faith like a child.

Watching the Weather

2012-02-07T13:59:00.000-06:00

It is so wild how different our weather has been this year compared to last year. We had the monumental snow on January 10th that left 12-15 inches in places. It seemed to never melt. Then we had another two good snows with 2-3 inches each time. That was all January and February.

This is what we've had so far this year:

Just the slightest dusting of snow. It was barely 32 degrees and melted within an hour of falling.

Last week, we were in Tractor Supply buying dog food for Duke when I saw a shelf of Farmers' Almanacs. My only true knowledge of the everything-you-need-to-know-book is based on Back to the Future, so I was interested to flip through one. Then, I saw this page:

So far, so good. Today is February 7th and it is considerably cooler today than it has been in a while. I keep checking the forecast on my Weather Channel app, and so far no mention of snow. We'll see!

What do you think? Any validity to the Farmers' Almanac?

Duke

2012-01-26T10:41:00.001-06:00

Once again, months have passed since I've last updated. The pattern is clearly evident! A blogger, I am not. A wife, mother, first grade teacher, cook, laundry mat, chauffeur...I am. And now, I have another title. Dog mother, doggie mamma, cleaner of dog excrement...you get the point. Meet the Duke ~~of Cambridge~~.

He is a 1 year, almost 8 month old dog. We rescued him from a local shelter. And though I'd love to tell you he is some pure bred, fancy pants pup...he is a mut. You can see some beagle in him and maybe a bit of hound. We can tell by his actions he was definitely in the wild before being in the shelter. He hasn't quite grasped the concept that we will feed him and take care of him. He still feels the need to eat rocks and pounce after rabbits and birds.

W makes me so mad...he is the Duke Whisperer. He works with him on training daily and they are wrapped around each others fingers (er, paws). Me on the other hand, I love him. But in the day time I can only meet his basic needs...not much extra time for doggie boot camp.

T-Pup and Sam are smitten with him. They are so thankful to finally have a pup. Sam often calls him "Dukie" which makes me giggle. I think back to my 7th grade art class. We were assigned to recreate a CD cover. My choice? The "Dookie" album from Green Day. Each time she calls him "Dukie" I think of my primitive recreation of this picture:

Charming, right? I don't think my junior high years were my best.

So meet the newest member of our family. Official family photo coming Christmas card, 2012.

Thanksgiving in the Mountains

2011-11-29T12:19:00.001-06:00

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! I love this time of the year. Although to be honest, the "stress" of it all has started to get to me. I had some baking to do last week before our trip and found myself Captain Cranky with our children. I called a friend of mine and expressed that I don't want my children to resent the holidays when they grow up because their mom went crazy over insignificant things! Nonetheless we had a great trip with W's family (15 adults and 5 children!).

Thursday mid-morning, we took the children to hike Whiteside Mountain. It took about 30 minutes to get to the top and the children were so proud of their accomplishment. I wish we lived in an area like this so we could take family hikes all the time.

Some weren't too excited about the "hiking" aspect. Although in her defense, her Momma should have dressed her more appropriately!

There was plenty of time for cousin bonding. I'm really pleased to say there weren't any major conflicts or meltdowns! (This is the backyard of W's aunt's house. It is ah-maz-ing.)

On the way back home, we stopped at the Dry Falls and let the children explore. It was beautiful. They were super stoked to be able to walk underneath the falls.

On the way back home we were able to listen to the Iron Bowl, which was nothing short of painful.

Overall we had a great trip and enjoyed the down time. It's kind of hard to believe Thanksgiving 2011 is in the books and the Christmas season is now here. I just need time to slow down just...a...little...bit...please :)

Wedding Recap

2011-11-16T15:16:00.001-06:00

It is HUGE deal to drink OJ from a wine glass.

Sam and her SuSu.

T-Pup and Baino.

W and Emmy.

My babies. Who without my permission are not babies anymore.

"Do you like my pretty pink fingernails?"

"I look like Captain Cook from Mr. Popper's Penguins. Way too fancy for me, Mom."

Sam wanted to wear a pink flower girl dress. We had to convince her that she and Kathryne would be the only ones in white, which was a super special thing.

Britt, Em, myself.

Em and myself.

Susan, Emmy, myself at the reception.

We danced the night away...this picture is sans Dougie (where were you when we took this?)

So, when you're in youth ministry long enough, something inevitable starts to happen. They start to get married. Which I would contest we have not been in youth ministry long enough for such an event, but behold...photographic evidence that we have.

Kathryne, the bride, was a sophomore in high school when we moved here. She has held a special place in our hearts ever since then. Her relationship with the Lord is enviable. As I told Kath, when I grow weary of teenage girl drama within the youth group, that is when I remember her and pray that other young women would fall in love with their Creator as she has.

It was so surreal being surrounded by youth from the past six years...who are, without my permission, actually not youth anymore. It was so neat to see the different seasons they are all in now, and begin praying for them as adults.

And as it turns out? I cannot dance. I can do this little step left-step right-snap my fingers-bounce my head thing, but really... it stops there. Which is slightly less than a convulsion. I felt like the guys in "Night at the Roxbury." But even with my primitive moves, it was such a fun night.

I absolutely cannot wait to see the official wedding photos, because I just so happen to have a slightly obsessed website stalking relationship with the photographers. Who are amazing. I want to get married again (to my same husband, preferably) just so they can shoot the wedding. Check them out yourselves: Armosa Studios.

And this post would not be complete without sharing about the amazing women I met through the wedding, Kath's bridesmaids. This past summer we had a bachelorette weekend and I got to know a few of them. You learn a lot about a person by their friends... which, to no surprise, were amazing. They each have a precious love of the Lord (and for Kathy!) and zeal for life. It does nothing short of encourage me to see those younger than me seeking the Lord and His will for their lives wholeheartedly. And they can dance like pros...which clearly the Lord is calling them to teach me some moves. Because I lack, remember? :)

This picture is missing the majority of the girls, but I'll link up as soon as the profesh photos are online.

This concludes the wedding of the year post. Thanks Kathryne and Luke for allowing us to be a part of your special day. We love you guys.

Halloween Haiku

2011-11-04T10:30:00.000-05:00

Halloween is best

Time for friends, and candy too

Leaves from trees, cool breeze.

1st Grade Update

2011-09-08T14:10:00.003-05:00

We are playing catch-up this week in 1st grade. Last week held several crazy days so we got off schedule. We are working on week 5 again this week and honing in on the reading and language, which just so happen to be T-Pup's least favorite.

With one full month behind us, I'm feeling great about our schedule and routine. If we plow through the curriculum without stopping, we'll be finished in February. February! So, I think review weeks like this one are important. Plus it's nice to ease off the subjects that are easier for T and spend extra time in the areas that need work.

We finished reading Charlotte's Web two weeks ago, and celebrated by a field trip to a farm. I was not disappointed that we didn't see Charlotte or Templeton! We've since started Homer Price by Robert McCloskey. Oh, we are loving every second of reading about Homer and his adventures! Make Way for Ducklings has always been one of our favorites, so it's great to continue reading from Robert McCloskey. I love seeing T-Pup develop a love of literature (notice I can't yet say 'a love of reading').

I am thrilled to be using Sonlight and am so glad we made the investment. It is thorough and has been a breeze to work with. A huge benefit is that we'll only have to replace the consumable pack (worksheets and time-line) when Sam gets to 1st grade. 37 books to be reused as many times as needed!

Angry Birds Party 101

2011-09-06T14:30:00.002-05:00

I had so much fun in the week leading up to the Angry Birds party. Starting Sunday night, I began working on the pinata. I watched a few You Tube videos explaining the paper mache process and began cutting newspapers into one inch strips.

And by Thursday night, we had a sweet little exploding pinata. I let T-Pup choose which bird we made, and his response was "Mom, the black bird explodes and a pinata will explode! It has to be the black bird!" I'm kind of ashamed to say I didn't think of that myself!

The next little project included some boxes, in which I painted pigs and bricks on. We bought a few of the stuffed Angry Birds at Wal-Mart to throw at the boxes, creating a live version of our favorite iPhone game.

The party didn't go quite as planned, as Tropical Storm Lee dumped loads of rain upon our area. I had hoped the kids could go back and forth from the bounce house to the Angry Bird game, but it turned out they were all in the same place at the same time because of the rain. At the end of the day our little man had a great time and made precious memories. That's what matters most.

2011 in Review

2011-08-28T08:46:00.004-05:00

This post has been running through my head for MONTHS. I have gone back and forth on whether to play catch up and continue blogging, or delete it and move on.

To begin explaining my bloggy hiatus (well, sadly I've never been entirely consistent with it) I will tell you that there were several blogs of women that I used to read just about every single day. You can learn a lot about someone by reading about their lives for two years...so much so that you feel like you know them! I went to a women's conference this past December and most of the women who wrote the blogs were there. Honestly, I wanted to meet them. It wasn't the reason I was going to the conference but it was going to be the icing on the cake. It sounds so trivial to confess, but the Proverb is so true "Hope deferred makes the heart sick" (13:12). When these women weren't reciprocating my efforts to meet them, it kind of stung.

Hindsight is 20/20. They don't know me, why would them want to meet a stranger? Stranger danger...duly noted. But the whole thing put a bad taste in my mouth for blogging. It's almost a one-sided celebrity thing. Clearly my little humble blog isn't bringing in loads of internet traffic, nor is there any compensation, nor is there really anything pertinent on here except for those people in our lives who we don't see often. It's just weird to feel all stalker-ish and like I've lost friends who never were in the beginning.

Does that make any sense?

Which brings us to the next reason in the bloggy hiatus. January 10, 2011. The college football national championship. Our beloved Auburn U versus the U of Oregon. Oh, and a record snowfall that seemingly never melted. We began the day by playing at our house in the snow, driving to W's parent's house to play in their snow, getting stuck in the snow in our little family vehicle that is not equipped for snow. All that to say we went to a huge hill in a cow pasture that was covered with huge snow. I went down once and loved it. The second time, well, crash. Hard. And that's how you shift the ulna and radius to one side and shatter your wrist on the other side. The orthopedic surgeon (after traveling in the snow for what seemed like hours) came and yanked the ulna and radius back into place, then announced the distal end of the radius was in so many pieces that he'd have to operate.

So, the next week was surgery. They pieced me back together and made it all stick by a volar plate and 8 screws. A few weeks of healing time were followed by 2 months of physical therapy 3x a week, plus an hour at home each day. By the time I could type, I didn't even want to think about it.

The winter passed and springtime came. T-Pup and I finished up homeschool kindergarten. W went on a school trip to England, the children and I spent a fun-filled seven days in St. Louis. W and I celebrated our seventh anniversary, and then August was here and the lazy hazy days of summer were gone.

Now, we are gearing up for little man's 6th birthday... my oh my! We are having an Angry Bird's party, so this next week will be filled with Angry Bird pinata making and painting green pigs on boxes so we can have a real live angry birds game. Excitement is in the air!

Sam is doing "school" while T-Pup and I do first grade each day. She has a preschool workbook and is learning to write all of her letters and numbers. I cannot bring myself to think she will be 4 in a few months. People always tell you they grow so fast....and, well, they grow so fast.

That is a small version of catch up on our lives. I would love to hear about you guys!

Sugar, teeth and Jesus

2010-12-07T11:48:00.004-06:00

I am over the top excited right now. Let me preempt it with this... it doesn't take much to get me excited. But this, this is HUGE! As of December 1, all of our dental work is now covered by our insurance. We have paid for 2 (TWO!) root canals (on the same tooth, nonetheless) out of our pocket. Those were some drawn out payment plans. Then, paid for a crown out of our pocket. If you're wondering, that's about 3K total. We realized with our children getting bigger we needed dental insurance. So, alas the one year waiting period is over. T-Pup is getting a cavity filled on Thursday and we have to pay a grand total of $25. And all of God's people said AMEN.

Speaking of God's people, this is who I hung out with this past weekend.

I was so privileged to go to Deeper Still with Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shirer and Beth Moore. And 14,000 women. I am still processing all that was spoken, but wow... the Lord knows what we need, when we need it. The hardest part of being in ministry to me is that you constantly pour into others, but it's not always reciprocated. I am grateful for a chance this past weekend that I could sit and be poured into.It was neat, in my prayer time last week I told the Lord I felt like my cup (Psalm 23:5) was empty. I long for it to be running over, but often times it seems like there is a small hole or 20 in the sides. At one point during the worship Saturday morning there was a picture of a glass on the jumbo tron with raining pouring into it until it overflowed. That was a precious moment. I feel like I've been challenged now to stay in His presence more to keep that cup full.

Before the event started Friday night, my sweet friends that I went with and myself ate at a restaurant called Brio. I had their Fettuccine Napoli which was divine. Then, heaven kissed earth. All of their desserts come in these little shot-glass type things. And they are all $2.50. I love me some dessert, but usually don't want to spike up the bill. $2.50 though, I could spring for. I had caramel creme brulee. LORD HAVE MERCY I about died in that moment. It was absolutely divine, perfect, lovely all at the same time. The flavor was strongly reminiscent of the dulce de leche ice cream I constantly ate in Costa Rica. Here is a picture that doesn't do it justice.

Phenomenal. Absolute perfection.

So, I'm feeling good this week. Spent some much needed time with the Lord, ate a divine dessert, and have 100% dental insurance. How's your week shaping up?

Happy Place

2010-11-17T12:13:00.003-06:00

Do you have a "happy place" that you retreat to in the midst of chaos? I think mine has been different places at different points in my life. Once it may have been a family vacation, another time it may have been remembering W and I white water rafting on our honeymoon. It's just a place you can close your eyes, and see in your mind. Since we got back from Costa Rica, mine has been the beach there. We went to Manuel Antonio, which is an area on the Pacific Ocean protected by the government. Monkeys, macaws and iguanas abound. The photo below is the hotel where we stayed, Hotel Karahe. After spending the week in dormitory style housing, this was a breath of fresh air. Each balcony has its own hammock. You walk through the garden, past the pool to the open air restaurant, directly to the beach. BLISS.

The past few months have been chaotic and overwhelming. This is where I keep going back to. It's actually strange to me because I'm not a beach person. 9 times out of 10 I'd take the mountains over the ocean. Until I found my happy place. The Lord keeps drawing me back there. And I'm okay with that.

Lipstick!

2010-11-15T07:48:00.003-06:00

What's the difference between a bulldog and hockey mom?

This girl is a mess. Oh, speaking of "mess," this summer when my brother returned from his deployment I was talking with two women and Sam came running up to me. I picked her up and introduced her, and at that moment she was quite the entertainer. I looked at Sam and said "you're a mess!" One of the women said "she's a mess? she doesn't look like a mess!" I was reminded we often speak a slightly different version of English here in the south.

I hope at least one person laughed at the Sarah Palin reference about the lipstick. I watched (and incessantly tweeted) about "Sarah Palin's Alaska" last night. I loved the show. How amazing would it be to take your children salmon fishing amongst bears? Or randomly say "Hey, kid! Let's go climb Mt. McKinley today!" It's the part of me that wants to be completely outfitted in Gore Tex boots, North Face clothes with a Marmot jacket and drink water from a Nalgene bottle all day. And apparently work at REI.

Then I got to thinking last night... "oh no, I don't want my whole 34 Twitter followers to think I'm a SP devotee" so I tried to clear myself of any political admiration of her (in less than 140 characters!). But truly, I do admire her. Agree with all of the political stuff? Nah. But as I claimed last night, there is life outside of politics.

And here was our weekend:

And we did it all without Gore Tex, North Face, or Marmot!

Recap

2010-11-11T07:52:00.002-06:00

The last month in pictures.

T-Pup played his best season of soccer ever. Of course, playing with dirt and rocks before the game helped his mind get in the game.

Sam turned 3. The week before her birthday party, her big brother went to spend the night with his grandparents. He quickly said "I'll pack my backpack!" and little Sam declared the injustice of the world that she didn't have a backpack. I reminded myself Christmas would be an opportune time to help a backpack needing sister out. But alas, her dear aunt surprised us at the birthday party.

"I can now unleash gangster moves out of my backpack. Come closer and I'll show you."

Iron Man (or for those of you who are blessed to see behind the armor, Tony Stark) came to see us for some trick or treating. He had his helmet and a smaller mask that came with the costume. He said "I'm scared to wear my real helmet because people will think I'm here to save the world, and I don't have time this weekend." Yes Iron Man, we know you are a busy man.

And also spotted trick or treating was a sweet little butterfly. And by sweet I certainly do not mean screaming until your butterfly parents agree that butterflies can take their wings off.

