Merry Christ*mas

Merry Christmas! I read so many blogs, some of them friends who know me, some of them friends I have never met. But it seems that THE Christmas post is supposed to involve pictures. So I guess I will post a few:

I love the fact that they all still love to believe so much that they waited 2 1/2 hours to pose with Santa himself.

Chris asked if I bought him shoes because I was tired seeing the others talk so much. They were certainly getting floppy (and they weren't even sandals)!
This picture captures Mark's total surprise as he unwraps a blackberry box. Unfortunately, I did not get the next picture that captures his semi disappointment as he opens the box to an MP3 player. But he swears he loves the MP3 player as much as he would've a blackberry.

Nothing says "boy" better than Nerf Dart guns!

And because the makers of Nerf Dart guns care so much about children's safety, they include these handsome goggles to ensure no one shoots their eye out!

As you can see, we had a blessed Christmas. We certainly scaled back, but at the same time the boys gifts are becoming more expensive so our scaled back still meant we had to budget. And as Christmas Day is coming to a close it certainly seems as though everyone enjoyed their gifts.

And we had times of joy with loved ones, reminiscing with laughter, and eating delicious food. And then there were moments of difficulty. They seemed to worm their way into the happy memories we were trying so hard to create. And they brought sadness and frustration.

Maybe some of you can relate as well. Maybe today you had to deal with the holidays as a single parent, or maybe you had to sit in a home with people who weren't appreciative of your presence. Or maybe you weren't appreciative of some one's presence in your home. Maybe you just couldn't budget enough to buy your loved ones their hearts desires. And I'm not talking a tree full of gifts, but simply that most treasured gift your loved one has been eyeing all year. Maybe you are facing illness. Whatever the situation the truth is that life goes on--even in the middle of Christmas.

Today I found myself asking "how do we deal with this?" I had a loved one say, "I will never understand this situation." And I agreed. "No we will never understand this side of heaven."

So what are we supposed to do in the meantime? We celebrate the birth of a child, and wonder how He can ever understand where we are right now.

But, in celebrating His birth we are anticipating His death. When Mary delivered Christ on that dark night in that smelly stable, the world was celebrating His arrival, and the details of His death were already set. I have a new niece this year. When I look at her my heart melts. She's perfection wrapped up in skin (or so we think), but Christ really was. And His destiny was set the moment He was conceived. And it didn't end as the shepherds admired the beautiful baby wrapped in swaddling cloths.

So while things may seem difficult to understand right now, I have to trust that Christ came for a time just like this. I have to trust God's provision right where I am. Mary bore her child next to animals, in the most unsanitary place possible. Yet she did not stop in the middle of labor and say "GOD YOU PLACED THIS CHILD WITHIN ME AND THIS IS THE BEST YOU CAN DO?! I AM CARRYING THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD! WHERE ARE THE NURSEMAIDS? WHERE IS THE SOFT BED?!" She trusted God's provision right where she was. And she trusted His provision for the future. Once Christ was born Mary did not say, "okay God so exactly how long will it be before Jesus is led off to be crucified? Can you give me an approximate date?" So much of Christ's birth, life, ministry depended on Mary's willingness to carry Him. I am not saying God could not have found another way, another woman, but He chose Mary.

Sometimes it seems as though I am walking this road alone. Sometimes I want to say to the stranger who passes me and offers a smile, "If you only knew all that I am struggling with." Or to that person who silently eyes, "there are things you don't even know, and I wish someone would reach out in love instead of judgement." I wonder if Mary felt that same way that night Christ was born. I wonder if she felt that way so many other nights after that one. No one will ever know.

I can only base my reactions, my walk on the walk I see in Mary. She trusted God even when He didn't reveal His full plan to her. She trusted God when it seemed He was no where around. And she said, "Behold the servant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word!" I don't know if I say that every time things seem difficult, or beyond my grasp, but I want to. And I hope that the Lord sees my heart.

I want to trust that whatever happens in my life will be done according to His will. And that He will provide for me right where I am until I get to right where He wants me. After all, I know He loves me, because He gave me the greatest gift ever--the gift of His Son--Jesus Christ.

Thank you Father, and Happy Birthday Jesus! I love you!

All for Sarah

Rules:
1. Post rules on your blog.
2. Answer the six "4" items.
3. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving them a comment.

4 Things I Did Yesterday: Can't I just recap from my last post? Well, yesterday was a bit different. Baked Cookies, Picked up picture order, Finished Christmas Gift/Photo Album for Mom, Helped Mark look for missing cell phone

4 Things I Look Forward to: Friday Night (THANKS SARAH), Christmas Break, Getting to Love on Baby Girl Thursday, Empty Laundry Baskets

4 Things On My Wish List: A pre-baby body--I'd like to see Santa pull that one out of his bag! A Clean House, An Empty Dirty Hamper, and Children who actually like each other

4 Restaurants I like: Carino's, Rosa's, Pizza Hut, OH And CHILI'S!

4 Favorite TV Shows: Without a Trace, Cold Case, CSI, & Biggest Loser/Amazing Race--even though I missed the season finale :-(

4 People I tag: Hmmmm...All my friends have been tagged except for one...Tracy you're it!

A Day in the Life of...

Well, to start off this is my 100th post!!! YAY to me! And thank you to my three faithful readers. For coming with me on this crazy, soap box of a journey. It's been an honor to know you are right there too, traveling through this life with me, and a gift every time you remind me of that very fact.

But for today's post I thought I would give you a glimpse into a day in the life of a stay at home mom. A SAHM. And this is not even one of my busiest. So grab some cocoa and sit down as I tell you all about it.

