "massage" chairs, how they would squeeze our thighs together, then poke and prod us till we all decided to just turn them off. Ginger, Jenny, Ally, Amy and I picked out some great colors for our toesies. Poor Amy ended up with a spot on her foot from all the pumice rubbing, that she had to have a band-aid! Yikes! Ginger had to leave afterwards to meet up with Andy at the ball field, while the rest of us loaded up into Ally's van and headed to Bruster's for ice cream! Super yumm! Allyson and I chose the turtle cheesecake ice cream, while Amy and Jenny satisfied their chocolate cravings with chocolate with Hershey's Special Dark ice cream. Whoa, that was all some sweet yummy goodness! We always have the BEST times when we're together! I am so thankful for my best friends, for who they are, and how God uses each of them in my life! I love you girlies! Until next time.........

"How beautiful are your feet in sandals, O prince's daughter" Song of Solomon 7:1

Girly Girls

2009-03-30T13:29:00.009-04:00

It has been a looonnnggg time since the girls and I have been able to get together and enjoy time as best friends. Amy, Ginger, Allyson, and myself started the day out shopping. Jenny met up with us a little later.....(we missed you!) We were all looking for things like Easter outfits, shoes, jewelry, stuff for the kids, and anything else we thought we just couldn't live without. At 5pm Ginger and I had makeover appointments at the MAC counter. Amy and Ally finished shopping and met us there.

Here we are being "beautified". Sometimes, it's just a sweet treat to have someone else do your makeup, share tips, and walk away feeling pretty! I must say, I had the best false lashes on that evening....though they took some getting used to!

We all kept laughing because the MAC makeup artists asked us where we were headed for the evening, and when we told them we were just going to dinner when we left the mall, and they just looked at us kind of funny. Hey, a wild and crazy night for us moms sometimes just involves eating an entire meal without the kiddies! When we left the mall, we made our way to Cappacino's to meet up with Jenny for dinner. We were all starving, because it was 8:15, and we laughed again because we're all used to eating around 5:30 or so with our families. I know, we were really livin' on the edge!! We had a fabulous dinner complete with a fabulous dessert. We all laughed and giggled until our sides hurt, and my eyelashes were sticking together because my eyes were watering from all my laughing!!! We had a hoot, and can't wait for the opportunity to do it again.....hopefully sooner than later! I love you gals!

"A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17

Rockin' into the night....

2009-03-07T10:57:00.012-05:00

Friday night we headed over to Scott and Renee Graham's house for some fun and fellowship with them and the Campbell family. The Pritchard's had to cancel because baby Evan was running a fever....poor Evan. We missed them being there!

Our boys have been looking forward to this night all week! They love playing with Cameron, Conner, and Clayton! The 12 of us devoured an entire medium sized Chick-Fil-A nugget tray and 2 trays of loaded cheese fries! Yummmmm!!! We also gorged on Amy's oooey-gooey chocolate butter cake, and my german chocolate upside down cake! Talk about sugar overload!!! But we needed our energy for playing Rock Band!!! The kids played all over the house while the adults pretended to be rock stars! It was soooo funny!!! We each took a turn at every instrument and vocals! It was a hoot! We absolutely love hangin' out with our friends! We laughed, reminisced, and had a great time! Terry decided that if he had a "Rock Band" at his house, he'd never leave! That's probably why we don't have one either! It is lots of fun though! Thanks Scott and Renee for having us over! We had a blast!!

Woo Hoo!!

Storm Trooper Conner and Batman Trent

Sweet Claire jammin' in her own way!

Gwen Stefani, I mean, Amy, singin' her song!

Scott jammin' and Renee kickin' it on the drums!

Scott beltin' out his tune. Look how serious Terry and Jason are!

"But the righteous sings and rejoices." Proverbs 29:6

What could be sweeter?!

