Today marks the 5th birthday/anniversary of my blog.  When I decided to start blogging, I wondered how long I would keep it going.  I'm still writing! Hooray!  What began as a mini-experiment is now a part of my life.  Something that has become important enough to me that I try to post at least a couple times a week. 

TrentTribe.com is my testimony.  It is one way I will make known to my children the works of God.  It's a journal, a recording of the faithfulness and provisions of God for the future generation.  It is a journal of what is happening in life.  It will be valuable to us as a family in the future. 

Psalm 78:5-8
"For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded the fathers, that they should make them known to their children; that the generation to come might know them, the children who would be born, that they may arise and declare them to their children, that they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments; And may not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not set it's heart aright, and whose spirit was not faithful to God. "

Blogging holds me accountable.  If I tell y'all I'm going to do something, it makes me accountable to follow through.  Most of all, I hope my friends will find encouragement.  We all need it don't we?  This mothering business, wife work, and life livin' can be pretty tough sometimes.  I hope we, though sometimes weary and faint, can find refreshment in each other.

I am so happy to have stayed in touch with old friends while gaining new friends and acquaintances.  Thanks for being here. 

I've been trying to update my blog theme all week and for whatever reason it won't process.  So frustrating.  Xanga users, have you had issues too?  I've tried the forums and other Help resources.

The Trents have had a happy week in the Lowcountry.  The Lowcountry has been our home for three years now.  Either I've acclimated to the temps or this has been a cold(er) winter than the norm?  Long time residents, what's your opinion?

My mom and stepdad visited over the weekend.  We enjoyed a trip to the zoo, did a little shopping, and watched a movie.  (Not all on the same day, of course.)

Our basketball players won their games!  Which means both teams are in the Championship for their age division.  They play this Tuesday.  So exciting!

I love Jesus most of all but y'all I love my church.  I really do.  My girls and I have been doing a lot of extra work for our children and student ministries.  I love serving with my girls.  It's awesome to do ministry as a family.  Sometimes my to do list makes me want to hyperventilate.  When I take a moment to breathe, I feel so much love and joy.  I may be busy but I LOVE every minute of what I'm doing.  I hope you love your church.  I hope you are serving in your church and community.  Seriously.  Your church, community, and the kingdom needs your talent/creativity.  It doesn't need a half-hearted effort, though.  It needs your total love and devotion to what you are doing in Jesus' name.  It's for His glory, after all! 

Happy Friday!  May your weekend be abundantly blessed! 

My Friday love?  Recipes with simple ingredients already found in my pantry. 

On this Lowcountry rainy day, I am making these:

For them.  A sweet treat to celebrate the end of the week. 

The Chief and I are sneaking in a lunch date at the coffee shop.  Did you take the date night challenge?  Having a hard time fitting date night in?  Too busy?  Schedule conflicts?  Small children?  No sitter?  I'll be posting next week with tips on making date night work.  I hope those of you who made it through the season of only littles in the house can chime in with your advice. 

Three years ago today, I was driving our suburban behind the Chief in a U-haul with nearly all our worldly belongings.

In 36 months, I've learned a thing or two about living in the Lowcountry.

1.  Floating tree limbs resemble alligators.

2.  I'm afraid of alligators and floating tree limbs.

3.  Spring comes early. 

4.  Summer is H. O. T.

5.  It really is the slow south.  Sssssss-llllllllll-oooooo-wwwww.

6.  Strawberries, peaches, and watermelon taste good in South Carolina.

7.  All bugs bite (even tiny little ants and gnats). 

8.  South Carolina bugs have a taste for Emrie and Josiah. 

9. A swimming pool is necessary for suriviving 100°+ heat index with children.

10.  Hot summers and mild winters = freezing to death at 50°.

11.  I like having a flat yard.

12.  I like running and cycling (when my bike isn't broke) on my flat road.  I had no idea I could like running or cycling. 

13.  I don't miss my coat.  At all.

14.  I don't miss snow.  My kids think they miss snow.  They've forgotten the times it took 45 minutes to bundle them up to play in the snow only to unbundle them 15 minutes later. 

15.  There are many blessings to enjoy when we trust God's plan for our life.  Be faithful to serve him and find the joy in where God has you and in what God has you doing.   

"I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure... You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Ps 16:8-11 

Last week we had a grandmother, aunt, uncle, and cousins visit us in SC.  Yay! 

We took the opportunity to snap some pics of Mommaw Shirley with her grands (all of them except the oldest who had to work).  Keep your eye on the little girl in blue (lower right).

In the midst of trying to get the baby to look at the camera, no one noticed "slick" and her many faces. 

I've got quite the little joker on my hands. 

Not funny, Rosie.  Not funny. 

I started.

I finished.

I didn't die.

Me and my kiddos except the baby (happily riding in stroller = do not disturb even for a picture) in front of the Hampton fountain after the race.  Katie and Gracie finished the Hampton Sweetheart 5K MUCH faster than me (my first).  Gracie (also her first 5K) took 2nd in her age division (boys and girls).  The Chief sat this one out to watch the littles.  Turns out Katie also won a cutest cupid award.  She is pretty cute. 

So, I'll probably do another one in April.  Hoping for a MUCH better finish time on the clock. 

Mark that one off the list. 

I received a package in the mail yesterday from my Mom.  Can you guess what it was?

You'll find the answer in this post.

Thanks, mom.  I love them!  I love you!

Our New Year's Eve baby was soundly sleeping when we rang in the New Year. 

The Chief and I both agreed that as blessed as our last New Year's Eve was, we much preferred 2012 over 2011. 

The first birthday cake was thoroughly dissected, tasted, and enjoyed.

This month finds Josiah giving kisses and dancing.  His cuteness overwhelms me. lol

7.  Emrie turned 8!

8.  The Chief and I celebrated our 16th Anniversary and Gracie turned 11!

9.  The Chief celebrated his last thirty.

10.  I celebrated 36 and the Chief ran his first 5K!

11.  Then Katie ran her first 5K.

12.  We celebrated our first Christmas with five kids!

2013, here we come! 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13