It's so hard to believe that it's November now and thus the beginning of our holiday season. It also means that W's semester is coming to a close, and can we all shout "THANK YOU JESUS" because my word, it has been a behemoth.

I challenge you to decide which of these photos were taken with my iPhone and various apps, and which were taken with W's fancy pants camera.

What's going on with you?

Hopscotch

2010-10-11T21:10:00.002-05:00

With all the talk of Little Lady's room, I thought I'd share a darling photo of her (courtesy of my iPhone and Hipstamatic). Hopscotch is serious business for a princess ballerina.

The Big Girl Room

2010-10-10T09:45:00.005-05:00

When we bought our house nearly 5 years ago, we were a wee family of 3. Instead of having a guest bedroom, I gladly relinquished control of the third bedroom to my husband, who could use it as a home office. Well, a few years later our baby girl came. There was no rush to get her into her own room. She would be in a bassinet for a few months in our room. The next fall W started graduate school, so we both wholeheartedly agreed that he should keep the extra room for studying and um, QUIET.

Fast forward 2 years. Our kiddos have been sharing a bedroom and have done great. Until one night this past spring when someone coughed then someone cried. They started waking each other up every single night. I had a 2 and 4 year old who were like newborns in the night.

Thus, the room reformation was born.

Here is what we started with.

The room, our third bedroom, once all the furniture was removed.

The bed, graciously given to us by W's parents. This was the first bed my husband and his brother had as their "big boy beds." I think it's so neat that it's being used by the next generation of our family. The process of refinishing was time consuming, but not difficult. I aggressively applied three coats of liquid sand paper, then applied two coats of an oil-based stain killer/primer. Next came the paint and I used a specialty High Gloss Acrylic/Enamel. I probably used 3 full coats to achieve the look I wanted. The spindles proved to be the most difficult. I tried 100% to not have any runs, but painting one side of a spindle then switching to the other side (back and forth, back and forth) created a couple small runs. I didn't want to sand them out lest I disturb the other smooth paint, fearing I'd have to do it all over again. (Photo was after liquid sandpaper, with a touch of the primer on.)

The dresser. I used the exact same process with the dresser as I did with the bed, except one thing. I only used one coat of primer/stain killer. And you can tell. After a minimum of three coats of the paint, you could still see distinct grain lines. I (at that point) just kept on painting but feel confident a second coat of primer would have eliminated the grain strokes.

The bed. I was feeling crafty and made the canvas montage on the wall (based off her bedding).

Obviously before they were hung.

The dresser. What I had the hardest time with was the handles. Initially I spray painted them (what I thought to be) a light pink. The contrast between the white and the pink through made them to look like they were dipped in Pepto Bismol. And, they are brass--but I didn't sand them. The pink paint immediately started chipping/peeling off. I then got a textured spray paint that almost looked like sand. I sprayed on top of the pink with a little showing through... and couldn't decide if I loved or hated it. With the help of some friends we thought it made it a bit beachy... which is fine if it were, um, in a condo. It just didn't work for our big girl room. So, I took some of my white acrylic enamel paint and added some light green acrylic craft paint. I sponged it on the sand looking layer and it worked. It is so faint it's almost white, but enough that it's not.

Also, the quilt hanging is so precious to me. I have a tender spot in my heart for handmade quilts and when Sam was christened a sweet woman in our church who works with all the local pastors gave it to us. A friend of hers made the quilt, and the detail and perfection is overwhelming. I hope Sam will cherish it as much as I do.

The reading nook/doll bed. A precious friend of our family gave both Sam and T-Pup these anywhere chairs for their birthdays. They love them, and so do W and I! They are so comfy and it's extra fun to bring them downstairs for a movie night. The doll bed was an unexpected addition, but another precious family to our family (who helped with the kids while we were in Costa Rica with their children) gave this to Sam. This was their daughter's baby bed, and she just started her freshman year of college at Belmont. The bassinet comes up and there is storage underneath which I love!

I love that everything has a story. Even the roller shades! We went with those because they are room darkening (obviously the picture is contradicting me) and more "energy efficient." Our upstairs rooms are hot in the summer and cold in the winter, so we've made a few changes to help with that this summer.

I STILL NEED CURTAINS! I have looked up and down but can't seem to find any that fit what I have in mind. I don't want valances but I don't want long panels. I don't want a solid but don't necessarily want a print. I've thought if I could find a nice light green then I could sew some cute ribbon around it, but haven't found a green that I like. If anyone has any suggestions, by all means, SUGGEST!

The end :)

PS: homegirl cannot part with all of the animals on her bed. She wants every.single.one. in the bed with her. I know the day will come when she will not want any, so I'm not pushing it :)

PPS: I want a vinyl wall decal with a scripture to hang above her bed, but can't decide on a scripture. Any suggestions on that?

The "real" end :)

Singing in the rain

2010-09-21T07:51:00.002-05:00

Singing in the rain, singing in the rain...

What a glorious feeling, I'm happy again.

For the glory of it all

2010-08-29T16:14:00.003-05:00

On our journey home from Costa Rica, we were delayed at DFW. We were allotted a little more than an hour to get off our flight, get through customs, go to luggage claim, go back through security and then catch our next flight. With 52 people. Oy vey. Long story short, a storm came, the luggage conveyor shut down, we missed our flight. One of our youth, Bert, had already scheduled to go to UT for his freshman orientation. There needed to be an adult traveling back with him, so I was nominated. We gate-hopped about 6 times getting on standby trying to catch a flight.

On the last gate of the night, I saw this man. I thought to myself that he looked familiar, but couldn't logically place him. Then, it clicked. I asked W if he thought said man was David Crowder. We all started analyzing and trying to decide if it was him or not. I finally pulled up a pic on my iPhone from google, walked up to him, and said "hey, is this you?" He laughed and obliged. We all talked for a minute and we told him how much we appreciated his ministry. So, we met David Crowder. Cool.

The entire 12 days before that in Costa Rica I'd listened to a song by DCB called "The Glory of it All." All week. Over and over each day. I was struggling with being away from our children and the words continually pointed me to the cross. I was there for the glory of it all. We were there for the glory of it all.

Since we've been home, we've had these crazy attacks from enemy. I mean absurd. Some of them have come from people close to us, and well... that sucks. It truly hurts. I mentioned in my post Cinco that your words are weapons. James chapter 3 verse 5 is one of the many scriptures that reference our tongues: "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!"

And even when it hurts from people we love, we press on loving God with our hearts, heads, hands... for the glory of it all. As it says in the song "after all falls apart, He repairs, He repairs." If you've ever been of the receiving end of an attack like this, you kind of feel like your heart is in shambles. God is so faithful to repair though.

I get to continue to love these people in the midst of a forest fire of the mouth, for the glory of it all.

There is gold and a multitude of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. Proverbs 20:15

Cinco

2010-08-26T09:16:00.003-05:00

I've started about 5 different blogs in my mind, yet can't seem to get them typed out. Upcoming (meaning you know, coming up in the next YEAR) I'd love to write about:

-My first DIY refinishing furniture experience for Sam's new room. (Her room, it's PINK! PINK, Mama!)

-I deleted Facebook. Clearly the world must be coming to an end.

-We're officially a home educating family! It's going great!

-Your words are weapons.

-And the fifth must have had something to do with a little thing called my children. They're growing up before my eyes.

We'll see which posts come out when... they are in no particular order! Hope to hear from some of my abandon Facebook friends, too. Don't lurk, let me know you're there.

What's cooler than having your picture made with a cardboard fire cow?

See Me Through

2010-08-05T09:04:00.002-05:00

I have been listening to this song everyday for the past week. The funny thing is that I have had the album (how do you say this now that one doesn't actually have the CD? Album seems so dated.) for over a year yet have never listened to this song.

God knows just what we need when we need it.

Last week I was coming back to town and this song came on. I had to pull over until the tears ceased flowing because I couldn't see the road. There have been a few things so heavy on my heart lately and at this point I was finally able to release them to the Lord. It's funny how we try to hold on to things ourselves.

Ever since that point, I have felt so much freedom from these situations I was carrying. I have known the scripture "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" for many years, yet I experienced it in the purest form these last few days.

So, have a listen. I pray the Lord ministers to you as He has to me.

Our youth

2010-07-20T09:02:00.003-05:00

One month ago yesterday, I stepped foot onto the beautiful soil of Costa Rica. I haven't stopped thinking about the trip since then. Now I know when people come back from mission trips each has a testimony, each has a story. I do have my story, but I feel like I have 13 other stories as well. What blessed me beyond belief was seeing our youth minister, seeing our youth bless others, seeing them be blessed.

For the past 5 years we have watched them grow up. We have laughed with them, cried with them, tried not to pull our hair out over them, loved them. They have matured beautifully into young men and women of the Lord.

Our church here is a traditional church. The Methodist church in Costa Rica was very charismatic. During the worship some people were dancing, some danced with flags. Many raised their hands in worship and were very passionate. Our first Sunday there was Father's Day and all the fathers came to the front. The children surrounded them and we all stretched out our hands to pray for them. W and I have been in every church imaginable, so all of this wasn't a shock for us. The youth, being in a different kind of church though, did awesome. They worshiped God alongside the Costa Ricans and never questioned the differences.

During the mornings when we worked remodeling the church, they gave it their all. Cleaning, scraping, sanding, painting...I never heard a complaint.

For 3 days a few of us worked on a gate in the back of the church. We had to clean it with wire brushes then sand it, then paint it. Both sides of this huge 12 foot wall. On the other side of the gate was an alleyway where homeless people would come and use the bathroom (both #1 and #2). It smelled awful. Doris, one of the women at the church came and power washed the #2s away but it was still rough smelling. Our youth pressed on, finished the job and had a great attitude the whole way.

I love these teenagers. I feel like they teach me how to be a better person and look to the Lord all the more. And they make me laugh :)

Home School!

2010-06-07T08:36:00.002-05:00

Have you ever categorized people? I know growing up there were the grunge kids and the preppy ones. In college there the working students and non-working students. As a young married couple, it was hard not to be despondent to see others with nice houses and new vehicles. Maybe it still is.

Well, now comes a new category in our life. Home education! Before I continue, watch this...

I, personally, am excited. T-Pup is excited. He can't wait to be able to read, and is already doing awesome with some basic phonics. He loves math. One of his favorite things is for me to make a little puzzle with different quantities of shapes on one side and the corresponding numbers on the other side. Can you feel my excitement?

I'm not so naive to think that each day is going to be a stroll through the daisies. Someone once told me with children some days are rocks and some days are diamonds, and you're reminded of the diamonds on the rock days. I can't help but think this will be no different.

Would you believe me if I told you everyone NOT in the home education arena whom I have told has asked me one question? Can you guess what that question is?

But what about his socialization?

Oh, I'm not worried about that. I'll open the blinds 3x a week for 10 minutes each. You can imagine the response that gets.

Why would I start prohibiting his socialization now? If you have ever met T-Pup, he is quite the socialite. And pretty darn cute, too.

No one (again, outside of this new category) has expressed any concern to me other than his socialization.

So, once again we see these categories in life. And once again, I feel we're on the road less traveled.

And I'm ok with that.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-17T23:46:00.002-05:00

Catch up

2010-03-03T08:20:00.002-06:00

I'm hoping our schedule has slowed down a little bit for the time being. The annual youth ski trip is now behind us. We had a great time! T-Pup got to ski and really enjoyed it. We all went tubing Saturday afternoon and W got a precious video of T-Pup as they were tubing down. He LOVED it! Sam on the other hand... well, we had to come back down on foot instead of a tube. Maybe she'll be a bigger fan of it next year. Or the next :)

I love my children dearly, but whew, a 2 and a 4 year old together makes a great combo for partners in crime. While I was in the shower yesterday they got into the kitchen cabinet and consumed about 20 Reese's cups (the mini ones). Maybe when they're 3 and 5 it'll be less eventful? Or not :)

Also yesterday held their first dental cleaning. Boy oh boy... they did not enjoy it. T-Pup has 3 cavities :( but I was really anticipating that. He has just started to love brushing his teeth in the past 6-8 months. Before that it was a battle. And by battle I mean holding him down in my lap, prying his mouth open, and getting what I could without the jaws of life closing in on my fingers. Sam on the other hand has loved all things dental since she could get into them. I wish I could count how many rolls of floss she's gone through to chew on. Wait, I can... 3. (3) 500 yard rolls of floss. 1500 yards of floss. Yep.

So, do you think the day he gets the cavities filled they will let us both have Nitris? That may be the only way I can get through it :)

On a more "me" note, I have been slap worn out lately. Physically and spiritually. Sometimes it feels like I give and give and never get back.... which I know isn't true. "You anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over." There is always more of the Lord. Always. I read this last week and it brought SUCH encouragement to me:

Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
Isaiah 40:28

He understands where I am (where my family is) and it doesn't tire him out. He continues to fill my cup, even when I don't realize it. Wow... I'm so grateful for that.

So, that's about the extent of where we are this week. W's spring break is next week so hopefully he can get some down time when he isn't working. And I hope to post a few pictures of the ski trip soon too.

Not Me! Monday

2010-02-22T14:12:00.004-06:00

It's been a while since I played Not Me! Monday so I thought I'd join in today.

I recently did not find a steal on curtains for $8 each on jcp.com. I therefore did not decide to finally paint my kitchen, resulting in me not contracting out help...

And I most certainly did not make my hired help strip down to their undergarments to avoid any clothing casualties.

I do not absolutely love the way my kitchen came out.

I also did not find my son wiping a booger on my freshly painted wall behind my computer desk today. When I asked why he didn't go get a tissue, he did not reply "the wall is more fun."

And alas, I did not see this in the store and stop in my tracks to take this picture and drool. I do not hope the store still has this after Easter...

Youth Ministry

2010-02-19T09:24:00.002-06:00

Hello! And a special welcome if you're coming from Kelly's Korner! My husband has been a youth minister for the past 4.5 years. I typically do not share much from our youth group or church here (note: very small town!) but if I could ever encourage you in any way I would love to. I love our teenagers dearly and love watching their individual (and corporate) relationships grow with the Lord.

My husband is nearly halfway finished with Divinity School, and after that... only the Lord knows. We take delight in whatever that plan is though... or at least I'm trying to get to that point :)

I am by no means versed 100% in the dos and don'ts of youth ministry, but I can tell you I love pouring into this generation. I so often feel inadequate when I don't have answers for them, but I rejoice in this scripture:

³His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

Thanks for stopping by :)

Michelle

Three Cups of Tea

2010-02-16T21:29:00.002-06:00

It was this past summer that I first learned of Three Cups of Tea. A family friend told me her church had just read Three Cups of Tea corporately. The adults read the actual book Three Cups of Tea, the youth read the young reader's edition, and the children read Listen to the Wind.

I noted that I'd like to read it but quickly forgot. Fast forward to this past Christmas. My brother actually told me he'd read it and that I should read it. My brother loves to read, especially things related to the military and history. This was the first time he'd ever recommended a book to me, so I took note. I mentioned to W I'd like to read it and to my surprise, he bought it this past summer right after said family friend recommended it to us.

Alllllll of that to say I read the Three Cups of Tea starting mid-January. One of our youth played in an honor band that was out of town and her parents were unable to be there the first night, so they asked me to go and stay with her in the hotel. I gladly obliged. She left for her band responsibilities and I crawled in bed with the book and made significant progress that night alone.

Greg Mortenson is a top-notch humanitarian. He tells the story of his mountaineering days, and how his failed attempt at K2 allowed him to stumble into a small rural Pakistani village. He was emaciated and the village nursed him back to health. He made a promise to them that he would return to bless them with a school.

And it all began.

He has since built not one, but fifty-five schools. The book chronicles his relationships, his love of the people, his marriage with his wife, and all that comes with living on the other side of the world from where your heart is.

Two of my favorite quotes are as follows:

Jake Greenberg, a thirteen year old from the suburbs of Philadelphia, was so fired up by reading about Mortenson's work that he donated more than one thousand dollars of his bar mitzvah money to the CAI and volunteered to come to Pakistan and help out himself. "When I heard about Greg's story," Greenberg says, "I realized that, unlike me, children in the Muslim world might not have educational opportunities. It makes no difference that I'm a Jew sending money to help Muslims. We all need to work together to plant the seeds of peace" (Mortenson 2006, 302).

Wow. From the mouth of babes.

And...

