Completely Clueless..... but trusting in God!

She hit the nail on the head!!!

2012-01-30T06:59:00.000-08:00

A few months ago my best friend and I were visiting and I mentioned how we had a similar pet peeve. The mis-use of the word tattling and children. She wrote a blog that hit the nail on the head, and I wanted to share it with my readers as well.

Click here --------> "It's Not Tattling"

I remember working at a daycare when I was out of high school and a child would come up crying to their teacher and before they were allowed to open their mouth the teacher would say "If your tattling I don't want to hear it" and the child would put their head down and walk away. I remember thinking "what if he really got hurt.... what if another child is being really mean to another child".... as I became a parent I realized that my children are coming to me because they are KIDS and they don't know what to do or how to handle every situation and they need my help to figure out what to do....

Ok I'll quit because Chrissy's blog is more than sufficient!! But I will add one more quick thing.... I know there are some kids who do "tattle" and only the parents know their children, so you have to use your own parental judgment and knowledge of your kids....so please don't think I am judging every parent or teacher that says it.. I'm just speaking from what I have seen in my life and how most children aren't given an opportunity to even speak before they are turned away... just makes me sad....

Ok Im done! :-)

tying shoes.....

2012-01-25T08:06:00.000-08:00

Last year when Joseph was in kindergarten they would send home progress reports saying "joseph needs to learn to tie his shoes". I just let it go because I was perfectly content having him be able to put on his shoes, pull the velcro and be on our way.

Last night I received an e-mail from his teacher stating that he would have to stay in from recess each day until he learned to tie his shoes and that it was a skill that should have been mastered in kindergarten.

At first I was upset, because I felt bad that Joseph was going to be punished for a decision I had made as his mom. I knew other moms with 7 year olds that also did velcro and I remember wearing velcro shoes at his age and so I didn't see the big deal. I also felt a little ashamed... I mean was I being lazy in not teaching him? Being the internet junkie that I am I googled it and read how other moms were "appalled that 6 and 7 year olds could maneuver cell phones and computers but didn't know how to tie their shoes".... Yikes!

I could also see their point in wanting him to learn and I began to realize part of the reason he didn't learn was because I was trying to make things a little easier on myself and I thought on him as well. I was worried teaching him would take a long time and that he would struggle each morning to tie his shoes or that at school he would be having to constantly stop and re-tie his shoes. I know I'm a worry wart.... I know it shouldn't be something to get worked up over... but I'm going to use pregnancy as an excuse here! lol :-)

I was texting my best friend Chrissy and she helped me to see that the school wasn't pushing something on us, but that it was something that most children know how to do by this age and they wanted Joseph to master it.

Recess isn't that big of a deal, however to Joseph it's huge and so I thought... well.... why not just start teaching him tonight. I thought I would e-mail his teacher and let her know we are going to start working on it but not to penalize joseph for my decision as a parent and that we would work on it with him each night.

Well..... he learned in about 30 minutes! I was so shocked and it made me think "Why did I wait so long?"..... Mike took our other 2 boys upstairs to play and joseph put on one of my shoes.... and he learned. He said he wanted to wait about 10 minutes to show his dad to see if he still remembered, and 10 minutes later he tied his shoes for his dad... then this morning before school he did it again.

I'm also thankful that Joseph didn't care at all that he didn't know how to tie his shoes yet, he was just worried about missing recess!! What a motivator! :-)

I don't know if there is a "moral" to this story or not.... but I know I learned something as a mom.... I was putting it off thinking it would make life harder,but I underestimated my son.... he did great and we are going to buy some shoes with laces probably this weekend. Samuel my 5 year old is now begging to learn to tie his shoes..... :-) My babies are growing up on me!

Almost there!!!

2012-01-19T07:21:00.000-08:00

Wow I haven't blogged in a while! Well here's what's going on with my life. I am currently 33 weeks and soooo looking forward to my first little girl coming into the world. She is a very active baby which brings me much comfort as I feel her moving alot during the day. Due to high blood pressure I go twice a week for non-stress test, but I don't mind at all because I get to hear her heartbeat and it just comforts me knowing she is doing good.

We have had her first name picked out since my first pregnancy... "Anna" however the middle name is still up in the air. Hopefully we will decide before she gets here! :-)

Last week my husband and my older 2 sons helped me get her room ready. It was as exciting for them as it was for me. They were so happy to see her crib going up and the pink decorations. They even got to help put the crib together.

After we got her room all set up, with the exception of curtains and some pictures that need to be hung, I decided to go through her clothes. As I picked up each piece of clothing I got a little more excited. I was just as excited with each of my boys and this time the excitement is two-fold. I am not only excited about meeting this little baby that I already love so much, but I am excited about the new experience of having a daughter.

Mike is looking forward to having a daughter for the first time. I am excited to see how he is with a little girl. I have seen him with my nieces and little girls at church and he is just so great with them... I just can't wait to see how he is with our daughter.... wow..... "daughter"... I am so excited to get to say that.

Well that's all for now! :-)

How we do Christmas.....

2011-11-18T08:01:00.000-08:00

Over the years I have shared and heard others share how they do christmas. Some do Santa and some don't, some buy tons of gifts, others dont. I thought i'd share how we do christmas just in case some young parents out there are looking for ideas.

First off we don't do Santa Claus. I won't go into a deep discussion here about why, but we just didn't feel it was right for our family. Our kids know that we provide the gifts and they know that Santa is not real, but pretend and still fun to watch shows about and see just like Dora, Diego and other cartoon characters, but they also know about the real story of how there came to be a Santa Claus thanks to Veggie Tales! :-) We don't condemn anyone who chooses to do Santa and my children know that other kids believe and they know never to tell another child there is no Santa without first talking to the parents and asking if their child believes or not.

As for gifts when I was pregnant with Joseph, or it may have been right after I had him, I was talking with the wife of our youth pastor at the time, and she shared that they did a birthday cake for Jesus and only did 3 gifts per child representing the 3 gifts mentioned in the bible that Jesus received at his birth. Mike and I really loved that idea. We liked the idea of the focus being on Christ and that the children wouldn't be overloaded with gifts considering they not only do christmas with us but they experience 3 other christmas's because of extended family. So we began doing 3 gifts per child and occasionally we will do some "joint" or "family" gifts as well. It's been a great thing for our family and the kids don't feel slighted. We do the christmas story, sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and have a piece of cake, and then we go around and each open a gift until they are all opened. We take time to savor the time together and we love it!

This year we have also decided we will have the boys get each other one gift. I think it is something they will really enjoy and we are looking forward to doing that.

Well that is how we do Christmas! I hope everyone has a blessed Holiday Season and take time to remember why we celebrate anything at all... because of Jesus!

My first "Girl" room! :-)

2011-11-14T15:32:00.000-08:00

With my first 2 pregnancies I didn't know what I was having and I got this adorable neutral teddy bear bedding set that I still LOVE and we left the room white and just decorated it with the new bedding.... With Jonathan we knew we were having a boy so we painted the room blue and used the same bedding.... With this one and finding out it was a girl, although I could use the same bedding and I would be fine, I just really really wanted to do something "girly" and so we decided to go ahead and do it with all the girly features :-)

My awesome Mother-in-law bought me a new bedding set and it arrived in the mail last week so that I could get started on Anna's room. Here is the bedding set we will be using.

We are so excited and I have some friends who have been giving me some paint color tips. Not sure what I will do yet. My changing table and crib are white so I may do either a light pink on the walls with a brown accent wall or a neutral color with a pink accent wall..... if you have any other ideas feel free to share them with me!

Looking forward to getting things started!

Halfway through!!!! :-)

2011-10-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

Well this week I am 20 weeks pregnant!!!! :-) I can't believe I'm halfway there. This pregnancy is going by soooo fast, which I don't mind really because I'm so anxious to hold my little girl. We have decided to name her Anna, but can't decide on a middle name. I need to get her room ready and start hanging up her little collection of pink clothes that have started to accumulate in our home. :-)

Here is a picture of me at 18 weeks :-)

I'm feeling pretty good. Doc had to put me on blood pressure medicine because it was getting pretty high, but it's doing alot better now, however the medicine makes me a little more tired. Fortunately my 2 year old still naps and I have a wonderful 5 year old little boy that lets me rest when my 2 year old is napping... so that helps out a lot.

My wonderful husband has been off work since June due to a neck issue. He had surgery a little over a month ago and just got the news he will be returning to work next week. :-( I know he needs to get back to work and our family needs to get back into a normal routine, but I have LOVED having him home. He helps me out soooo much and we have really gotten so much closer these past few months. I am really going to miss him when he goes back.

The boys grandpa and grandma donna came to visit a few weeks ago to watch Samuel play soccer and we went to a pumpkin patch while they were here. We had a lot of fun. :-)

Here is samuel and his friend Teegan at his soccer game

Grandpa before leaving even got to take Joseph to school :-)

So thankful for the blessing of family in our lives!

It's a GIRL!!!!

2011-10-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

Most of the people who read my blog are also on my facebook but for those that aren't I wanted to share some great news with all of you! We found out today that we are expecting our first baby girl!

As most if not all of you know I have 3 boys and a stepson, so pink and lace are not seen around my home..... until now! :-)

Today as Mike and I were in the ultrasound room, looking at our beautiful baby on the screen, we couldn't wait for the technician to tell us what our baby would be.... and she looked at me (knowing I had 3 boys) "Do you really want me to tell you" and I of course said "YES!" and she said "you are having a little girl!" My hands went immediately up to my face in disbelif as tears fell from my eyes.... My whole life would be different... not that boys don't change your life, but that adding this little girl would make our every day life..... different. Instead of just star wars and G.I. Joes... we will have barbies and dolls..... instead of just wrestling on the floor... we will now have tea parties.... and it just made me smile uncontrollably. My husband stood there awestruck... and so happy. Although I think he is thinking of when she is 15 and boys are calling... lol :-) We have plenty of time to prepare her that she wont' be dating until she is at least 30... :-)

I LOVE my boys and can't imagine my life without them and now I know I will feel the same way about my daughter.... wow... daughter... I thank God for blessing me with this little girl.... just as I thank God each day for the blessings of each of my boys....

My boys were so excited.... Here is a video I took of them when we told them it was a girl....

and a picture of them showing off their new sisters new clothes :-)

Now i have to distract them so the next 5 months go by quickly for them :-) :-)

8 years..... sometimes it seems like yesterday....

2011-10-04T05:41:00.000-07:00

8 years ago today..... I became a Mrs. :-)

Mike and I started dating April 28, 2001 and so we have actually been together for almost 10 and 1/2 years.... wow!

Mike and I have had our ups and downs, we have had to learn alot but I can honestly say I love him as much, if not more than when we got married. He strives hard to be the best Father, husband and man that he can be and he strives to walk with the Lord and lead our family in a way that would please God.

Our wedding day was a beautiful day, bright and sunny and the perfect temperature. I remember I wasn't nervous at all, just extremely excited. I had stayed with my mom the night before and a limo picked my mother, myself and my sister Kelly up and took us to the church about 45 minutes away. Then we proceeded to get our hair done, get dressed, pictures.... and then.... the best part of all... I got to walk down the aisle and marry my best friend!

I love you Mike!! Happy Anniversary!! I love where we are at 8 years later :-) and I can't wait to see what the next 8 hold for us :-)

Changes... Changes....

2011-09-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

Well the first change is my hair... lol :-) I went back to my dark brunette.... and I love it but it has taken some getting used to because it's been a couple of years since I have had it this dark......

2nd change is my morning sickness is gone!!!! :-) Praise the Lord for this because my husband had neck surgery a month ago and I needed to feel better...

3rd change is my little Jonathan started pre-school. So with my 7 year old in 1st grade and my 5 year old 3 days a week in pre-school and now jonathan.. I have one day a week for about 2 hours where the house is quiet (for now).... He is in the 2 year old class and he goes one day a week for about an hour and 45 minutes... he is adorable with his little backpack on and some days doesn't want to take it off :-)

First night after his first day of school and he insisted on sleeping in his backpack :-)

Jonathan and samuel on their first day

Here is a recent picture of the boys that I took before they all went to school this week... I can't believe how they are growing!!

This last picture is a picture that our church took for their new directory a month or two ago and sadly my stepson couldn't be with us but we plan on doing another family picture next summer with him and the new baby......

Well that's about it......The boys are very excited about our new addition and in one week we find out if it is a boy or a girl! We can't wait.... :-)

I'll update you all as soon as we find out! :-)

The B-I-B-L-E..... yes that's the book for me :-)

2011-08-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

I was having a little writers block but then I remembered a status on facebook that really caught my attention......

"Wonder what would happen if we treated our BIBLE like our CELL PHONE? We CARRY it every where we go. We flipped through it throughout the day. We went home to get it if we FORGOT it. We RECEIVED messages from the text. We COULDN'T live WITHOUT it. We GAVE it to KIDS as gifts. We used it in case of emergency. One more thing, it would NEVER be disconnected. JESUS has already paid the bill."

I remember reading it a while back and I just kinda of glanced over it, but this past week I really took the time to read it and think about it... and I was convicted. So many times when I have some "down" time... I am grabbing my cell phone... the laptop or the remote control..... but I should be grabbing my bible.

One of my favorite old shows is Little House on the Prairie... and when I watch it I'm always amazed because a lot of times at night before Caroline would go to bed...... she would be up reading her bible.... and I watch that and think wow.... usually i'm on the internet on my cellphone before bed....

I am realizing how I take the bible for granted... there are so many other countries who don't even have access to the Word of ......and here in our house we probably have 10 bibles.... and yet I don't make as much time as I should to read it....

It just really made me think.... hope it makes you think too....

School days.....

2011-08-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

For those parents out there.... I'm guessing there are some like me who have moments in the summer that you think "school time ... why aren't you here yet" and then other times you think "summer please last forever"..... I had those moments throughout this summer.

Today was Joseph's first day of 1st grade and oh how I miss him already and he has only been at school 1 hour!! It's just hard to let them go... hard to release them into someone else's care.... what if they don't understand my child... what if they don't realize he is sad.... or nervous.... what if???

I have prayed and asked God to watch over him and that is all I can do at this point... I know he is in good hands at his school and I know he will learn alot and have fun so I guess I'll survive. :-)

I just can't believe my little guy last year... starting off in Kindergarten...

Has now grown into this big boy 1st grader!!! Makes me happy, sad and proud all at the same time...

I love you Joseph.. hope you have a great year!!!

what is "ok" could be..... grand! ....

2011-08-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you all have seen this commerical. If not, please watch it and then read the rest of the blog.

As I was reading my devotional today in my womens devotional bible the author referenced this story, of the maestro coming up behind the little boy playing chopsticks and took something so small and made it grand. I don't know if it's a true story or not, but what the author wanted to express is that God can do the same for us. We go along in our lives doing things that are "ok".... "normal"...."good" but if we allow God to come up along side of us and we listen to his voice of encouragment and love then he can make our lives grand.... abundant... full of joy and happiness!

Tears immediately came to my eyes as I was reading and I pictured myself at that piano.... strumming along to what most would call a not very exciting tune and God steps in and makes it something so beautiful.... then I pictured me doing the house cleaning... changing diapers... driving the kids to school.... and I realized he can make everything in my life truly grand .... if I just let him......if I keep my heart focused on him.... and I listen to his words and feel his love for me....

I hope this encouraged you as it did me..... :-)

Joseph and Samuel....... birthday post.... a little late!

2011-08-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

My firstborn Joseph recently turned 7 and my second son samuel turned 5 in June. I have been so sick with this new little one inside my belly that blogging has been an afterthough I'm sorry to say. I'm starting to feel a little better so I'm going to do a 2 in 1 :-)

Samuel turned 5 in June... and he brings a smile to my face every day.... he is a very sensitive child but also very compassionate and loving.... he is my cuddler... any time I am in the same room he is right next to me asking to hold my hand and I am constantly hearing "Mom I love you"..... He wanted to do his party at Chuck E Cheese and he invited a few of his friends.

He had a blast.... He even got to go in the ticket machine...

Joseph turned 7 in July. All my children are dramatic (some say after their mother! lol ) but Joseph is the most dramatic of them all. He also however is so sweet and loving. If he knows i'm upset or not feeling well he will chip in and do whatever he can to help me. He also loves being the big brother and enjoys helping (and sometimes annoying) his younger brothers. He is a homebody like me and enjoys just hanging out with his family. I'm so interested in seeing him as he grows .... what kind of teenager he will be.... and someday what kind of man. He decided he wanted to do a party with his friends from school, so we found a gymnastics place and had his party there. The kids had a blast.... so much to do....