6:45 wake up. Prepare for day. Make omelets for breakfast.
7:00 Wake children up
7:05 Go back to wake up oldest who can sleep through a hurricane
7:06 Threaten oldest with serious chest rubs if he doesn't GET UP. RIGHT. THIS. MINUTE!!!
7:07 Help Baby get dressed
7:09 Comb hair for youngest two children
7:11 Make lunch for oldest. Pray that he remembers to get it out of his locker instead of ordering a tray and bringing full lunch box back home.
7:30 Apply medicines and lotion to baby's eczema riddled face. Remind him not to scratch at school.
7:35 Send all three off to school--chauffeured by Daddy.
7:37 Clean up kitchen and living room
8:15 Answer door to mother bringing niece and nephew. Visit with Mother for 20 minutes.
8:40 Put on a load of laundry. Just washed jeans Friday.
9:00 Put on second load of laundry. I THOUGHT I washed jeans on Friday.
9:45 Fold first load of laundry. Send husband off to work.
10:20 Dry Second load of laundry.
10:45 Answer phone. It is middle child. "Mommy. My glasses broke. I didn't do anything to them they just snapped." Promise to look at them when I go to stuff folders at the school in less than an hour.
10:50 Put on third load of laundry. Wonder why the dirty hamper still seems full. Fold second load of laundry.
11:15 Leave house with niece and nephew in tow.
11:20 Arrive at Target to pick up cute baby pictures.
11:25 Leave Target with niece and nephew in tow.
11:40 Arrive at school.
11:45 Pick niece up from floor after she runs into a giant sized, rolling bulletin board. Bulletin boards don't give much.
12:15 Completed both classroom sets of folders. Leave school with battered niece and stunned nephew in tow.
12:20 Order lunch from Chili's.
12:40 Leave with lunch from Chili's.
1:00 Arrive in little sister's hospital room with children and lunch.
1:03 Devour lunch since it is my first meal of the day. Comment from across the room, with a full mouth, about how beautiful my new niece is.
1:35 Hold new niece.
2:00 Still holding new niece.
2:15 Announce to children we must go.
2:35 Finally give new niece back to my little sister and take the children back that I brought.
2:38 Stop in parking lot to let nephew pick up dropped cup.
2:42 Stop in parking lot to let niece pick up dropped cup.
2:45 Push...I mean help niece and nephew into van because after 10 minutes in 30 degree weather I am cold, and can no longer feel my face.
3:03 Arrive to pick up two of my boys at school.
3:05 Get boys in van--did not freeze! I LOVE MY BOYS!
3:12 Arrive at eyeglass store. Pray Matthew's glasses are still under warranty.
3:27 Get the good news that warranty is still valid. Help Matthew pick out new glasses.
3:28 Proceed to threaten one child within inches of their young life if they knock over little old woman by spinning around in store.
3:35 Find glasses, make order.
3:40 Get all four children into van proceed to Wally world to buy dinner supplies.
3:42 Almost rear-end man who backed into parking spot I rightfully tried to pull in to.
3:45 Get into store grab basket.
3:47 Realize public beating is not acceptable any longer. Pick up one child and put her into basket. She cries from embarrassment.
3:52 Finally tell Noah that I have Heard "Just pick your head up and don't worry about it at LEAST 4 times. I think Ryleigh gets it."
3:57 Get to register. Am pleased that I finished shopping with 4 kids within 10 minutes.
4:02 Am NOT pleased that I am still standing at register waiting for cashier to figure out what the code on his screen means before he scans my 9 items.
4:06 Leave with purchase and all four kids. Rush (within the speed limit) to pick up oldest at middle school.
4:13 Arrive at middle school. Realize I am the only bad parent who has left their child to wait in 30 degree weather for his mother.
4:20 Arrive home. Unload children. Unload groceries.
4:23 Realize water in washer has been running for 5 1/2 hours. Luckily, (can you say that when your water has been running for 5 1/2 hours?), the drain got stuck in the open position so the washer did not over flow.
4:25 Ask younger three to stop fighting over Mr Potato Head.
4:27 Tell younger three to stop fighting over Mr. Potato Head.
4:28 DEMAND younger three stop fighting over Mr Potato Head.
4:30 Remember I have not taken my blood pressure medication today. Take it quickly.
4:32 Put younger two down for, their safety, I mean their nap.
4:45 Begin to cut up onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, spinach, zucchini for new minestrone soup recipe.
5:15 Remind older three that if they wake up younger two with all their ruckus they will spend eternity in their rooms.
5:30 Tell the middle child in need of glasses that we WILL GO WHEN I AM DONE WITH SUPPER. Besides the eyeglass store is still open for another hour and a half.
5:50 Take middle child to eyeglass store.
6:12 Return home from eye glass store.
6:30 Add remaining ingredients to soup.
7:00 Sit everyone down to dinner.
7:05 Enjoy first bowl of soup.
7:17 Enjoy SECOND bowl of soup. Realize bread tastes better crusty.
7:45 Help mother load up niece and nephew.
7:50 Thank God, Praise God, Worship God because I only have three children.
8:00 Help three children practice musical.
8:45 Explain that musical is THIS Sunday and you DO NOT spell Deliverer D-I-L-V-E-R.
8:47 Watch child check script to prove he's right.
8:48 See his disappointment when he realizes he's not--don't bother waiting for an apology.
9:00 Put everyone to bed. Tell younger child that his room is unacceptable. Hear him promise to clean it...'Tomorrow. But will you give me a dollar when I'm done?"
9:05 Begin Blogging.
9:08 Am told by middle child who has gotten out of bed that he is down to his last pair of socks. Acknowledge his comment with an absent minded nod of the head before he wastes 10 minutes trying to get my attention.
9:37 Realize NO ONE picked out clothes for tomorrow. Stop blogging to pick out clothes.
9:57 Sit back down to finish blogging.
9:59 Finally finish post. Now I have socks to fold. And lunches to make. Hope to be in bed by midnight.

Wonder why I am always tired? Maybe tomorrow I can wash FOUR loads of clothes. This time I'll stay home til the final load is complete. Maybe then my dirty hamper will be empty.

Who's Lucky?!

I love the Christmas Holiday season. Thanksgiving has long been holiday I adore the most because it is simply a time of remembering all your blessings, no pressure to out give or out do someone else. But I do love Christmas. As a mother I sit in awe as I think about Mary. She was so young when she had Jesus. I've read some speculations that she was 14! Can you imagine? I was 21 when I had my first child, and I was a mess!

We never had a lot of traditions in my house when I was growing up. And that is something that I really wanted to change with my own family. So Thanksgiving is just us. We get up and watch the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Eat lunch. Then finish watching the dog show. And after clean up we are off to the movies. This year we saw Madagascar 2. It was really funny. Then we enjoyed grandma's pecan pie and came home to look over the circulars. This weekend, we put up our tree. I love the way it looks once it is complete, but I HATE stringing lights. So...Chris bought a pre-lit one last year on clearance. It was so nice to put up the tree and just have to plug it in. My tree would most likely not win a contest in Better Homes and Gardens or Martha Stewart Living, but when I look at my tree I am reminded of all our Christmases past. Every year the boys get an ornament that signifies some milestone for that year. They rush the ornament bucket every time to put out their favorites. Then we top it with an angel I received as a senior in high school. My Sunday school teacher made one for all of her girls that year. Every year I put it up I am reminded of the love of Christ she so selflessly poured into us. And I am grateful.

So...I am sure if I have managed to keep you interested this far you are wondering why I chose to post about something most other people could care less about. Well, tonight, Chris was offered a change in position. It is a big one--one that in the long run would be a financial gift to us. BUT, it would be a big sacrifice for us as a family. When I think of my little bunch and all the ways we are blessed, I realize that it is not always money and comfort (what some people might equate with money) that matters the most. I would much rather be able to celebrate our traditions as a whole family. Making memories together is so much more meaningful and more lasting.