"Look here, look at these hills." Khan indicated the boulderfields that marched up from the dirt streets of Baharak like irregularly spaced headstones, arrayed like a vast army of the dead as they climbed toward the deepening sunset. "There has been far too much dying in these hills," Sadhar Khan said, somberly. "Every rock, every boulder that you see before you is one of my mujahadeen, shahids, martyrs, who sacrificed their lives fighting the Russians and the Taliban. Now we must make their sacrifice worthwhile, " Khan said, turning to face Mortenson. "We must turn these stones into schools" (Mortenson 2006, 330).

This story is abosolutely real and inspiring. I would recommend any who have an interest in the middle East and humanitarian efforts to read it.

My only grief about the book is that it is strictly humanitarian. I thought because the family friend told us her church read it that it would have some form of Christianity to it. Now, as soon as I say that I think "What is Christianity?" and I immediately think to James 1:27 and taking care of orphans and widows. There is redemption to it in that these people are being offered an education, which presents them with an option other than being paid to be a "freedom fighter." Yet as far as the gospel being presented... not happening here.

Alas, my two cents... or three cents? After all, it was Three Cups of Tea :)

Straight to my heart

2010-01-31T19:25:00.001-06:00

A woman that I love and respect wrote this. I pray the Lord will speak to you through it as He did to me.

The Power of the Word

All of us have things (fears, insecurities, strongholds, etc. etc.) that we deal with on an ongoing basis or at least a season basis. We all start thinking about losing weight more seriously in the spring as we think toward that beach vacation, right??? We deal with feelings of loneliness or despair at holidays or birthdays possibly?? We deal with fears associated with a certain family relationship or event? I could go on and on with the scenarios, but the bottom line is that we all have "things" that we deal with, work through, or just endure until it is over.
Just this past month I have had to grab hold of the Word like I haven't had to in a long time. My thoughts and fears of childbirth once again began to wrap around my neck like a noose and try to strangle out anything I had conquered before in this area. I had so many people praying for me which was awesome. On my own though, I had to dig in and find a place of peace with God in my mind, my heart, and my spirit. This is not always easy to do because we have an enemy. Did you hear me? We have an enemy. His plans are to totally disarm us and to tuck our tails and run with fear. This is exactly what David was doing in 1 Samuel 21. He was running....running for his life from King Saul at this time. He was one scared young man and rightly so. The fear is real, no doubt. It is just what we do with it. David comes to Nob to the priest and starts asking for food for he and his men. Ahimelech, the priest, informed him that he had no bread there other than "The Presence...." the holy bread. Ha Ha Ha. This makes me laugh out loud. There is nothing we can feed ourselves with, no magazine articles, no Dr. whoever book, no "think myself happy" that will feed us and satisfy us rather than the presence of God, the very bread of God Himself. Then David asks if the priest has any weapons there. Ahimelech's response to this question is somewhat astounding, "The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah is here;...." What??? Come on!! The very weapon that David had used once before to cut off the head of his enemy, not to mention the enemy of his family members and his nation. The weapon, the sword we have is The Word... "it is living and active, and sharper than any two edged sword, it penetrates even to the dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 And the beauty of it is this....we have used it before, many times I'm sure, to defeat the enemy. We know it works, we've seen the fruit of it, we've seen the power of it. I encourage you today, my sisters and friends, to use this weapon. Read it, memorize it, meditate on it, quote it to yourself and to the devil, quote it to your children and husband. It will begin to renew your mind and brighten your outlook. It will empower you to know that you can rise above these thoughts, feelings, and circumstances. I know for me it was such a lifesaver these past few weeks. It took me from turmoil to trust within hours. It took me from pessimism to peace. It is a mighty weapon and all we have to do is take it up and use it

Just for smiles

2010-01-31T19:20:00.002-06:00

This video will forever warm my heart. I have had a crazy week this past week, and I could watch this over and over again to laugh and be joyful.

And this is the recreation (recreation? re-creation? help!) of it. How incredibly fun.

Eww Mommy, blood!

2010-01-20T09:03:00.004-06:00

It is 0900 here in the South on a cool, rainy day. T-Pup crawled into our bed around 4 this morning, thus sending me to the couch. I must confess when I walked into our bedroom at 8:30, it was dark and cool and you could hear the rain hitting the windows... I was slightly envious it was him that was still sleeping and not me.

Yesterday while I was making his breakfast he said to me "Momma, do you know I like to drink maple syrup out of the refrigerator when you're not looking?"

Hmm... that explains the excess bouncing the last several days...

Later we were reading in the Bible. We have the Big Picture Story Bible and really enjoy it. T-Pup loves for us to read the Easter story...over and over again. Last year I thought "I really wish we could read something else"but then got convicted... what better to read over and over again besides the story of Jesus rising from the dead?! As our Bible says, He is our forever king.

I continued reading yesterday about when God's people come to understand.

Jesus opened up God's holy book
that had been written long ago.
He started with the books of Moses
and then the Prophets and the Psalms.
He showed them everything
that was written there about him.

So then we get to the next page...

In it were many word pictures that proved
he must die to pay the penalty for sin.

"Mommy! What is that? Why is there blood?" Well bud...

Wow. I studdered through it somehow, but how do you explain the blood of the lamb as atonement for sins to a 4 year old? I eventually said "Jesus' blood covers all of the things we do wrong" but was quickly interrupted with "But I don't like blood!" I hope it wasn't a cop-out, but I told him I knew it was hard to understand now, but one day it would make more sense.

The fact is, it's still a wonderful mystery to me.

What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Oh precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow.
No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.

I pray it will always be a wonderful mystery to T-Pup, too.

Going Rogue

2010-01-17T20:43:00.004-06:00

A goal of mine in 2010 is to read more... to read more in the Word, to read more with my children, and to read more on my own.

I am proud to announce that we no longer have cable television so that alone should help in my quest for more reading.

I've just finished Going Rogue by Sarah Palin. I'm pleased to offer you my thoughts of the book, as amateur as they may be.

I so appreciate Sarah. She has my respect as a wife and mother. I absolutely love that she never pretends to be someone else. Even back in the days of serving on the Wasilla city council she marched to her on tune. While on the city council and when she served as Mayor, the practicality she governed with merits respect. I've worked in my small life with 3 different campaigns on 3 different levels. There is a whole lot of brown nosing and compromise. Politicos on every level live in their own little worlds and I feel Sarah shattered those walls in every position she has held, even as the VP candidate with Senator McCain.

What I really respect was her decision to resign from her position as Governor of Alaska. She put her interests aside for the best interests of her state. She saw the bigger picture.

The main thing I dislike about the book is the name-game. Good qualities or bad, she lists many names. You can eventually differentiate the personalities of the "characters." I understand they are a part of her story... it just seemed a bit gossipy at times.

There is so much to learn from Sarah Palin. I hope there are more people like her in the world. I would now love to go to Alaska and just hang out with her for a week and see the state, so long as she didn't ask me to eat fish. I'd more than willingly try the moose and caribou though!

Please read the book and then I'd love to converse with you about it!

Up next I'll be reading Three Cups of Tea. I'm really excited about this one.

Thinking of Boston

2010-01-12T08:45:00.003-06:00

We really had the best time. And with our freezing temperatures here, I know it's all the colder and snowier there than it is here. We watched this in front of Faneuil Hall. Precious memories!

As if...

2009-12-11T16:38:00.003-06:00

This post is a ribbon wrapped around my finger, this is heretofore a reminder of the movies I want to see. I tried to remember my mental list of movies to watch last Tuesday night to share with Malerie and could only remember two...so...

Disclaimer: I am a chick.

Disclaimer to the disclaimer: I heart chick flicks.

Time Travelers Wife
Julie and Julia
Love Happens
My Sister's Keeper
Land of the Lost
Amelia
Blindside
Old Dogs
Everybody's Fine

I realize a few of these haven't even come out in theaters yet, but I did want to document them before I forgot. Apparently when it comes to pop culture I have the memory of an 86 y/o woman.

Speaking of pop culture but not entirely speaking of pop culture (hmm?) I was talking to one of our youth last night (17 y/o guy). He called W and then wanted to talk to me and was asking relationship advice. I told him some things then to give the girl a call. He said she didn't have cell service at her house so I said "well call her home phone." He sounded as if he fell out of his seat he was laughing so hard. "Home phone? That's the first time I've laughed in days!"

Apparently I have an understanding of teen relationships like an 86 y/o woman would too. Do you think he would have laughed as hard if I told him my high school boyfriend and I talked on AOL back in the day? What a granny I am.

So, movie list is forever engraved on the internet. Any suggestions on any of them (or movies not listed) are more than welcome!

The Pioneer Woman

2009-12-09T08:59:00.003-06:00

This summer, I was reading Melanie's blog and she mentioned she had been with The Pioneer Woman at her ranch. I didn't think much about it until she posted a photo of these cinnamon rolls. My mouth began to salivate and I knew I needed to find out more. Needless to say, I quickly fell in love with The Pioneer Woman's website and ALL of her many recipes. I made the cinnamon rolls and gave them out to different friends. They all called me later and proclaimed their new found love for me.

Needless to say, I'm baking those babies tomorrow to hand out as Christmas presents.

Ree's new cookbook came out last month and I quickly ordered it. She has been signing the cookbooks in various areas of the country and last night she made it to our neck of the woods.

My only wish is that we would have been the only ones there so we could have chatted with her the whole night instead of sharing her with 500* other people.

*Strictly a guess. More ideally would been 5,000 because of the crazy line... but I'm guessing between 500-600.

Anyway, it was a much needed girl's night out and I had a great time with great friends. Thanks Ree for coming to our neck of the woods! Hope you enjoyed my Punk's Christmas card!

Also... E and M both have better cameras than mine... hoping their photos are better!

A few of my favorite things

2009-12-07T17:23:00.005-06:00

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens,
bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,
brown paper packages tied up with strings,
these are a few of my favorite things.

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels,
door bells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles.
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings.
these are a few of my favorite things.

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes,
snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes,
silver white winters that melt into springs,
these are a few of my favorite things.

When the dog bites, when the bee stings,
when I'm feeling sad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
and then I don't feel so bad.

A few of my recent favorite pictures...

Revealing His glory

2009-12-03T03:43:00.002-06:00

Where to begin catch up? I have so many thoughts bouncing around my head that it's almost confusing.

First, my brother is about to be start his second deployment. Iraq last time, Afghanistan this time. The reality is harsh. Hope seems unattainable. I am so thankful however that we know the Creator of hope who is the definition of hope. We'll get to spend some time with my brother over Christmas and we are all absolutely looking forward to it.

Can I please just be honest and say that I love The Biggest Loser. Television these days is too often so negative. To me The Biggest Loser is a reality show of redemption. I love watching the people on it fight their way to a "second chance" at life. I watched a DVRed episode of it this morning and cried my eyes out the whole time. They were running a marathon and facing all that a 26.2 mile run entails. T-Pup said "Momma I don't want to run like that!" and I couldn't help but laugh.

I'm such a practical person. It doesn't take much for me to start weeping at the goodness of God. I tend to see Him in the (seemingly) small, mundane things of life. A few weeks ago W wrote a paper for one of his classes that included a section on creation. He quoted the verse Romans 8:19. The ministry we worked with our first year of marriage used this verse frequently. I don't think I ever really understood it until W used it in his paper. It's so easy to see God in the simple things in life because creation WAITS to reveal it. Creation is here to reveal His glory. When I look out over our pasture and see the baby calves nursing I almost always tear up. When I see those same calves bucking their heads up and hitting their mama, I tear up. I've been that nursing mama and when the baby yanks or jerks, UM YES, it hurts. But that mama cow is always so patient to stand there and nurture that child, no matter the what. Creation reveals His glory.

Autumn leaves are now mostly gone. Did you know the true color of the tree's leaves come out when the chlorophyll is no longer produced and the leaves begin to fall? The true color of the leaf comes out only in its death. Creation reveals His glory.

I don't know these folks on The Biggest Loser, but I pray as they are transformed that their spirits will be also. I don't know how you can experience a "second chance" at life and not fall at the feet of Jesus with gratitude.

God longs to transform us into His image. And for that I am so grateful, because I know I NEED IT.

With all of that said.

Amen.

:)

We had a cold rainy day here today. I was feeling tired (Sam was up 2am-5:15) so I let the children take the reign on what to do. They pulled all of my pots and pans out in the kitchen and filled a bowl with water. Needless to say it eventually "flooded" (T-Pup's words, not mine!). I just rolled with it. When wet get in the bath, right? So they continued in water play for a while.

They are both at such precious points right now. Sam has finally gotten a good vocabulary and is quite opinionated. T-Pup is really starting to think about things we say to him, ie "Jesus is going to help me pick up my toys so I can wait to do it." He is also starting to process those decisions he makes and possibly (?) close to understanding consequences.

W has another two weeks of class before Christmas break, with a lot of work to do before then, but we are on the countdown.

After my tooth escapade this fall (which, for the record, we now have dental insurance!!) I decided to volunteer for a free dental day that a local dentist (who W grew up with) is doing in a few weeks. I've enjoyed doing a bit of fund raising and spreading the word about the day. I'm thankful we were able to pay for my tooth drama, but I know so many are not able to. It's encouraging to know people who want to serve others. Ahem, creation revealing His glory :)

Well, it is now 4:14am and I have yet to sleep tonight. Yawn. I will feel the ramifications of this tomorrow, but believe me, I DID NOT VOLUNTEER FOR THIS ALL NIGHTER! Sinus stuff + lack of my sleeping medicine + a full mind = me awake at all crazy hours of the night. And did you catch where I said I was up with Sam last night? I'm thinking today will be a long day.

Well... a wordy post was due :)

Encourage someone today. Reveal His glory.

Peek-a-Boo!

2009-12-01T17:12:00.004-06:00

This my friends is a little preview for our Christmas card. I thought we'd head to the church, snap a few pictures, smile the whole time and voila. Not so much. We were able to catch a few good shots, thus the cards have been made and are already in the mail to us. Bless you Shutterfly for making my life easy!

More updates about our life coming soon, I promise!

scattered thoughts

2009-11-09T20:56:00.002-06:00

I'm not feeling very bloggity lately. (Random thought: anyone remember the old song "I like the way you work it... no biggity... I like to bag it up?" Bloggity made me think of 'biggity.' Thanks for putting up with my randomness.)

I must confess I am counting down the days to Thanksgiving. W is out of school the whole week, and we are taking a trip to a place called Heaven on Earth, NC. Also known as W's Aunt's mountain house. We'll be there with his whole family. We go every other year and I have come to absolutely love it. That means that this semester is close to being over which possibly excites me more than my husband. That also means that he is completely up to his height in work to be done in a short amount of time.

Have I mentioned my husband is completely awesome? He handles everything he does with such grace. He rocks.

I also must confess I am so incredibly super excited about meeting THE Pioneer Woman next month. I know she is wonderful and lovely and a bag of chips... but I am really looking forward to having a special girl's night out to go meet her. Fellowship, food, and an amazing cookbook author = sounds like a plan to me.

I'm out of little tidbits to talk about I think. I'm praying for God's peace tonight. I worry way too much. I am trying to remind myself to lay everything, no matter what, at the cross. Especially with my family and the world we live in. I would so much rather be in God's hands than be in control myself, yet I find myself trying to control so many things. I pray that His peace which surpasses all understanding would guard my heart and mind. I desire the joy of the Lord.

Thanks for reading :o) And how about a big 'ole PRAISE GOD that Stellan's ablation was successful!

St. Louis Trip

2009-11-04T08:07:00.007-06:00

Week before last, our little family took a quick trip to St. Louis, MO to see some precious friends of ours.

We had an awesome time. Thursday night we hung out with them at home, then Friday when the girls were in school, S took us to an amazing place called The Magic House. The kids LOVED it. There were countless activities for them to do, and quite frankly, mom and dad had a blast too.

W and I both forgot our cameras (err!) but did have the trusty iPhones. These were taken at the water works and also at the water organ. W got some cool video on his phone too.

After our outing, I had my very first Red Robin (ummmm!) experience. I had some type of BBQ wrap that was amazing. That night, we all went out to eat together at this little pizza joint called Dewey's Pizza. It was the freshest tasting pizza I've ever had in my life. We had the Bronx Bomber which is likened to a supreme pizza. The bell peppers, onions, and sausage were to die for.

The next morning we had to leave (I mentioned it was a quick trip, right?) so we naturally went to the Arch. Wow. It was so beautiful. I never would have imagined it to be so big, but indeed it is.

We had an awesome time with an awesome family. We miss them so much already!