The boys were lucky this year too because we got to celebrate with family back in Missouri as well for their birthdays.

All in all they had great birthdays and they make me feel very blessed to be their mother. :-) I'm looking forward to this next year... as Joseph enters the 1st grade... and samuel does his last year of pre-school.... I know every parent says this... but it's just sooo true.... they grow up SOOOOO fast!!!!

Great blog for you to check out in case you aren't already!!!

2011-08-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

My best friend Chrissy has a blog called Traveling Light. She is a gifted writer and has great blogs. One in particular recently was very thought provoking and I wanted to pass it along to those of you who read my blog so you can all check it out. Here's the link

http://chrissyrenee79.blogspot.com/2011/08/life-jacket.html

Hope you all enjoy her blogs as much as I do!!

Morning Sickness Blues.....

2011-08-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

Well after an ultrasound last week my due date is March 5th and I am currently 9 weeks pregnant! :-) I am very excited about this baby however right now it is difficult because I have been so sick. Since about 6 weeks I have had morning sickness pretty much all day.... and this is my first child to actually make me throw up. I have tried a bunch of "home remedies" as well as a script from the doc and nothing is really helping, so I guess I'm just going to tough it out and pray that it will leave when I go into my 2nd trimester.

We have decided to find out the sex. We did not find out with our first 2 but we did find out with our 3rd and we want to find out with this one as well. They do that ultrasound at 18 weeks and that will be the first week of October and I can hardly wait!!! Boy or girl I just wanna know so I can start getting their room ready :-)

My other boys are very excited and keep asking when the baby is going to get here..... I feel sorry for them knowing they have a looonnng time to wait, however school will be starting soon so that will be a nice distraction for them... and me to help the time go by a little faster.

I still can't believe I am going to have 4 children!!! I always used to say I wanted 6...... but I think I'm going to be good with 4 :-)

Well.... I'm going to go and try to eat something... wish me luck!!! lol...

Baby # 4 is on it's way!!!!!!! :-) :-)

2011-07-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

Since my son Jonathan has been born my husband and I have been back and forth a million times on whether we would have another one. You see I have a stepson who lives with his mother in another state, and then we have our 3 boys so we have a full house when we are all together. We would talk about whether we wanted to try for a girl, and we both quickly decided we would not try and have another baby just to try for a girl, but that we both had to want another CHILD... whether it was a boy or a girl.

Well I have to say that I myself went back and forth more than my husband. There were definetly days that I said "i'm done!" and then others where a desire would creep into my heart for another child.

Well about 2 months ago I decided that since we hadn't decided I would have a garage sale and get rid of a lot of the baby stuff.... when I mentioned it to my husband he said "but what if we have another baby".... and I looked at him like "you want another baby!?!?!?" and then I decided maybe I wouldn't have that garage sale...... :-)

Then we were eating dinner out on a date one night and we talked about it.... and we felt like it was something that God was laying on our hearts... and that boy or girl.... we wanted to add a child to our family.

God blessed us quickly and last saturday night on our first month of trying I found out I was pregnant!! We believe children are a blessing, not a burden, and we are so thrilled that God is giving us another little blessing.

When we told the boys they were soooo excited. My son Joseph has been helping me out with everything saying "you have a baby in your belly... i'll do it for you"....

I know I'm going to hear a lot about everyone hoping it's a girl and I think it's just because they want me to have that experience and I would love it too, but I know God will give me what he knows is best for our family and if it's another boy then that will be awesome.... if it's a girl that will be awesome.... I am just so excited to go through this next 9 months.... I am going to savor every minute because (even though I've said it before) this will probably be our last.....

Please pray for an easy pregnancy!!! lol :-)

Graduation day........

2011-06-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well.... my first child has just graduated............ kindergarten that is :-) It was such a cute ceremony..... they had it in their class, and they had shirts they had made, with paper hats and tassels.

I was so emotional before it even started that I knew I was going to lose it eventually. Sure enough when the teacher broke out her "memories" video, that is when it happened. There was a song by Lonestar i think called "Let them be little" or something like that (I don't listen to country) and that is when it happened.......... As I watched pictures of Joseph throughout the year and his sweet little face, the tears started flowing. It didn't help that he was sitting on my lap with his arms around me playing with my hair while it was playing. I just can't believe how my baby has grown! I mean isn't he still my little baby???

He can now ride his bike without training wheels and when I say "wanna go practice riding your bike" he replies "mom I know how to ride my bike remember?" He's right.... he can ride now with no assistance from Mike or me.... Then the other day I came downstairs and he had made himself a snack and cleaned up his mess..... I see him helping take care of his little brothers and caring for them..... I see in his face and body how he is growing.... changing..... and then I think........ he's only 6.... what am I going to do when he starts driving.... goes to prom.... graduates HIGH SCHOOL! Then I realize once again how quickly time flies and it makes me want to savor even more the time I have with each of my children.

I'm glad I have 2 more years before I will see Samuel graduate kindergarten! lol.... give me some time to recoup :-)

Here are some pictures of the day!

Joseph and his amazing teacher Mrs. Gasaway.... she was awesome!

Joseph after his name was called to get his diploma....

Getting his diploma.... :-)

Me and my little graduate.... :-)

A little paper hanging outside the room before all the parents went in.... he looked so grown up in that cap and gown!

Flexible living....

2011-05-24T07:25:00.000-07:00

Many of us are crippled from birth. The backbone of our standard for living comes fused into unyielding rules and regulations. We are rigid in our determination to control life's course and outcome.

We're sure, for example, how people ought to look, behave, and respond. Things have to be done a certain way - our way. We know, too, exactly how a godly marriage should operate; and we're quite familiar with the model of the ideal Christian family scene - which, of course, we intend to duplicate perfectly.

Then, real life sneaks up and whacks us from behind, seeking to break our unbending back and our stiff neck, threatening to paralyze us.

There is a cure. We are offered opportunity to exercise the suppleness of godly grace and perspective. Each time life throws us a punch, we can do a deep-knee bend, forcing our muscles of faith, hope, and understanding to stretch.

Eventually that brittle backbone will grow strong and supple, bending with the rhythms of grace yet standing tall and firm in the face of compromise.

All of this requires considerable daily "give". Such give is not a one-time choice but a lifestyle of generosity, spontaneity, and openess to truth.

How often I have thought that if I could give just one gift to my children-besides a heart for God- it would be the golden gift of flexibility.

Taken from A woman's devotional bible. Author: Susan L. Lenzkes

I read this devotional the other day during my quiet time and it just really struck me. I remember when I first got married I thought I was the expert on marriage. After my first child, I thought I was an expert on nursing, being a mom, raising kids...... but then I had those days that "whacked me from behind" and humbled me. I learned to listen to others advice, and not just pretend to listen but really listen. I also learned to extend the same grace to others. I met moms who were so sure their way was the right way and instead of getting defensive and angered as I would have in the past, I try to just smile and say "that's great that it works for you, but that is just not how it works for me".... then I say a prayer that they too will be "whacked from behind" a little..... so that they can realize too what I have realized...... and am still realizing each day. I also say a prayer that if I ever need to be "whacked" again, that I will be.... because I am far from being flexible all the time.... it's definetly a work in progress.....

I've had other moms say " I would never allow my child to do that, or I can't believe your child did that" only to find years later they too have had to deal with such things in their own children..... time has a way of teaching us all lessons.... even I have had moments when given a suggestion by another mom thought to myself "how in the world can they think that is a good option"... only years later..... to see that it was a good option and one that I now find myself trying with one of my children...

I'm still learning...... and I still struggle with thinking I know it all sometimes, and I still struggle with getting upset with other mom's who think they know it all.... but I'm striving to be flexible, and full of grace. Won't get there 100% on earth, but my goal is to daily strive for it....

an old picture........

2011-05-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

While on facebook the other day my mom posted a picture of me and my little brother..... her reason was showing my little brother how one of his twin girls looked like him..... and as I was looking I saw my children in my face too....and it just made me smile. It also makes me smile when I see my siblings and parents in my children as well.... I love how God did that... so you see generations of people that you love in your children's faces and personalities.... :-)

I'm so blessed not only with my husband and children, but with my first family. My dad, mom and 7 siblings! :-) That's right I have 2 brothers and 5 sisters :-) The breakdown Jenny, John, Kim, Karen, Kelly, Krista, Kassie, and Josh :-) :-)

I don't know that I will have that many kids, but I'm so thankful for my family and feel so blessed for what God has given me.....

The picture of me and my little brother :-)

My Dad, Mom, Kim, Karen, Kelly, Krista, me and Josh

A pic of my sisters Kelly and Krista and me

My oldest siblings Jenny and John

Sometimes a simple picture makes me realize how blessed I have been in my life... i'm so thankful for all the blessings God has given me.

is it really that easy???.....

2011-05-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

I saw a quote on facebook a while back and posted it as my status update as well, but when I really sit down and think about the words.... is it really that easy to just walk away??

Here's the quote:

"There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama & people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh and love, forget the bad, & focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy."

Personally speaking I have always been the kind of person that can't stand it to have someone not "like" them..... I have always tried to get along with everyone and be everyone's friend. However we are humans and not everyone gets along or "likes" everyone else, But what about those people that are supposed to be your friends? What about family members who have hurt you? Is it really that easy to just write them out of your life?

I have tried in the past to do that with certain people in my life but it just doesn't work. Maybe it's because I want peace or maybe it's because I truly want those people in my life, or maybe it's because I just don't want to think that someone out there is upset with me, I don't know. Maybe sometimes I let things go that I shouldn't..... I just know I wish it was that easy to just wake up one day and not care what those people thought of me, or how they have hurt me and to let the "bad" go and just focus on the "good".

I guess maybe in the midst of that quote it needs to be added that we have to give it to the Lord and leave it in his hands. I think that is the only way we will really experience peace and happiness, and then after we have left it in his capable hands.... then we pray...... we pray for those lost friendships or family relationships and pray that if it is in his will for those to be there, that someday.... in his timing.....they will be. I think also though we have to pray that if that friendship or relationship is to no longer be there... to have the strength to forgive and let it go.... that might just be the hardest prayer of all......

Ok.... i'm done with my thoughts for the day.....it's just been one of those emotional days for me I guess..... :-)

Mother's Day 2011 :-)

2011-05-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

Wow.... I LOVE mother's day :-) But what I really love more than anything is BEING a mom!! My children are such precious gifts and I can't imagine anything better than a hug or kiss or an "I love you mommy" from one of my children.

Today was wonderful, although we actually celebrated the night before because my husband and kids can't wait to give me their cards and gifts... lol and I don't mind either! :-)

Here are some pics of my little guys and me when we celebrated Mothers day.

I hope all the other moms out there had a blessed Mother's day as well.

Thank you God for entrusting these little ones into my care, may I make you proud with how I raise them, and may they grow to love and honor you!

Tis the season.......... for Little League!!!!! :-)

2011-05-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

I think I said this last year, but I can't help it.... I LOVE LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL!!! As a girl I played softball and since God blessed me with BOYS.... I now am in love with baseball!!!

I look forward every spring to getting them out there and seeing them play and this year my little Sammy gets to play for the first time!

I don't know if they will always play and that's ok. I've always asked them what they want to do and I will enjoy whatever they decide to do, but right now... it's baseball!! :-)

Here's my little guys! GO TEAM CRAIG!!!!

Sammy right before his first game! :-)

Joseph on the bench waiting to hit his first game of the season. It was sooooo cold and windy (you can tell by his face) outside but he had a blast! :-)

Easter 2011.......

2011-04-26T07:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of my little guys on Easter.....

I might have to do suits someday but right now they all get new shirts for Easter sunday :-) Normally I try to get matching shirts, but I couldn't find one in each size this year....This was taken right before they left for church...

Sammy at our church easter egg hunt...

Jonathan picking the perfect egg.... :-)

Joseph (black & red pants) with the older kids in their egg hunt....

Since my husband and I have had children we have passed on traditions to our kids that we had as children. My favorite one is hiding the easter baskets the night before Easter so that the kids wake up and search for their basket. My mom used to do that for us and she even did it until I was in high school and for my older siblings who had moved out.... it was such a fun thing that we have passed it onto our kids. Here are some pictures of previous years them finding their baskets....

The best part was Easter Sunday Morning at church though.... there is nothing like celebrating Easter at church... praising God for sending his son... and thanking Jesus for dying for us..... and not staying dead... but rising again!!

The reason we celebrate Easter :-)

I hope you all had a incredible Easter as well!!!!

Jonathan is 2!!!!!....

2011-04-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

2 years ago April 12, 2009 on Easter Sunday.... early in the morning.... I started having contractions..... and that afternoon..... my little boy decided to make his way into this world. He was by far my easiest delivery.....the best infant.... and..... my most wild destructive toddler yet.... :-)

Here's a stroll down memory lane.....

Jonathan just hours after he was born... :-)

Jonathan with 2 of his brothers....

Jonathan at about 9 months old....

Jonathan at his first birthday party.... :-) :-)

My big boy....

Getting ready to go play in the snow for the 1st time.......

Picture taken today of my now 2 year old little boy.... :-)

It's hard to believe that today he turns 2 years old.... time flies so fast. Jonathan brings so much joy and laughter to my life.... and keeps me on my toes since he is into everything alllllll the time... :-) :-)Happy Birthday my sweet baby boy!!!! Thank you God for blessing me with such a wonderful little boy.

Never Surrender.....

2011-04-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I heard a band.... and fell in love with this band.... it's Skillet. For those of you who haven't heard of them, they are a christian rock band and they are incredible, at least in my opinion. Whether you like them or not, there is a song that I think will speak to a lot of people. The first time I heard it I swore that they wrote it just for me.

You see even though I am a christian, I go through dark times. There are times when I feel anxious.... fearful and sometimes even depressed. Life situations and circumstances come along and sometimes it just throws you for a little while.

In the midst of the darkness though, I know there is someone I can call on... who will make me feel better... through his peace and love. Jesus....

Take a moment and listen to this song, and see if it speaks to you as well, for those of you who don't want to watch the video, i've posted the lyrics underneath the video. Lyrics are also on video as well.

Do you know what it's like when
You're scared to see yourself?
Do you know what it's like when
You wish you were someone else
Who didn't need your help to get by?

Do you know what it's like
To wanna surrender?

I don't wanna feel like this tomorrow
I don't wanna live like this today
Make me feel better, I wanna feel better
Stay with me here now and never surrender
Never surrender

Do you know what it's like when
You're not who you wanna be?
Do you know what it's like to
Be your own worst enemy
Who sees the things in me I can't hide?

Do you know what it's like
To wanna surrender?

I don't wanna feel like this tomorrow
I don't wanna live like this today
Make me feel better, I wanna feel better
Stay with me here now and never surrender

Make me feel better, you make me feel better
You make me feel better, put me back together

I don't wanna feel like this tomorrow
I don't wanna live like this today
Make me feel better, I need to feel better
Stay with me here now and never surrender

Put me back together
Never surrender, make me feel better
You make me feel better
Stay with me here now and never surrender

Kids & Chores.....

2011-03-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

I'm sure there are some moms out there like me.... moms who don't have it all together... their kids aren't perfect with keeping their rooms cleaned and their toys picked up.... moms out there who have kids that don't enjoy doing chores... right?? .....Well atleast I hope i'm not the only one! :-)

I will say this.... I'm noticing that when you introduce responsibilty at a young age, they are more eager to help and it makes them feel so good about themselves versus if you wait until they are older.

I used to watch (and still do) what is now called 19 Kids and Counting... with the Duggars!! I watch children sometimes younger than my own children doing laundry, sweeping, cleaning bathrooms etc.... I was amazed... I am starting to realize even now that sometimes we don't think our children can do things because they are young, or we feel guilty and we don't want them to "lose their childhood", but the most common one I feel is.... WE CAN DO IT RIGHT!! lol.... we don't like how our kids do things sometimes, and we find it's easier if we just do it ourselves... but unfortunately that does nothing to help our kids out...

What I am learning is there can be balance. It's important for our children to learn responsibilty now, when they are young. It will improve their self-esteem, they will learn how to work hard, and they will feel like they are an important, needed member of the family.

I'm not an expert on this by any means... I'm still learning... and so for those out there who are learning too and want some ideas I want to share a website with you. http://titus2.com/ This is from the duggars website. They give several different families charts that they use in their homes, based on age and how many children are in the family.

Here is the direct link to the charts http://www.titus2.com/chores/chore-charts.html I wanted you to have the basic web page too though because there is a lot of wonderful information on this website as you seek to manage your home and teach your children God's way.