I have an amazing husband. I really do. How many other men would scrub the floor on his hands and knees? After Chris called, I sat down in shock. But as I began to look through my pictures I realized that we have all we need right here. Maybe we don't have tens of thousands of dollars in the bank. Maybe Chris drives a second rate car. And maybe we did have to wait until the clearance sale last year to get our tree, but there is no other place I would rather be. What about you? What blessings have you been living with every day that you haven't recognized as such?

As for me, I am honored that God has placed me right here, with this family, in this time, with this life. "Teach us to number our days." Psalm 90:12

Happy Thanksgiving

This morning when I wake up, I will have much to be thankful for:

* The supplies to cook a big Thanksgiving meal that will give us enough left overs to carry us over into next week
* The freedom to drive to the store whenever I forget something
* Then means--no matter how tight--to buy said forgotten items
* My health that allows me to breathe, move, function for myself
* The health of my boys that allows them to be independent, loud, and quiet
* The health of my husband that allows him to lift chairs, climb on the roof, rake leaves
* A husband who works so hard to provide food, shelter, clothes and luxuries
* A husband who gives so freely of his time, his money, and his love
* My husbands job that allowed him to have the day off today and that will require his skills tomorrow
* Friends who accept me just as I am even though I am not a carbon copy of them
* Friends who encourage me with their words and deeds to become a better person, the best ME I can me
* The ability to see the changing seasons-- see the leaves fall off trees, after they have turned beautiful reds and yellows--feel the chill in the air
* A home that is safe and warm
* God's Son--My Savior Who accepts me just as I am but loves me too much to leave me this way
* My family who can make me laugh, who knows my heart, who keeps me safe
* A comfortable bed to snuggle up in and rest after a long eventful day
* Luxuries like going to movies and making memories with my family that we will relive for weeks and maybe even years to come
* A van that runs well to get us to the movie theater, to families homes, and all around town
* The ability to give my children their heart's desires like Christmas gifts they really don't need in order to survive
* My digital camera that allows me to capture so many memories
* Forgiveness from family, from friends, from my Savior
* Forgetfulness from family, from friends, from my Savior
* God's Word that encourages me, grows me, admonishes me, strengthens me
* His Peace when money is tight, when schedules are tight, when relationships are strained


I could go on and on, but I think I will share the rest with my Father. I told the boys, today, that we need to carry gratitude with us all year long. Because our blessings aren't given only on Thanksgiving. I hope that you too can find so many reasons every day to be grateful. We are all so blessed. Happy Thanksgiving.

Continue Believing

Here we sit in another year. Yet, the struggles transport me back to your first grade year. Those were dark days. People have said that there are so many other "important" things going on in the world. Your struggles will pass--get focused. Well, they are certainly right. In the grand scheme of things this seems like a small drop in a very LARGE bucket. But to you, to us, sweet boy it takes up a lot of our universe.

The other day Sarah was so sweet when she told you that she believed you could do it. That you have struggled before and you pushed through it, that you could do it again. I know she's right, but in the middle of a melt down after school it sure doesn't feel like we'll get through it does it? At the end of a long Thursday when all of your friends have been gone from school for an hour and you are just leaving it doesn't appear very hopeful does it?

But today I read about another mom's heartache as she watches her child struggle. My heart went out to her. God encouraged me. He reminded me of all the GOOD things He's already given you. In your short ten years, I have seen more blessings from Him, more answers to prayers in your life than in some adult lives I know. And I know it is because when you pray you trust Him, you walk with Him.

I am reminded of the hope we felt after a semester of struggles, when God used someone else (who cared deeply for you) to bring Sarah into our lives. I am reminded of the way you made it through second grade. You made student of the month that year for the first time. It was December. I remember your excitement. I remember thanking God with every breath; you needed that encouragement. I am reminded of the first time you CHOSE to read without me forcing you to. I am reminded of our trip to Sea world. Out of thousands of children, YOU were chosen to be a part of the show. For most people it was simply entertainment, to us, it was confirmation that God sees you. He's is active in your life; He wants you to believe. I am reminded of your third grade year. With the TAKS test we faced an uphill climb. But God sent us a teacher who was walking with all of us up that hill. I remember the day she told me that you had raised your hand in class, volunteering to read out loud for the first time. I am reminded of the day you took that TAKS test. You finished at 1:52. You scored two away from commended! This boy who no one believed could succeed just two short year earlier. I am reminded of your awards assembly that year; you received an award for straight A's! And I am reminded of your plane ride this summer. It was God's way of showing me again--"Believe in Me. I have a plan for his life, and it's going to take him a lot higher than this."

And this year I have seen God's hand in your life. When your teacher said, "I want you to know I pray for Matthew every day. I pray for all my students every day." I watched you score your first goal ever this year. You are always so content to play back--stick to defense--never asking for the spot light. But God placed you just right this year and you scored! I wish I would have had the camera with me--the ONLY game I did not take it to. But it was sweet to see you score, after you pushed through a tough season. I watched you run your race. I don't think I will ever be able to run a mile again, but you are doing it with ease at only ten years old. You improved by 25 places! I watched you desire to play Joseph in the Christmas play. Not only are you playing Joseph, but you are playing the smart kid at the spelling bee! Why? Not by chance, but because that is exactly how God sees you--how He made you.

Matthew, you have yet to soar. Right now you are gliding. And Sarah is right; you will push through this. You will succeed. God has given you strength to endure. He has an amazing plan for you. I know it. Your life gives me hope. Your life reminds me to believe. It is a testimony of what God can do when someone surrenders to Him whole heartedly. Trust Him. Trust His plan. And know that your mommy and daddy are here. To cheer you on, to cry with you, to push you forward, to thank God for you. Your full name means gift from God; God is with us. And I don't think anyone who spends even a little time in your presence would deny that. God IS with you--always. I love you baby boy.

Expected in the Unexpected

Dear Amariah, Dear little baby girl given to us by God, I had so much fun showering your mother with gifts, and love, and prayers today. I hope that you know it was really a shower for you. I can't wait until I can hold you. It's been four years since we've had a baby in the family. I know that every day you have grown has been a battle for life. I am so grateful to God that you have made it this far. I know it is because of His plan for your life that the doctors were wrong regarding your days.

It is my hope that your birth is only one of many miracles you will be a part of. I pray that God will continue to use you to beat the odds. I pray that even after you are born that when people see you they can't help but see the Awesome God that made you. I pray that God's love will make you content, I pray that you will always know that His love is the best love and the only love you need to fulfill you.

I am not perfect. I do not have all the answers. But I serve the One who does. And I want you to know that if you ever need anything, you can always come to Aunt "Wayne". I may not be able to help you, but together we will seek the One who can.

Trust that God has placed you right where He wanted you--with the mother He gave you, the brother He gave you, the sister He gave you, and even the father He gave you. God has created you part by part since the day you were conceived, and He has done it perfectly. Know that He will order your steps, if you allow Him. Know that He will shelter you from harm, if you allow Him. Know that He will show you great and mighty things, if you allow Him.