In which I use the word "dentist" a few times.

2009-10-19T12:26:00.004-05:00

I have been awful about updating lately; consequently, this will be a smorkus board of random thoughts. I even told myself that I would not in fact blog today for my to-do list is as long as the Autobahn. I began to get my ironing pile ready when I heard T-Pup jump from an unknown location to his bed. I then grabbed the laptop and now am monitoring his kangaroo tendancies while I update the blog.

Where to start? Ah, yes... Dental Drama.

About two years ago I had a root canal done. I went into the office all but kicking and screaming saying "just don't say root canal." For one reason or six, I never had the tooth crowned. So about six weeks ago I find myself with excruciating pain. I hypnotize myself back to the doorway of dentistry doom and go figure, the root canal tooth. I was so much in denial that I started laughing hysterically, but I think Dr. Dentist thought I was crying because he handed me a tissue and patted my shoulder.

I then went to Dr. Dandy Dentist (better known as the Endodontist) who said only after a course in Endodontics 101 that I did in fact need re-treatment.

I then went to the waiting room and curled up in the fetal position and cried "why me?" for approximately 3 minutes. Just kidding. Maybe.

So the next week I go back to Dr. Dandy Dentist and darling dental assistant encouraged me and even patted my shoulder during the shots. Then I met my true love who shall be known Mr. Nitris (also known as Mr. Nose). Where has he been my whole life? Why couldn't I have him during childbirth? Or family gatherings?

Turns out because of Mr. Nitris, darling dental assistant, Dr. Dandy Dentist and plenty of grace from God the 3 hour procedure all but flew by. And they even gave me coconut lip balm.

The next week I go back to Dr. Dentist for the crown-frown process. I just feel to young to have this done. They all but erase my tooth then put some temporary crown resembling a chicklet over my tooth and tell me to come back in a few weeks to have the permanent one put on. Turns out I went back the next day because said chicklet came off while I was having my morning cup of ~~get me going~~ coffee.

The next one they put on came off last week while I was eating pumpkin bread. So, I frantically borrowed a tube of Fixadent from W's grandmother and squished the thing back on. Um, eww. Will I borrow her Preparation H next?

I refuse to go back until my permanent is in. Sadly this means I haven't had a piece of gum in six weeks and my mental age has gone from late twenties to early sixties.

And we have invested approximately 23% of our children's college fund into ONE tooth. Here's to hoping for scholarships.

The End of Dental Drama.

Since that took so much effort I guess I'll save the rest for another day or possibly month.

*Updated to add IT.IS.FINISHED. Dr. Dentist called me yesterday and had the permanent crown. I am amazed. And possibly not hating dentistry as much now... possibly...

Let the photos speak for themselves...

2009-10-04T12:44:00.004-05:00

Squeezeee!

Help!

Mom?!

Ok... Deal!

Food

2009-09-28T14:05:00.004-05:00

I don't know about you, but for me Autumn brings a whole new level to cooking. Soup and chili become more acceptable, and things you don't want in the summer you suddenly do now.

I may or may not have already made potato cheese soup and chili in the past two weeks. Surely one wouldn't be that excited to bring some warmth in.

I say all of this to say I'm in a slump. A cooking slump. I have 4 very opinionated eaters in my house, including myself. One of which is currently only eating apples and turkey bacon along with a sippy cup of milk.

I'm trying to be creative for my crew, but am at a loss. Tonight? Well, I have some thawed ground beef... but spaghetti? Eh... tacos? Not so much... Hamburger helper? Please don't make me revisit the meals of my childhood.

I saw this meal last week on Kelly's blog and decided to try it out:

Olive oil and lemons were on the bottom, then the green beans, potatoes, and chicken were coated in an olive oil/juiced lemon/salt/pepper/garlic-(which I forgot) mixture. W and I ate it, but my children would not come close.

Any meal ideas that are go-to meals for your family?

Boston

2009-09-16T10:32:00.011-05:00

I realized this morning I never shared about our anniversary trip to Boston this summer. We went July 14-17, and had a great time. We flew into DC before flying to Boston, and this is what greeted us from the tarmac: the Washington Monument! It was neat because I haven't been to DC in ten years, and even though we didn't leave the airplane it was nice to have a small glimpse of our nation's capitol.

We arrived in Boston late Thursday night and rode "the T" into town. It was intimidating at first, but we quickly managed to get the hang of their public transportation. We stayed at the Charlesmark Hotel on Boylston Street right across from Copley Square. It is a smaller hotel, but it is authentically Bostonian, which is what we wanted and it fit in our budget. Our room was small but it was perfect for us. If we ever go back with the children we decided it would be better to stay somewhere a bit larger and more family friendly, but again, it was perfect for our little trip.

Wednesday morning we set out first thing for Harvard. We were still figuring out the T, so we walked... a lot. Once we hit the red line, we were on our way to Cambridge. This was taken on my iPhone from the T while crossing the river.

Our Harvard experience was... exhausting. We didn't have a tour, only the Frommer's book, and we just kind of explored. And explored. And walked. And wow, Harvard is a lot bigger than any other university I've ever visited! Can you believe this is the only picture I took in Cambridge?

That was my lunch at Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage in Harvard Square. It was an interesting lunch because the tables were incredibly close together and there were two men sitting directly beside us. They were speaking another language, so W asked where they were from and they said Amsterdam. It was kind of neat and a little too close for comfort all at the same time.

After lunch we hit the Harvard bookstore for some souvenirs then headed back into Boston. We went to our hotel and literally.crashed. We were exhausted! After our nap we headed down near Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. It's a great touristy area with plenty of restaurants. We checked out a few of the Freedom Trail sites in that area then decided to have dinner at Durgin Park. They are known for their grumpy waitresses so we were a little nervous. Ours was awesome though, even instructing W on how to crack open his lobsta'. You got it, in Bwoston you eat lobsta'. This was my dinner:

Boy I sure do seem to take a lot of pictures of food!

We decided Wednesday night that we wanted to be a bit more guided in our jaunt around Boston, so first thing Thursday morning we went back to Faneuil Hall and bought tickets for a Duck tour. We then caught a trolley that would eventually take us to the Duck pick-up, but we were able to get a neat little sight seeing with the trolley first. The duck tour was neat, and they pointed out different key things about certain areas. We were sad to find out our tour guide was from Washington state though. This was our "duck" (and note the Bunker Hill Monument in the top right corner!).

Thursday afternoon we caught a small bite of lunch at McDonalds because we knew we were having a royal dinner that night. And let me tell you. It. Was. Royal. We did our research for our anniversary dinner and decided on Abe and Louie's. I didn't get any pictures of our food, but it was delicious. W and I both had the filet, and it was to die for. It just melted in your mouth. W had a side of broccoli and I had a sweet potato. Amazing. I was so nervous about eating there that I used my steak knife to butter my bread. I suppose our waiter may have known we were from the deep south! :) This was taken after we finished eating.

After our meal we took a ride on the T to go to Fenway Park. I'm not sure what happened, but as close as we got was to the Fenway T stop. I think you actually need to get off at the stop before "Fenway" to go to Fenway Park. We walked around for a while but could never find it. I was wearing flip flops so I wasn't as dedicated to seeing it as I thought I would be.

We rode back into town and then hit the Prudential Center. It is the second tallest building in Boston and has a sky deck on the 50th floor. It was just past sunset and absolutely beautiful. After a few minutes of being up there though, I began to feel woozy. I normally have no issue with heights, so it was weird to be freaked out. We did get a lovely view of Fenway Park from up there and also of MIT.

On Friday we checked out of our hotel then rode the T to the airport. We went ahead and checked into our 5 o'clock flight so we wouldn't have to carry our luggage around all day. We went back into the city and continued exploring. First we walked through the Public Garden and up to Beacon Hill. It was beautiful. We found the beautiful Church of the Advent and gazed upon its beauty. We then stopped for a frappachino at Starbucks on Charles Street and caught our breath. We continued walking through Beacon Hill and checked out Louisburg Square.

We then rode the T to Haymarket and started hitting a few more Freedom Trail sites. We walked through Little Italy (that they coincidentally do not call Little Italy) and went to the Paul Revere Mall. It was just a small tree filled, grassy area with cobblestone and a large statue of him riding his horse. Directly behind it was the Old North Church. I can't tell you how many times we heard the words "One if by land, two if by sea." The inside of the church was so incredibly simple. All white. Not air conditioned. And the pews were not long, instead they have little boxes you sit in. I don't think time has changed it at all. Which I love.

We then tried to find the Paul Revere house, and for whatever reason it was hiding. We had our map and even the Freedom Trail app on W's iPhone, but we could not find it. I'm convinced that it doesn't really exist!

Around this time it was close to lunch. We were hot and hungry and still needed to souvenir shop, so we decided to head back to the airport. We blew farewell kisses to the beautiful New England city that is inundated in historic charm and modern architecture and headed back home.

I think I will post another entry with a few more pictures and a few less words! :)

On the Boston Harbor July 16 celebrating 5 years of marriage!

Catch Up

2009-09-14T14:08:00.005-05:00

Let's play catch up! T-Pup turned 4. Wow. Where has the time gone? My little man is literally becoming a little man. His heart is growing and his will is strengthening. From what I can tell this is typical of all four year olds!

He loves to play outside on his "wobbly scooter" and pick up bugs. Recently this almost included a live snake, but his mommy thought it may not be a good idea considering we didn't know what kind of snake it was. The snake problem took care of itself as one of his soccer teammate's father accidentally ran over the snake with his vehicle. Let me tell you, I didn't think it would crunch. ~~I may have thrown up a little.~~

My little Sam is turning into quite the two year old. She is beginning to talk up a storm and let her opinion be known often. She is a girly girl, wanting a bow in her hair first thing in the morning, but loves to play in the dirt and collect rocks from the road. She is also turning into quite the Daddy's girl. W doesn't seem to mind one bit!

School has started back so W is in his routine of school, commute, and work again. Not always in that order, ha! He amazes me with all that he does. And he never complains, which in itself amazes me. I couldn't be more proud of who he is and what he does.

And me? Well, in between dirty diapers, folding laundry, and reading Jane Austen, well, those hours are called sleep. Haha! I really feel like I can never stay caught up on everything. If my laundry is all done, there is a bathroom that needs to be cleaned. If the bathrooms are all cleaned, there is a ceiling fan to be dusted. Wait, I need to go unload the dishwasher real quick too. Hear me out: I am not complaining! I love that I am able to stay home with our children, and consider it a joy. I just wish I could manage everything a little bit better.

I started doing Pre-K homeschool with T-Pup a few weeks ago. We are loving it. This morning for example, we spent the whole time doing "school" in our pajamas. But, we got it done! It is now 2:35 and I have yet to put the breakfast dishes away, but I have spent valuable time with my children today. And have dinner taken care of (extra points!). The families with so many children amaze me, because they have all the older children to help. I think it has to be the hardest when you have several small children and it's all on you. In those moments of being so overwhelmed seem to be when the Lord speaks to me the most.

So, that is a small catch up on our little brood. I could write more about several things, but maybe saving it will bring you back for more :) haha. One quick story. Last week I was buckling Sam into her carseat as I told T-Pup to get into his, and put his arms in his straps. As I continued buckling Sam, T-Pup was playing with toys in the floor of the vehicle. I said to him "What did I tell you to do?" and he replied "Can't you just be patient with me?" Haha. I had to laugh because how many times do I tell him to be patient for me? Hope you all are doing well and seeking Him.

What would you name this photo?!

Boo!

2009-09-09T08:12:00.002-05:00

I just felt the need to let you know I am still here! I have several blogs stirring in my mind, but they will require photos and time. And the photos take time. You know, you know.

As for now, I will let you return to your regularly scheduled programming while I sip on a cup of my husband's fabulous hot Dunkin' Doughnuts coffee.

heavy heart

2009-07-27T08:29:00.004-05:00

I've been trying to post for about two weeks now. Each time, something goes haywire with Blogger and it never publishes.

I really don't care though. If you want to know what is going on with me, then I will share with you a few things I have been praying for.

Nick Xiarhos was a close friend of my brother's. He was killed in Afghanistan at the end of last week. He and Matthew were deployed together last year in Iraq, but after returning he changed battalions so he would not have to extend his contract with the USMC. So, he departed in May for the tour in Afghanistan with the 2/8. My brother and Nick's other Marine brothers are all traveling together from Jacksonville, NC to Cape Cod, MA for his funeral at the end of the week. Please pray for this precious family. Please pray for our military. They are fighting for your freedom.

Sweet Stellan is having an awful time with his SVT again. His doctors are trying to figure out what is next. Please pray for his family.

Little Kate is six years old and has brain cancer. They did brain surgery and were able to remove 50% of the tumor and she has now begun chemotherapy. 4 weeks ago Kate was having tremors in her right hand so they took her to the doctor. That is the day their life changed.

My heart is heavy for these and so many others. Please go to your knees and lift these and all your requests to our heavenly father. Life is not easy. Jesus told us that in this world we would have trouble, but fear not, He has overcome this world. I wish there were some way to not hurt, but there isn't. I do know we don't have to walk this road alone, which I am so grateful for.

Our anniversary trip to Boston was wonderful. I cherish the time W and I had together. I love him dearly.

The children are well, just growing and playing and growing. T-Pup is officially signed up for soccer. Wow.

I've been watching this the past few days. Some think it is funny, and it is, but moreover I keep thinking of the joy in their hearts and the joy we will have when we dance before our King at the wedding banquet. When their is no hurt in our hearts. When we spend every moment of eternity in His presence. What a joyful day that will be.

Bringing in the Sheaves

2009-06-15T06:51:00.002-05:00

I have to tell you about yesterday at church. There was a visiting couple sitting on the row in front of me during the service, and they have a baby who is several months old. The mom was playing with him, holding him, giving a bottle, and then handed him off to his dad. He gave him a little soft blanky and snuggled him up on his shoulder, and when the baby would resist the dad would gently rock him and sway a bit. In no time the baby was out, letting go of his grip on his daddy's shirt and sleeping. I'm not sure if the dad was hot or what, but he gently leaned forward and took the blanket away. He then put the baby back on his shoulder and continued to hold him while he was sleeping.

You got it. I wept.

The Father holds us. He rocks us with love. Sometimes he takes away things so dear to us for reasons we don't understand, but He is still holding us so close to His heart.

I feared writing this because I'm thinking sure enough I share my heart and what I saw and something dear is going to be taken from me. But, it's as Oswald Chambers said this morning "We say we do not expect God to take us to heaven on flowery beds of ease, and yet we act as if we do!"

The service progressed and I felt so tender and vulnerable before the Lord. I love that. A few moments later we sang this song...

Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness,
Sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve;
Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Refrain:
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves;
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows,
Fearing neither clouds nor winter’s chilling breeze;
By and by the harvest, and the labor ended,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master,
Though the loss sustained our spirit often grieves;
When our weeping’s over, He will bid us welcome,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves

You got it. More weeping. He is so faithful, and I can't help but believe no matter where I am sowing in life, He is still good. He is still faithful. I pray I am rejoicing bringing in the sheaves.

Amazing Woven Into The Lives Of So Many

2009-06-02T08:59:00.003-05:00

Last week, we celebrated Memorial Day. W had the day off, so we took the opportunity to be lazy, grill out, watch movies, and be lazy. I don't remember us having a day so relaxed and unscheduled since his Christmas break last year.

One of the movies we rented was Taking Chance. I watched this back in the spring and told W how great of a movie it was and how I believed everyone in this nation needed to see it. Hey, you, go watch it.

So we watched it late Sunday night. Monday was Memorial Day, and I kept thinking back to the movie. I kept thinking about my brother. I kept thinking about the blood that has been shed for this country. I kept thinking about Jordan Haerter. Jordan was a friend of my brother's who served alongside him in the 1/9 in Ramadi, Iraq. On April 22, 2008, Jordan paid the ultimate sacrifice. In his sacrifice, he protected a whole host of Marines and Iraqi Police (including my brother). I decided to comment on the message board, not knowing who would read it or expecting any result from it. After all, it was Memorial Day.

Fast forward to this past Thursday night. My phone rings, it was my brother. He says hang on, someone wants to talk to me. A guy gets on the phone and says "Hi, my name is Patrick, I'm from Boston and I hear you're going there. Get a pen and some paper and I'm going to tell you some great things to do while you're there." We talk, he tells me many secrets of Boston and things to do/not do on our upcoming trip, puts my brother back on the phone. I thanked my brother for being so cool and looking out for me. We ended the conversation and I started thinking about this faceless (to me) Marine named Patrick, and what a privelege it is to come in contact with all these men, via my brother.