In some of these families the children are homeschooled, so if your children are in school like mine you would need to modify it to what works for your family, but it is a great starting ground to have an idea of what types of things our children can be doing at this age to help them start learning how to be responsible.

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord...

Hope this website helps you as it is helping me!!!

Sara Lee.... You came through.....

2011-03-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

Well being on a diet.... lifestyle change... whatever you want to call it..... it's hard sometimes....... I mean let's face it...... if it were easy everyone would be thin.

One thing I've noticed is diet food .... well..... sometimes taste like diet food. One day I was at the store and I was wanting some real chocolate... some type of dessert and.......as I looked into the freezer aisle..... Sara Lee came through for me!!

Now I will tell you these bites are small but they are sooooooo good, and at 20 calories a bite, you can have a couple of them, fufill that chocolate/dessert craving and not completely ruin your calorie intake for the day....

So if you are like me and you need some real chocolate/dessert food once in a while... try them out!

Something new.....

2011-03-09T20:33:00.000-08:00

As I read blogs.... I am going to start sharing every once in a while a blog I come across that I think you all will enjoy as well... and the one I came across today.... well I can relate 100%.... it's a mother of 3 boys, and the name of her blog is "Raising Three Sons- Not a bow in sight" :-)

Here is her blog from yesterday.... Click here to read it.... I'm sure you will enjoy!!! In fact I don't think I could say it better myself.... because everything she wrote... I live it every day!! lol :-)

Trust me... if you are mom of even one boy... you'll relate to this blog... click HERE!

My Movie Monday.... :-)

2011-03-07T13:34:00.000-08:00

This is a commercial and every time I see it tears come to my eyes, for many reasons. First being that I'm a mom and a wife.... and second is that I have had a major car accident in my life. My mom and I were in a near fatal accident when I was 17. I was driving and it was raining, and we had rear wheel drive. A semi pushed a truck over into our lane and we wound up hitting the median and flipping 3 times. We did not have our lap belts on only the automatic ones that went over our chest. My mom almost didn't survive and had a skull fracture among other things. Thankfully she survived!! However I have heard story after story of those who don't.

The other thing that really hits home about this video is just a little over a month ago I was in another car accident due to bad road conditions. The police officer told me that had I not been wearing my seatbelt I would definetly have been on my way to the hospital if not worse, and I was only going 20mph.

I'm not always good at remembering to put my seat belt on, in fact my children remind me a lot, so this message is as much for me as it is for all of you. Please watch the video, it's not gruesome or anything like that.... it's a very insightful and touching way of sharing the message to ALWAYS WEAR A SEATBELT! Pass the video along as well!

Please watch!

Thankful for Siblings........

2011-03-04T09:03:00.000-08:00

Growing up I had sisters and brothers around me all the time.... I remember Christmas's at our house being so packed from all the family and extended family due to marriages and grandkids.....

I have 5 sisters and 2 brothers! :-) So i'm one of 8 siblings! :-) My dad and mom were both married before and had 2 children each from their marriages and then they married each other and had 4 children.

Here are some pics of us all. :-)

Family picture from when I was about 4 or 5 years old.. :-) Kim, Karen, Kelly, Krista, Kassie and Josh.. :-) Then my mom and dad of course!

My oldest 2 siblings Jenny and John

Me and my little brother Joshua (he and I were best buds growing up!)

My wedding. My side of the family group picture.... I managed to find something for every sibling to do in my wedding... how great it was to have all my siblings/nieces/nephews etc... there with me on that special day!

Christmas this year with some of my siblings and 2 of my nieces (ya.. we're a bit crazy!)

My siblings are my best friends... and honestly I think they are the truest friends. They care about you and what your going through even if they are going through something as well. They always see the best in you no matter what, and you can always count on them for encouragment and good advice when needed! Sometimes other friends can get caught up with their own lives, or things that might be coming between you... but siblings are for life! I hope each and every one of my siblings know how much I love them and treasure them!!!!

My Movie Monday.... :-)

2011-02-28T19:50:00.000-08:00

Whew! It's still monday.... it may be 10:43 at night but it's still monday and I can post my movie monday! :-) :-)

This one was going around facebook and is absolutely adorable. It shows us how excited we should be to talk to God and how much we should praise him when he answers! I can't help but think as parents how joyful it is when we get to hear our children praising God, but it must be even more joyful for our Heavenly Father to hear.

A children's sermon.....

2011-02-26T11:41:00.000-08:00

This was written in early 2009, actually it was my first blog EVER! :-) Yesterdays little incident with Jonathan made me recall Samuel doing something worse when he was a little over 2 years old.... so here is the blog I wrote back then... ENJOY!

A children's sermon.... speaks to me as well..

When a dear friend of mine started her own blog, I thought "what a neat idea".... to be able to write how you are feeling, what you are dealing with and knowing that maybe, just maybe it could inspire or impact someone else's life.

My husband did our children's story at church yesterday and it was such a great message, I thought i'd share it, only from my perspective. You see last week while my older son Joseph was in pre-school, it was just me and my 2 year old Samuel at home. I went into the other room and maybe about 10 minutes later I hear a little knock on the door and a sweet little voice that said "mommy i colored". Immediately my heart started racing as I opened the door and saw this cute little boy covered in something. I still didn't know what, and so I asked him "what did you do"..... he pouted a little now realizing he had done something he wasn't supposed to do. I said "where is it... where is what you used?" He said "in there".

As I walked into our living room I started seeing marks everywhere, on our carpet, the walls, picture frames......and then I saw what was used. An orange Sharpie permanent marker!!! I got upset of course, but then realized this is a child that I love. I chose to forgive him and started trying to think of how to clean up what he had done. Friends of mine told me to try the magic eraser, so off to the store we went. You know what? It worked! On almost everything this little magic eraser started erasing the marks. The point my husband made was that in John 1:9 it says "If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness."

The comparison my husband made was just like that "magic eraser" erased my little boys mistakes, God is waiting and willing to forgive us and erase our sins as well. In a way my son Samuel has given me a reminder every day of what God does for me. He forgives me, and not only forgives me, but erases my sin never to be seen again. WOW!

One of those moments I'm trying to enjoy.... :-)

2011-02-25T09:07:00.000-08:00

Remember how in yesterdays blog I shared how I clean a million cheerios off the floor.... well Jonathan wanted to keep me true to my word, so this morning I was sitting at the computer and I heard a paper rattle... I turned around to find him with a box of chocolate cheerios.... But before I could even say NOOOOO... it was too late.....

I did clean it up with a smile :-) lol.....

Goodbye Highchair.....

2011-02-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

My youngest...Jonathan, soon to be 2 in April has reached a new milestone in our house... moving from the highchair to our family table. I know there are parents out there who have always had the little seats that attach to a chair at the table, but for us we always used the highchair. In fact the highchair we have, all 3 of my boys have used. Well... after the past few weeks of jonathan not only climbing out of the chair but also figuring out how to take the tray off (with food on it!) my husband and I decided it was time to move him to the table. We bought a cute little booster chair that attaches to a normal chair with a working seatbelt (our highchair didn't have a seatbelt anymore) and best part... a tray (should we need it) that he can't get off by himself.

It does make me a little sad though... my baby... isn't a baby anymore... he's growing up. As I put the highchair out in the garage and looked at the big empty space in the kitchen where it used to sit.....it does make you reflect a little bit... I mean pretty soon he'll be moving to a big boy bed.... among other things soon to follow...it really makes me want to stop and enjoy these moments.... although I must say it's hard to enjoy cleaning up yogurt and a million cheerios off the floor every day... :-)

Goodbye highchair!! I'm not sure if we'll see you again or not... only time will tell... ;-)

Fall of 2009 (he was born April of 2009)

February 2010

January 2011 :-)

Now his new seat at the table with us.... (see our lovely playroom behind him, it's supposed to be a living room... maybe someday it will to be!) :-)

We probably won't leave the tray on the seat, but he was so excited he kept trying to put it on there.. :-)

I just said NO!!!! :-)

2011-02-23T12:50:00.000-08:00

Today I attended my son's kindergarten wedding of letters "Q" and "U". It was one of the most adorable things I've ever seen... and so creative. They even had cupcakes afterwards with juice for all the wedding attendees and the wedding party.

It really was soooo adorable. As I was watching I could smell the sugar from the cupcakes. I didn't take a picture so here's a picture of a delicious cupcake... I know it's cruel isn't it! :-) I felt like I was on an episode of The Biggest Loser... surrounded by something that is so tempting and something that before you started your weight loss journey you wouldn't have hesitated eating.

I knew it would be tempting afterwards and so I had to set my resolve. Sometimes I'll talk myself into taking a "bite" and then scarfing down the whole thing and then since I gave in, I figure it would be ok to have another one. Today I was able to say NO! That is such a big moment for me! I even had to unwrap and touch 2 of them as I gave them to my 4 year old in attendance with me.

I'm almost finished with Julie Hadden's book "Fat Chance" and it is changing me. Along with my bible study I'm doing called Thin Within, the combination is proving a good choice for me.

I must give the glory to God though for these strong moments. He is the one that gives us the strength in everything we do, and for me... today... saying no to that delicous cupcake was a huge success!

Don't worry though.... as I get stronger.... I will let myself have one of those every once in a while....who can live without cupcakes!!??? :-)...

Light up the sky........

2011-02-22T09:02:00.000-08:00

I meant to do this yesterday for my old "Movie Monday".... but alas... it was one of those days... :-) So please allow me to share this little video today... This is an incredible song and video. It's worth the watch I promise!

I shared this with one of my sisters when her husband had been laid off from his job....and as I watch this video I see times in my own life... when things just seemed so hopeless... but with Christ there is ALWAYS Hope!

Everyone can relate to someone in the video....

The little things.....

2011-02-20T16:57:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago when I wrote my "losing weight" blog, God showed me he was listening. I had quoted Julie Hadden from The Biggest Loser in that blog, and that evening my husband came home and said he had a gift for me. He hadn't read my blog that day so I was so surprised and yet delighted when he handed me Julie Hadden's book "Fat Chance". My husband knows what a struggle my weight has always been, and I'm so thankful he bought me this book. It just showed me yet again that God hears me, and is there for me, and will help me through this journey.

I have been reading this non-stop since I have recieved it and it's an amazing book. I recommend it out there for anyone who is on this journey of losing weight.

"Trying" to lose weight...

2011-02-17T20:24:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have followed my blog from the begginning... you have heard time and time again how I was "trying" to lose weight.. trying this... trying that.... and of course.... unfortunately... I am a few pounds lighter, but not the amount that I wanted to be....

Yet again I am going to try.... but this time... I am praying.... things will be different. I have watched the biggest loser the past few seasons.... I get inspired.... change for a few weeks and then nothing......

As I was online one day I was looking at some information from a christian radio station up here.... and Julie Hadden was on.... you know runner-up from one of the seasons of The Biggest Loser..... well I went to her website... and they had a quote of hers.... it just touched me....

This is what Julie has to say...

"All my life I had tried to please God. But it became increasingly apparent that I had not treated my body as a temple; I had treated it as a fair ground. I thought God was mad at me because I was fat. And although He wants us to care for the body He has given us, I realized He was far more concerned with the condition of my heart than any number on the scale. When I began to truly see the 'Julie' God created me to be instead of the 'Julie' I had created through a lifetime of bad habits, my life was changed forever."

- Julie Hadden

I have embarked on the journey of losing weight so many times.... what I'm learning in my new bible study Thin Within is that eating is like anything else in our lives. We have to trust God and seek his will for our lives, and that includes what we put and how much we put into our bodies.

I am combining this with Weight Watchers in hopes to reach my "God given natural size". My first "weigh-in" is on monday and I will share off and on about my weight loss journey.

I am not going to put a lot of pressure on myself, because I have seen women (and men) who for years have tried to lose weight, and I know it's process and a journey. What is different this time is I'm learning why I eat and learning that those emotions that drive me to eating, should be driving me to the Lord. I can cast those emotions on him and he through the Holy Spirit will give me the strength I need to just say no to that cheesburger... or piece of cheescake or whatever the tempting thing might be at the time.

Also I'm learning that "All things are permissible but not all things are beneficial". Cheescake isn't bad, but at some moments it may not be the best thing for my body. One of the biggest things I'm learning is to only eat when I am truly hungry, and stop when I feel satisified. It may sound simple but it's amazing how we keep eating even though our bodies have had more than enough.

Another quote that really stood out to me this week from the study was "Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing."

I just ask anyone who reads this to say a prayer for me. I am praying that throughout this process my relationship with Christ will grow stronger, and because of that I know I will be under attack and hopefully scripture combined with prayer I will come out victorious, and lose (release) the weight for good.

Ever have one of those days????

2011-02-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever woke up only to find everything is going wrong? It just feels like one thing after the other? I have heard a great song on the radio recently that fits this kind of day just perfectly.

We need to realize God can use every situation, frustation or problem to bring us closer to him. He is invested in the small details of our lives and wants us to lean on him.

So the next time I am changing a diaper where the poop has went everywhere but in the diaper... I'm going to try and remember that... :-)

Enjoy!

The best valentine cards......

2011-02-13T21:01:00.000-08:00

Aside from the incredible cards I get from my husband each year, I'm discovering some of the best cards yet...... ones from my children! This particular card is one that Joseph made for me in his Sunday School class today. He was so proud and couldn't wait to show me and it almost made me cry when I saw it....

To feel how much a child loves you.... it's really overwhelming.... they love you despite your faults.... despite the things about yourself that you can't stand... they look past it all and love you... unconditionally.... because your their mother.... SO incredible!

(that's me and him at the bottom) :-)

Ya... It's probably me..... :-)

2011-02-12T08:28:00.000-08:00

Let me start off this blog with a little history of why I am the way that I am....

When I was growing up, at age 9 my father died, so my mom wasn't able to make it to alot of my sports games and stuff because she was very busy running a household by herself. My older sisters would help by taking me to games. Well my sister Krista was a catcher. When I started playing softball I knew I wanted to be just like her and be a catcher too. Infact I even think one of my other sisters Kelly was a catcher as well.

My sister Krista being that she was a catcher and knew what to do felt the need to help her little sister out. She thought the best way to do that was to stand right up against the fence right behind me as I was catching and yell out instructions to me during the whole game... :-) At the time I didn't like it too much but looking back I can see how slowly but surely I became a better catcher each game. I even got to play High School softball as a catcher, no doubt because of her efforts of wanting to teach me how to play that position and play it well. I realize how blessed I was to have someone "rooting" for me while I was playing.

Well....... I'm finding myself becoming my sister as I watch my children play sports. Right now Joseph has played t-ball, football and is now playing basketball. Sometimes I find myself standing and shouting instructions across the entire gym as parents turn around and look at me with strange looks on their faces. Most of the time I don't seem to notice, just as I'm sure my sister didn't always notice the glances she received. I just want my little boy to hear my voice... and know that I care... I'm cheering for him.... and hopefully helping him learn something too.

So if you are at a game.... and you hear this wacko parent yelling out instructions to her son.... ya... it's probably me!!! :-)

back to blogging????

2011-02-11T15:04:00.001-08:00

Well the other day I was inspired to start writing again.... my best friend (a great blogger by the way!!) had a blog and encouraged people to start a blog. I'm not a great writer, but I do love to share things I'm learning in my life and things that God is showing and teaching me.

So I find myself back in the blogging world. I don't know how many people will read what I am writing, but the ones that are supposed to will, and maybe as I learn to live for God and go through the daily struggles of life, I will hopefully inspire and encourage others.

So I'm back... Thanks Chrissy

I'd like to leave you all with a poem I came across....

BEING A MOM

The house is untidy from window to door,
Marks on the walls and food on the floor.

The washing's unwashed
and the dishes are too,
...There's scum in the bathroom
And fat on the stew.

There are toys in the passage
And under our feet;
The garden's a jungle
When seen from the street.

So what have I done, then
To earn my repose?
To just look around me
You'd say no-one knows!
I've held a small hand
As his first steps he took.

I've made animal noises
As we read a book.

I've built a mud pie
And admired a snail.

I've rescued the cat
From a grip on her tail.

I've wiped away tears,
And I've listened to tales.

I've used mediation
To get smiles from wails.

So I guess what I've done
Isn't easy to see -
It won't clean the house
And it won't cook the tea.

But if I have helped make a child feel good,
know that he's loved and
that he's understood,
then I know that my work,
though not easy to see,
is just as important as any could be.

