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!

Weekend Gone Wonderful

We had a wonderful weekend. T has to travel for his job and is gone most weekends now. So this past weekend we packed up and went with him. We picked the kids up after school and headed north. We arrived at our hotel around 5:00 and T had to head to his first appointment. The kids and I stayed at the hotel while he was gone. I took the kids to the pool and they had a great time while I read. When T got back we went out to eat and then we went to a local store to buy lots of snacks for us for the next day. T left again the next morning came back for a swim with the kids left again that afternoon until late that night. The kids and I just stayed in the room and watched movies, played games, and ate. I loved the time I was able to spend with them uninterrupted. Sunday after we checked out we went to eat and then T dropped us off at a movie while he had another appointment. After the movie we walked to a frozen custard place and had a shake while we played this game that I carry in my purse. We started home around 4:30 and got in around 11:00. It was a great trip. The kids had fun, T loved the company and having someone else to drive part way and I was able to just enjoy the time with my family without distraction. The only sad thing was that our oldest wasn't able to go due to baseball and band commitments. He stayed with his grandparents over the weekend, but it sounds like he had a good time too.

Me a meme?

I have never done a meme so I thought I would try this one from Alana.

I will start with meme #2 because I need to think about #1 some more and I will post it another day.

The book I am currently reading is this book. I am loving it and have learned so much about the world of teenagers. I highly recommend it before your kids hit the teenage years. Anyway, the meme is to turn to page 123, find the 5th sentence and list the next 3 sentences. It's a little interesting because I will start in the middle of quote from a teen girl (in brown) and go into what the authors say. Here goes... " 'But I just kept thinking how sad that she couldn't talk to her own mom...that she didn't have that kind of relationship where she could get both understanding and a better solution that was more in line with the family's morals.' With all the challenges and temptations our kids face, it's important that they believe we are safe and clued-in listeners who can be trusted to handle anything they tell us. Thankfully, the kids provided lots of great examples of what makes them feel we are listening, beginning with the revelation that we mentioned earlier." I haven't read this chapter yet, but I tried to skim it over to find the revelation she is talking about and I think it is trying to listen to their feelings and not freak out. Let me tell ya, this is a challenge for me because I am a freaker outer!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Like Son, Like Mother

I'm so thankful for God's grace and my kids grace too. I planned a Game night for the kids at our church last night and my Spicy guy was very testy, to put it mildly, all night. It's always harder to deal with him during those times because I am in charge and have to keep all the other kids entertained, yet I want to deal with his behavior. I had to have him sit out a few times. He gets very disrespectful when he is mad, which makes the consequences even worse. I told my husband this morning what happened. Later I heard him talking to Spicy guy and asking him if he would have treated his teacher at school that way ( something I have also asked him before). Of course he said, "No" and so Tod asked him, "who is more important, your mom or your teacher?" He said, "Mom." So Tod told him he shouldn't be talking to me and treating me that way. As I was thinking about that later it hit me that I wouldn't talk to other kids as impatient or frustrated as I do him. I am much more self-controlled with others. And so is he. Enter God's grace!!!! I know there is the fact that his discipline is my responsibility and he needs to continue to learn self-control, but so do I.

The Best Snow Day Yet...

Yesterday was so much fun! Our family had a blast out on the ice. We have a steep hill that goes past our house and it was absolutely perfect for sledding. Dawn's boys came over to play with us, so we had several races. I wish I could figure out how to post a video. I have one with all of us on a huge sled (look at picture 3 to guess what we used) going down the hill and I am video taping as we are riding down; it was awesome!

Here's our little spicy guy!



Young T-man



Can anyone guess what they are riding on?



Dog pile down the hill!



Dawn's crew!

Hope you all had fun too!

Just Some Funny Pictures

My little spicy guy and my nephew, who is serving over seas right now.

Thursday Thirteen

13 reasons why I love you honey!

1. You are thoughtful
2. You are funny
3. You are generous
4. You are an optimist
5. You are patient
6. You are kind
7. You don’t hold a grudge
8. You are a great friend
9. You are an awesome DAD
10. You are a loving husband
11. You love the Lord
12. You make me smile
13. God made you just for me!

I Forgot...Too Much Noise...

It is really hard to concentrate right now because my older son is playing his drums. I am going to try to get out a complete thought before I lose my mind.

What was I going to write about? You have got to be kidding me? Wait a minute, it will come to me.

Oh!

Nope lost it again.