Next, I spontaneously open my e-mail. I saw a name I did not recognize in my inbox, JoAnn Lyles. Then, I read this.

Dear Michelle-

Thank you so much for taking the time to write.. How very thoughtful of you- Please thank your brother Matt for me. Hug him tightly. Thank him for his service and for keeping Jordan’s memory alive. I had “Amazingly woven into the lives of so many” carved into Jordan’s headstone. Your brother is another example of the ripple effect of Jordan’s actions. There will be a Wounded Warrior/ Soldier Ride event here in Sag Harbor, New York on July 25th held in Jordan’s honor. Some of 1/9 will participate on a volunteer basis. I have started a team called “TEAM JORDAN”- It’s a bike ride or a walk event. One walk starts in Sag Harbor and will go over the bridge renamed The Lance Corporal Jordan Haerter Veterans Memorial Bridge”.
Thank you again. Hello to Matt. I hope to meet him one day.
Semper Fidelis
JoAnn

JoAnn Lyles
Forever Proud Mom of LCpl Jordan C. Haerter, USMC

Wow. What do you say? This was her son, the one she birthed, nurtured, put band-aids on, tucked in at night, read bedtime stories to, cleaned up his vomit, watched ball games, watched graduate, watched him become a Marine, and somewhere in her mind wondered when he left for that deployment "I wonder if I'll see him again..."

Pray for these men and women today. They are serving so my children can play outside without having to worry about roadside bombs. They are fighting and sweating and missing home so we can drive across this nation without having to worry about going through insurgent areas.

If you don't know anyone to pray for, pick a name... because somewhere, there is a Matt, a Jordan, a Patrick, an Anthony, a Mark. We have the opportunity to approach the throne of grace with confidence. We have a Father who knows what it means to lose a son. I'm not so naive to think that another life will not be lost, after all there is a time for peace and a time for war. My brother has another deployment in a few months, and the realities seem to only become harsher. I do know whom I have believed in, and He is able to work in and through these lives. You see, He also is amazingly woven into the lives of many.

ready ready ready, ready to run.

2009-05-22T09:12:00.002-05:00

Here it goes. I've had this on my heart for a week now but haven't had the discipline to sit down and write it out. Probably because I am still figuring it out. And will be for a long time. But the concept is so amazing. And I can't wait to fully grasp hold of it.

Last year I completed a half marathon. I say completed instead of ran, because the running part was so minuscule. In college they offered a class called "walk, jog, run." Well my 13.1 experience was more like run, jog, walk...walk, walk... ok, last ten feet, run!

Since then, I've gained back all the weight I lost. Frustrating? Yes it is. Thanks for asking.

I've tried to do this and to do that to lose the weight, but to no avail. A few weeks ago I was talking to a girl at church and she said they will be running in a h/m in December for St. Judes in Memphis and I should consider joining them in training.

Ha. Right. Not going to subject myself to that again.

Except I am.

They will start training in September, and I really need to start training to train. It's that bad people. So, I've put my running shoes back on. Last week I started walking 1/2 mile, running 1/2 mile, walking, then running again to complete a two mile stretch. It felt so great.

While I was running, I was listening to Justin Rizzo on my iPod. I was listening to the words "His glory will cover the earth" and taking in the beautiful sunset. This is when it all became so real to me.

Life progresses in forward motion. You can't go back. I will never be 25 again, my children will never be newborns again. When I was in the midst of the h/m, what would the point have been in going backwards? What would the point have been if I had stopped and sat for a few weeks? I kept going. Yeah I didn't run it with fervor, but I kept going.

I kept going.

Life. Hello?

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

It makes so much sense to me. Does it to you?

So, yes, my running shoes are back on. To hopefully complete another h/m, but more importantly with the realization that life is a marathon. You reach mile markers, you rejoice, you hurt, you go through pain, but you continue. You keep moving forward.

this and that.

2009-05-22T08:58:00.002-05:00

If I were being paid for blogging, I would concur that I needed to be fired for lack of production. My most sincere apologies. My inbox is overflowing with concern as to where I have been and what I have been doing. Ahem. Now that that is out of the way.

May I tell you what's been on my mind lately? Great, thanks. Coldplay. Yep. Only a few more weeks until we see them in concert with some wonderful friends. I am so excited. We have been listening to them each time we get in the vehicle to optimize our familiarity with all their music.

Also, The Melting Pot. We are going next week with some other wonderful friends to celebrate her birthday and my husband's birthday. I've always wanted to go for a full experience, but have only been granted a peek into the greatness of what is known as The Melting Pot. So exciting!

Our bedroom is coming together nicely. I still need window treatments, so I hope to go to the mecca of fabric stores in our area this weekend to get some fabric to make panels. I'm also looking on etsy at some of the vinyl wall stickers for inspiration. I can have them made a little cheaper here in town, but I'm 75% sure this is the route I want to go for above our headboard.

Alas, W's grandmother had open heart surgery yesterday. The surgery went well but we are still waiting to see how she is today. Please say a prayer for her recovery.

Wild Wild West Week

2009-05-06T17:54:00.005-05:00

"Hello, are you there?" is what I feel like someone, somewhere is asking me. My response, "I think so."

Whirlwind. Or, as Will Ferrell would say in Kicking and Screaming, whirling dervish. But I think he was referring to the kids and not to his situation. So, I guess our week has been as a whirling dervish. Point made?

W and I did something on Saturday that we have never done before in our near 5 years of marriage. We bought furniture. Everything in our home has been given to us. We have been so incredibly blessed beyond measure by people who love us. We look forward to the day when a newlywed couple enters our lives and we can show the same kindness we've been shown.

The delivery was scheduled for Wednesday.

On Monday, both of our children came down with some virus. I don't think it was from a swine, but what it produced out of their little bodies was similar to what you may find in a pin of swines. Since that point I have been tending to them. I even forgot to shower until Wednesday.

The virus apparently finished its course on Thursday. This was the scene of our living room all week.

I mentioned we got new furniture, right? Well, we donated all of what was being replaced to our church yard sale. The thing was, the new furniture was being delivered Wednesday. The men from the church couldn't come until Thursday. I can honestly say I loved being able to lay on my bed and watch TV at the same time. I now understand why people have televisions in their bedroom, although I still love that we do not.

Here is a sneak peek of our ~~yet to be decorated~~ lovely new bedroom. I love it.

We are going shopping for a comforter/coverlet/quilt/whatever this afternoon. Quite frankly I'm just excited about getting out of the house and that our children are healthy. Not in that order.

A time to build and a time to tear down.

2009-05-01T08:09:00.003-05:00

(Build) I have been glued to my computer this week reading the stories from Compassion's Live Blogger trip to India. There is a special place in my heart for India and the people of that nation. I love reading the accounts of their trip through Angie, Pete, and Melissa. And these pictures will captivate your heart. Maybe one day we will be able to set foot onto the soil of India, but as for now, we pray for those who do (including our friend Megan who is there now).

So, with that said, I can move on to things less relevant and probably of no importance.

But now it seems I can't think of anything. Wonderful.

(Tear Down) Alas, our infamous ugly outbuilding came to its demise yesterday. It had been a long time in the coming. I actually thought it was dilapidated enough that I could take it down myself. I actually asked my father-in-law if a hammer would be enough to do it. He laughed at me. I began to see images of Extreme Home Makeover and wondered if I couldn't just bump it a little with my vehicle and knock it over. He laughed at me again. So, he and W got to work yesterday afternoon and after several hours and much sweating, only 4 posts stand in the ground now. I kept saying as I was watching them take it down "I can't believe I thought I could do this by myself." I surely would have taken a 2x4 to the head. I am excited to put a nicer outbuilding in its place. I think taking the ugly one down added value to our house, in and of itself!

Oh, and my birthday was lovely. It was busy from sunup to sundown, but a great day overall. Sadly my ice cream cake I ordered was much overrated. It must have lost some glory in the last 15 years.

That's about all I can think to write about. Take some time and check out a few of the blogs from Compassion's India trip. And also, take a moment today to let someone know that you appreciate them. I appreciate my husband, and that he has the courage to be out playing golf at sunup:30 in the rain. What a brave man.

The Case of the Bird

2009-04-23T07:43:00.003-05:00

I've said over the past ten or so years that weather in the south can be described as the following: where one can experience all four seasons in one week. When my children wake up, the first words are either "Can I have dessert after breakfast?" or "When can we go outside and play?" T-Pup is old enough to know the differences in the weather. When he woke Monday and looked out of the blinds, he said "is it going to rain? is it cold? will there be inclement weather?" (not really, but I just thought I'd add a big word for dramatic effect). I answered "no" to all of his questions, so he began to put on his camo crocs and head for the door. Normally I wouldn't mind, but this day was different.

A little bit earlier I scurried down our driveway ~~in my pajamas~~ to put a bill in the mail box. When I noticed our neighbor's deserted tricycle at the edge of our drive, I became slightly concerned. As I walked a few more steps, I noticed it. Ohh, ew. Hard crash landing...

Mr. Bird.

Apparently sometime in the wee hours of the morning Mr. Bird made his final descent into our driveway. The poor guy (or gal, didn't take time to look...not that I could identify it either way...) was apparently sitting on the power line that crosses over our driveway. The details after that are fuzzy, but I can tell you the end result... Mr. Bird is now the former Mr. Bird.

As standing there ~~in my pajamas~~ I'm trying to figure out if W is at school or work today; thankfully, work won out. I ran inside and called him. There's been a tragedy. Not really, but goodness I was on a roll. I told him of the situation and that we couldn't go play outside until it was cleaned up. Thankfully he graciously accepted the call of duty and said he would stop by the house after he went to lunch with some friends.

So, back to T-Pup. "But momma, if it is so nice outside why can't we go play?" I then explained the little blob at the end of our driveway and that it was messy and gross and also that Daddy would be home at lunch to take care of it for us. He then asked if Mr. Bird was stinky and I told him that yes, with the sun beating down on Mr. Bird like it was and would be for the next 3 hours, I suspected that Mr. Bird would be stinky.

He agreed it would be much better for us to stay inside.

W comes home and scoops up the bird with the shovel and ~~tosses it into our back pasture~~ disposes of it properly. He comes back in saying "I got it. There is a little juice left on the drive so you may want to clean that up before taking the kids out."

Ahem.

I go out with the hose and a large container of clorox and get to work. As I was hosing the driveway down, the water pushed something into the street. I went over to look, and it was one of Mr. Bird's organs. My guess from this is that it was the stomach. I blasted that thing clear across the street with my water hose and used enough clorox to make Cher's hair blonde.

Rest in peace, Mr. Bird.

2009-04-20T14:07:00.002-05:00

I have recently returned to Facebook, only after a beautiful 40 days without it. It frustrated and overwhelmed me all at the same time, because who are these people and why are they my "friends?" Sure, I have crossed paths at some point in my life with each and every one of them, but that crossing may have only merited a class together or a meeting through a friend of a friend.

So, I've been thinking, not only who are they, but who am I to them? Many of them know me from high school or college, a handful of them know me from junior high, and the rest fall into the friends of friends category where we met once or twice, then the family category.

So, I thought I would give a small peek into who I am/why I am that way. The main parts of my life are God and family, so I will expound most on those areas.

I am the oldest of 3; I have a brother and sister. We have better relationships now than ever before in our lives. My father was abusive to my mother, also a drug addict and alcoholic. They divorced when I was 7; he came back/left again when I was 14; he came back again when I was 17, then died 7 months later of metastatic lung cancer that spread to his brain. My mom injured her back in 1994 and as the oldest, I assumed much of the responsibility.

Because of my unconventional family history, I am a huge advocate for my family now. More on them to come.

I was raised in Southern Baptists churches. I was always extremely judgmental and quick to point out other people's flaws. I was confident in my relationship with the Lord, and was confident that it [my salvation] was superior to my classmates [salvation] who struggled in areas that I did not.

~~I flew the coop~~ I left home halfway through my sophomore year in college to transfer to a school 4 hours away. For once, I just wanted to take care of myself. It was amazing, and instantly my world was rocked. I decided rather than going home the next summer I would go on summer missions. I worked with a Baptist association that had over 90 churches in it. The Lord really started working in my heart that summer. I would lay in the floor of my room each night and marvel at things in the Bible I had never seen before. I think for the first time in my life, my eyes were truly fixed on Him. I became an advocate for the statement "relationship, not religion."

I came back to school that fall, having released all preconceived notions of what my life was to hold. I changed my major in school and said "take my life and let it be, consecrated only Lord to thee." I started a new job and moved into a new house with new roommates. In walks W into my life. I had met him the semester before, but it stopped at that. Suddenly we were talking to each other and I found myself giddy. I freaked out. But, Lord? I just want to be yours. I told W, and we both concurred it would be only a friendship until further noted. 2 months later it was further noted, and then we knew that the God of heaven and earth had created us for each other.

In the midst of our blooming relationship, I had an encounter with God that I am not vulnerable enough to blog about. I left the Baptist church and began going to a non-denominational church with W. I miss that year of my life; I was so eager to learn of the things of God.

The next summer we marry. We immediately go into full time ministry, even raising our own support for our first year of marriage. Three weeks after we were married we went on a mission trip to Portland, OR and it has not slowed down since then.

Nearly two months after we celebrated our first anniversary, T-Pup was born. We had moved two weeks prior to him being born so W could take the job of a Director of Christian Education at a United Methodist Church. 26 months later, Sam was born.

Letmetellyousomething, I love our church. It makes me love THE CHURCH more! The people there love me, challenge me, make me laugh and make me cry all in the same week. I have learned this: one cannot put God in a box. Whether worshiping in a contemporary or traditional service, or worshiping with chains binding you to a prison cell, God is still the same. Who knew in my ripe old age this once radical gal would love liturgy and singing "O for a thousand tongues to sing" and "Come, thou long expected Jesus."

I willingly and gladly serve my husband, because it does my heart joy. I weep at the fact my children have a father like I never did. I love staying home with our children, pouring into them the Word of God and crazy, silly fun. Who cares that I don't have some fancy corporate job? There are days when I wish I did, but at the end of each day, I rejoice at what the Lord has put on my plate.

Now, I will eagerly tell you my flaws before I even guess at yours. I will tell you no matter what has happened in life, God still so tenderly loves us. Not for what we do, but for who we are; as I don't love Him for what He does, but for who He is. I will be the first to tell you I am not perfect. I love to be sarcastic and often have an off-colored since of humor. I sometimes laugh really hard and snort, then glace embarrassingly around to see if anyone heard. I would love to one day be a midwife, live in Israel and India. I want my children to walk in truth. I want my husband to be proud of me. And I want my dear Lord to delight in me and dance over me. That's me.

Facebook won't allow this many words in the "tell me something about yourself" box.

So, ~~takemeorleaveme~~ there ya go. Now, if you read this (haha, watch my counter say 0 for the next 7 days) I would love to know a little bit more about you.

Of Polar bears and donkeys.

2009-04-17T10:06:00.002-05:00

This past weekend we were graced by the presence of Mr. Marine. It was the first time he had visited since his homecoming last October. We had a great time. I paraded him around like the big proud sister should parade little brother around. He said at one point "I'm getting the idea you're proud of what I do" and I responded "not of what you do, but of who you are." Ok, I wasn't even looking for a revelation Lord, but wow, that's good. He loves us for who we are. I know this, but in that moment and even now it seems so much more real.

Mr. Marine is 6'3" and weighs somehwhere over 200lbs. Not an ounce of fat on his body, but all muscle. He was like T-Pup and Sam's own personal playground. They climbed and jumped and hooped and hollered. T-Pup rode his leg like a bull, but somewhere in the weekend the bull became a donkey. It was really funny, and I added the video of it on FB. Honestly though I don't think I've ever seen anyone bucked off a donkey.

Someone sent me a recipe for cookies to go along with the Easter story. You make the cookies Saturday night, and each step chornicles an event that Jesus went through. For example, you let the child crush the pecans then talk about how Jesus was beaten and bruised. You let the child smell the vinegar, then share how Jesus drank some on the cross. You allow them to taste the sugar, and then tell how sweet it was of Jesus to die for us. When it came time to put the cookies in the oven, you talk about the tomb. Well T-Pup asked what a tomb was, and for whatever reason the word "cave" escaped me, so I told him it was a big hole in the side of a mountain. After a few minutes, T-Pup says "momma, were there polar bears in Jesus' tomb?" and I look at W like "what in the world?!" (said it with my eyes, not my mouth :) ) and said "T-Pup why would you think that bud?" and he replied "you know, because polar bears live by holes in big snowy mountains!" Touche my son, touche. I see why you could think there were polar bears in Jesus' tomb.