~~ Author Unknown ~~

Sometimes it's easy to get overwhelmed with all that we have to do as moms, but we always need to keep in mind the bigger picture. :-)

Goodbye for a while

2010-08-05T06:36:00.000-07:00

For those of you who occassionally read my blog, you might have noticed it's been almost a month since I blogged last. I was so good there for a while, but lately I just haven't kept up..... and I'm not sure when I'll be able to get back to it enough to actually post a blog more than once a month, so until then a goodbye.

I'll leave you with some of the things I missed blogging about....

We went to the Children's Museum in Indianapolis and the boys had a blast...

We went back to Missouri to visit with our family and went swimming at Grandma Janet's house...

Jonathan got his first haircut! What was so special about this is the barber is the same barber that cut mike's first haircut, michael's, joseph's and samuel's. It was only fitting that he should cut Jonathan's hair the first time as well. He didn't get upset, not even once, such a big boy!

And most recently my firstborn.... Joseph... turned 6!!!! I can't believe how fast the time has gone by.... and now he is starting school in just 2 weeks! To start 2 pictures from when he was littler... one from when he was a baby... and then one from his 4th birthday party with me holding him.... how I wish I could freeze time some times.. :-) But I think all mommies wish that once in a while.....

As you can see I missed a lot of opportunities to blog :-) Thanks for all who have read up until now, and if you want to know when I start blogging again please leave a message so I can let you know...

God bless!

Never talk to strangers?

2010-07-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

Last night before I went to bed as I was checking my facebook, I saw an amber alert. My heart sank as I read about a little 4 year old girl abducted from her front yard while playing with her older brother..... I thought about two of my own boys... the same age as this brother and sister that had been playing outside. It started to make me think about if I have truly prepared my children how to act when a stranger approaches them.

But then I also recalled an episode of Criminal Minds. One of the characters said that, if I remember right, only 1% of abductions are from strangers, that most are neighbors, family or friends ( i could have remembered that statistic wrong, but I know it was very much the minority). He said that we have prepared our children for one type of abduction and left them vulnerable to all the others.

It's a subject that most of us have probably mentioned to our kids, however have we we really prepared them as much as we can? I know for myself sometimes I hesitate in mentioning it as often as I should because I don't want them to fear the world. However I am learning that if they are prepared, and have an action plan they will be less likely to be so afraid. Hopefully they will feel empowered knowing they know what to do in the situation.

So today I sat down with my two older boys and went through some scenarios and although they answered every question right, it still makes me wonder what they would really do if they were put into that situation.

I remember when I was younger and watched some talk shows, how they would have parents on a "stranger" show and the parents would talk about how much they had prepared their young children to stay away from danger, and how they were confident their child would not fall for a trap. However when the show had an undercover police officer approach their kids on hidden camera, almost every single child fell for the scam and went with the stranger, much to their parents dismay.

I know I can't spend my life in worry.... I have to trust God... and know that no matter what he is in control. However I also know my job is to teach and prepare my children and to keep them as protected as I know how, and to give them as many tools as I can to help them if and when they are ever put into these types of situations.

Here are some links to websites that help you get those conversations started with your child and some helpful hints. I know that I will be reviewing them myself and having many talks with my boys.

I am praying for this little girl and I ask that you all pray with me too. Her name is Alisa Maier and she was abducted from Louisiana, MO. Please pray she comes home safely to her mom and dad... as well as all the other missing children out there....

http://www.ehow.com/how_2302152_help-kids-identify-dangerous-strangers.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_4880462_protect-kids-child-abduction.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_2301634_help-keep-kids-safe-from.html

Please read these and go over them with your children.

My movie... today!!

2010-07-01T16:51:00.000-07:00

I never do my movie monday on monday ... :-) maybe i just need to change it to "My movie day".. :-)

I heard a song today that touched me so much.... a cry from a wife and children to their husband/father..... it's by sanctus real....

So please share this with your husbands.... share this with your fathers..... it's an amazing song!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAKBXBXz1fo&feature=email

I apologize for not having the video up on my blog, but my computer is having some issues and youtube looks really funky on my computer... Just copy and paste the link.. :-)

But please take a second to listen/watch the video... and let me know if it speaks to you or the man you share it with!

My sammy is 4!!!!!!!!

2010-06-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

Man... it never gets easier.... watching your kids grow up... become more indpendant.... On the 22nd of June... my samuel turned 4!!! He was so excited.... he kept showing us his muscles and showing us how big and strong he was getting.... I of course saw pictures of him in my mind as a little baby...

and now he is a big boy!!

My how time flies!!!

Father's Day...

2010-06-24T08:33:00.001-07:00

Yes I know that Father's day was this past sunday... however I was so busy I didn't have time to stop in and blog... so I am playing catch-up today.

For those of you who don't know me personally, my father passed away when I was 9 years old. I don't think I really understood what that meant as a child. As I grew up it began to hurt more, not less. As I saw other girls with their fathers.... saw movies about wedding day's..... and just knowing a part of me was missing....

Fortunately I had a great Heavenly Father who I was able to cling too..... and God provided so many wonderful men on earth for me to look to as a Father Figure...

One that really sticks out is Bill Vogt. My band instructor from middle school through the 9th grade when I moved. I remember I didn't think much of myself... and I was just learning the trumpet. We had a test one day and I was moved to first chair. As I was leaving that day someone walked in.. i can't remember who and as I was on my way out he told them "there is my star trumpet player"... I remember feeling so proud.... and it helped jump start my self-esteem... He saw potential in me and made me feel soooo good about myself that he claimed a special place in my heart! Later in life after I had moved, I could count on him to be in the room at contest to hear me play my solos. It always made me feel a boost of confidence as I saw him sitting in the room. His daughter Chrissy and I became friends as adults... then best friends.... and their entire family holds a special place in my heart. Thank you bill for always being there... with a smile... a hug... a word of encouragment... it meant more to me than you'll ever know!

I also was blessed with many music ministers and pastors that stepped in and let me ask dating advice.... advice on life.... to name a few.... Ken Parker.... who took me under his wing as a young adult and was always there for me and I knew his door was always open for me.... Mike Wright who after a horrible car accident with my mother... came to the hospital to be with me and my family as my mom was in intensive care.... he was a very strong influence in my life as well..... Ky Bishop as my youth pastor.... what a great man of God he is and he impacted my life as well...

I was blessed with men my mother knew.... men at church.... another one that really sticks out.. his name was Curt Meyers. He had two kids that were in youth group with me at a church I attended. I remember specifically on one mission trip, we were at a water park.... and he spent the whole day with me.... i'm sure it was hard on his kids, but I was so thankful that he did that. I took to him as a father figure in my life.... he was always there for me.... I learned not too long ago that he passed away.... and my stomach sank.... and I felt the tears come to my eyes and sting.... and i haven't even seen him in 10+ years.... what an incredible man of God... and what a difference he made in my life! He was always there to give me a hug... ask me how I was doing... I knew that he really cared about me... and that was so important for me at that time in my life....

As an adult I have men in my life that fill that Father role as well... my father-in-law, my mother in law's boyfriend Dean..... I even have a stepdad as well....

I know there are men I'm forgetting.... I mean God has provided so many men in times of my life where I desperately needed that earthly father figure.... and as I continue to think and remember them... I will try to add them onto this post... as I'm sure there are others I'm forgetting at this moment...

Since being married... and having kids of my own... Father's day takes on new meaning.... I now focus on my husband too..... the father of our kids. He is such an amazing Father and man..... God has really blessed me and our kids to have such a great father....

Father's day means so many different things to me..... but most of all I am thankful for my Heavenly Father.... and how as my father he provided so many father figures in my life just when I needed them... since my earthly father was with him.... He never failed me in knowing what I needed and making sure there was a Godly man to fill that in my life.

I hope you all had a very blessed Father's Day!!!! Don't forget to thank the men in your life if they have had an impact on you.... and to all the Godly men out there who take people under your wing.... God bless you!!!!

Seriously???!!! Deisgner Diapers!!!!

2010-06-19T06:22:00.000-07:00

I was watching t.v the other day and I saw this commercial... and I thought to myself "this must be a joke" so I went online and to my disbelief... it was not a joke..... but I do think it might be a little crazy and kind of cute!:-) Check it out.... Huggies new Designer Diaper for babies!

I might have to grab a box for myself..... if I ever seen them in the store.. ;-)

Hey Everyone!!!

2010-06-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

Well sorry I have not been able to blog for a while. We were in the process of moving and was without internet for about 2 weeks..... it was horrible! :-)

Truthfully it taught me something.... I had time for stuff I didn't know I had time for until I didn't have the internet calling my name! :-) It also made me thankful for the internet and being able to stay in touch with friends and family via e-mail or facebook when talking on the phone is sometimes very difficult with 3 little ones, and the distance being an issue in having a face to face conversation.

I'm learning in all things moderation...

I'm also counting my blessings and thanking God for his many blessings to me... even though I don't deserve it..... He has blessed me with a great Christian Godly Husband, beautiful awesome kids who are learning what it means to live for Jesus, and now a new beautiful home in our new state of Indiana!! Don't get me wrong... i'm not only counting my blessings when things are going great.... He has always been awesome.... through the lay off times when we were struggling financially.... through health issues in our families..... family turmoil..... rocky patches in our marriage.... the things that come with raising kids...... God is truly awesome.... and I'm so thankful for everything.... He has shown up in a major way no matter what the circumstance.... telling me each day how much he loves me.... it's amazing that you can have nothing... or a lot... but when you have God... you are blessed... I don't know what I would do without him....

Remember to count your blessings!!!Hope you all have a blessed day and hopefully i'll blog again really soon!!!!

Conviction.....

2010-05-20T06:33:00.000-07:00

Ok something I am learning........ I am not always right....... lol....... oh what... you already knew that??? :-)

Seriously though I have been a person who is always very concerned with if I am making "wrong" or "right" decisions. To me there is no middle ground, I am either wrong or I am right, but lately God has been showing me a lot.

You see it used to be that when I was convicted of something I assumed it was for all christians, not just me. I thought that when I felt that something was wrong for me, or right for me, that it should be that way for everyone else, but it just isn't so. Unless something is black and white in scripture sometimes people have different convictions.

For example, I know people who choose to stop having kids, I know others who say that decision is up to God and they have as many as God blesses them with (duggars!). I know some who homeschool but others feel that their kids should be in public school. As I was asking around at my new church about how different people felt about all kinds of issues.... christian vs public school..... having more kids vs stopping.... birth control vs none..... I got the same answer from every single person.... "You need to pray and see where God is leading you and go with what HE tells you to do and how he convicts you"..... it was truly an eye opener. They didn't tell me THEIR opinion, they didn't tell me about the latest article they have read, or the statistics... they simply told me to SEEK GOD.... PRAY.... and OBEY..... WOW!!! At first I was upset.. I mean I wanted them to tell me if what I was thinking was right or wrong... lol... but they gave me the best advice ever... and it really made an impact on me...

God has been laying on my heart to do the same for others..... when others ask me why I am going to do something... why I am making a particular decision... I am going to say "this is what God wants for me right now".... and then simply tell them if they are struggling with a decision of their own to "seek God and then obey".

I must say though, if someone is making a decision that is contrary to scripture and they say "God is telling me to do this"... then they are being deceived. God never goes against his word... EVER... His "will" is never contrary to his "word", but I am learning there are a lot of issues that the bible simply doesn't come out and say "this is right" or "this is wrong". In those moments we need to stop debating... ..stop 'defending' our answers...... and simply pray.... and when we feel God's peace and leading, we obey him.

I still feel that I can share what God is convicting me of... what I am learning and feeling, but I am going to try to not make it to where people feel I am telling them it's my way or the highway..... the truth is it's GOD'S way or the highway....

It's hard not to want to be someone else's Holy Spirit... sometimes we think we know best... but God works in each heart in HIS time.... and maybe I am "right" about certain things..... but my job is to seek God with my whole heart and obey him, and through that he will reveal to me his will... then it's my job to obey. If others come to me... I want to share with them the same great advice I have been given.

Sometimes when we are seeking God.....there are articles.... statistics... and other things that God can use to help us determine his leading..... those things aren't bad. God has gifted some people with the wisdom and experience to help us learn, it's when we use those things to try and convince someone else that "we are right" and "they are wrong"... that it can turn us into trying to become their Holy Spirit....

Right now I am praying through many things..... and I'm going to stop asking other's opinions... and start seeking what God wants me to do..... please pray with me as I do this.

awwww.. Mother's Day!!!

2010-05-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

You know as a kid I loved mother's day. It always made me feel sooo good to give my mom a card and see her face light up... and then open my gift... and with her big smile she always made me feel like i had just given her a million dollars... now I get to give that joy to my own children..... I love seeing their little faces light up when they give me something they have drawn, or helped pick out.... and I love just knowing that I am so loved.... and I am so amazed at how God has blessed me....

For all of you mother's out there.... I hope you had an incredible day today... and remember these moments...... the ones that I am sure you had today... when the kids are fighting... or screaming..... or looking at you with that "whatever" look on their face..... and hopefully it will bring a smile to your face as you remember their little faces saying "I love you mommy".... "Happy mother's day".....

Also don't forget to thank God for how you are blessed!!!

Here are some pictures from my mother's day.... (well mother's day eve... they couldn't wait until sunday to give me their cards and presents!)

The Largest Church in the World....

2010-04-29T06:33:00.000-07:00

Today I was blessed by being able to talk to a former pastor of mine. I went to his present church's website and listened to the very beggining of a sermon.... a video..... it haunted me in a way, and you are about to see why.

This might get controversial, but I promised this year to be open on here.... open about my struggles... and now I'm going to be very open about my beliefs.

You see it is dangerous to allow just "anything" into our home. We may think that it's ok because we "know" the truth and we "know" we wont be deceived. However many christians as they allow certain things into their minds..... are deceived.... slowly! Little by little..... right... seems to be wrong.... and wrong... doesn't seem so bad anymore.... soon black and white.... becomes ... grey.....

I'm soooo not perfect in this area.... infact these convictions I speak of... I am speaking to myself as well..... there are so many gifted speakers... comedians... singers.... and I find myself rationalizing and trying to justify how I can still enjoy them...... I think "I am strong"..... "I was brought up in the truth"...."why can't I just enjoy listening even if I don't agree with their lifestyle/choices"... I understand that.. I do.. because not everyone as they are on their shows... or singing their songs...... do they talk openly against God or scripture.... but as you will see in the video below.... maybe one of those shows will.... and it is one where maybe not only you are watching but your children as well....

I think about the scripture where it says Romans 14:21 "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall." Well I put my children into that category. What are we allowing them to hear as their values... morals... character..... are developing.... we may "know" the truth... but they are just learning...and easily swayed....and we are their role models... they take their cues from us....

It's not about "supporting" someone who doesn't believe what I believe... it's more about allowing something into my mind... that could lead me astray.... the bible is clear. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."Phillipians 4:8

As we turn on certain TV shows.... as we listen to certain music... does it enhance our relationship with God.... or does it cause questions.... and doubts on what he tells us is right and wrong? Does it make us see sin as "not that bad"....

Believe me... I am thinking to the answer to this question right along with hopefully anyone who reads this... I have some shows I watch right now... that I really need to pray and seek God's heart on whether I should be or not....

I know we can't bubble ourselves or our kids. Real life will hit them with more than they might even seen on T.V. or hear on the radio. I guess I feel that as much as we can guard our hearts and minds... the better..... personally as my children go to pre-school, school... outside events.. I know they are going to be bombarded with all kinds of things... so right now I am trying to give them the truth.... and limit their exposure to things that will not help them develop those character traits.... morals... and values.... and not only them.... but I still need to guard my own heart and mind.... to help me stay focused..... help me stay on the straight and narrow path as well....

Here's the video that inspired this blog..... I hope I don't sound "preachy" all the time... it's just as God speaks to me... I want to share that with others.. I know that not everyone believes the same as me, and the great thing about God is he gives us a choice. I am not going to shove my beliefs down anyone's throat... however I will share what I believe.... and I will respect other people.... as hopefully I will be respected...... please watch the video... and spend some time soul searching for yourself.....

Movie Monday

2010-04-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't been consistent on my Movie Mondays... Sorry! Life can get hectic with three little boys and a husband!!

I know I shared a comedian Ken Davis with you all this past week, so this time I am going to share something a little deeper. Hope you all are inspired and encouraged. We need to remember always... Blessed be the name of the Lord! Watch it.. I promise you it will touch you!

When you feel God's leading....

2010-04-22T09:15:00.000-07:00

Ever felt God tell you something... but it's something you didn't really want to do.... or you kept asking yourself... "Does God really want me to do this... is he really speaking to me"....