As much as your mommy loves you, as much as your grandma loves you, as much as your brother and sister love you, as much as Uncle Chris and I love you, God loves you ten million times more. Believe that. He will set a path before you that no one else can walk. He has ordained a life for you to live, and it is my hope that you choose to live it. And as you do, know that I will be there cheering you on the whole way.

In the Details

Fall sports are OVER! YAY! Fall Tennis was over last weekend. Matthew had his cross country meet last week, and fall soccer ended this weekend. I really do enjoy watching everything the boys do (most of the time). But it sure makes our days busy. This weekend I got just a taste of what I hope is to come in the slow times. Mark was at all region try outs all day. Matthew had an early game and Noah a late game. In between there I tried to shop and prepare Sunday's nursery lesson.

As we were shopping, there was a little boy following his mom. He was pushing a full grocery basket himself, but I guess his mom forgot to tell him that the aisles of the grocery store do not make a good Indy 500 track. He was swerving and screeching and knocking things off shelves at every turn, and NOT because his basket was full, although that did slow his speed. Which was probably a good thing. His mom called him Chaos. I kid you not! At first I thought it was mistake, but as she went down aisle after aisle, she would say, "Chaos come on here! Chaos I need the basket over here!Chaos stop taking so long!" One time he carelessly knocked over about 6 bags of Oreos. The boys were standing close to the scene (I think they were frozen in fear, praying for the basket to stop before it hit them). But Chaos did not stop and pick up the Oreos, he just looked at them and kept going. My boys stopped, and together they picked them all up. I was so proud of them for doing that. No it was not their mess, but they knew it would not be right to leave it there.

Then, we saw a little girl who had been separated from her mom. She was running down the aisles screaming "MOOOOMMY"! People were watching her, my children were watching her. But no one was helping her. So, I stepped in and asked her if she was okay. She replied that she was lost. She looked no older than Noah. I took her to customer service and proceeded to tell the associate that this girl was lost. She asked her what her mother's name was. The girl stated through tears "mommy". About that time the girls dad showed up. We later saw the girl down another aisle sticking close to her mother. But her mother was bawling her out for going with a stranger. "You better be glad that lady was nice. She could have taken you right out the store. She could have kidnapped you! You don't talk to strangers!" I thought, "well you don't leave her behind." I've lost my guys at stores before, it is a very sickening feeling, but when Noah was 4 he had me paged at Mardels. He went straight to the register and told the ladies his mommy was missing. They asked him my name and he was able to tell them--first and last name! When I got up front I was scared to death, but quickly realized how grateful I was that he did not panic and knew what to do.

However, Saturday, the kids were watching me. After the girl was reunited, both Noah and Matthew said "that was a nice thing for you to do mommy." I simply explained that if that ever happened to them I would hope someone would help them. Noah replied that he already knew what to do.

But I so many times get hung up on what they forget--to clean their rooms--to feed the animals--to put their clothes in the dirty hamper--to hang up their towels after they shower--to put their shoes up. Yet, God showed me Saturday that they see the important things. And they are applying them. I pray that our down time right now provides us all with many more opportunities to see God in the details. I learned that children live up to what you really expect of them, you know, what you say to them in passing, without thinking of the consequences. That little boy was certainly chaotic, and it breaks my heart to think that his mother doesn't see how he's living up to the standards she's set. I want my boys to know that they are followers of Christ, given by God, appointed to be peaceful. Exactly what Mark, Matthew, and Noah mean.

And I am forever relieved to know that despite my short comings, God is already beginning to mold them into adults who will make a difference for Him. They're not perfect, but they are God's, and I am honored He has loaned them to me.

I love this picture. I wish you could see Mark's determination. He WAS going to win this ball.

At the last game, Noah finally got to play offense for the first time. He was so excited when he got to throw the ball in.

Mark can do anything he puts his mind to. Tennis is no exception. He wasn't a superstar on the team, but he was MY superstar.

Matthew came in 32nd out of 161 boys this year. Last year he was 57th out of 181 boys. His long legs are truly a gift that he uses well.

Feeble Attempts

Have there ever been times when you remember hearing the call of God so clearly in your life that it was unmistakable? Maybe it was an altar call, maybe it was a long awaited answer to a prayer--whatever it was you knew. And in knowing you felt at peace.

I know God assigns our spiritual gifts, and I remember my grandma being a prayer warrior, but I don't think spiritual gifts are passed down like hair color or temperament. But Grandma was always the last one to eat, after she had served everyone else. And when she finally sat down to eat she would not take a bite until she had gone before the throne. I often wondered how her food could even taste good by the time she finished--surely it must be cold. But now I realize that her tears flavored her food better than any other seasoning imaginable.

I remember several years ago I went to a bible study. The speaker was ministering afterwards. So I went up to receive prayer. Instead I received admonition. She told me I need to be in the word more. She said I had the gift of intercession, and people would be need my prayers and I could not be effective in that if I was not in the word. I really walked away thinking this woman was possessed. I was NOT my grandma--I DID NOT have the gift of prayer. I came because I NEEDED prayer!

But as I am getting older I realize more when God leads me into prayer. There are nights when I will wake up and toss and turn for hours, wondering why it is I can't sleep. Was it the banana nut ice cream I had? Or the glass of tea? Did I take my diuretic containing blood pressure pill too close to bedtime? Did I forget to pay a bill? Then I hear the Lord, He will ever so gently bring to mind the name of a person who He wants me to pray for. It's amazing that I can wallow in sleeplessness for HOURS, but after praying earnestly for whoever it is God lays on my heart I can fall asleep. And I can sleep like a baby.

I still struggle with this gift. Because I struggle I wonder if it truly is a gift. I mean it sounds so self absorbed to say that God lays someone on my heart for prayer. After all He doesn't really need my prayers. He is God. All He has to do is think and the matter is resolved. And besides that, there are things I have prayed for that I don't think I will ever see come to pass in this lifetime. So. If this is a gift, then does that make me ineffective at it? And I often give up, because I am human, on that family member who walks blindly, on that person who throws away their potential, on that relationship that drifts apart, on the that heart who remains hardened. So how is it that this is a gift? Besides, if it was a gift wouldn't I have a testimonial in my own life of all the ways God has answered prayers? Wouldn't I be able to make an infomercial for intercession? "Look at all you too can have, and all you have to do is spend a few hours a week in prayer."Was that woman of the word spot on, or was she drinking a bit too much communion wine all those years ago when she proclaimed intercession as one of my gifts?

I like saying that encouragement is one of my gifts. I LOVE to encourage. I like saying compassion is one of my gifts, I can sympathize with someone without speaking a word. I like thinking administration is one of my gifts. I LOVE to have things organized and planned and detailed. But prayer...I struggle with. I would love for my children's children to remember me in the way I remember my grandma. She breathed her faith. And even in her last days when her illness had so far progressed that she could not remember many people I have to believe that the Lord was holding this child of His and soothing her only like a loving parent could.