Easter was wonderful and busy and full of great memories.

I mentioned to W a few weeks ago that I wanted us to get T-Pup this Bible. He ordered it for us and we've been reading in it since. Each day this week at either lunch or breakfast we've sat down and read it while we've been eating. Each day we have read the Easter story over and over again. Part of me is like "Hey bud, let's read another story" but then I think if he wants to read a story over and over again, this IS the one to read. He said yesterday "Momma, why is Pilate wearing a towel?" and so I explained it was a tunic, which is like a shirt, which looks like a towel. He then asked me if Pilate had a helicopter or airplane. We then broke down the difference betweeen Pilate and a pilot.

No one ever told me my children would be so literal! I love it though.

It is a beautiful spring day outside so we are going to go enjoy it now. Hope y'all have a blessed weekend!

Keep praying!

2009-04-15T14:55:00.002-05:00

Stellan is going to Boston so the electrophysiologist can care for him there. Please be in prayer for his mom, Jennifer, and the rest of the McKinney family. Pray they can somehow control his intractable SVT without having to do the ablation. He is still so young for that surgery. Please lift this sweet family up in prayer.

Happy Resurrection Day

2009-04-11T19:19:00.002-05:00

From our family to yours, Happy Ressurection Day! He arose, He arose! Hallelujah Christ arose!

New Love

2009-04-09T12:04:00.003-05:00

I have new found love. And it's not even expensive! I started glancing around Etsy a few months ago, but only glancing. I would search for a particular item and see all the lovely handmade, homemade things that would pop up. We all know I love MckMama. Many of the Etsy sellers are donating proceeds to the Mck family fund in order to support Stellan's medical situation. I thought this would be a great way to help. I placed two orders; one for a little blue and brown hairbow and the other for a flip-flop t-shirt/hairbow combo. The second order came today (from seller Simply Chic Bebe) and it is so adorable. I placed the order on Monday - today is Thursday! I will be shopping Etsy plenty to come in the future! And of course here is a picture of little Sam modeling her new simply chic couture!

Much Ado About Nothing

2009-04-08T13:12:00.002-05:00

T-Pup: I need to poop
Me: Ok, go take care of your business.

(20 minutes pass)

Me: Hey bud, did ya poop?
T-Pup: No ma'am, I decided I'll just wait till tomorrow.

Let's say a prayer that he does not inherit my procrastination. Sometimes there is no use in prolonging the inevitable. My brother is coming to stay with us for Easter this weekend and I have a mile long list of things I need to do before then. I am fighting exhaustion and also have some heavy things on my heart, so scrubbing bathrooms and dusting aren't really on my "excited to do list" but they are on the "to do list" so I might as well get 'em done (wow, I was just tempted to write get 'er done. And I just did, parenthetically speaking.).

So why am I still sitting here? And why am I singing the old Garth Brooks song about tomorrow never coming? Geeze Louise... I need sleep.

Family.

2009-04-05T07:49:00.004-05:00

Or Fami-LEE. Just wanted to type it out since we're closely nearing 10 years since the good 'ole days.

We spent the day yesterday with my sister and her family, including her precious new son. He is one month old but still so wee little and snuggly. He already loves his dear aunt (in the spirit of Fami-Lee, say it with me: un-tee for aunt; thank you). This is a glimpse of our time together.

PS: W and D are hiding behind the camera.

PPS: Are you surprised?

Seasons

2009-04-02T11:52:00.003-05:00

It's my favorite time of the year.

For several reasons.

Spring, you say? No. I love the flowers and new life but dislike my allergies to them.

Basketball? Gracious no. I played only a handfull of games for our church basketball team in high school before they kicked me off the team. I don't get basketball. Thank God I understand and have a passionate love for football, lest I be banned from my southern roots.

Chronologically speaking, the first love is because of amnesty week. It only comes around twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. You can put whatever you want out with your trash and the nice trash people will carry it away. This day came last fall, but my sweet W forgot to take the stuff around to the front. So, along with the blue plastic pool from last summer and bouncy seat frame that have been on the back porch all winter, I've discovered a host of other things that will be leaving our property. There's nothing to make a gal feel better than to do a bit of ~~throwing junk away~~ decluttering.

The second love is because it's April. My birthday month. I always look forward to it with great anticipation. Last year I was training for the half marathon and getting ready for the big 25. The HM was the day before my birthday, and guess what... I hurt on my birthday. My feet were blistered and I was sore (Malerie has no sympathy for me reading this because she knows how much running I did/did not do!). So, I go to church the next day (my birthday) and all of two people tell me happy birthday and we come home and eat leftover pizza. All of this to say it can only be better this year, right? Maybe someone other than my husband and mother/father-in-law will send me a card or give me a call. I love to be celebrated... I mean c'mon, who doesn't?

There ya go. I love this time of year to throw some trash out and be loved by all. It really is the most wonderful time of the year.

Stellan

2009-03-27T08:03:00.002-05:00

Also, I wanted to mention little Stellan. You all know by now I love MckMama. Her smallest child, Stellan, has been in Children's since this weekend with SVT. This is the same condition he had in the womb. They have thus far not been able to break his heart out of SVT. Please pray for this sweet family. Jennifer is at the hospital with Stellan, and her husband and other friends are helping with the other three children.

TV/Book/Recipe Review

2009-03-27T07:28:00.003-05:00

Before I forget, I wanted to share this: Caesar Pockets. Instead of using regular pitas, we used the Joseph's flax, oat bran, and whole wheat pita. They are a good bit thinner and aren't quite as bready. Anyway, they were wonderful, quick, and so easy. My kind of meal.

Also last night I made these speedy chicken enchiladas, and although they were wonderful they required two cans of soup...sodium! There were several amazing recipes for chicken enchiladas on all recipes, but I was running short on time and wanted the closest to my craving with the least amount of effort. I added enchilada sauce to the cheddar soup instead of the salsa and they were so good. Do any of you watch Little People Big World? Amy made some delicious enchiladas on Mondays episode and I'd been thinking about them ever since.

While on the subject of TLC programming...

I started and completed Multiple Blessings week before last...all in less than 36 hours. Wow. If you follow the show, you've probably heard most of the story. But what I loved was the part you don't necessarily hear about on the show: their faith! The subtitle on the book is something like "from surviving to thriving" and I'm sure we've all felt like that in our walk with the Lord at times. This book was an encouragement, two thumbs up!

Also recently, I started catching a few episodes of 18 Kids and Counting. I'd seen it a few times before, but never really followed the Duggars. Well a few months ago I saw an episode during which Michelle (the mom of the 18) was trimming Grandpa Duggars hair. Grandma Duggar was standing there, and Michelle began praising her. She essentially thanked her for always encouraging and never tearing down, for always being there and faithful. I started weeping! Now I confess, I am known to cry at the drop of a hat, but this hit my spirit. I want to be that kind of woman, that kind of wife and mother. Always building up. Not just like 'ole grandma, but like Michelle too, and noticing those strengths in others - and encouraging them in those things.

I mentioned this to W, and he you know... nodded and gave me a "yeah, I agree... that's good" type response. He then proceeded to order the Duggars book for me (unbeknownst to me), The Duggas: 20 and Counting. I'm about halfway through it, and although I haven't zipped through it as I did Multiple Blessings, it has nuggets of gold within it. They talk a lot about their family business endeavors and not going into debt, and so far have chronicled that with the upbringing of their family.

If you judge them on their conservative dress or long hair, then you're missing out. Their hearts are beautiful. Ultimately they want to raise their children to love the Lord and each other. My heart is the same.

So, I had no real intention of analyzing TLC's Monday and Tuesday night lineup, but there ya go. T-Pup watches Jon and Kate with me, and Little People Big World and 18 Kids I watch by myself... usually on the nights W is studying/already in bed and so are the children.

I don't know about you, but I can appreciate wholesome television!

Today is March 27; one more month of school for W! His last final is on my birthday, one month from today! Praise God!

Oh.... and I can't wait for lunch to eat a leftover enchilada!

My ladies.

2009-03-16T10:26:00.004-05:00

Gretchen and I

Sara and I

Not me!

2009-03-16T09:51:00.002-05:00

I haven't played Not Me! Monday in a while, so I thought I would partake this week. Here are a few things I in fact did not do this past week.

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did not travel to the big city to shop at a lovely natural grocery called Trader Joe's. I did not buy a few things I'd been thinking about for a while in a quest to make our diet slightly healthier.

Therefore, the next morning, I did not make multigrain (+ground flaxseed) pancakes. My children did not love them, and I did not feel overly proud at my little accomplishment.

I did not go to a womens retreat this weekend and leave my children for the first time. I did not cry an hour into my driving and then finally feel peaceful.''

I was not excited to see so so so many of my long distance friends. I also was not excited to see women from the church W and I went to in college.

I did not begin weeping the instant worship began. I was not overwhelmed with the sweet presence of the Lord.

Nor, in all [vulnerable] honesty did I lay on my face in the alter for a long amount of time simply weeping at the feet of my Father. I was not a snotty mess, nor was my face swollen the next morning.

I am not grateful for the testimony of the women who led the conference.

I did not miss Shelby in an earnest way.

I did not stay up until 2 in the morning Friday night talking to a dear friend about all of the past few years.

I did not leave the conference a few hours early to come back home and hug my sweet family. I was not entirely grateful to my husband for blessing me with his service. I also was not elated to see he bought me a new vacuum cleaner while I was gone.

Yep, all of this is Not Me! The Lord knows just what we need when we need it. He was so kind to refresh me with His presence. It also was not the first time I had been to a church other than my own in 3.5 years. Wow!

$3 Craft

2009-03-02T13:06:00.002-06:00

All things considered, the wood "S" was $1 and the pink ribbon with green polka dots was $1.97. I already had the green paint and shlack. I also bought a hot glue gun for $5, but I don't include that in this craft; we can use it for bookoos of other things around the house. I actually can't believe we didn't already have one.

Once I put the bows on the ribbons, I realized I should have spaced them out more and not cut the ribbon so short. On the flip side, I still have 90% of the ribbon left and if our stock in hairbows grows, I can take the shorter ones off and glue some longer ones on.

Just thought I would share!

While I was doing this last night (everyone was asleep at 9 except me) I was watching Extreme Home Makeover. The wife of the family who got the new house has a photography business, specifically for premature babies. Doing small (even $3) artsy things is therapy for me... I love it. I got to thinking about this precious family on the show (whose home had been flooded) and this family who had little Jonah last Friday who is very ill and also sweet Bonnie who tragically lost her husband Thomas last month and has a two year old, plus is almost 4 months pregnant. My heart became overwhelmed. I have been praying for them each time I think of them. What I then began to ponder was the goodness of God. I thank Him for His goodness in my life, but I know these precious others thank Him for His goodness also. It then became real to me; His goodness is not circumstantial, It is who He is. Though I so often fear the things that could happen to me or to my family, this I now realize: no matter what, He is good.

Snow Day

2009-03-01T20:30:00.003-06:00

You know snow is a luxury for us in the south. Since moving from south AL to middle TN I've experienced a bit more snow than than growing up, but it is still a big deal 'round these parts. From the "winter storm" the past 24 hours, we got about 6" of snow. This is the second largest amount I can remember from my entire lifetime. Lord help me if we ever move north!

At any rate, we had a blast. W went on to church and the children and I went to his parent's house. They have several acres, therefore more snow than us. We had so much fun. W's dad made a nearly 5' tall snowman. I actually attempted to help but mine snowball turned into a large looking snow marshmallow. We got the sled out and to my surprise, Sam loved it. If I can figure out how to upload a video then I will share that. Maybe I'll post more pics soon, but here is what I can do right now.

less of me

2009-02-23T13:54:00.002-06:00

I don't know how well you can see Sam's shirt, but it says "Marine Corps Devil Pup." Infantry members of the USMC are often affectionately referred to as "Devil Dogs." My brother was sweet enough to bless my little ones with this USMC wear for Christmas, so I took these pictures to make a card for him for his 22nd birthday, which is tomorrow. He, however, never sent me his address so he will be viewing them online as opposed to via snail mail. Am I the only old fashioned one left who loves sending/receiving a good old letter or card through the USPS?

At any rate, you can see Sam walking a bit! She is getting stronger at walking each day; although these days she much prefers a half walk/half crawl thing with one foot and one knee... which in my opinion takes more effort than walking.

Did you realize that W and I are not only approaching our 5th wedding anniversary, but our 5th anniversary of being in full time ministry also? Just as we're looking forward to a small getaway for our wedding anniversary, I'm thinking of a small getaway for ministry as well. As Christians we're each called to daily pick up our cross, which is not what I'm referring to getting away from (just in case you were wondering). In these past few years I know I have often drawn from myself as opposed to from the Lord, and now that I have realized some of my strengths and weaknesses in ministry, I feel like I can more adequately let the Lord show me more in these areas.

Here we go people, here is my "getaway"... Less of me, more of Him. I'm getting away from myself. I am shutting up. We are around people a lot who talk about problems and diseases of the church, and I am no longer (for a season...or forever?) going to be a part of it. I simply want to walk daily with my Lord and live in love and obedience to Him.

I am getting away from my thoughts and opinions and simply taking one day at a time. Speak, for your servant is listening. Teach me today oh God; allow me to love you, to love my husband and children, and show them your love as well.

One day at a time.

Thanks, babe!

2009-02-12T17:38:00.003-06:00

Thanks to my sweet husband for getting me Valentine's Day flowers! We normally don't do anything for each other so this was a great surprise to come home to today!

Other things in my day today included going to the eye doctor. I've had some type of reading glasses ever since I was a freshman in high school, but over the past several months I have really noticed a change. Hopefully the new glasses will help.

This afternoon the children and I took W's vehicle to get serviced. It was a short trip to AL and I enjoyed an excuse to get Chick-Fil-A chicken salad. I feel like I'm being healthy because it is chicken "salad" but the more and more I think about it the more depressed I become that it is loaded with mayonnaise and fried chicken. Oh well... I am more than willing to eat it and not think about the details of its contents!

I've been feeling worn out the past few days, and Sam has had a runny nose (+ a cough as of today) so I'm starting some vitC in hopes of building our immune systems back up. I hope it's not too late because my throat is a little scratchy.

I'm not one to go around looking for confrontation or trying to stir things up, but I watched the Dateline documentary earlier this week about the mother of the octuplets. My heart breaks for her and those children. We have a friend who is not married who is in the process of adopting a baby internationally, and I support her 150%. It's a completely different scenario though to repeatedly have invitro with no father and no consistent income outside of student loans and disability checks.

“ For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.
“ For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

I know His ways are higher than mine. I know that God breathed life into each of this woman's 14 children and I pray that some how, some way, they would all know the love and mercy of God.

I guess as a small soap box, this defines so much of our mentality as Americans. You go after what you want and get it, no matter the cost or consequence. Oh, how we would see such a drastic change if we all looked to give rather than receive.

dinner is a cookin'

2009-02-09T17:25:00.003-06:00

W and I are having frozen dinners tonight. Not just any frozen dinner though; chicken tika masala! Here's the thing... I love Indian food. I love eating it. But when it comes frozen in a box, I begin to get a little skeptical. I have a bit more assurance though because the dinners came from Whole Foods, which we all know as reputible. We also have frozen naan (the flat bread for you non-Indian eaters). I told W I'd make his first, and if it was too off the charts for me I would most definitely skip out on the frozen Indian. I'm not ashamed to make a PBJ my friends.

While on the subject of our dinner, I'm making the children chicken and crash potatoes. I only tell you because you need to check out the crash potatoes because they are amazing. I may have PBJ and crash potatoes if the inevitable happens.

I thought about posting a not me Monday, but eh... not feeling it. The only thing I could think of was the fact that I drove 30 miles to a nearby town with a great discount shoe store to find that it is closed on Mondays. Oh the joy. But, it was a beautiful ride and T-Pup pointed out every farm animal he saw (do I need to remind any of you that in spite of the economy agriculture is well and alive in this area?).

We live in a pasture people. I'm waiting for my curious son to ask "Mommy, why is that cow jumping on that other cow?". I know it's coming.