2009-02-15T15:43:00.011-05:00

It's been a really great week here at the Grooms house! We celebrated my 35th birthday last Saturday with the Campbells, the Pritchards, the Grahams, and the Merritts in Gatlinburg. Each of us were able to get sitters for the kids, while enjoying dinner at the Park Grill. Yummy! We all had a great time talking and laughing together! I have the BEST friends ever! Then yesterday for Valentines Day, I got up and fixed heart-shaped pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream with bacon and sausage for my four sweeties!

Later that evening, we all headed up to my mom's for dinner. She always cooks for each of her kids for their birthdays, and since she didn't have the opportunity on my birthday, she cooked for me last night. My folks, siblings, and their kids feasted on Nanny's ham, potato salad, baked beans, deviled eggs, green beans, and macaroni and cheese! Then for dessert, we all devoured her homemade red velvet cake! No one makes cream cheese icing like my momma! We all rolled into the living room and watched "Madagascar 2" with the kids and laughed till our sides hurt! I am soooo very blessed with a fantastic family on both sides!!! I can think of no better way to spend ANY occasion than with the people I love!!!

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." John 13:34

Havin' fun with "H"!

2009-02-06T16:50:00.002-05:00

Ok, so here I go...thanks to my friend Gin, I'm starting the Letter game! She gave me the letter "h", and now I'm excited to share with you some of my favorite "h" things. If you read this and want to play along, leave me a comment, and I'll assign you a letter! This is a creative way to learn things about folks that maybe you didn't know. Trust me, it's more challenging than it sounds. Jason and I sat at the computer for forever trying to come up with "h" words. He wasn't much help! He kept saying, "Put on there that I think you're HOT!" Umm, needless to say, that didn't make the list! :) Thanks for playing along!!

I am so grateful that I am a citizen of HEAVEN!!! My HOPE is found only in Jesus Christ!!
Jason Neil Grooms is my HUNNY! We've been together for over 17 years!!
My HANDSOME boys Mason, Carter, and Trent are sweet blessings from the Lord!
I'm always looking for "it" HAIR! I buy HAIR magazines all the time!!
I'm pretty big on HUGS. I always put my arm around those I love!!
There are two things that I really HATE: loud burping and chewing ice...how rude!!
Some things that really make me HAPPY are: good sweet tea, Godiva chocolate, having friends and family over for fellowship, shopping (ok, really I mean "buying"), and a clean house.
"HELP" is something I've always had a hard time asking for....I'm a really independent gal!!
I HUNGER to know my Savior Jesus Christ in a more intimate and deep way, and to continually be conformed to His image!

I challenge any of you to play! This was a neat game!! Talk with you later!

Leavin' on a jet plane.......

2009-01-20T14:34:00.007-05:00

I'm excited about heading out early Thursday morning on a mission trip to SE Asia for a couple of weeks! Jason and the boys will be holding down the fort while I'm gone. Our church has been preparing and praying for over a year now, concerning this trip and it's finally here. This is a monumental undertaking for this trip, but I serve a BIG GOD, and I'm reminded of one of my favorite praise chorus's:

"He is able, more than able; to accomplish what concerns me today.

He is able, more than able; to handle anything that comes my way.

He is able, more than able; to do much more than I could ever dream.

He is able, more than able; to make me what He wants me to be."

Please continue to pray for myself and the entire team while we're there, and also for our family here at home.

"...because Christ's love compels me.." II Corinthians 5:14

Gettin' some "Girl time"!

2009-01-19T16:05:00.007-05:00

Trent and I had the privilege of keeping sweet Claire last Wednesday while Amy went to have her pixs made at school. Trent loved her being here! He wanted to share his blankie with her, which is saying alot considering he won't let anyone else touch it!! He also kept getting his stuffed animals to put in front of her; he'd move them around and make them talk to her! It was so very sweet! He asked me, "Mommy, can we get a baby like Claire?" and I said, "Umm, maybe sometime!" Ok, so no, I won't be having any more babies, but Jason and I have always said we'd definitely adopt if that's where God lead us. Claire is so very sweet, and I really enjoyed lovin' on her for a while! Thanks Ms. Amy for letting us get our girl fix for the day!! We love you sweet Claire!