WOW. That's not me. I don't season every word with salt, I let the sun go down on my anger, I refuse to submit to my husband, and I frustrate my kids. PLUS, I give up WAAAY too early on my personal prayers. The gift of prayer belongs with people more pure at heart. Jesus, my grandma, my friend Dina. People who don't get tripped up by their own daily walk so much.

But, I had a youth pastor say that prayer and faith were muscles that needed to be stretched to be effective in a believer's life. So I guess when I struggle with the weight of my prayers I should trust God. Trust that He is answering my prayers, not because of who I am, but because of who He is.

And like a child who brings a scribbled piece of paper to his mommy and says "I made this flower for you." I pray above all else that when I get to heaven God will look at my attempts at prayer and say, "Oh baby girl, thank you! It's the most beautiful bouquet I've ever seen."

Heart Treasures

God has been so good to me this week. I could say that every week, but this week was serendipitous.

It started on Monday, I read Lysa TerKeurst's blog regularly. I do not know her personally, but she works at Proverbs 31 ministries. She has such a heart for God. Well, I read her blog this week and she talked about a friend who was having a give away. I don't know her friend either. But thought I would enter the contest. The rules were to "Post a comment about how God ministered His love to you in a personal detail, or how He prompted you to be a vessel of His love for someone else. " So I posted. Maybe someday I will share that with you. I was notified Friday that I had won! I was overwhelmed. The announcement came at just the right time. It reminded me that God cares for me. He sees my effort and tells me that He is proud of me. Man did I need that! So next week I will get a variety box of Herr's potato chips (which I have never tried), and two books. I can't wait to get them all!

Then, today my babies were baptized. Matthew accepted Christ over a year ago, but we never made a big deal about baptism. I know it is an important part of the believers life, but for our family we felt it would be more significant if he chose the time rather than having him desire baptism because others were doing it. Noah accepted Christ this summer. We were at church decorating for VBS. And he randomly said "Mommy I think I need to ask Jesus into my heart." We had been talking about it. But I did not want to pressure any of my children into a decision. We would talk about it and say "when you feel like you need to ask Jesus into your heart we can."

So they were both baptized today. Even more special was the fact that since daddy had been ordained as a deacon back in January, he got to baptize them. It was a special time. Chris was proud of them. He said, "I did not follow God as a child. I am so proud of them for making a decision I did not make until I was an adult."

More than any diploma, award, or trophy that they may receive I am FOREVER blessed to know that all of my children have made the choice to follow Christ. I hope they know I treasure these moments above all else. And I hope they will forever taste and the goodness of the Lord. I am a blessed mom. And, you know, I don't deserve it. But I am so grateful that God loves me anyway.

Friend He loves you just as much, look for Him this week. He's waiting to bless you too!

Things to do ...

A great writter always writes about what they know. So I continue to write about soccer. Becuase right now that is all I know! Then maybe that will someday turn me into a great writer, and I will be able to say I owe it all to soccer!

Every season which usually only lasts 8 weeks (sometimes longer if games are rescheduled), I spend 4 hours at practice weekly and 6 hours at games. Mark's games are now an hour and a half. Matthew's are only an hour, but we have to be there thirty minutes before for warm up and then the coach usually keeps them another thirty minutes afterwards to tell them what they did wrong, I mean to go over strategy.


I have always tried, sometimes unsuccessfully, to multi-task. The four hours I spend a week at practice just seem lost for me sometimes. BUT I am trying to fill them consructively. So...if there are any other new moms out there, wondering what you can do during pracitce or if some of you just need to know how to fill an hour spent waiting, here is a list of ideas. All of which I have done.


* Do a bible study
* Exercise by walking around the block
* Try to beat your high score on what ever game is installed on your phone
* Edit the pictures on your memory card
* Address wedding invitations
* Cut out decals used for children's bible class/greeting cards/scrapbooks
* Call a friend
* Plan your meals for the week
* Clean out your car
* Watch a video
* Pluck your eyebrows
* Give yourself a partial mani or pedi
* Take a quick nap
* Fold a load of laundry

So...what can you do with an hour? 'Cause I may need some new ideas if soccer continues in our house!

Opposites: Wet and Dry

The boys have played soccer for many years. Mark has been playing since he was 4. His first season he played his first game in snow flurries. He was so bundled up I am surprised he was able to run. I am also surprised he went back, but he has gone back, for eight and a half years. This year has been a rather wet season. Several games have been rescheduled due to rain. Last week we waited an hour--in a down pour--at the complex--only to have them call it.

Yesterday it was overcast and I had so many other things to do, I prayed for cancellations. They never came. Today, it has been cold and overcast again. But today there has been a bit more precipitation. Not torrential flooding like last week, but enough to get you wet if you stood out in it for a few minutes.

People who don't have children in soccer sometimes don't believe me when I tell them I have to take the boys to soccer. Their response is always "It's raining" OR "It's gonna rain". But I promise I am not lying. They will not call it unless they see lightning--most of the time it has to strike the ball before they call a game (not really but it sure feels that way).

Therefore I took pictures today for all you doubting Thomas'. My poor baby looked like he fell in a big puddle head first. But he played both thirty minute halves--without a break--in the rain. I don't think I would be so dedicated, but since he played I watched. The first thing he did when he came home, the first thing we both did, was to find dry clothes. I am so glad I don't live in the ocean, or a fish tank. I like being dry.

This is what Mark's shirt looked like after the game. It WAS light gray before the rain soaked it.

Notice his smiling face, it is not covered with sweat but with rain!

These poor children were simply trying to make it back to their dry vehicles.

This is what my shoes and pants looked like after a WET day out at the soccer field.

Order of Operations

I am so mad...I love the library. I love being able to check out books and fall in love with them then return them and never have to make permanent room on my already full shelves. I recently checked out a book by the author Francine Rivers. She writes christian fiction. The name of the book was The Scarlet Thread. I cried through the majority of the book. I related in so many ways to the characters.

After I devoured that book I had to read more. I found another book that Rivers authored entitled As Sure as the Dawn. It is set in Rome after the death of Christ. It is a book that contains fifty-five chapters. I stayed up many late nights to finish it. Once again I cried and related though the entire book.

Rivers used the verses James 1:19-20 as her basis for this book. They read "My dear brothers and sisters, pay attention to what I say. Everyone should be quick to listen. But they should be slow to speak. They should be slow to get angry. A man's anger doesn't produce the kind of life God wants."
Rivers' book reads "Notice the order: First, listen--and be quick about it. Speech is to come slowly, After listening; that is, after getting all the facts. Anger is--or should be--an after thought. How often do we reverse the order?"