And if you ~~have continued reading my random thoughts this far~~ care I am going to the eye doctor on Thursday. I have no idea where my glasses have traveled to and my vision has changed drastically I'm sure. When I sit at my new computer I have to scoot back to fully see the screen but then I can't reach the mouse. It kind of leaves me in this half-macarena awkward pose. It's lovely.

If I don't write for a long time, maybe I consumed the tika masala and it got the best of me. Let's hope not.

2009-02-02T09:19:00.002-06:00

Here we go... Visit MckMama if you want to read more!

The children and I did not travel 4 hours south this week only to return 3 days later, meaning 5 days early. I did not offend my family either.

While on that trip, I did not find myself getting hungry and decide to eat some of the boiled peanuts I had purchased. So, I definitely did not drive up the interstate cracking, sucking, and eating boiled peanuts. Also, I was not drinking a Starbuck's frappachino at the same time. That would be gross.

The children and I did not go with W and the youth on their trip this weekend. We did not stay at a great hotel with an amazing view and we did not ride the elevator repeatedly just to look at the view of the city. No way... we would never do such a thing.

Saturday night, the youth did not request I pick them up a large nugget tray from Chick-Fil-A. I did not carry said tray out the door and across the parking lot also carrying my daughter and holding my son's hand while he was pitching a fit. Then, my son did not tell me he needed to pee and in an attempt to avoid going back into CFA, I did not tell him to just pee in the grass by the vehicle. I would never do that.

My son also did not begin having diarhhea later that evening and also begin vomiting. I did not get vomited on either. I did not almost vomit myself (for the first time in Mommy history, the stuff got to me) and have to leave the room and leave both children with my husband. I then did not travel down the pretty elevator to the front desk and beg for more towels and some type of cleaning solution.

When the towels came and the cleaning solution did not, I did not have to clean all the vomit and diarhhea up with a wet washcloth and we did not have to continue smelling it all night.

I then did not put all soiled laundry in front of the housekeeping door down the hall.

I also did not pack my son 5 pairs of underwear for a 3 day trip. They so did not come in handy.

I am not blogging about such things... I would never talk about this kind stuff to anyone...

And lastly, I did not come home, get my children bathed and clean, put them down for a nap, and crash myself for 2 hours without thinking of moving. I'd never take a nap in the daytime.

Oh oh oh, one more! My husband was not wonderful and supportive through it all. He did not continually say "How can I help? What do you need me to do? I'm so sorry honey." What a keeper, he is not.

Glory Days...

2009-01-29T17:12:00.008-06:00

**Correction** This was not the election night like I thought. Give me a break people, it's been years! This was after the televised debate that we stood outside of cheering for Riley for hours. The day of the election I stood outside campaigning in the rain, got incredibly sick, and slept for the next 36 hours without food or bathroom (ahem, just in case you wanted to know that much...).

Oh, the joys of Facebook. A friend tagged me in this photo and I about fell out of my chair. Then I instantly went to the land of nostalgia. You see, this was the night the former Congressman, to be announced a few hours later, Governor was elected. This represents a time in my life that I am so proud of. I realized I was going to school and working, yet not working for the greater good of the world in any way. I found a leader I believed in and worked my tail off with my collegiate peers to have him elected. The organization I was employed by had a PAC that actively supported Riley, and was instrumental in several of his larger fundraisers. I was merely the file girl at this established organization, but I made my grassroot efforts known to the CEO one day (while dropping files in his office, nonetheless) and he did all he could to support my smaller efforts from that point forth. I was the Riley girl. I would go to school, go to work, then go to the local campaign office and call college students. I went to rallys, birthday partys, and best of all to see Riley alongside other GOP leaders and welcome President Bush to AL in October of 2002.

Those were great days. I felt like I was important (which whether I was or not is obsolete, I'm sure he could have won without me!) and a sense of importance gives some security to oneself. Fast forward 7 years. I know I am important now! Maybe not to you, but to three individuals that reside the closest to my heart, the ones my heart loves... my husband and our children. I have the opportunity to pour into these lives daily, to love them, to speak life, to train them in the ways of God. I am his wife, I am their mama; and these, I would not trade for all of the glory in the world.

So yes, I did take a stroll to the land of nostalgia; but the stroll back was all the more sweet. Ephesians 5:16 says "Redeem the time, for the days are evil"; another version says "make the best of today, for the days are evil". Today is all we have. Make the most of it, for today is a glory day.

digits

2009-01-13T23:27:00.002-06:00

How about something a little bit different tonight? Here are some digits for your viewing pleasure...

750 - number of Christmas lights on our tree this year

54 - number of months we've be married

60 - number of fingernails/toenails I am responsible for

25 - number of pounds I would like to lose

18 - number of months I've been pregnant

1 - number of televisions in our house

6 - loads of laundry I do each week

3 - gallons of milk we go through each week

33 - months I've spent nursing children (and counting)

6 - nights a week I wake up sometime between 2-4am

6 - months until our big anniversary trip to Boston

3 - other people sleeping in my house right now

1 - wondering why in tarnation she is still awake.

5 - blogs I follow each week

16 - number of states I've visited

1 - international trip to South America

11 - days since I've eaten fried food

3 - number of political campaigns I've worked for

2 - number of vehicles I've owned in my life

4 - number of cities I've lived in

... oh what fun things you can do in the middle of the night! No really; I seriously need to start sleeping better because I am a slacker of a mom in the day if I don't rest at night. Any suggestions? I've tried tylenol PM, calm's forte, and many many prayers... still awake at night. Yawn...

A Heavy Heart

2009-01-04T16:46:00.005-06:00

Hope you all had a merry Christmas and happy new year. Our family was struck with a 24 hour stomach virus on December 20 but thankfully... recovered the next day (guess that's the obvious). Our Christmas was wonderful. I love watching the children get so much more into it each year. T-Pup asked many questions and it is evident he is beginning to put the pieces together in his ever expanding mind. The week after Christmas we were blessed that W was off the whole week, so we just had some hard core family time. It was awesome! We ate a lot, watched Cars repeatedly, and really were just able to relax from work and school. Thank you Jesus for such a timely break!

My heart is heavy today. For one, some truly dear friends of ours moved today. We celebrated with them twice yesterday and had a wonderful time. I don't know what it is, but people around us just really never seem to notice us. It's rare anyone (in our small town) calls us and genuinely asks how we are doing. These were the folks who did. And I pray God's abundant blessings on their family. I'm sad they're gone, but this is a friendship I know will last over the years, so I'm not worried. I know the Lord has exciting things in store for their family.

Also, there is a family in our church who lost their 33 year old son yesterday. I have never met that son, but his mother is dear to my heart. We sat next to each other in the nursery for almost 2 years rocking babies and sharing our hearts. She is full of wisdom and grace, and the type of person I hope to be when I'm older. I hurt for her. I can't even imagine.

The only chance we had to go to the funeral home was right after lunch, after church. We had both of our children with us. On the way we were telling T-Pup to be a good boy, that Mr. and Mrs. were very sad - their son had been in a car accident. That's really all the information we shared with him. When we walked in I saw the casket was open and became a little skeptical. I turned to look at W, and he said it was ok, to go ahead. By the time we came to the mother in the receiving line, I was weeping. I hugged her and said "you know I love you?" and it took every breath in me to get that out. She replied "I know you do, I know that you do". She spoke to Sam and T-Pup, and we headed out. On the way out, T-Pup said "Daddy, is that a real man there?" and W responded "yeah bud, it is" and T said "what's he doing?" and W said "remember bud, we told you he was in a bad car accident and it was very sad". No more questions after that... or at least not yet.

I'm trying to figure out how to teach our children the things we don't fully understand. It scares me. W and I were talking once we got home - and some may think bad of us for even taking our kids to the funeral home, but we want to teach them the truth. Everyone experiences death at some point. It is sad, it hurts. But, how great of an oppurtunity we will have tonight when we pray with T-Pup to pray for their family, to pray for God's love and grace.

I just wish it were easier.

But, that's why I'm still learning and still seeking every day... because I, in no way, have it all figured out.

Your kingdom come, your will be done - On earth as it is in Heaven.

Nocturnal thoughts - ish.

2008-12-18T01:21:00.003-06:00

Do you think it is odd that it is 1:24 in the morning and here I sit? Do you also think it is odd my precious daughter has been waking up every night since she was 7 months old to nurse in the night - and she is now sleeping through the night - yet I am still awake? For the past week she has slept soundly through the night and I have been up at some point every single night. Lovely. Tonight I have wrapped 10 Christmas gifts. I would have continued wrapping, but my work was getting sloppy (possibly because I'm exhausted?!) yet here I sit. I just can't make myself go to sleep. At which point shall I consider myself nocturnal?

Sigh.

I just read the most beautiful post from MckMama about marriage. I wholeheartedly agreed with everything she said. Just in case you don't know, I absolutely love and adore my husband. Our marriage is in no way perfect, but through Him, we are being made perfect.

What a process.

For any gal, I would so highly recommend Created to be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl. Love it.

Not Me Monday

2008-12-15T09:58:00.003-06:00

Ok... this is a little game I like to play on Mondays. Except I don't really play - I just read everyone elses Not Me Monday. What is it? Being brutally honest and living to tell about it! You can check MckMama out if you want to - the amazing sista' who thought it up ~~that I happen to blogstalk~~.

I did not just give my daughter a cut up waffle with butter and syrup to eat in the living room while I type this blog. I would never do that - what a mess it ~~will~~ could make.

My dear husband did not catch our daughter with a certain item from the bathroom trash can. We also did not find that her sleeves were wet from playing in the toilet. No way, jose. We most definitely keep better tabs on our children so they do not do such things.

I did not just mop my kitchen floor for the first time in a month. Nope. Not me.

I did not overhear the following conversation in Sunday School yesterday:

(a pregnant gal) it seems like I've been pregnant forever... only 3 months to go...
(another gal) no girl it seems like it's gone so quick...
(pregnant gal) oh not for me... it's gone so slow

and then I did not chime in:

oh, the quick part was the first part!

I would never say such a thing. Not in Sunday School, either. Nope, not me.

Confession is good for the soul, my friends. Great therapy...

Fun...

2008-12-12T16:14:00.002-06:00

A friend of mine posted this... I thought it would be a nice change of pace :)

A fun husband game...

1. Where did you meet?
At UNA. I was apparent going for the Mrs. degree.

2. How long did you date?
Not long :) We started "talking" in August, made it "exclusive" in October, engaged in February, married in July.

3. How long have you been married?
almost 4.5 years.

4. What does he say that surprises you?
Seemingly random compliments.

5. What is your favorite feature of his?
His eyes... I come from all browns, so it's a nice break to stare into his baby blues.

6. What is your favorite quality of his?
He loves me no matter what! What more could I ask for?

7. Does he have a nickname for you? Sometimes I'll get a "Shell" outta' him.

8. What is his favorite color? Brown.

9. What is his favorite food? Pizza. Hands down!

10. What is his favorite sport?
To play, golf.

11. When and where did you first kiss?
On May 22, 2004 @ my house in Florence.

12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?
Watch movies.

13. Do you have any children?
Obviously :) 2 gifts from heaven.

14. Does he have a hidden talent?
He can sing and play guitar beautifully - but rarely does outside of our home.

15. How old is he? 26

16. Who said "I love you" first?
He did - on the dock at Joe Wheeler (where he proposed months later) after we read the Christmas story together.

17. What is his favorite type of music?
Dude loves everything!

18. What do you admire most about him?
His patience with me :)

19. Do you think he will read this?
I'm doubting it ;)

A little bit of this... and that.

2008-12-08T08:53:00.002-06:00

A little bit of this: I finished reading The Shack this weekend. I absolutely loved it. It's a wonderful story of God's love through one of his servants. Some people told me repeatedly "You have to remind yourself it's just fiction, you have to remind yourself it's just fiction" and guess what - I in fact did not have to remind myself that it was just fiction. That part came easily. What was harder for me to deal with were the feelings it provoked in me (as I said in my last post).

Back in 2005, we went on our second mission trip to Portland, Oregon. There were some soldiers on that last plane ride with us, and as we were walking to baggage claim the soldiers were right in front of us. As we rounded the corner to the security gate, their families awaited - cheering, crying, celebrating their return. Then, as if on cue, one of the soldiers began running to his father, and his rather to him.

As our group passed this exchange of love, we all fell to our knees, weeping. I'm not talking about a tear here or there but from a deep place in our heart tears were flowing.

Where am I going with this? God used that moment in my life. He has used many things that seemed unconventional (to me) to draw me to a closer place with Him. Although The Shack is most certainly a work of fiction, I applaud the author's work - for provoking people to draw closer to the Lord.

A little bit of that...

We had a great discussion yesterday in Sunday School about the Christmas season. Isn't it amazing how children ask questions that you don't feel qualified to answer? Maybe it's just me. I'm praying for creativity and honesty as my T-Pup begins to search out the truth. I don't want to blow off his questions or give him some flippant answer. This is what our lives are about! Celebrating our King! I'm praying the Lord will help me to instill these foundational truths in our son (+daughter when the time comes!).

W's first semester of grad school is coming to a close. His finals are this week. Please pray for him if you think about it!

Also, I am ~~absolutely looking forward to~~ dreading Christmas shopping. I am going tomorrow while W is in one of his finals, so I'll have a good few hours to traipse around Nashville and shop. I'm trying to be excited... trying... trying...

The Shack

2008-12-02T09:13:00.003-06:00

Oh my goodness. Never have I read a book like this before. I know it's fiction, but it has struck a place that is deep in my heart. A few weeks ago I wrote about fear. To be absolutely honest, reading this book is making me face my fears. I stayed up last night after my family went to sleep, and in the quiet I read and wept - for hours. I'm supposed to stay on a schedule to read it, but there is no way - I can't put it down. I know people who have read it and said "it's strictly fiction, nothing can be gained from it" but in my case I have to disagree - because it has provoked me to go to a deeper place with the Lord. Obviously Young's words are not the infallible word of God, but it's when I put the book down and started crying out to the Lord that took me to that place.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Hebrews 10:24

B-e-a-YOU-ti-ful!

2008-11-21T10:48:00.005-06:00

Isn't she beautiful?

fear.

2008-11-20T08:12:00.002-06:00

Last night we were driving to church and T-Pup and I were conversing. He said something along the lines of "Buster said..." and I said "but I didn't know Buster could talk!" (Buster is Ws grandmother's dog). My dear cutie of a son then said "Yep, he speaks doggy-spanish!". It still cracks me up!

What are your weaknesses? I could give you a summed up list of mine, but the one I am dealing with the most lately is fear. It is absolutely ridiculous. I am such a scaredy cat! Honestly, I am waking up each night somewhere between the hours of 2-4am terrified. My heart is usually pounding so loud that I think someone is walking through our house. Then I think "wait... is it my heart, or is someone walking through my house?". I do this every night... at least every night since August. It's so annoying. I've prayed and prayed that God would give me peace. I know that perfect love cast out fear. I know these things.

Last night (this morning) I got up at 4. I went to the couch and started praying. I went to the scriptures in 1 Samuel where David is fleeing from Saul, here to there. I ended up reading the story of Abigail and Nabal, which is one of my favorites... Abigail, oh to be like her... but this is why I share all of this. I've decided if I'm going to be fearful (which I'm not really comfy settling with that fact!) this is what I will do every night. Instead of settling for turning the television on, I'm going to dive into the Word. It was a precious moment with the Lord. My house was still and quiet (even my heart at this point!). I went back to sleep around 4:30 (and W was up within 5 minutes of that, ha) but the sleep I experienced from 4:30-7 was so sweet and peaceful. I was so grateful for my time with the Lord and as a mom of two small children, so thankful for a bit more rest to help get me through the day.

Also, a sweet friend of mine and I are now doing the 7x7 prayers from Bring the Rain. Yesterday was our first day, and I'm so excited to see what God does in my children's lives as well as my own. Another weakness of mine is praying for myself...too much! What better way to break out of my little box than praying for my children all throughout the day. (I've always prayed for my children, but it's been here or there, when I thought about it, etc.) The 7x7s are during different things we do in the day. I encourage you to check them out. And if you've never read Angie's story at Bring the Rain, you are in for a blessing.

giving in...

2008-11-03T21:40:00.002-06:00

My dear friend Malerie tagged me to do this...

6 random things about me...

(1) I really want a big SUV... like an Expedition or Tahoe. They are huge, with plenty of room... without being a mini-van. I just can't picture myself in a mini-van... not that I wouldn't be grateful if someone handed me the keys to a new one - I just prefer the big gas guzzlers. Which is probably the reason my husband will never let me get one.

