A Different Season

My life has done a 180 from the past few years and a 360 from 5 years ago. It is amazing how different life is now. I was in mourning for ‘days gone by’ for about 2 years leading up to where I am now. The past few years I have worked part-time and substituted at the school. Now, I have gone to work full time. I am where God wants me. I finally feel okay with it. It’s hard, but I know this is what I need to do right now. I am so thankful to God for allowing me to be home with my kids when they were babies and to home school them for awhile. As hard as those days were sometimes, they hold some of the dearest moments that I will treasure forever. The single thought of some of those times brings joy to my heart. Thank you Father! Yes, I miss those days of snuggling on the couch first thing in the morning, but by the end of the day bedtime was all I could do to get them in bed as soon as possible so I could have some quiet time. We don’t snuggle in the morning now, but bedtime is so sweet. Being away from them all day pushes me to spend that time at night with each of them as we end our day. Every day holds a new treasure of its own; it is just in a different package.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SPICY GUY!

Well... I'm a day late, but that's only because I was exhausted after Spicy Guy's b-day party. We had a 5 hour b-day party yesterday (that was my compromise to not having a sleepover) and then I drove everyone home; just in time for their parents to put their sugar hyped kids to bed! sorry ya'll!! Really!! Anyway, here are all the highlights. Oh, but first I have to thank my wonderful husband for really doing most of the work and organizing all the activities. I basically only made cookies and took pictures.

Whiffle Ball

The Blue Team

The Red Team

Chicken Fight!!!!

Pinata!

Bonfire...

...with marshmallow throwing!

Birthday Cookies!

It was an awesome day with a great bunch of friends!

I hope you had fun Sweet Boy! I love you!

For His Purpose

I have heard it said that being a mother is like having your heart walk around outside your body. There have been many times in my kids lives I could so relate to that. Today was no different. I don’t even know if I can explain it. First we picked up our sweet girl from ‘Kamp’. This was her first year and she was nervous. She is not an extravert by any means, so being away was a BIG deal for her. Anyway, can I just say how proud I am of her? (I mean that in the most humble way, is that possible?) God put her there at this time, with the people she was with for His purpose. When I remember that, I don’t ever need to worry. ( I just need to remember.) So this morning, my heart was walking around full of gratefulness and love.

This afternoon we found out that our older son was being replaced in his band position and moved to another. We knew as of yesterday it might be a possibility and then he text messaged us today to say he was being moved. (They had try outs at the end of the school year and he made the position he wanted. Then yesterday a new kid came and they let him try out.) Tod and I were so sad for him, we couldn’t be there to comfort him and tell him that this was in God’s control and everything would be okay. We went tonight to see the band play what they had learned so far. As we sat in the stands, (we still had not seen or talked to T) I have to confess it was so hard for me to sit and watch. My heart was aching for T. I had to keep reminding myself that God has a purpose, even when it comes to band.

So today my heart soared and sunk, but I know who is in control and I wouldn't want to live one day without Him. I couldn't handle it on my own. And that is what I want my kids to know too. How else will they truly learn it if they don't live it and experience it?

For This Child I Prayed...

My little girl is 13! I can’t believe it. These years have gone by so fast. I can still see her cute little crinkle nose smile when she was four. I remember how she loved to play dress up and do my hair. I loved to watch her sing and dance and play with her brothers. She is growing up now and my heart is overflowing. She is a beautiful, wonderful, kind, compassionate, strong, giving person. She is the daughter I prayed for. God has blessed me beyond measure through her. She continually amazes me with her perseverance and courage.

Several years ago I read *Lisa*Welchel’s (from Facts of Life) website and she posted what she did for her daughter’s 13th B-day. It was a special Spa day complete with a verse for everything they would do. I thought it was such a great idea. I have been planning this for Hannah for over 5 years. So Friday night my sweet girl and I packed up and went to a hotel.
And this is how we spent our weekend...I gave her one note at a time with the scripture and a message from me. It was truly a special time.

Spa Day – “ When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a ‘woman’, I put away childish things.” 1 Corinthians 13:11

Massage – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6

Skirt & Shirt – “And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves…For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.” 1 Timothy 2:9,10


Manicure – “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” Psalm 24:3,4

Pedicure – “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” John 13:14

Facial – “For if you just listen and don’t obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you keep looking steadily into God’s perfect law—the law that sets you free—and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:23-25


Necklace – “My ‘daughter’, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck.” Proverbs 1:8,9

Mother/Daughter Frame – “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.” 1 Samuel 1:27
I have wanted a daughter for as long as I can remember. I hope you enjoyed this day. I’m so glad we have the friendship that we do. I don’t take that for granted. I hope you will always feel like you can talk to me about anything. I love spending time with you. You are so precious to me. I love you, my beautiful teenage daughter.

Her Children Arise and Call Her Blessed

This post is dedicated to the most important woman I have ever known; my mom. I adore my mom. She is what I want to be. She has always been the perfect balance of love and discipline. I read parenting books that say you shouldn’t be your child’s ‘friend’ you need to be their parent. But my mom was both while I was growing up. I wish I knew exactly how she did it. I love her and respect her. She taught me how to cook, clean, and do laundry. But most of all she taught me about love and grace. She taught me how to serve my husband and my children. I can remember so many times she denied herself to give to us. She is my hero! Happy Mother’s Day, mommy, I love you!