Wow. I simply picked up a book that I thought would be a good fictional read. You know, the kind that takes you right into the heart of the story, making you forget you have laundry to fold, or dishes to wash, or children to feed. Oh yeah, I have to feed the children.
But after I finished the book it was a soul searching experience. I had to go before God and confess that I do not heed those words. How many times have I given over to my anger? How many times have I hurt my children, or spouse, because I would not slow down enough to listen? How many times have I spoken out--have I ASSUMED--without hearing all the facts, from a family member, from a leader, from a friend?

I pray the Lord would continue to mold me into a woman who edifies others with her words. I know I am not perfect, but I certainly don't want to be called a fool. "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." Proverbs 29:11. And I want to live the kind of life God wants me to live. Can't do that if I don't follow the order of operations.
I want to slow down enough to be a blessing. God has been so good to me--so merciful to me, so gracious to me--shouldn't I be the same way towards others? I have no right to be anything else.
Like I said, I simply wanted a book to escape into. Yet, God used even that to speak to His daughter. I'm glad I heard Him. Father be patient with me. Thank you for continuously teaching me.

*******************

Oh, I forgot, I am mad because this book, As Sure as the Dawn, is a part of a series--the last part. I have not read the first two books. So now I will start at the beginning. I wish I would have known. But as good as this one was I am sure I won't be disappointed.

Just In Time

The following excerpt below was my morning devotional today. Oh how the Lord knew I needed this! I just told Chris last night through tears and cries of frustrations that I feel like a failure as a mom. I've got great kids--I really do. But man do they push me! I joke that one of these days they are going to push me right over that invisible cliff.

Matthew is now in the fourth grade and while he was straight A's last year, the first six weeks of the year seem to be kicking his little and my bigger hiney. It almost feels like first grade all over again.

And then Mark, with his sheer brilliance can get most of his work done at school. Yet, that makes it real convenient to overlook his assignments. This year there are more projects that he has to complete on his own. Homework due the next day is one thing, but projects that have time lines are another. I don't like to procrastinate. So seeing him wait and wait and wait until I am almost ready to do the project myself drives me CRAZY!

We have soccer for all three, tennis for one, cross country for one, and tutoring for one. We also have church twice a week. Then somewhere in there we are supposed to fit in early bedtimes, hot balanced meals, family mealtimes, chores, showers, and laundry--always laundry. So seeing this devotional this morning is EXACTLY what I needed. It is nice to know I am not alone. And I pray that if you find yourself questioning what God was doing making you a mom that you too would take comfort in these words. If you want to read the devotional in its entirety just click on the link below.

http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement/11582463/

Good Mom?

Bad Mom?

Good Mom?

Bad Mom?


Do you ever feel as though you are the ping-pong ball in a heated match bouncing constantly between feeling like a good mom to a bad mom?

One minute I have a great discussion where my child finally gets it... GOOD MOM!
The next I get an e-mail from a teacher that lists the three parents who have yet to turn in that permission slip and I am on the list for all the world to see... BAD MOM!

I calmly handle the stresses of the morning routine... GOOD MOM!
But then during the afternoon homework session, my child's irresponsibility over a last minute project just about sends me over the edge. I find my neck muscles tensing and my voice rising... BAD MOM!

I make sure they pack something healthy for lunch... GOOD MOM!
The schedule falls apart in the late afternoon and I wind up feeding them sugar cereal for dinner... BAD MOM!

Sometimes I feel like that ping-pong ball mom bouncing from feeling good to bad. Yesterday morning I sat down at the kitchen table after getting everyone where they needed to be and cried. Sometimes having kids is the greatest thing that has ever happened in my life. Other days I feel like the task of parenting little people is driving me to the brink of craziness. Just the other day I was processing some recent family things with my friend, Renee, over the phone. Suddenly a strange theme seemed to arise. I just started laughing.

I told Renee that so many of my days seemed to tell the same kind of story... I was on the verge of a breakdown and then I spent time with Jesus and He made things better. Renee quipped back to me, "Well, isn't that where most of us live every day?" Not that we are on the edge of a breakdown, but we live in a place of utter dependence on God. I know as a mom, I live in constant need of His love, encouragement, wisdom, perspective, strength, patience, and grace.

Anything I do right as a mom is because of my constant dialogs with God. Anything I do wrong as a mom is because of trying to do things in my own strength and slap wearing myself out. That's where grace steps in. And I need lots of grace. God's grace steps in and says, "Lysa, you are doing better than you think. Stop bouncing from feeling good to bad to good to bad. In the good times, rejoice and thank me. In the not so good times, call out to me quickly."

And suddenly it occurred to me; with God I'm never a bad mom. I might be having a bad moment... or two... or seventeen. But a few bad moments do not define me as a bad mom. God's grace is there to cover me. Teach me. And even in the middle of a bad moment, interrupt me, redirect me, and change me. Forgiveness is there. Love is there. A second chance is there.
You are a good mom my friend even if, like me, you've had a few bad moments... you is the exact mom God knew your children needed. Let's live in that truth today.

"Dear Lord, being a mom is a great privilege but one that can be so challenging at times. Teach me how to lean on You with every action and every reaction. And when I mess up, please help me to not define myself by my mommy failures. Help me to only be defined by Your love that assures me and Your grace that covers me. In Jesus' Name, Amen." copyright Lysa TerKeurst

Changing

Have you ever found yourself the target of some one's wrath?! Have you ever been going along minding your own business and find yourself in the middle of an explosion that forever alters your spirit or hurts your heart?

I have. It seems as though God has given me MANY opportunities to know those kinds of people, both family and friends. You know...the kind who will somehow find a way to blame you for whatever it is that is bothering them at that very given moment--even if you had nothing to do with their situation.

And the saddest part is that the anger, the bitterness, that poisons our relationships comes from the hearts of Christians. I have had conflicts with non-Christians that end better than with believers. Why is that?

I don't deal well with conflict. When I was growing up, it was much easier to retreat into my own little world than to push a conflict, or rather push for a resolution in a conflict. So it is that way now too. For me it is like being attacked by a pit bull then asking me to pet the next one I see walking down the street. NO. THANK . YOU.

Yet my desire to keep all of my limbs makes me an easy target for blame. "Well I attacked you, but YOU made no effort to reach out." "Don't say you love me." "If you loved me you would understand this is how I am and you should accept me in spite of that." I'm sorry. I'm sorry I don't bounce back after being thrown against a brick wall. And I do love you in spite of your shortcomings, but that doesn't mean I deserve the brunt of your anger because I love you.

I think maybe I'm an enabler for people like that. Or maybe God put me into relationships with so many people like that because He wants me to learn NOT to be that way. I'm trying. I'm not perfect. I still unload on my children, those gifts from God. I still snap at my husband, my best friend. But then God snaps right back. Because when I hurt one of His children I hurt Him. Does that mean He hurts when I hurt? He reminds me of His grace. He reminds me of peace.