(2) Since our married life began (almost 5 years ago!) we've never had an ice maker in our freezer. We fill our ice trays and harvest our ice. A gal can dream, right?! :)

(3) I'm terrified of swimming in bodies of water with fish. Poor Malerie can tell you too many stories about this.

(4) I didn't like onion rings, potato salad, chicken salad or stuffed eggs until I was 20 years old. And it all happened in the same year!

(5) Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I love the smells, the family time, the excitement as we learn about Jesus' birth again. It's so much fun with toddlers, too!

(6) My husband and I can finish each others sentences. He's my best friend!

***

I can't tag 6 people because I pretty much only blog stalk :)

Humor

2008-10-28T08:55:00.003-05:00

I really don't know about you, but I find humor in the smallest things. I've come to realize that my humor is dry - and often times not funny to anyone else at all. If I find it funny though, does it really matter if someone else is laughing? I'm used to being the odd one out - so no big news there.

Anyway, there is a small story to my ramblings. Last night was the Colts and Titans game. Seriously around this state, that is equivalent to the words Super Bowl. You know Tennessee loves Peyton, and you know we love the Titans... so put two and two together = big deal. W said he wanted us to have some 'football food' and watch the game. He specifically requested rotel cheese dip, so I decided to also pick up a pizza (for the kids). All of this to say, when we were waiting at Little Ceasar's (I know it's the "cheap" pizza - but I love their cheese!) a big 'ole pimped out blazer pulls up next to us with their bass thumpin'... loud. Incredibly loud... annoyingly loud... point made? Anyway, T-Pup says "Mommy! What is that?!" and I reply "it's the car's music... it's really loud..." and before I could finish he says "But Mommy! It sounds like a monster at pizza hut playing the tuba!"

If you just read that and barely smirked, made the little "hm!" sound, or less... you are one of the many who don't understand my humor -- because I laughed for what seemed like minutes.

Poop.

2008-10-23T20:33:00.002-05:00

T-Pup has been studying Abraham for the past few weeks in Sunday School. The first story was the one of he, Sarai, and Lot moving to Canaan. This past week was about Issac's birth. I absolutely love the curriculum they use - it is perfect for 3 year olds. Anyway, the scripture both weeks has been Genesis 12:2 - "I will bless you". He had this down pat the first time we practiced it. I got to thinking this weekend - this child can sing the theme song to Higglytown Heroes and Handy Manny - he can handle the full version of the scripture. So, this morning I started working with him on it. This is the full scripture:

I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and
make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.

For whatever reason, all I could get out of my son for the first 10 minutes was the following...

I will make you a great poop.

It really was funny at first - but then I tried to encourage more respect for God's word. Then I just got frustrated with his continued sillyness - just for the sake of being silly. I eventually told him he couldn't get off the couch until he said it, so 10 minutes later we conquered it. Little boys will be little boys!

I am so so so proud and grateful to say that my brother is home, safe and sound. Our trip was wonderful (short - but very full) and I'm so incredibly thankful I was able to go. Thanks to the ones of you who prayed for him while he was in Iraq. It looks like he will be on a MEU float (marine expeditionary unit / naval ship) outside of Afghanistan this summer.

Much Excitement

2008-10-09T11:13:00.002-05:00

I cannot express my excitement in words - my little brother is coming home from Iraq next week. I am excited to be able to fly to NC to greet him when he returns. I'm a little nervous about traveling with Sam, but I plan to pack some exciting new snacks and toys to help her enjoy the ride a bit more. T-Pup is all squared away here with close friends and family - but he and W's presence will definitely be missed.

My sweet Sam is approaching 1 year old. Wow! Where has the past year gone? We had our annual youth fish fry last night at church, and I made the comment to one of the women there "it was this time last year we were gawking over how swollen my feet were!" I will plan her party as soon as we get back - but for now my attentions are on the trip next week.

T-Pup and I have been talking about Abraham each day this week. He has memorized "I will bless you Genesis 12:2". I need to be more efficient on teaching him scripture! It does bless me to hear him recite it with such pride though.

Sam is at the beginning stages of walking. W will hold her hands and walk with her across the floor; when I try, she just plops down. I don't mind leaving some things to Daddy - and I don't think he minds either :)

I think that's about it for my little update. I am also excited to have an evening with my hubby tonight. It has been a while since we've been out alone, so I'm sure we'll have a great time.

Be still

2008-09-30T11:04:00.003-05:00

Words cannot express how tired I am! Last week we had an extremely crazy week... so incredibly busy. By Friday my throat started hurting, and by Saturday I was swallowing handfulls of VitC. Fortunately I never really came down sick, but unfortunately I've still been fighting the common cold symptoms. Prasie God my children have only had a runny nose and nothing more. On the weeks when it seems like we go and go and go, I don't know how to slow us down. There wasn't much I could have done last week with out of town company, but I get tired of the busy-ness quickly. I'm thinking "Be still and know that I am God" and saying "I'm trying, I'm trying!" at the same time.

Yesterday the children and I rode up to Nashville with W. I've been needing to go shopping for a while now - and I seriously could not figure out when it was going to happen. I knew it was a crazy idea to shop for myself with both kids while he was in class, but like I said... it needed to happen and this was the only way I could think of. Sadly enough, it was more awful that I could have imagined. In one store I decided to put T-Pup in charge of feeding Sam some cheerios. You're thinking "no, she didn't..." and oh yes my friends, I did. I spent about 7 minutes retracing our steps picking up the Hansel and Gretel trail of cereal my children left behind - and feeling the crunch of it every other step. By the time they started screaming, I knew I should have just left - but honestly, I just wanted to get the shopping over with so I would not have to think about it anymore. I wish it were easier to spend money on myself... but that's another story for another day.

I say all of this to say this: there was a moment when they were both crying in a dressing room, and I wanted to cry myself. I had the thought "At this moment I resent motherhood!" I felt so bad after that thought... so selfish and ashamed. But I thought it nonetheless.

Be still and know that I am God. I'm trying... and He knows I'm trying. As much as I wanted to do something small for myself like buying some new clothes, I think it would have been better to have left the clothes, gone to the car, turned the AC on, nursed Sam, gave T-Pup some snacks, and taken a deep breath... but I chose the other.

Today is a new day though...

I'm fired...

2008-09-22T10:40:00.002-05:00

No seemingly 'eloquent' thoughts today. Just a story from last night...

I told T-Pup to pick up a toy. He replied "No, you don't tell me what to do" (he did not yell or say it ugly, just matter-of-factly). I then calmly replied "Momma told you to pick up the toy. You do what Momma says because I am the Momma". He then popped a bit of an attitude, and I told him to go sit in the corner until his heart was right. As he marched over, he said "But I just don't want you to be my Momma anymore, I just want Daddy to be my Daddy."

I know as a child I said this phrase several times, as a teenager I said it a lot more, and that I would someday experience it as a parent.

Hmm. Guess the day has come and gone.

A Long Day

2008-09-10T08:26:00.002-05:00

Yesterday just seemed to be one of those days. Don't hear me wrong, I'm not complaining - if anything I am overcome with joy that my daughter is healthy.

We had scheduled T-Pup's 3yr well check up, and the measuring of Sam's head in the same appointment. We noticed in April that her head was big, so they've been measuring it every two months since then. Also, she had an ultrasound in April to make sure there was no excess fluid buildup on her brain. At any rate, our appointment was at 10 am. T-Pup's checkup was great, although he did not perform perfectly on his eye exam. Sam's head was around 42mm in July, and yesterday it measured 49.5. It was a considerable jump. The doctor called a neurologist friend of his to see what she would recommend, and we spent a few hours waiting for her to call back. My poor kids were going stir crazy in that office... as was I. She eventually calls back around noon, and says to do a cat scan. I immediately start freaking out in my mind (and the tears are beginning to flow). I'm thinking the worst of worst possibilities. I then remembered something our pastor said while teaching on Revelation, about having a disciplined imagination. That helped. We go to the hospital (the admitting process was so simple, Praise God) and soon after I was laying her on the cat scan table. The nurses were amazing with T-Pup, giving him stickers and letting him watch from the control room. As the scan was beginning and I was holding her head, the flood gates of Heaven opened via my eyes. No parent ever wants to see their child going into one of those machines. Sam stopped crying as it started spinning like she was thinking "whoa, what's this?" and within seconds it was over.

The doc came back to the hospital to see us (this is why we drive an hour to him. He is by far one of our most favorite people in the world) and he went to talk to the pediatric radiologist. No cranial pressure, all of her ventricles are normal sized, something about something protruding. I looked at him and said "break it down, please" (definitely not referring to any possible dance moves) and he said "Michelle, she just has a big head. It's growing faster than her body, and her body will catch up. As long as she is on track developmentally, we're in good shape."

I should have fallen on my knees in praise at that moment, but for whatever reason I could only cry harder. Relief, I suppose? I walked the children to the car and took a few minutes for myself. It was after 2, and we hadn't had lunch, so we hit up Chick-Fil-A. T-Pup ate 8 nuggets, a fruit cup (minus the oranges... like you needed to know) and Sam ate a whole two nuggets and a few fries. It had been a long day and we had hungry bellies.

You know, this summer has impacted my walk with the Lord in a huge way. I feel like our relationship is being completely redefined. I said yesterday in the waiting room "God, I don't even feel like I know who you are anymore...." and when I said it, it literally shook me (worry not, we were the only ones in the waiting room). But I can tell you this: He is faithful. I walked through yesterday with two small children, my husband was 3 hours away, and for all practical reasons I should have felt absolutely vulnerable and terrified. This is how I know He was with me. His rod and His staff, they comfort me. Yeah I was emotional and I know I got some definite looks from people, but who cares. My daughter is healthy and I have a feeling even if she wasn't, He would still be faithful.

Fall...

2008-09-06T11:36:00.002-05:00

I absolutely love the changing of the seasons. I especially love when the whisperings of fall come around. I look forward to fall more than any other season. It rained all day yesterday, and was overall kind of dreary, but still hot. Nonetheless, it got me thinking about fall - so I made a big pot of chili. I told W we needed to cut the AC way down so we could be cold while we ate the hot chili, haha. Anyway, this morning I am proud to say our AC is completely off. The windows are open. I have a delicious smelling mulled cider candle burning. And that chili, was perfect for lunch. I'm such a nerd, I know... I just love fall. I think I'm going to bake some banana bread muffins this afternoon to continue in celebration of fall... and catch some Auburn football.

This morning W took T-Pup to the Home Depot for the Kid's Workshop. This has been tradition in our house for the past 6 months the first Saturday of every month. Anyway, today they made this dude. Answer this for me - how do you teach a 3 year old to thump? He is getting frustrated and throwing the paper football through the goal. I'm sure it's frustrating, but it sure is funny to watch. I can't wait until he is big enough to actually play pop warner football.

Happy Birthday

2008-08-30T08:59:00.002-05:00

To our little man, T-Pup! He is 3 today. Wow. How time flies! As I look back over the last year, here are a few things that come to mind...

-Sam. When she was born, W's parents brought T-Pup to the hospital to see us. He was so mad at us. He wouldn't touch me or look at me, and when W picked him up, he slapped him in the face. I guess having your only child syndrome taken away is the most traumatic thing that could happen to a little guy.

-Rotavirus. On the last day of our youth ski trip, February 24, T-Pup woke up terribly sick. Needless to say, that was only day 1 of a 5 day bout with rotavirus. Those were by far the hardest days I've ever experienced as a parent. Sam was only 4 months, and T-Pup was vomiting and well...the other... constantly. Wow, it still shakes me to remember how sick he was. I still thank God for the friends that help get me through those days.

-Potty training. We did it! At first I fought and fought with him, then just decided to give it up. Sure enough, one day in April he said he wanted to use the potty. The rest is history. I'm so glad this is behind us and not still in front of us!

-Beginning to believe. About 2 months ago, I was giving T-Pup a bath. All of a sudden, he looked up at me and said "Mommy, where does Jesus live?" and I (taken off guard... we had just been discussing Elmo and Ernie) said "Right here bud, in your heart" and pointed to his chest. He replied, without skipping a beat, "oh yeah, that's right. Jesus is in my heart. And God, too". Also, a few weeks ago W took T-Pup to his bedroom to tuck him in. They said prayers, and all of a sudden T-Pup said "umm Daddy, is that Jesus?" and pointed behind W. W said he reluctantly turned around, of course didn't see anything, and turned back to T-Pup (obviously a little taken aback) and said "come Lord Jesus!" and tucked him in.

It's so amazing to me to consider the development that has happened, and has yet to happen. We're still working on fits of him not getting what he wants, of sitting still and listening, of being instantly obedient.

But I'm encouraged, because I'm still working on the same things within myself.

The words of my mouth

2008-08-26T11:42:00.000-05:00

Honestly, I say so many things I never thought I would say. Just this morning I found myself telling my son "Don't hit your sister in the head with your golf club!".

On Saturday we went to meet my brother-in-law at a restaurant about an hour away, and T-Pup said he needed to go potty. When we went into the restroom, the music was considerably louder than in the restaurant. Immediately, he started shimmying around the toilet to the tune of the music. I started laughing hysterically at the sight of this unusual moment then said "C'mon bud, we don't dance around the toilet".

This morning I was changing my daughter's #2 diaper, and I said something like "shew, this is stinky-bo-dinky". I don't know why I said it, it just came out. T-Pup almost fell over laughing, and kept repeating "stinky-bo-dinky, stinky-bo-dinky".

I love these moments with children. They are so unpredictable. This honestly scares me for I've heard the horror stories of my childhood, and remember my mom telling people "she's just our little mouth of the south". I know I have it coming. I'm sure it's not going to be pretty either!

We all know Psalm 19:14:

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

I've found myself recently spelling to my husband. "When do you want me to put him to B-E-D?"; "Do you want some S-U-N D-R-O-P?" etc, etc. I'm altering the words of my mouth to avoid the ears of my children. These things are normal, everyone does it somehow. What bothers me are the words of my mouth that I don't conceal; the ones where I'm speaking about some one's character, or attitude, or how I've been wronged in some way. After a bout of confusion at the car wash Sunday afternoon, I got in my vehicle and frustratingly said "That woman is a jerk!" and T-Pup said "Mommy what's wrong?" and it convicted the mess out of me. I replied as honestly as I could and told him "I'm sorry bud, Mommy has a bad attitude".

May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart...

It's not enough to watch what comes out my mouth, I need to check what's in my heart as well. I'm sure there are plenty of times each day that God smiles or laughs at something I say. I'm also sure there are times that He is grieved. As I speak to my children, and to those around me, I want them to "know my heart". I want to teach our children about these things, and be a positive example for them to learn from; I know several people and the way I've learned from them is knowing that I don't want to be like them. It's not a bad thing, but I take note and say "hey, this is something I don't want in my life, how can I avoid it"...

...be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and Redeemer.

From the eyes of my son.

2008-08-17T17:25:00.000-05:00

Our family has been watching the Olympics each evening, and nearly every night we see the same commercial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFBVA-KoJSI

The very last scene of the commercial shows a very illuminated scene in Beijing, possibly some sort of festival in the street. Anyway, each time we see the commercial our nearly 3 year old son says "Wow that looks fun... what is that?" and we reply "it's China!".

We were coming back into town last weekend and the sun had already set. We approached the small, rural fair that graces the community with its presence each fall, and it was very well illuminated.

Our dear son then says "Mommy, is that China?"

It reminded me that he is listening. He is paying attention to what we say. It may not always look that way, but our words do have an impact.

When our laughter subsided, we explained the fair was indeed not China, but maybe we can go to China someday!

The Genesis

2008-08-17T17:01:00.000-05:00

Last week, my husband and I were talking during an hour's car ride to a nearby town. Having two small children, a car ride is often the most consistent conversation we have. We were talking about some of the deeper things in our hearts, and I shared with him that I feel parenting is one of my few "strengths". However, in a world of technology and higher education, it often seems this role is downplayed. I'm one of a hand full of mothers in our small town who stay home with their children; and I often feel looked down upon because of that. It is a sacrifice - but hear my heart: the worth far outweighs the cost. I often beat myself up because many of the women I know with children live luxurious lives, and on those days I have to remind myself of the worth. The things of this world will pass away, but teaching my children to hear the voice of God, to know His love, these things are eternal.

In the midst of this conversation, my husband encouraged me to start a blog with some parenting moments. Now, if you know my crew at all - at this point the humorous side will most likely prevail. I want to share with you though a bit of our lives - and pray that you may somehow be encouraged.