Sometimes when we feel God speaking to us and telling us to do something or say something it's not always easy. Sometimes it is..... but what I always tell myself is when you listen to God... follow his leading... even though the result is not what you are hoping for... trust that you obeyed his direction. Then you leave it in his capable hands... We wont' always know what the result of our God directed action will be, but we can always trust that when we obey God.... we can trust that he is taking care of it.... then we have to let it go......

There have been times where I did not listen to God..... his nudging at my heart... for one big reason.... fear.... fear of rejection.....what if I say the wrong thing.... what if it doesn't help.... but I am coming to realize..... it's not my job to know the answers all the time... or the outcomes.... my job... is to trust and obey.... no matther how hard it is sometimes..... no matter if rejection comes.... or acceptance...no matter if someone receives God's voice... or turns away from it....

"I trust you Jesus..... and I trust that as I hear your voice.... and try to do as you ask..... that I can have peace in that.... even when things don't go my way... or how I think they should....."

Uplifting moment for the day....

2010-04-21T06:34:00.000-07:00

We could all use a pick me up sometimes, and today I was feeling like trying to find something that would give us a laugh and encourage us at the same time....

God is the author of joy... and sometimes to keep from feeling defeated.. we need to remember God gave us humor..... :-)

Hope you enjoy this.... His name is Ken Davis...... and he is a gifted comedian... He has been around since I was a kid.... Just a few short skits.... hopefully to bring a smile to your face today as they did me...

Feeling defeated......

2010-04-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

Today I was sitting in church..... and I was thinking about my own struggle with sin... and how this world can make us feel defeated sometimes...... and my pastor was talking about how if we want to be on God's Team... the WINNING team... then we need to get serious about him. He asked the question to us... Are we more like Christ today than we were last week??... if not we need to get serious!!!

He talked about how he went shopping for potato chips.... and he thinks he's getting a full bag of chips but when he opens it up... he looks in to see mostly air... and very little of what looked so appealing on the outside.... he said sometimes we are "Potato Chip Christians"..... we make it look real good on the outside..... but if you open us up... it's a lot of air... and not much of a real relationship with Jesus Christ....

Then after leaving church I heard some very disheartening news.... I began to feel defeated..... I looked around and thought "this world... is SO far from God's law..... myself included sometimes..." but then something else the pastor said came to my mind...... we ARE on the WINNING team!!!! Yes we will struggle.... yes the world will obey their own law instead of God's..... and try to get others to believe that God's will is contradicting his word (which NEVER happens)....... yes we will fail sometimes..... yes others we trust and believe in will fail us....... but GOD NEVER WILL! and this is the best part..... we may lose the battles but GOD has already won the WAR!!! God has won!!!!!... HE is still on the throne......!!!! GOD is in control!!!

So I got on my knees.... and said "thank you God.... thank you that I can rest in knowing you have already won! " I prayed for those being deceived..... and I prayed that I keep my eyes open to the truth so that I wont' be deceived..... and I left my room feeling peace..... Please know that I know I'm not perfect!!!!.... and I hope I never pretend to be...... sometimes I am a potato chip christian.....and sometimes I need someone to look at me and say "it's time to get serious"..... today was that day... and I'm so thankful that God laid it on my pastor's heart to preach that sermon today.... not just tickle our ears and tell us what's easy.... but to really confront us... make us think.... and make us look up to our heavenly father..... and get serious about him!

They grow up sooo fast....

2010-04-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

I remember when I had my first child Joseph..... and when I would tell someone that he was up all night crying...... or how happy I was he was crawling or walking.... people would tell me... "don't rush it away"..... "before you know it he'll be in school"...... and as I see my children growing I can see how right they are.... in the blink of an eye..... they change.... they grow..... what made me think of this is my 3rd son Jonathan turns 1 today.... Last year ..... April 12, 2009... Easter Morning.... I went into labor.... 5:30am we decided we need to go to the hospital.... and by that afternoon... I had a baby boy in my arms...... now as I look into his sweet little face..... he's already changed sooo much.... he's walking now.... talking some.... feeding himself some foods......

I look at my sammy..... he is almost 4 .. and sometimes he just acts so grown up..... and joseph.... he will be 6 this summer and will head off to kindergarten..... WOW....

and michael!!! He's almost 13!!! AAAAHHHHH!!!!

I am going to try and heed all that advice I got a while back..... "cherish this time!"..... and I also got another great bit of advice from a great friend.... She told me... "when i'm up in the middle of the night... I don't get upset... I just realize.... this is what's happening right now... I accept it.... get through it... and realize that soon this will pass"...... and you know what.... pretty soon.... jonathan won't be up during the middle of the night.... (hopefully) ...... and another new phase of life will start..... the biggest thing I am learning is to be excited about "right now" and not try and rush them to the next thing..... children are amazing... they will learn..... they will grow.... we need not rush them.... or one day we will look back.... and wish we had slowed down a bit.....

So to all the people out there who have told me... "slow down"..... "this will pass".... "enjoy them.. it goes by to quickly"..... I am going to try and listen more to you.... :-)

In the living years.....

2010-04-07T06:17:00.000-07:00

We traveled back to missouri for the Easter weekend and on the way home as I was searching the radio for something to listen too.... a familiar song came on.... and I just had to stop and listen. It's called "In The Living Years".... thoughts flooded my mind and I realized this was something I needed to blog about....

You see each day we get wrapped up in so much stuff...... and sometimes we forget to enjoy the things that are most important to us...

I lost my father when I was 9 years old..... had he known he only had 9 years with me I wondered what he would have done different... if anything.... if I had known I only had a short time with him... what would I have done different..... then I look around me... I see people lose people suddenly all the time....

The songs lyrics talk about how he had disagreements and instead of just admitting they didn't see eye to eye... they let bitterness get between them.... I see those around me doing that as well... and sometimes myself...... until one day.. they lose that person......

I think it's a daily struggle for us to stop.... take a breath... and really cherish the things most dear and precious to us..... to let things go that have hurt us.... or to realize not everyone is going to see it our way.... and to not let that get the best of us...

So take a listen.... then go and hug the people closest to you and let them know how much you love them... or maybe the dreaded words "i'm sorry" or "i forgive you"...... so that we won't have to say ... " I wish I could have told them... in the Living Years.....

The little boy who went fishing....

2010-03-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share briefly a story I heard the other day ... that really affected me... I was listening to the christian radio station... a speaker came on for a minute.... he told a story of a man in Pennsylvania.... who was driving and as he was passing on one particuluar road..... he saw a little boy fishing in a little pond... the man pulled over... rolled his window down.. and said "are they bitin?" and the little boy said "no.. but the worms sure are.." the man chuckled and drove on... as he came to a gas station, he got out and went inside and asked the men "good fishing areas around here?" and the men said "ya you passed it.. just back there in a little pond off the road".. the man said "yes I saw a young boy there"... and then he shared the story with the men.... the men also chuckled... then one man all the sudden got a pale white fearful expression on his face... dropped what he was holding and jumped in his car speeding in the direction of the little boy... when he got there... he found the boy dead.... you see the man realized when it hit him that the boy said "the worms sure are".... that he wasn't playing with worms... he had been playing with baby rattlesnakes....

The mans point was... sometimes we can play around with "small" sins in our lives... thinking we wont' get bit.... but eventually.... we will..... and while it might not destroy just our own lives..... it might destroy those around us...

I know this has been true in my own life......

Well it was such a powerful story... I just wanted to share it with you all....

Movie Monday : Why not now?

2010-03-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

I was driving yesterday to take my stepson to meet his mom after he had a weekend visit with us.... and on the way back.... I wanted to take advantage of the alone time and spend some time with God praying and worshipping him...... and so each new city/state I went into I would scroll and find the christian radio station in that area.... I began to think about my relationship with God.... and how this year I started off really strong, and how already it was begginning to fade a bit..... I would forget to do a quiet time one day.... not pray as much the next.... and before I knew it... I saw how life was bogging me down.... and it was happening so quickly.... I kept having those moments where I would say... "tomorrow I'll make sure to read my bible"..... but then tomorrow happens... and one thing after another and before I know it... I'm laying my head to go to sleep at night... and thinking.... today is already gone..... I'll do it tomorrow...

Well I LOVE toby mac.... and it just so happened (God ordained!) that Toby Mac's song City on our Knees came on.... and it was like God was telling me "kassie... quit planning and just DO IT!" Here are some of the lyrics I heard..

IF YOU GOTTA START SOMEWHERE WHY NOT HERE
IF YOU GOTTA START SOMETIME WHY NOT NOW
IF WE GOTTA START SOMEWHERE I SAY HERE
IF WE GOTTA START SOMETIME I SAY NOW

The rest of the song speaks to the rest of what we should be focused on... reaching out to others and helping them stay focused as well.... and I'm sure it will speak other things to different people....

Here's a video for the song... the rest of the song is incredible, Please take a moment.... and watch and listen.... Why not now?

comment and let me know if and how it speaks to you...

I'm back..... and in Indiana!!!

2010-03-09T10:08:00.000-08:00

Well to all of you who might have been wondering why I have had no new blogs in the past 2 weeks.... my husband received a job transfer with Chrysler. We got notice 3 weeks ago that we were transferring to Kokomo, Indiana. It was a 3 weeks filled with excitement, nervousness, sadness... pretty much every emotion that you can feel, we have felt these past three weeks. God was so good though and he provided every step of the way. I have learned to lean on him in a way I haven't had to do much in my life. Being here though it's hard.... when you know noone..... it's easy to get caught up with the lonliness.... and being overwhelmed.... that you forget to do the one thing you know you should....... talk to God! Even as I sit here.... I am realizing that this move can be an area of great growth in my life.... or I can allow all the feelings I am having to overwhelm me and I can distance myself from God. Right here and now I am going to committ...... to making it an area of growth!!

When i was little I always imagined what it would be like to live in a different state.... how exciting it would be... and it is... however I also knew deep in my heart how incredibly hard it would be to leave all my family and friends. I have NEVER lived more than a couple of hours away from my family and that was for a sememster in college and I was so homesick I couldn't stand it... i think i went home almost every weekend I could! This is a huge challenge for me and my husband... we had a safety net in Missouri... friends we knew would always be there for us... a church that was supportive and encouraging....... and we had all of our family there......

I think about when Jesus called the disciples to leave everything and follow him... they had friends... families.... jobs..... and yet they left to go with him and follow him. On a much smaller scale that is what Mike and I have done..... we trusted him with our future.... we told him we were willing to go where he would send us... even though in our hearts he knew that if possible we wanted to stay..... but we were willing to go....willing to put our future in his very capable hands... and he chose to send us..... Now we have to keep trusting him.... trusting he will provide friends.... a church.... and anything else we need.... He is our heavenly father..... and I know I can trust him... just like I know my kids trust me and their daddy to take care of them.....

Here are a few pictures from our first week in our new home in indiana.....

Love your enemies???

2010-02-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Matthew 5:44 "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

You know this is soooo hard sometimes. I'm sure I'm not the only one who struggles with this. There are times when persecution comes because we are christians... and sometimes it has nothing to do with our christianity... some people are just mean... miserable... and want you to be too....

I also know though that when we pray for those who are being mean to us and doing us wrong.... it begins to change us...... and it helps us to depend on God even more. Maybe that is why he tells us to do that..... and not only does it do both of those things, but it also helps us to see that person as someone who is probably sad...... and someone who doesn't have hope.... or why would they lie.... be cruel.... and be so self-seeking....

I can't get the image out of my mind of Jesus on the cross.... being spit at... cursed at.... and being crucified.... and yet he calls out "forgive them for they know not what they are doing"...... I know we can't be perfect like Christ.... but we are to strive to have the same attitude ...... This is an area that I have to work on all the time..... so with the new year... I am working on sharing more personal things in my blog... personal struggles.... and this happens to be one of them....

I think sometimes we all need to take a step back... and look into our lives... and release those grudges..... hand over the "wrongs" to God and let him deal with them.... because he really is better at it than we are anyway.... and then take a moment... no matter how hard it is.... and say a prayer for that person.... who knows how it will change your life and maybe even theirs too........

Staying Focused & funny movie monday (on tuesday)

2010-02-09T06:05:00.001-08:00

Well for those of you who follow my blog... you get to see a glimpse into my personality. You see I am one of those people who can't stay focused on one thing for very long. I get very excited about something and put all I have into it, then as time goes on, my interest fades, and then after a few weeks I am very interested in it all over again. For example.... facebook. There are weeks where that is my source of entertainment and social outlet, I can't wait to check my page and see all the new status updates. Then for a few weeks, I have no desire to go and check it at all. Another example..... this blog :-) For some weeks as you will notice if you scroll through previous blogs, there will be several in a row, then a few scattered ones, and then a few close together. There is one area however that this kind of weakness/personality trait (whatever you want to call it) is not so good.......... In my walk with Christ. You see this is one area I have to work even harder to make sure that I stay focused and to stay committed even when I may not "feel" like it.

As you may remember I committed to reading through the bible in a year as one of my new years resolutions. Well to report I am doing good, behind a little but doing good. I am finding weekends are the hardest to make sure I get that time in. It's so easy for other things to take precedence and consume my day and my time, then I find myself laying in bed at night praying "Lord... i didn't spend any time with you today.. please forgive me".... and I feel him saying in a fatherly voice "I forgive you and I love you, but my child, you need to make me priority #1".

I didn't do "movie monday" yesterday but i'll put a little video at the end of this... I normally do serious stuff... but here are a couple of snippits from a favorite christian comedian of mine.. Tim Hawkins... enjoy!

This one is called "homeschool family" to the tune of the "adams family"

(Scary Bedtime Prayer)

(medication side effects)

Movie Monday- Never Alone

2010-02-01T07:17:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't been blogging..... for the readers out there who follow my blog, I apologize. I have been going through a rough time for the past few months. I think in these moments, where we are struggling is when our relationship with God can grow. I have felt alone some times in the past few months, but then God shows up in a major way and let's me know that I am NEVER alone. In fact one day on my way back from somewhere, I told him "God I just need to know that I can trust you, and that you love me" and at the time I was listening to 97.7 Joy FM and you know what my heavenly father did for me? He played song after song after song that said "I love you" "You can trust me" "I'm here for you"....... As I cried, I felt peace come over me and it was just an amazing feeling. The first video is a song called You're not alone by Meredith Andrews and it speaks about this.

But there are sometimes.... sometimes when we cry out... and we don't feel his presence.... we don't feel what we want to feel.... and even in these moments we need to remember... we are not alone.....The second video is an incredible song, and it talks about how God never leaves us alone even when we can't feel him.

(First song classic contemporary christian)(Second song Christian Rock) :-)

I'll praise you in this storm..... movie monday

2010-01-25T06:03:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been so overwhelmed.... that you couldn't feel God..... I have been there..... but one thing during the storms of our life..... is we are to praise God... no it's not easy..... and I'm not always successful..... but when we praise God during our storms... we see his hand there... protecting us.... caring for us... comforting us.... please watch this video..... and let it touch your life.

Movie Monday... on tuesday...

2010-01-19T10:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I didn't post my 2nd Movie Monday.... but I didn't want to leave it out... The movie today is the story of an amazing journey.... if you don't know the story of Matthew West... and his surgery ..... you can find it here...

Maybe read the story first... then watch the video... this song has sooo many meanings... and can apply to our lives in many different ways.... please comment and let me know if this video touches your heart as it did mine....

A special treat for all you dieters out there...

2010-01-15T12:54:00.001-08:00

As we all know... when you are on a diet... you want something sweet once in a while... but you don't want to ruin your diet.... well Special K has us covered!!!! I have found my new favorite breakfast and snack..... not only do they have the cinnamon pecan which taste just like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but they also have Chocolately Delight, which takes care of the chocolate craving..... so check them out next time you are having a hungry moment.. :-)

Star Wars and Snow Day....

2010-01-14T17:21:00.000-08:00

Well I was never much into Star Wars until they started making the new ones. About two weeks ago all 6 were on TV and my husband Dvr'd them for us to watch. I was hooked!! We watched it every night after the kids went to bed until we were finished with the "first" three. I soon lost interest as we got into the middle of the 4th. Needless to say when I saw my son Joseph wearing his daddy's coat... I immediately thought of the Jedi's.... you can see what you think.....

And as for the snow day... Joseph was begging for 5 days to go out and play because he wanted to make snow angels... but it was just too cold. So finally on monday it reached 32 degrees and I told him that he and Samuel could go outside to play.... and he got to make his snow angels! Samuel wasn't interested in snow angels, just chasing daddy and joe around I think. :-)

Day 2 of The Biggest Loser Contest.....