"Turn from Evil and do good; seek peace and PURSUE it." Psalms 34:14

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18

So...loved one...I am PURSING peace. Maybe not the way you would, but God is working on me. And I am SO grateful for your grace in understanding that. Just as I pray for God to mold me into His likeness, I pray for you too. I pray blessings and peace and joy and hope into your life. Regardless of if I am a part of it or not. Because I'm not who I was.

Dream Believer

Once fall sports start I always wonder what I was thinking agreeing to allow three children to play different sports. Yet we always manage to get through the season. Usually with more color (due to the sun), more knowledge (as the sport gets harder) more fit (as we are ALWAYS running somewhere), and less sleep (as we are ALWAYS running somewhere).

This year is no exception. Mark is on the tennis team at school, a member of the concert band, and a member of a recreational soccer team that plays every Sunday. Sunday games are new for us this year too. Matthew is playing recreational soccer and trying out for the cross country team at school. Luckily, Noah is content simply with soccer. And this is more than fine for me.

But yesterday we were out in the sun from 7:45 until 2:30. Mark had his first tennis tournament, and Matthew and Noah both had games in between there. I love watching them each. Noah is so proud of himself if he just makes it through the game (and I am too). Matthew is a quiet player but knows how to step it up when he needs to. His long legs make him a great runner and a quick defender.

Mark is our surprise. He's always been small. But he's finally growing. He's five feet now. However, he is sometimes over looked in competition because he IS so petite. I was not sure if tennis would be a good sport for him either. Plus, I have never been a big tennis fan and did not know how I could last through these tournaments. Nothing against those of you who are, but the sport just never grabbed me. Until yesterday...

The way they play is basically the first one to four points wins the game. The first player to win six games wins the match. I was able to catch almost all of his first match. I knew that he had been struggling with serving. I was very nervous for him. But halfway into the fourth game I had to take a child to soccer. So I left Mark. He called me after the match was over, very disappointed. He had lost. I gave him the best pep talk I could over the phone. I promised him that as soon as Matthew's game was over I would be back to watch his next match. It was double elimination so he had one more chance to move on.

We made it back to the tennis courts. Daddy had made it in from out of town by this point so we sat and ate a light lunch and waited...

His next game might be his last. Once it started Chris decided to stay. I was once again off to take another child to soccer. At this point I was wondering how many children I had birthed because I was REEAALLY starting to feel worn out and it was only twelve o clock!

Mark called me half way through Noah's soccer game to tell me that he had won and was moving up in the bracket. But still, every game was life or death. I was so proud of him. I remembered the little boy who struggled so much to find his place last year. I remembered how he felt so inadequate at simply being. And all MY love wasn't enough, because I wasn't with him every moment of every day.

By the time Noah's soccer game was over, Mark was in the semi finals. We were all so proud of him. But mind you this is his first year to ever play tennis. And he practiced very little this summer. I was able to watch the last two games in his semi final match. He had come back from a score of zero games to two. And now the score was five games to four in his favor. The score was tied at three to three, and Mark was serving. It was all on the line with this final serve. And his opponent knew how to slam it over the net. Yet, all the way back to the tennis courts I prayed that the Lord would be glorified in Mark's playing, regardless of if he won or lost.

So we were on the edge, waiting for his final serve, when I witnessed the most bold, most faith-filled thing I have ever seen in my life. Mark took his ball and his racket and knelt right there at the line. I looked over at Chris and said, "What. Is. He. Doing?" He replied, "I think he is praying." Mark got up and made his last serve. The boy with the power shot for an arm hit it right into the net! The game was over! Mark won! He was playing in the finals!!

I asked him when he came off of the court what he was in fact doing. He confirmed that he had prayed. I did not ask him what he prayed, I feel that is personal. But I know that in that moment God was completely glorified! MY twelve year old little boy sought God ON THE TENNIS COURT! Sarah, God heard your prayers! I was amazed and overwhelmed.

He's not perfect, I am not perfect. But I see him seeking. I see him reaching. And God is there reaching right back. I pray that Mark will always turn to God. Not only in the tense moments, but in the joyous ones too! I want my boys to KNOW there is no better place than in the shadow of their Father. I was more proud of him for that prayer than if he had won his entire bracket. And I told him that too. BUT, he went on to win his bracket too. God is good. Last year we couldn't see this far. But God could, and I am so glad He sustained us all. I pray that He would continue to dwell with this family, with these children, even though we are all so unworthy. And I am so thankful to Him for allowing ME to witness that moment. My boys may be older, but the joy I feel from being their mother didn't end when they started walking. It's only compounded. And I am forever grateful.

"God can do anything you know--far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around, but by working within us, His spirit gently and deeply within us." Ephesians 3:20 The Message

Double Digits

Matthew turned 10 yesterday. It kind of made me sad. He will never again celebrate a single digit birthday. Somehow there seems to be innocence in single digit birthdays. Or is it just me? While today, he is still a child, his tenth birthday comes to remind me that this big hearted innocent little boy has yet to face lots of growing.

I am so glad that God made each of my children uniquely different. Mark's tenth birthday did not provoke so much thought. Mark seemed ready to grow. Matthew, has come into ten rather quietly. It has been such a joy to watch him...to hear people tell me how sweet he is. And while that sounds like bragging, it isn't. I am very humbled to say I am Matthew's mother. Because I mess up a lot. But Matthew forgives a lot too.

If he sees someone with a need he reaches out to help. He has a heart WAAAY to big for a child. He will help out without ever thinking about what it costs him. Children love Matthew and are magically drawn to him. Last week I had my niece and nephew with me at church. But we serve dinner. So HE, my then 9 year old child, took it upon himself to feed my niece and nephew. He makes me smile. He is an example, even to me, of the unbiased love of Christ.

So he is now a little bit older. And tomorrow he will be a little bit wiser. While I am sad because I know what the world will show him, I am hopeful because I know what has been planted. And I know what grows in his heart. And that growth will be what shades his life and protects his spirit. And just like people are always drawn to the biggest tree on a hot summer day, I know people will be drawn to the refuge that Matthew shows through Christ. How grateful I am to be able to see that.

"He will be like a tree that is planted near water. It sends out it's roots beside a stream. It is not afraid when heat comes. It's leaves are always green. It does not worry when there is no rain. It always bears fruit." Jeremiah 17:8

Labor Day Rest

The first week of school was wrapped up with great success. Noah loves his first grade teacher and she seems to have just the right kind of gentle spirit that can relate with Noah's. Matthew also loves his teacher.I know she is going to help him become a better writer. He also loves his science teacher who happens to be "so cool". And Mark has started off the year with a much better start than last year. Honestly, he was the one I was worried for. Last year was a HUGE adjustment. Even though there were friends that came over with him, it just wasn't enough for him to help him find his place in middle school. But this year he seems excited about his schedule and comfortable with the routine.

And, as well as everyone did the first week, we were all eager to have a three day weekend. We enjoyed it to the fullest. It started out with a day at the opening game of the season.

After the first touchdown occurred, it started to feel like fall already!