Guess who's potty trained??!!

2008-12-29T13:19:00.007-05:00

If you ask me what my favorite Christmas gift was that I received, hands down it is the gift of Trent finally potty training!! He is doing great, and no accidents either!! He is still a little attached to his pull-ups for the #2 job, but today I made him throw the rest we had in the trash. He's come to me several times saying, "I want you to put a pull-up on me". I asked him, "if I put a pull-up on you, what are you going to do in it?" and he said, "poop". He totally understands that pull-ups were not made for pooping in, and that toilets were. This is the last hurdle we have to climb over, but I feel confident he will get it really soon. I think he's just testing to see if I'll break and put a pull-up on him. Ok, who does he think he's dealing with?! I'm much more stubborn than he is!! I'm really glad he's finally a "big boy"! He's a hoot!

All I want for Christmas.....

2008-12-15T15:58:00.005-05:00

.....is my two front teeth! Carter pulled his other front tooth this morning at the breakfast table! He looks absolutely adorable, and listening to him try to talk is even more cute! He has spent the entire weekend wiggling and working on his tooth. He and Mason both ususally pull their own teeth! It must be a boy thing. Hopefully, he'll find something good under his pillow tonight! "Sstheee you ssthoon"!

A Trip to Bethlehem.....

2008-12-15T13:54:00.007-05:00

"...And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:7

Yesterday, the boys and I loaded up with the Campbell family to head downtown to Bethlehem....well, ok, it was actually to Church St. United Methodist church. Every year, the church transforms part of it's building into their rendition of the little town of Bethlehem the night our Savior was born. It's neat to see all the vendors making baskets, jewelry, pottery, and such as you mingle through the town. Everyone there talks about the star and a baby that was born. People ask you if you've seen them. The boys really liked the live camels, donkeys, and sheep they got to pet. We really enjoyed our time with the Campbells strolling through Bethlehem!

Four years already?!

2008-12-15T13:23:00.011-05:00

Can it really be, that my baby has turned 4?! Indeed it is, and we had a fun party on Friday evening with friends and family. Trent was so very excited about everything! He got all kinds of neat gifts, and each time he would open one, he'd say "Sweet baby!!" and make his little arm movement! He's hysterical to watch!

I love my sweet Trent! He's very social, is very expressive with his face, and a tad bit sassy.....humm, sounds like someone else I know!

'Tis the season.....

2008-12-09T09:16:00.009-05:00

Our week is in full swing here at the Grooms house.....and we're sick! Carter and Trent have seen Dr. Abbey, and both have the Croop! Yuck. They both had a rough night last night, but breathing treatments start this morning, so hopefully, they will be back into the swing of things in a couple of days. Mason and I are still battling congestion and coughs, but are definately better off than the other two. We had to cancel our Christmas dinner and gift exchange with the Pritchards, and we're really sad about that.

I've started a big pot of homemade vegetable soup and we're sipping on homemade hot chocolate in hopes of feeling better soon. I am thankful for the "down time" though, because it allows me to spend extra time in prayer! I guess it really is a blessing!

"For I will restore you to health, and I will heal you of your wounds; declares the LORD"... Jeremiah 30:17a

Christmas with the Grooms boys

2008-12-04T15:55:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to you all! Welcome to our family blog! My sweet bff Amy came over today to help me get this thing up and running! It's true, this can be very addictive! I look forward to sharing some of the Grooms homelife with you and pray you will be blessed!

I made the boys pose after they took their showers tonight. At first, they wouldn't cooperate with me, and would make silly faces. Finally, I said to Mason, "Son, you look like you're in pain!", and they all three just started giggling!! They thought that was pretty funny! They're getting really excited about all the Christmas activities we have coming up! I guess that's why they're somewhat crazy and hyper! But I guess I wouldn't have them any other way. Boys will be boys!