2010-01-13T05:58:00.000-08:00

I weighed in yesterday and then began my 3 months of my weight loss challenge with my awesome team called the Motivated Mamas !!!! It's amazing how much being a part of a team can help you in something like this, and I'm sure I'm going to need that motivation as the contest gets further down the road. Even yesterday as we had brownies and cake in the house, I kept thinking "I don't want to be the only one to gain or not lose weight... I can't let my team down". So I said no to the brownies and cake and ate a salad and a lean pocket. I'm a firm believer in not just "dieting"... I'm working on changing how I live my life... choosing healthier foods... exercising..etc....

I am going to work out a little bit more than I normally would for these 3 months, and after I plan on keeping a 3 times a week minimum for working out. I want to keep the weight off after this is over.

I know temptations will come and I am going to turn to my heavenly Father for strength. One thing I am learning is that when you have extra weight on you, it affects you in every way. Not only physically, emotionally and mentally, but spiritually. When you have low self-esteem, you are less likely to put yourself out there and be bold for Christ. Not only that, but you are sometimes limited physically in what you are able to do.

I do know this....No matter what comes our way.... Phillipians 4:13 says "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." I can't do anything in my own strength, but through Jesus...I can. So I am going to continue to seek him as I go throughout this challenge. Please keep my team and I in your prayers!!

Being the Best.....

2010-01-10T23:39:00.000-08:00

One thing I wanted to do in my blog this year is be more transparent. Share my struggles, my thoughts.... in addition to the lessons I am learning in my life. One area I have always struggled in, is my need to be the best at everything, and having a hard time just accepting the gifts that God has given me and being content with that.

It seems everything I did in my life, I always thought about how I must turn into a professional at it, in order to be successful. I sang.... I needed to make it in the industry.... I played the trumpet.... I needed to be in a symphony..... I acted.... I needed to be a movie/stage star...... I played softball..... i needed to play in the olympics....

I think that sometimes I feel that what I do won't matter to anyone unless I have reached what the world calls success... But wait.... I'm a christian right? I have a relationship with someone who gave their life for me..... someone who created me just the way he wanted me.....and yet.... as humans... we struggle...... but one thing is.... thankfully.... since I do know christ... he reminds me of who HE is.... and how much he loves me..... and that I don't need to worry about how the world measures success... I just need to be who he created me to be... flaws and all....

I'm learning... ever so slowly, that I need to stop... and just thank him, for what he has given me (and the gifts he has blessed others with) and know that there is a purpose to the gifts he has given me, and that as long as I am using them for him, then that is enough...and that he's given us all unique gifts and talents.....It's hard but this is something I am going to work towards this year.... just resting in his presence......and thanking him for making me.......... me!

Psalm 139:14 reads; "I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works, and my soul knows very well."

Jeremiah 29:13 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you. Thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Isaiah 44:24; "Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, and He who formed you from the womb..."

Ephesians 2:10; "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has prepared beforehand that we should walk in them"

Thank you my heavenly Father!!!

Movie Mondays

2010-01-10T22:23:00.000-08:00

One of my best friends Chrissy and an AWESOME blogger, had a cool idea called Wordless Wednesdays where she posts random pictures, and I just thought it was the neatest idea. Well I love videos, and on my facebook page I post videos... inspirational.... humorous... just things that affect me in some way.... and I wanted to start making it a thing I do on my blog....

This first one... I must say this song has changed me.... when I listen to it, I immediately have to stop whatever I am doing and listen and sing along. Usually by the end of it I am in tears... in awe of God and his love for me.... Hope it touches your heart as well....

My first Movie Monday is.......

comment and let me know what you thought of the song please.... thanks!

Best Friends

2010-01-08T06:09:00.001-08:00

I was taking pics of the boys this morning in some pajammas they got from their Grandma.... and just couldn't help but want to share them.... they are best friends and I can't wait to see them in a few years.... they are just amazing!!! It might just be perfect... but I'll have to pray on that one.....

here's best buddies just watching some TV

I LOVE this one... gonna print it and frame it....

Jonathan was so thrilled to between 2 of his big brothers!

The Biggest Loser........

2010-01-05T05:23:00.001-08:00

Well.... for those of you who don't know I am a HUGE Biggest Loser fan. I get inspired every time as I watch these people overcome obstacles in their lives that have contributed to them gaining weight. Last season I was incredibly moved by the story of Abby, who lost her husband and two children in a car accident. She gained weight as a cover for her pain, and as the weight came off the light came back into her life. I don't think there was one episode last season that I wasn't crying by the end of.

Last week before the New Year was approaching, I made a goal to myself that I'd like to be at my goal weight by the time my youngest had his first birthday, which is April 12th. Well a couple of days ago I was looking through the paper and saw that one of our local banks was holding their 2nd "Biggest Loser Contest"......And what was so neat about this event.... is that the contest ends on April 12th!!!!! I knew I had to do it. I have about 45-50lbs to lose, and just like the biggest loser show on TV, with hard work, determination, and healthy eating it IS possible. I have my awesome team almost together and we are going to do it!!!!!

Please keep us in your thoughts as we battle temptation, and struggles that are bound to come up in the next 3 months.... :-) Food for a lot of people is something that we use to comfort us.... it's an emotional thing, and something you have to work through.

I am going to have a before picture taken of our team... and I will post it and then of course in 3 months I will post our after... whether we win or not... we are going to try our hardest...... I'm so excited... can't wait to get started!!!

Reason.........

2010-01-02T19:29:00.001-08:00

Just saw this amazing video on tangle.com . You know... we all need reminders every now and then.... why strive to live a more pure life?? Why do we care about pleasing God? Why choose the narrow path......

To Jesus I say.... my reason is YOU!

check out the video.... let it speak to your own heart!

An addition.....

2010-01-02T17:43:00.000-08:00

You know... i'm usually not real ..... hmm..... what's the word.... super open about personal struggles on here.... but I need to add one more to my list of New Years Resolutions......

How many of you out there (i'm hoping it's not just me) spends waaayyyy too much time comparing themselves to other people??? This past year I spent too much time comparing myself to other people.... and making myself feel like I was always falling short.... even if what I was doing was working.... it was either me feeling like I was falling short.... or spending too much time wondering why other people make the choices they make... instead of just focusing on what God was wanting ME to do....

So #4 for me.... is to spend the next year only concentrating on what God thinks of me, and working at pleasing only him... no one else.... and most of all... stop comparing myself to other people...... there is a book I bought a long time ago that I never read... I might give it a shot for one of my "non-fiction" books ... it's called Christ Centered Self Esteem. Anyone ever read it???

Pray for me on this one... k? Well actually all 4.... :-) More prayers can't hurt!

This next year I will try and be real with my blogging and share the blessings as well as the trials....

Thanks everyone!!!

New Years Resolution

2009-12-31T18:19:00.000-08:00

I know everyone has feelings about New years Resolutions. Well here is my thought... it's better to at least have a goal. Sure some you may not meet, but to have a goal is so important. So my New Years Resolutions are:

1. To read through the bible in a year (hopefully doing a reading once a day and not playing catch up and doing 3 or 4 in one day..... ) :-)

2. To exercise at least 3 times a week (hopefully more than that, but want to be realistic)

3. Read some non-fiction books about becoming a better christian wife, mother and woman!

Well I think that sums up what i am going to be striving for this year. I hope that next year this time, I will be able to say I kept these three!!!

May God help me and the rest of you out there making resolutions... to keep them!!!

A look back over 2009

2009-12-31T12:19:00.000-08:00

I know i haven't blogged in a while. It's hard for me to find things to talk about, but I will continue blogging as long as I see people still reading it. :-)

2009 was a very good year for me, but not without some trials. The best thing that happened to me was the birth of my 3rd son Jonathan....

And a blessing in disguise was my husband being laid off.... yes it's been hard financially, but God is blessing us and a big blessing is Mike has been able to be home with us almost the entire 9 months so far of Jonathan's life. It's neat to be able to share the day to day things that he has been missing while he has been working since our first child was born.

I also was blessed when I led a bible study this year called A Woman After God's Own Heart. I learned a lot from some very wise women in our church, and also from the study. It is helping me make God a priority in my life and helping me then prioritize the rest of the things in my life. It's not always easy, and I don't always succeed, but I am trying to continue to move forward.

We just celebrated Christmas and it was an awesome christmas. We always do 3 gifts representing the 3 gifts Jesus received (there might have been more, but the bible speaks of 3) after he was born. I got the idea from a family at church, and we also borrowed another idea of theirs and we do a birthday cake for Jesus. We sing Happy Birthday and we also do a cute little idea (also bought by the same family.. thank you Dentons!!) called What God wants for Christmas. It's a little story book with 7 little gifts. You open one each day the week before christmas. The first one is the Angel Gabriel, then mary, then joseph, then baby Jesus, then a shepherd, then a wiseman, and in the 7th box is a mirror... and we learn that what God wants for Christmas is US! :-) It's really cute and the kids really enjoy taking the little characters out and placing them on the nativity scene.

Another thing that sticks out from 2009 is that like many of my friends... I turned 30 this year. My husband did an awesome job and threw me a surprise birthday party, it was an awesome day and I will always treasure it in my heart. For more pictures of this event check earlier blog. :-)

All in all I grew a lot this year. Some changes did not happen that I wanted too... I wanted to lose weight, but I am not giving up on it. I am trying hard again, and will continue through the new year to get healthy and lose the unwanted weight. I will blog about the progress there to hopefully inspire those of you out there having the same struggle. I also grew as a mother, a wife, a friend and a woman. I know the growing and maturing process is never over, so hopefully with each new year I will continue to grow and mature and hopefully become a better person all the way around.

I hope your 2010 will be blessed and that the things you want to change in your own life can happen this next year!!! Happy New Years!!!!

The big 3 0 !!!!!! Yes i'm in a new decade!

2009-11-18T11:49:00.001-08:00

Well first off I have to say that turning 30 wasn't as dramatic as it is for some people. I think i'll be more likely to be freaking when I hit 40.... who knows. However I do need to share what made this birthday so incredibly special.

For the past few weeks, my husband has been acting strangely. He said he was thinking of ideas for a gift for me, so he told me i couldn't look at certain drawers in our house, etc.... he then asked me if I would like to go out to eat with another couple for my birthday and I said sure. Well the plan was set, that we would go to Applebees with some friends of ours John and Lena on my birthday around 2:30 or so. I was very excited.... I LOVE applebees!!! Well the day of, my poor husband was having stomach problems (or so i thought). We were on our way out of owensville when he said he needed to use the restroom.... so he stopped at the church. John and Lena were behind us and they pulled in behind us at the church. This might be TMI, but just know it was fake..... John then comes out to tell me that "mike isn't doing so great.... he needs you to come in for a second"..... well I went in, and through the tiny window of the door I see tons of people standing there..... a smile went from one side of my face to the other and i'm sure i was beaming.

When I walked through the doors I saw my husband standing there smiling at me. My exact words were "what did you do!!" and then after everyone screamed "Happy Birthday" I said "you are ALL in TROUBLE!!" then we all laughed.... and as I gazed around I realized how much work mike had put into this party. He had been planning it for weeks, late nights staying up.... calling people... inviting people from my past as well as the present.

One of the best gifts was seeing an old music minister, his wife and kids at my party. They drove about 2 hours (maybe longer??) and they could only stay for 45 minutes, because they had to get back to church, but they came!! It brought tears to my eyes thinking of what an amazing influence he and his wife had in my life at a very crucial time. Thank you Mike and Jennifer Wright!!! Growing up without a father I have been soooo incredibly blessed by Godly men that God has put into my life to fufill that for me. Mike was one of many wonderful Godly men that made a difference and impact on my life! Thank you Mike (my husband) for seeing how important these people were to me and inviting them to my party! And to all of the people in my past that have had a wonderful impact on my life but that couldn't make it to the party... I love you all too!!! Hopefully someday I will get to see you all again too!!!

Mike then did a "this is your life" slide show with pictures of me throughout my life. He had pics of me as a child, as a teenager, playing softball, in band.. it was really neat.

He then had two men sing 2 of my favorite hymns that my daddy use to sing to me, and since my dad passed away when I was 9 this was so special to me. He also had a slideshow going during one of the songs of me and my daddy... so sweet!! It brought tears to my eyes.... Thank you Rip and Duane for singing In the Garden and How Great Thou Art, you both did wonderful!

Then mike had 3 of my friends come up.. Chrissy, Debbie and Lena and he had them read parts of Proverbs 31 and how I fufilled that for him in our life.... that was also really sweet and emotional.

One last surprise I had, was that Mike knew I was looking forward to my favorite applebees meal of Shrimp Fettucine Alfredo.... so he had my mom bring it with her, so I still got my applebees!!! :-) :-)Thanks mom!!!

The next night I got to open presents from my boys and it was so sweet! Thank you to my family and friends... you all made this birthday incredibly special and I am very grateful and thankful for you all!!!

On a Healthy Kick.... hope it stays!!

2009-10-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

Well for those of you who read a few blogs ago how I was going to try t-burn... well I tried, but this time around seemed to be different. It made me feel a little edgy, and I just didn't feel good on it, so now I am going to go the heatlhy route. A friend at the gym set me up with a killer workout.... i'm taking a spinning class, and I'm watching my calorie intake. Hopefully those numbers on the scale, or at least my clothing will go down soon!!

My bible study is going really well. This week was about "A heart for your husband" and what it really means to be a christian submissive wife. In today's culture everyone is always talking like "aint no man gonna tell me what to do" etc.... but in the bible God tells us how we are to act, and we are to be our husbands help mate. A quote that really stood out to me from the workbook this week is

"Submitting to another person is an often misunderstood concept. It does not mean becoming a doormat. Christ-at whose name "every knee shall bow in Heaven and on earth and under the earth" -submitted His will to the Father, and we honor Christ by following his example. When we submit to God we become more willing to obey His command to submit to others, that is, to subordinate our rights to theirs. For a wife this means willingly following her husband's leadership in Christ."
Neil S Wilson

Those are hard words to swallow some time, but when we live as Christ wants us to live, there is more peace and more joy!!!

As far as my kids... Joseph and Samuel are doing great in pre-school and learning sooo much. I can't believe how big they are getting, and Jonathan is 6 months old and almost crawling, and almost sitting up... time seems to be flying with him as well.... but it's so exciting to see them learn and then master new skills... I'm so proud of all my children.

Well that's all for now!!!

Heartbreaking times........

2009-10-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

Something I am learning, is that nothing is sweeter during a difficult time than knowing you can lean on a friend. There are times in our lives when difficult things happen..... a loved one dies..... a close friend hurts you deeply..... a marriage is experiencing a rocky time.... loss of a job..... and during those times of weakness, and hurt, there is someone waiting for us. Our Savior Jesus waits to take us in his arms.... he holds us..... loves us... wipes away our tears.... and tells us that no matter what.... HE loves us... HE will never leave or forsake us.... HE will never hurt us..... what an amazing Father in Heaven we have...to send his son to us..... and I'm so glad that during my darkest hours.... I have a perfect friend, a perfect place to rest my head and have peace! Even when people on this earth hurt us and circumstances happen to us that we can't control.... Jesus is there.... loving us...

And just to add.... that after he has wiped away our tears... and given us the boost we need to get back out there.... sometimes.... he comes through in such a way as to bring that which was lost, into our lives again. I'm so thankful for Jesus and all the friends he has brought into my life. :-)

Our First Family Bible Night

2009-10-17T16:11:00.000-07:00

For the past few years mike and I have always talked on and off about how we would like to do a family bible night. We do a devotional at meal time, and one before bed with the kids, but we wanted to do something different. Once a week we wanted to make a special time that we would all do a fun activity with a lesson that we could all learn from. Well through the many bible studies we have started together on parenting.... and we finally got to one, that we both really really like. It's called Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp. We bought the parent handbook to go along with it and we are learning so much. We decided last sunday night to do a family bible night and we decided it was going to be on how we use our words.

We started out with Mike asking them questions, about what are harmful words, and what are helpful words.

Then we gave them some clues.... to find their verses. For example Joseph's was (from a barnyard game) "If Ben wanted to meet you at the junkyard how would he get in touch with you" the answer (cell phone) so off he went to find mommy's cell phone and inside of it was his verse. James 1:19 "Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." We talked about what this meant, that we should always think before we speak, and not get angry so quickly.

Samuel's clue was taped to the back of mike' shirt... and his clue was "this person loves to wrestle with you and shares his apple with you". So he found daddy and his clue and his verse was Passage James 3:10 "nd so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!" We talked about that as well.... how hypocritcal christians can be when we talk about how we are living for God and then curse a brother or sister in Christ.