And, even though he curses the turf they play on, we found our little Longhorn secretly lifting his guns up. I HAD to document this moment.

And here is the real reason people come to the game. Go FireEaters!

But some people also come to see this man, Michael Crabtree, score. We enjoyed our time at Jones Crab Shack!

Sunday was a nice family get together. Having a place to laugh makes the rough times more bearable.

And these ladies can make me laugh.

Matthew was a part of the mass birthday celebration.

I can't believe my baby is fixing to hit double digits!

And of course what is a get together unless the men can reminisce about football. Keep wishing boys. Every body's got to have a dream.

Tomorrow we will get back into the routine again. Seventy-six days left! I hope to make the most of them all!

And So it Begins

Today is the first day of school. We closed out the summer with a picnic fellowship and final jump in the pool. And I am sure that there are a million moms and dads journaling about this day. I met it this year with lots of mixed emotions.

I love my boys tremendously. And sometimes I am a horrible mother to them--honestly. Last week I was ever ready to start the school year, even if the boys weren't. Noah seems to find a way to goad the older two at every turn. And Mark thinks he has somehow amassed all the earthly knowledge there is in his short 12 years. And of course Matthew is stuck somewhere in the middle, usually a part of both conflicts.

But this morning, as I sent them off to school, I realized that I really haven't taught them enough. I need to be a better mother. A better teacher. It's not enough to make sure they are doing their devotionals, I need to be a part of them. It's not enough to encourage them to pray for others. I need to lead the prayers. It's not enough to scold them about being kind and turning the other cheek. I need to model it.

They will learn so much in school this year. Noah, how to be a better reader. Matthew, how to be a better writer. Mark, how to be a better tennis player. But each of them will face challenges and disappointments. Each of them will reach goals and find success. And it is my eternal prayer that they will not want to mourn or celebrate any where else but here.

Eighty days left in the semester after today. I pray I don't miss a single magical memory from one of them.

Another Year Another Dream

We have managed to end our summer with a bang. Matthew had an AMAZING reading teacher last year. Mrs. Smith is very creative in her approach to teaching. And with Matthew's low self-esteem and reading difficulties he needed someone who could reach him at his level. Mrs. Smith did that 1000 times over.

And she's had a neat program going for years. She really wants her kids to read; so if you read 25 chapter books and do a small book report on each, then at the end of the year you are eligible for several prizes. One of the prizes is an airplane ride. Her husband owns a small 4 seater plane and will take the kids out at the end of the year if they qualify.

Mark did not qualify. He did not read books that were required for the reports. I did not think Matthew would qualify either. I mean Mark LOVES to read--Matthew did not. So if Mark did not make it I naturally assumed that Matthew wouldn't either. But Mrs. Smith had a couple of other ways to earn this ride. If you were in her homeroom class and kept your folder clean, you were eligible as well. But Matthew never had a clean folder before. So again, I was doubtful.

However, God has blessed Matthew beyond measure!! He went all year without a folder pull and he qualified for that plane ride! Due to Mr. Smith's busy schedule it was hard to peg down a time. Here we are in the final week of the summer break and we thought maybe it just wouldn't happen. Which was okay. I know how busy life gets, and while we were sad we had resigned ourselves to believe that maybe it just wouldn't happen.

But Mrs. Smith is an amazing adult who once again taught the kids a lesson by honoring her word. She promised to give them that ride and she kept that promise. This week was another dream come true for Matthew. AND she let him take two people with him so he chose his brothers. How selfless is that?! Mark is the only one who's flown and he was about a year old when that happened. So none of them have had such an experience before.

I cried as the plane took off. Not out of fear, but complete joy that God has greater plans for my boys than I sometimes give Him credit for. I don't know what I did that God was gracious enough to give me these gifts, but I am grateful. And I can't wait to see all of them grow and fulfill their purpose in this life. Because then they will really know what it is like to fly.

Overflowing

There is now one week before school starts. Most of the time these last two weeks are a sort of quiet chaos as the boys are readjusting to bed times, I am sorting and labeling a million school supplies, and we are generally trying to reintegrate back into the real world of schedules. But, this past week was a blessing. It was certainly a refreshing week. God reminded us (me) in this last stretch before school starts of how much we are loved. That we are not forgotten.

I am blessed to be a part of some amazing women's lives. As "unofficial nursery director" of our church nurseries, I am responsible for hiring and supervising our paid staff. Over the last 6 years we have really had some great girls come through our doors. The sad part about that is, eventually they will walk right back out as life and their degrees take them off to pursue their dreams.

However, this week, I got to see one of my old staff members. Shenel is such a beautiful person inside and out. She left us almost two years ago after she graduated from the nursing program at Tech. We have thought of her often and miss her sweet light hearted spirit and beautiful smile. Noah especially bonded with her and when her Christmas card came in with a picture he immediately took her picture and would not let me put it in the photo album. It is such a blessing to know my children have managed to touch other adults--to become part of their hearts. Seeing Shenel also made me feel as though I have some significance. She took time out of her busy weekend finalizing school plans (she's going back) to come see us. How blessed are we?!

Then, here at home someone who is always available at the drop of a hat is another adult who has influenced my children. Sarah started out simply as a tutor to Matthew. I never knew the depths of which we would come to love her. It's been a busy summer for her as she has fixed up her new house, and counseled at church camp. But this Thursday she managed to find time for us. And man did we take her time! She visited with us, loved on the boys, and spoke of greater things--the things of God--with me, and she renewed me.

HOW LUCKY ARE WE?! My children have since the day they were conceived blessed me. But I never knew they would bless my life this way, by bringing these amazing adults into my life. I get to know them and love them because my children know them and love them. God is so good. He reminds us on a regular basis of how much He loves us. Truly our hearts are overflowing.

It is my prayer that you too would know how much God loves you this week. Maybe it's been a rough go of things lately, maybe you have a case of the blah's. Nothing seems to be going right, another summer has slipped through your fingers and so many things are still left on your family to do list. Maybe you haven't felt like much of a blessing. Well, let me tell you that you are a blessing to me! And I am glad you came by. You are always welcomed here. And if you have already seen His love in your life, through someone/something then share it with me. Tell the whole world how blessed you are!

Landscaping No-No's

We have a modest sand box in the backyard. It could certainly use more sand, but we have tried to make do with what we have this year. Maybe next year we can get more, if there is any left after the flood that washed through here today. There were some casualties that got caught in the rushing waters. Below is the devastation.

These are Ryleigh's W.E.T sandals. She was caught in the torrent.
This is what is left of the flood after the children were rushed to higher/drier ground. It was much greater.

This is what the sink looked like after the clean up.

This is the flood maker. His sentence...time out until the flood dissipates. When asked why he chose to float the sand box he responded "I just wanted to see a river." He should be out of time out by the time school starts.

Moral: If God promised never to destroy the earth with a flood again, then neither should little boys.