Michael's clue was on the computer and his read "To use this you must have power, but you are only allowed to stay on for one half hour".... and his verse was Ephesians 4:29 "Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." We talked about how what comes out of our mouth should always be helpful to the listener. If it isn't helpful that it ought not be said.

Then we borrowed an idea from a book called "Creative Correcton by Lisa Welchel". I remember hearing a story on Focus on the Family one time about how her son was saying mean things to his sister, so she had him go out back and nail several nails into a fence. Then she made him take out the nails.

Well Mike had each boy nail a nail into his workbench in the basement. He had them each take out their nail, and we explained what she explained on the radio show that day. When we use hurtful words it is like we are driving a nail into someone's heart. We may say we are sorry (remove the nail) but the damage has been done, we have left a hole in their heart. We cause damage to those around us when we speak in a way that is not in love. We explained that we used daddy's workbench because they see it every day. We wanted them that when they see those holes, to remember to always think before they speak, and be slow to become angry.

This was a lesson for mike and I as well. As their parents we have to make sure we are also doing this. It's hard, sometimes we think as adults we have the right to do things, that we feel our children shouldn't simply because we are adults, but the truth is we still have to answer to our Heavenly Father for our actions. We don't want to leave holes in people where we have inflicted wounds with our words.

Another great verse that struck me as we were doing this family bible night and in the past week is...

Ephesians 4 verse15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. verse 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all ty...pes of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

My prayer for my family is that we can all learn to speak in love, think and choose our words carefully and grow to be more like Christ. It's a lifelong process and it's hard work sometimes, but the reward is also the greatest I could ever imagine. Can't wait to talk with Mike tonight about what we are going to do for tomorrow's Family Bible Night. (every sunday night :-) )

What i'm learning in my bible study....

2009-10-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

Ok not the "coolest" headline to my blog, but oh well. :-) Tonight's bible study was so incredible. God is so good and has blessed me with a great group of ladies that are joining me on the journey to be "A woman after God's own heart".

Tonight towards the end of our study we were talking about being a postive person, and also the importance of being a positive mom. We talked about those who were not able to have children, those who have lost children and those who are blessed to have children. We talked about how each day we need to feel blessed to be a mom. Sure there are hard times, but instead of complaining about it, and dwelling on those feelings of negativity, to focus on the positive. Each day make a choice to be thankful and to know that those children were given to you as a precious gift from God, and that we don't know how much time we will have with them, or what kind of an impact we are making in their lives, and their future. None of us will ever be perfect, but when we are striving to be A Woman after God's heart, and we are spending the time, praying, reading the bible and working on becoming more christ like, it will be easier to be more positive and thankful. (preaching to myself here too) :-) Sometimes it's easier to complain, then to give it to God, or to make the choice to look at it positively. The bible says in Phillipans 12:13-18

13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,[e] just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.

I'm learning that this comes into play especially with being a mom. We live in a world of ME ME ME ME.... and we view our children as burdens instead of blessings... we need to be a bright light in this world... and what better way to show that to those around us than being a positive mom... there is so much negativity out there... let's show some joy... some light.....

My challenge to all the mother's out there, including myself... the next time you feel like complaining about your children.... the next time you feel negativity, look to your heavenly father and thank him for your kids... thank him that he allowed you the mercy and grace and entrusted these little lives into your care.... and think about how much God loves you.... and he will give you the strength to make it through whatever your going through... and through that... we can be a positive influence and have a positive affect on those around us..... let's all try it and see what a difference it makes.... as a side note... this will only be possible, if we get into God's word and spend time with him.... through him ALL is possible!!

Tonight when I got home, my increase in patience was amazing.... i'm serious... listening to the other ladies, spending time in God's word.... allowed me to come home and be a more postiive mom... and not only a more positive mom, but a more positive person!!! My prayer is that each day I can accept this challenge in my own life. I know there will be really tough days... please pray for me... that I can be a positive mom... a positive person.... each and every day... no matter what trials come my way.....

Please continue to pray for me as I am on this journey!!! Please know... i hope I am not sounding like I have it all together... because I don't... i'm just learning... and wanting to share... and hopefully be an encouragment to other mom's out there!!!

If you do decide to go on this challenge with me... please leave a comment and let me know if it is making an impact on how you treat and talk about your kids... and how your feelings are.... would love to hear encouragment from other mom's out there!!!

For my husband......

2009-10-03T19:06:00.000-07:00

6 years ago on October 4th, 2003 I married the man of my dreams!!! We had grown up in the same town, and as we started dating, we talked about how we attended the same youth group as children. I even signed his cast when he broke his arm playing football. We lived in the same subdivision, and my sisters used to give him rides home from school. We never really spent any real time with each other however until we were in our 20's. God brought this man into my life, and I knew from the moment I met... well re-met him, that he was the one for me. We both weren't at the same place in our relationship with God at the time, but over the next 2 and 1/2 years we worked towards being on the same page, not only emotionally, but spiritually. He had a wonderful little boy from a previous marriage, and I got to be blessed by knowing him and being a part of his life, first as a friend, and now as a stepmother.

My wedding day was the perfect day. No nerves, just pure excitment and anticipation. I couldn't wait to walk down that aisle and say "I do!". I couldn't have asked God for a more perfect day, from beginning to end.

6 years later, we have added 3 boys into our lives. We have have been through some dark valleys, and some wonderful mountain tops, and God keeps giving us strength and wisdom and we keep growing closer together. I truly feel blessed in my life. The biggest blessing is knowing that God is in control and he has proven that no matter what trials come into a marriage, if you rely on HIM and trust in HIM and take him at HIS word, then you can overcome it. He has also revealed what joy it is to be in a marriage, to share not only love and true intimacy, but true friendship. To share in the parenting of children, and to watch them grow and learn as you both are teaching them and loving them.

To all those out there who have struggled, are struggling, or will struggle in a relationship or a marriage. Take my advice... TRUST IN GOD!!!! Make GOD the #1 priority in your life and marriage, and he can get you through ANYTHING!!!

Weight Loss... Nursing..... Walk with God

2009-09-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

The title are all things that will be talked about in the following blog....

First up.... weight loss. As most of you know I was in a weight loss competition, up until yesterday. You see back in 2002 my sister Krista came across this fat burner called T-burn. She lost about 30lb's on it and had done tons of research on the ingredients, the maker of it etc... and I felt if she thought it was safe, so did I. So i started taking it and lost 50lbs over the course of the next 6 months!! It felt incredible and yes it did have ephedra. I caught a lot of flack for it from some and others wanted me to hand over the number and how much it cost to them. I read a lot about ephedra, the pro's and the con's. I realized that if you use it and still take good care of yourself, you are going to be ok. If you take it and then think you can starve yourself and workout until you pass out, well then you are going to harm yourself. Over that 6 months, I began to watch what I ate, drank more water and started exercising. It gave me the umph that I needed to make those changes because the pounds were coming off and that motivated me even more. Well I got married and went off, because I wanted a baby. I got pregnant and gained all the weight back.. :-( and while I was pregnant, ephedra was banned. Now me gaining the weight back had nothing to do with t-burn.... that was me just going back to all my bad eating habits while pregnant. After my pregnancy I found out that ephedra had came back again, but could never find t-burn in it's original formula. Over the past few months I have tried unsucessfully to lose weight. I was breastfeeding and so I knew it was harder to lose weight. Well I decided to do a search on yahoo on t-burn just to see if I could find it and guess what... I found it... and even better.. i found the ORIGINAL FORMULA... i could hardly believe it. I called Krista immediately.

Now to incorporate the second subject... breastfeeding. First let me say I did NOT decide to quit breastfeeding soley to lose weight. In fact close friends and family know that I had been contemplating weaning him at 6 months over to formula for many reasons and over the past month. This entire 6 months, my milk has fluccuated to the point I was supplementing 2 or 3 meals a day with a bottle of formula for him. Stress over my husbands job and other things in my life also caused my milk supply to go from more than enough, to not near enough. Also he in the past few weeks has started cereal and veggies, and so I felt better about the possibility of stopping nursing. I enjoy things about nursing, and there are things not so great about it. I felt like I would be letting him down if I stopped no matter what the reason, but I realized I was worrying about what other people would think of me.... and that's not a reason to continue or stop, so I had to make the decision for myself. I had decided to wean him over to formula..... then a few days later... found t-burn.

So I started t-burn yesterday, he was doing so good on mostly formula, that I am completing the weaning process with a breast pump (thanks chrissy!!!!!!) I still worry sometimes what people will think of me, but I know he is going to be ok, and that I gave him 6 months of the best milk there is.... and I am confident he is going to thrive on formula. I also decided it wouldn't be fair to stay in the competition so we decided to call it off, but continue to be an encouragment to each other on our weight loss journey's.

Here is a glimpse of what I looked like when I lost the weight on t-burn the first time.

And here is one of the b4 pictures I will use when I lose the weight this time....

I have decided to combine Weight watchers eating with the T-burn to help me. I am also going to incorporate exercise as well. I am not stupid and I know that if I don't make life changes, then the weight will come back on. I had successfully kept the weight off for 6 months without t-burn until I got pregnant, so I believe I will be able to keep it off this time as well. I just need a little help. It made me feel better to see Jillian from the biggest loser on a commercial the other day offering a similiar product to jumpstart your weight loss.... :-) To those of you out there, my best friend Chrissy included... that are doing it on your own... I am SOOO proud of you all!!! Keep up the good work!!!! You all are an inspiration!!!!

So I will keep you all posted on my progress with t-burn....!!!! If you want any info on it just let me know.

Now onto the 3rd subject but the most important. I know this is a small paragraph in comparison, however over the next few weeks I will talk more about this. Above anything else in my life, my relationship with Jesus Christ should be THE most important thing and I need to spend a lot of time seriously focusing on it. This wednesday begins a bible study that I am co-leading called A woman after God's Own Heart. I am looking forward to doing this study with other women and learning from their experience and insight. I will also keep you all posted (whoever wants to be that is) on this study as well. Those of you who are men and women of prayer, please keep me and the other women participating in your prayers.

Well that's it for now!!!!

Talk to you all later!!!

Weigh In Monday

2009-09-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Well to my surprise I lost a pound last week!!! Woohoo!!! And something miracleous happened.... all of the sudden I am not craving junk food anymore... I'm not sure how it happened, but food that normally I would want I am not wanting... hopefully this will last long enough that I lose some serious weight over the next month or two. I won't be my goal by my birthday but as long as I keep losing at a healthy pace and continue to make lifestyle changes, that is all that matters.

On the family side of things... Jonathan said dada yesterday, it was the most precious sound. Each child when they learn how to say your name, just makes you feel so awesome! He is close to crawling too.... hopefully within the next month he will get all the coordination down.

Well i'll catch up with ya'll later!!!!

Ok warning about tomorrow....

2009-09-06T16:23:00.001-07:00

I may decide to not weigh in....... well because.... you see...... I went to my mother-in-laws today.... and there was sooooo much great food.... and I didn't want to be rude.... and not eat all the wonderful things that they had prepared.... so I ate.... and ate..... and ate some more..... :-(

But that's ok tomorrow is a new day. I am trying to remember that my body is the temple of Christ and he does care if I take care of it or not. I can't serve him as good if I am tired all the time, or don't feel as good as I could if I were healthier and taking care of myself. I need to eat to live, not live to eat. So while I am going to be studying and trying to continue to grow in my heart relationship with Christ, I need to take care of my physical self as well.

So I may not weigh in tomorrow, but after a good week of exercising and eating right I will, and hopefully I will get to see my little weight tracker go down a little bit. :-)

Thanks for all the encouragement from those on facebook who read this blog and comment there (those of you who read my blog and aren't on facebook you can leave a comment here if you want)

Count your blessings.........

2009-09-06T09:43:00.000-07:00

Today in Sunday school we went around the class and each said something that God had shown or spoke to us this week. My husband and I both had the same answer, God speaks to us daily through our children.

At night when we do our bedtime routine, it's so comforting that the first words out of my 3 year old and 5 year old's mouths are "we have to do our bible time, verses and songs". Each night we do a bible time with them, they each practice some verses and then i sing Jesus Loves Me and Jesus Loves the Little children. I'm saddened it took me almost 5 years to get into a routine like this. Mike and I used to do it some nights, and then others we were too tired, or didn't feel like it. Until Recently we just hadn't made it a priority, and we missed out on so many blessings that come from your children learning about God.

Now don't get the wrong idea... we are NOT perfect at this. Our bedtime routine helps us each night evaluate our day. When we look into our children's eyes and teach them scripture and character lessons, we have to take a hard look at ourselves and how we acted throughout our day. Teaching our children helps us to take a look and make sure that we are acting and serving as we should ourselves.

My children are incredible, and another way that God blesses me is that through them he helps me to go back to the basics. Read your bible..... pray.... praise him... and memorize scripture.

Our children are not only blessings to us, but to God as well, and you know what the greatest part is. We are HIS children!!! He sees us like we see our kids. When we read his word, pray to him, praise him, and memorize his word he feels like I do each night. He LOVES us as a father...... WOW! I look at pictures of Jesus, and it just amazes me. Jesus was God's son, and we see God's love for him, and in turn Jesus's love for children and for us.

When I count my blessings.... after my relationship with Christ, my incredible husband, come my beautiful children..... who have taught me soooo much about my heavenly father and my relationship with him!

Accountability.....

2009-09-04T12:00:00.001-07:00

Well for those of you who view my blog you see something at the top that's new. A while back on my best friend/weight loss accountability partners blog I saw one of these weight loss tickers and i thought it is a great way to be accountable. I have to post each monday (our weigh in day) what my weight is. So far I have lost 8.8 pounds, but i have a long way to go. Please keep me in your prayers as I continue to try and make healthier choices, excercise and live a healthier lifestyle all together.

I also read that since I am nursing, I should aim for 1lb of weight loss per week, so my progress might be slow, but as long as I am losing that's all that matters!

Thanks!!!

Can't wait to post a before and after picture in a few months!!!

Date with mommy

2009-09-03T18:07:00.001-07:00

Mike and I try to go on "dates" with our children as often as we can. You just can't beat that one on one time with each child. Yesterday I went on a date with Joseph, not extravagent, but just alone time. We went to walmart and he showed me a lot of toys that he liked and thought were pretty cool, then we went to a flea market and another store, and just hung out with each other. We talked, we laughed.... it was just really special. When I got home I told Samuel that today would be his date with mommy. He was so excited today when we went to McDonalds for an ice cream, we also went to walmart (gotta love the toy aisles!) and later headed to the park for some fun time swinging and playing on the playground equipment. He even talked me into going down the slide with him... it was sooo much fun! Later in the evening Jonathan and I went for a mini-date, just he and I went to walmart(yes 3 times in 2 days!!!!) to get some grocery items that we were needing. This just goes to show you that alone time with your kids doesn't have to cost a lot of money. All they need is some time with just you, to share their thoughts, their feelings and get your undivided attention. I am looking forward to my next date with one of my boys! In fact I still need to go on a date with Michael... hopefully he and I will be able to do that very soon!

"your face looks pretty mommy"

2009-09-03T09:48:00.001-07:00

I have to say, that I know I talk alot about having boys, and well... it just keeps getting better. Joseph, my 5 year old has learned a new way to make mommy smile. Sometimes I am not feeling so great about myself... maybe I haven't gotten to shower yet... and my hair is back in a pony tail, there are days... when I am frustrated at me not losing weight as fast as I want too... and although I do not express them to my children... they must sense mommy needs a little pick-me-up. Many days I will turn around to find Joseph standing there saying "mommy... your hair looks pretty... and your face looks pretty... and your pants look pretty... and your shirt looks pretty..." It's just so sincere and so sweet!!! My son samuel, the 3 year old has learned from his big brother and now I turn around on many days to find Samuel saying the same things to me....and of course Jonathan.... when I come into his room to wake him up and I say ever so softly his name.. "jonathan" he immediately has a huge smile come across his face.... sometimes when daddy is holding him and he hears my voice he turns and looks at me and grins from ear to ear.... he knows I am his mommmy... and that is such an incredible feeling..... I am so blessed!!!

I also love things they say at these ages.... the things they come up with.... joseph's new one is to say "that freaks me out!!" and samuel "i just needed some time by myself!" Children are a blessing... yes sometimes i want to pull my hair out, during those times I learn to lean on my Heavenly Father and he gives me wisdom and patience and understanding. Then these sweet and funny times are what makes me look up to the heavens and say "WOW... thank you for letting me have the chance to be the best thing on earth.... a mommy!"

The He Hormone (Testosterone)

2009-09-03T09:24:00.000-07:00

Mike and I read another chapter in Bringing Up Boys last night and it was all about the He Hormone!! We learned alot, but the biggest thing is that years of feminism and what they have done to change how we try and raise boys today. Even in my mind, ideas have come like "make your boys play with dolls, don't givve them just trucks, don't let them pretend to shoot anything, even through what I have seen on T.V. as a child growing up and even now and other media things have shown, we are supposed to teach our boys to NOT be tough, or act tough, we are supposed to make them more like us... more sensitive, more girly..... instead of celebrating what makes them boys!! God gave them that hormone for a distinct reason and we should celebrate it and enjoy it....

Here's a paragraph that really stood out to me......

Pg 28 "That brings us back to our understanding of boys. Remember that they are men-in-training. Their aggressive nature is designed for a purpose. It prepares them for the "provision and protection" roles to come. That assertiveness also builds culture when properly channeled. I urge you as parents not to resent or try to eliminate the aggressive and excitable nature that can be so irritating. That temperament is part of a divine plan. Celebrate it. Enjoy it. Thank God for it. But also understand that it needs to be shaped, molded, and "civilized." That's where we're heading in the chapters to come. "

For you moms out there who have boys, i urge you to let your boys be boys!!! Read this book.... Bringing up Boys by James Dobson. We need our boys to know how to be boys... and so someday they can be MEN!!

On a side note- letting boys be boys does not mean we let them act like apes, I still teach my boys respect, consideration and sensitivity, but on the other side, I let them be boys... I don't expect them to sit still for hours on end (testosterone makes this more difficult for boys) I don't compare them with the little girls that I know and try to get them to do what the girls do.... that's not fair to them and how God made them.... like James Dobson said.... that temperament needs to be shaped and molded, not stopped. My prayer is that my husband and I can do this efficiently.... we'll see in about 20 years! :-) When you think of our family, say a prayer for us!

"A Mom after God's own heart"

2009-08-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

God has really been working on me lately. A few years ago I went through a study at church by Elizabeth George called "A Mom after God's own Heart" but i was going through a rough time and unfortunately didn't run towards God and really concentrate on the study, but instead ran away from him and didn't get much out of it. Then about 6 months after that I went through "A woman after God's own heart" with a lady from my church and I got more out of that. Lately I have been realizing that when I do quiet times I am doing it "just to get by" but not to really learn or change my life. I have been really convicted about my walk with God and if I am teaching my children at 100% to follow God themselves. I comforted myself in the things my husband and I are doing right. We do a bible time at dinner and another one before bed. My 5 and 3 year old are memorizing verses, joseph knows 4 and samuel is learning 2. We teach them to pray and turn to God in all situations. So i sit back sometimes and think "i'm doing ok....i'm doing better than some other moms I know". But God doesn't want us to just do enough to get by, he wants us to give him all of ourselves.

So along with me setting limits on our technology, I am re-doing the study A Mom after God's Own Heart. It was so refreshing today during my kids rest time (sam and jonathan nap, and joseph spends some time watching t.v or playing in his room) I sat down and read my daily devotional in my Women's devotional bible, then I read the first chapter in the book, and did part of the study guide for that chapter. It talked about mothers in the bible, and how their heart and what's most important to the mom will show through her actions and her children will pick up on it.

I need to make sure my walk with God is growing and thriving, so that I can really teach my kids how to have a walk that is growing and thriving.

Some key points I got out of the chapter today are:

"The role of godly parents is to make sure the hearts and minds of their children are saturated with the Word of God" pg 21

" From a godly home life and upbringing, a child can learn how to live a godly life in a sinful world." pg 18

" God works through faithful parents who, in spite of dark and difficult days, walk obediently with him." pg 17

And for my friends who are moms and going through rough times in their homes listen to this great message from the book, in reference to a story about Timothy.

"Do you need encouragement? Take these words to heart-" "Despite division within the home, Timothy's mother instilled in him a character of faithfulness that carried into adulthood... Don't hide your light at home. Our families are fertile fields for receiving gospel seeds. It is the most difficult land to work, but it yields the greatest harvests. Let your children ... know of your faith in Jesus."

One final note, she gives 5 things that you should do to start becoming a mom after God's own heart.... some of them i was already working on but some of them I needed to focus on. The stuff in paranthesees is from the book, then I paraphrase what it is we should do.

1. "Develop a template for your weeks"- what do you want to accomplish- are there bible times for you and your kids every day.

2. "Analyze your TV time"- not only limit how much TV your kids are watching but you yourself too.

3. "Choose a devotional book"- Get into the word and start feeding your spirit so you can feed your kids spiritual food.

4. "Memorize one verse"- We as moms needs to be memorizing scriptures right along with our kids.

5. "Pray for your heart"- Out of the heart, the mouth speaks. We need to give our hearts to God each and every morning.

My challenge is for the mom's out there and to myself- Make sure that you are getting spiritually fed so that we can truly make sure our children get good spiritual food. This is an area I have been weak in. I was making sure my kids did their quiet time, but didn't always make sure that I did mine. They need to see my love for Jesus, so that they will know how to love him and serve him as well.

Well that's all for now.... keep me in your prayers... as I try to grow closer in my walk with God...

Transitioning to a less technological life.... well.. sort of

2009-08-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

My last blog was about how I feel that too much technology is stealing my time away, and so I wanted to tell you all how things are starting to change. It is a little bit harder than I thought, but so far so good. I am watching more how much my children are playing the wii, watching T.V. and on the computer. I am only on facebook about two or three times a day and just for about 15 minutes or so. It is difficult though when you take a step back and look at how much the T.V. and computer and video games can overwhelm your life.

One of my best friends chose to delete her facebook all together, and I am proud of her, she did what she needed to do. If my decrease in technology doesn't prove to be enough, I might do a "no screens" day, or a part of the day that is "no screens".

The hardest days are the ones where I am tired, or overwhelmed and it's so easy to turn on the T.V. or the computer or the WII.... but I have realized that these changes don't always happen overnight. Sometimes they are a day by day lesson. You learn each day to make a choice to seek God instead of facebook. To spend more time with your kids then having them watch T.V. for that hour. To enjoy being a family playing a game, or just spending time with each other instead of all facing the T.V. So even though I am not where I want to be today, I have faith that we will get there. It just takes making the touch decisions each day, and then seeing what a blessing it is when we make those small changes.

I'll keep you all updated!!!

What kind of home do I want????

2009-08-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

Do i want a home like the duggars??

A home where the TV is never on, the computer is used rarely. A home where devotions are done as a family every day, and time with each other supercedes any other activity that they could be doing.

Do I want a home like some of my friends???

I've been thinking a lot lately about what kind of home I want to have. Not what kind of house I want, but what kind of home. I was watching the Duggars last night and I admire so much about them and most of all the parents. I saw their kids wrestling in the foyer, throwing a ball around, being normal kids. I also saw how they respected each other, helped out with chores, and one HUGE thing i noticed... they didn't spend time watching T.V., or playing computer games. Not that those things are all bad, but i'm wondering if families nowdays spend too much time enjoying technology instead of each other.

I've noticed a lot of days that I am sitting and logging onto facebook, but I haven't yet opened my bible up and done my quiet time. I find myself looking forward to playing a new computer game, but I haven't sat down and played with my kids yet that day. It's not just me, I know several people that are like this, and it just kind of got to me last night. Somewhere along the road of facebook, computer games, and 24/7 noggin channel, I've lost sight of why I am a stay at home mom. When i worked in a pre-school, those children didn't watch T.V. all day. They were playing, doing activities, etc... here I am a stay at home mom..... and I think sometimes I am dropping the ball. I only have so many years with my kids before they go to school. I've allowed technology to creep in and steal my time away. I'm going to go on a minor fast. I'm going to limit incredibly my time on the computer and my kids time watching T.V. and playing video games. I am going to increase play time and reading time with my kids. Try to regain some of the time that I have lost......

I'm not saying that letting your kids watch T.V is bad, or playing on the computer... etc... but for me .... I am just convicted that I am wasting these precious years on Farm Frenzy, the Wii and Noggin..... so as I am figuring out reasonable time limits, activities etc, I will keep you posted. And if there are parents out there who have any insight and advice, please pass it along my way!!!

Boys will be Boys.....

2009-08-17T12:27:00.000-07:00

My husband and I decided to read through James Dobson's book called "Bringing Up Boys" together as our evening devotion together. Last night one particular paragraph stood out to me. I always knew that boys were rambuctious, and as Joseph was a toddler and doing things like jumping off the coffee table or climbing up whatever he could get his hands on I was thinking this was normal boy behavior. Some people told me otherwise.... and although I did discipline him and try to keep him for doing things that hurt himself, it just seemed in his nature to do these things. My son samuel at the age of 2 and 1/2 decided to color the living room (see earlier blogs!) Sometimes i wonder when my boys are bouncing off the walls, if this is normal.....Well check this out....

Pg 4 (excerpt from book)

" one of the scariest aspects of raising boys is their tendency to risk life and limb for no good reason. It begins very early. If a toddler can climb on it, he will jump off it. He careens out of control toward tables, tubs, pools, steps, trees and streets. He will eat anything but food and loves to play in the toilet. He makes "guns" out of cucumbers or toothbrushes and likes digging around in drawers, pill bottles, and mom's purse. And just hope he doesn't get his grubby little hands on a tube of lipstick. A boy harasses grumpy dogs and picks up kitties by their ears. His mom has to watch him every minute to keep him from killing himself. He loves to throw rocks, play with fire, and shatter glass. He also gets great pleasure out of irritating his brothers and sisters, his mother, his teachers, and other children... As he gets older, he is drawn to everything dangerous-skateboards, rock climbing, hang gliding, motorcycles and mountain bikes. At about sixteen he and his buddies begin driving around town like kamikaze pilots on sake. It's a wonder any of them survive. Not every boy is like this of course, but the majority of them are."

So far what I gather from the rest of the chapter is Boys WILL be Boys and that my job is to help them turn their God given energy, and risk taking and fearlessness and help them to use it for God. I can't stop them from being boys and i wouldn't want too... I am here to guide, instruct, and love. So if my house looks like a tornado hit it, if they come home and i can't make out who they are because of the dirt... if i have to keep telling them on the playground to quit trying to jump off the highest point of the jungle gym.... i'll be ok. I understand there are boys out there completley opposite of this, but it does make me feel good that when my boys have their moments of craziness, I know that for generations boys have been like this, and that we will all be ok. Looking forward to seeing what adventures are coming up!!! And as we are reading this book.... I will continue to share with you the things I am learning....

A day in the life of a mom with 4 boys!

2009-08-16T16:19:00.001-07:00

We were having some friends over today, and the boys room look like a tornado had hit it, so I decided to pick up before church this morning. The boys and mike had left because I also needed to nurse Jonathan and so I figured I would just drive us in a little bit. I was picking up things and looked down into one of the boys jeeps. Well there were some toys in there and a little pretend frog. I was thinking "man that looks like a real frog... and I don't remember seeing a toy like that before". We had my nephews over the night before so I thought they had left a toy over and so I decided to pick it up so I could return it. I touched it and then made the very startling discovery it was a REAL baby frog!!!!! I screamed several times very loudly, hyperventilated a little bit.... my heart was racing and then I decided that i needed to pull it together. I went and got an empty bin, and scooped him up and took him outside. I know this is the first of many surprises (as i'm told by other moms of boys), but I am hoping it never gets worse than this!!!

The simple things...

2009-08-14T11:57:00.001-07:00

As summer is coming to an end we decided to do a family day with the older boys. I took jonathan to my moms and me, mike, michael, joseph and samuel all went to the pool. I always tell my children that sometimes when things don't go your way, their is a reason. Sometimes God just has better things in mind, so however minor this may be, to me yesterday it was an example to my children, something I have been trying to teach them.

We had planned on going to the pool in Washington, there is a great kiddy area, with lots of toys, a lazy river and 2 water slides, one for smaller children and one large one. As we approached the pool, got out of the van and was just getting ready to put on the sunscreen I spotted a family coming out and I just said "is the water cold?" and the little boy said "at first.... and they have the kiddy area closed". I was so upset, the whole reason for the venture that day was to show michael that area and the boys were so excited to play in it. I remember someone saying the union pool was cool, so i called them and found out they were open until 6. We all headed over and wow what an AWESOME time we had.

There was something for everyone. I even got to go down waterslides with michael and i haven't done that since i was 15! The best part is we only spent 10.00 for 5 of us to go swimming. We had sooo much fun and then we walked across the street and I had packed us a picnic dinner and we ate and then played at the park. It was so neat to just watch my children being children. Of course the boys were getting dirty and jumping off stuff but that's ok... i've accepted being a mom to 4 boys means lots of dirty clothes and although I haven't had my first trip to the ER due to an injury I'm sure it's not far away. I got to see Michael spending time with Joseph and the smiles beaming on their faces... it was just a GREAT day. On the way home as i was driving and everyone was asleep... i just felt so at peace. God has given me an incredible family and through that day showed me how the simple things can bring so much joy into a persons life. I'm kinda sad summer is coming to a close, but I am going to make sure I treasure the small things and thank God for them too.

AMAZED!!!

2009-08-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

Ok I was always taught that you thank God for everything, pray for everything, even the small things, he cares about it all. Well today two miracles (in my opinion) happened. One major, the other minor however major to my 5 year old.

Last night I went to walmart and I always just carry my billfold in instead of a purse, well today I got the kids loaded in the van to go and get some gas and mail a letter when I noticed my billfold was not in the van. A frantic search began, the van, the house, the van again, the house again. I decided to call wal-mart and they said they did not have a billfold in my name. I called my husband who prayed for me about it. I ran home one more time to check at home, and as i walked in i saw the phone light up so i ran over and answered. It was First Bank telling me someone from wal-mart had called them to tell me my billfold was there!!!! I thanked them about a hundered times.... ok maybe two or three and ran to the van to tell my kids that I knew where it was. I said "thank you God" about a million times... Joseph and Samuel asked why i was saying that and I got to tell them about how awesome God is and how he protected my billfold from being stolen and that he should be thanked for it. Got to walmart and they said a cart guy had found it, so thankfully it had been in no one else's hands!!

Then joseph was looking for one of his cars named Boost (from the cars movie) we looked all over for it and couldn't find it and he said "mommy maybe we should pray about it" so we did.... about an hour later a thought popped into my head to check under my bed... guess what.. there it was!!! That may seem like a minor thing, but to me it was just more evidence of what a great Father in Heaven we have and how he shows me not only in the big things, but in the small things too that he loves us so very much!! Joseph thanked God too for helping me find Boost!!

An addition

2009-08-07T10:10:00.001-07:00

You know although my stepson Michael isn't my biological child, I have known him since he was 3 and 1/2 (2001) and have watched him grow into a handsome loving young man.I love him as one of my own children, and it's amazing how much he has grown and how God has blessed my life through him in many ways. Here are some photos of he and I throughout the years....

Growing Up

2009-08-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

In the past couple of months I have seen my boys grow and change so much. My firstborn Joseph turned 5, my secondborn Samuel turned 3, got potty trained this year, and my newest little boy Jonathan has changed sooo much in the 4 months of his life so far. It's sad, it's exciting, it's hard to watch them grow, but yet extremely rewarding to watch them as they grow. I love listening to Joseph as he has been memorizing scripture lately. I love hearing Samuel as he is learning new things, and Jonathan it's amazing that each new day it seems like he is learning something new. I love the song by Plumb called In my Arms.... here are the lyrics and today.... i'm just thankful that God chose to let me protect them for a while... but know ultimately we are all under his protection.. our heavenly father...

I'm going to steal an idea from a fellow blogging friend and post pictures of my kids at various stages of life.... but as you read and listen to the words of the song... it's just heartwarming!

Here is the youtube link to the video if you want to hear it.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4eLU3wPHdU&annotation_id=annotation_222888&feature=iv

In my arms

Your baby blues
So full of wonder
Your Curly Que’s
Your contagious smile
And as I watch
You start to grow up
All I can do is hold you tight
Knowing

Clouds will rage in
Storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms

Story books
Are full of fairy-tales
Of kings and queens
And the bluest skies
My heart is torn just in knowing
You’ll someday see
The truth for lies

Clouds will rage in
Storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms

Castles they might crumble
Dreams may not come true
Cause you are never all alone
Cause I will always
Always love you

Clouds will rage in
Storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms

In my arms
In my arms