Let me think... think... think...think. (The word think looks funny after you write it several times in a row.)

Ummmm...

Wait a minute, it's quiet! Oh thank you Lord for the quiet!

Nevermind!

I Love This Verse

I Samuel 16:7b "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Father help me to see your children, my brothers and sisters, through your eyes at their heart. And I pray that others will see my heart too.

I'm Not in Kansas Anymore

I have to say parenting a teen is so different from parenting younger children. (To me anyway.) Everything is new and different. There are so many things that I don't feel prepared for. I just don’t feel as confident in my parenting as I did when he was younger. I mean I was always reading books and I had friends in the same life stage to talk to and compare ideas with and it was just easier to set boundaries. I struggle with so many decisions now. I mean, I don’t think I’m a push over; the basic principles are still there. Be respectful, be honest, honor and obey mom and dad. I think the battle I have is within me. Is it really okay for him to do that? Am I giving him too much freedom? If I say no will he rebel? Is he making good choices? Is he mature enough for that? Can he handle it? AAAAHHHH!!!!! And so, I PRAY! I pray that he will remember what he has been taught and not depart from it. I pray that he will keep God’s word hidden in his heart so that he won’t sin against him. I pray that he will own his faith and desire to please God in all he does. I pray for him to grow in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man. I pray that I will trust God to fulfill his purpose in his life. I had to go through many trials in my own life that I know and believe God had and has a purpose for. As much as I want to shield my kids from their own trials, I know I can’t. I know God has a purpose for each of them. I have to trust that God will guide me as I seek to do the right thing for my kids.

Thursday Thirteen

13 reasons why I’m glad there is no school tomorrow

• get to sleep in
• jammie day!
• get to sit and drink a whole cup of coffee
• get to be home
• with my kids
• and my husband
• catch up reading your blogs
• comment on your blogs
• take a nap
• bake cookies
• eat cookies
• watch a movie
• did I mention stay home all day!!!!!
  
  
  
  

Tender moment

This morning at church we had a wonderful music and worship time. I felt such gratitude to God for all he has blessed my life with. At one point we were encouraged to just listen to the words as one of the women from the worship team sang this song by Marc James.

“I’m giving you my heart, and all that is within I lay it all down for the sake of you my King, I’m giving you my dreams, I’m laying down my rights, I’m giving up my pride for the promise of new life.

And I surrender all to you, all to you And I surrender all to you, all to you

I'm singing You this song, I'm waiting at the cross And all the world holds dear, I count it all as loss
for the sake of knowing You, For the glory of Your name
To know the lasting joy, even sharing in Your pain”

My fourteen year old son reached over and held my hand for the entire song. I can not even describe the emotion I felt. I just sat there and let the tears roll. Even now I am tearing up. It was such a precious time with my son. Okay now I am just down right crying. I love those special gifts from God.

Father Thank you for such a special moment. One that I will always remember. Thank you for all the ways you show me how much you love me. I love you and I surrender all to you.

So Much to Say, So Little Time...Take Two

Praise the Lord; Tod has a job! After 2 ½ months of job searching Tod has found what we feel the Lord had in mind all along. Our prayer from the beginning has been to be able to stay in the area, to be able to keep our house, and for Tod to find something he could be passionate about. He is going to be working for this company. This company helps children who wet the bed at night become dry. We have actually used this program for two of our children. It works! The seed was planted back in July when we found out that there were not any representatives in this area and Tod commented about what it would be like to work for this company. That was it until late December when everything else Tod looked at didn’t work out. We started talking about moving and we didn’t want to do that. Tod mentioned this company and we talked about it, he called and they hired him. He left today to go to Wisconsin for a week for training. The down side is that Tod will have to travel for this job. We really have had great peace about the whole losing his job thing. I will confess I did have a two day pity party in December. On my birthday Tod had a second interview with a resort here in town and we had high hopes that this was where God wanted him. Half way through the interview they told him they had already hired someone. I have to continually remind myself (out loud) that GOD IS IN CONTROL! He knows the plans he has for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. And this may sound crazy, but I am also learning that applies to the small stuff just as much as the big stuff. We are so thankful for this new opportunity for Tod. Please feel free to e-mail me if you want more info regarding this company. I would love to share more with you.
Blessings!

So much to say, so little time...

It's been so long since I have posted; I don't even know where to start.

My B-day week was great! My husband surprised me at dinner with these wonderful friends.










I spent the weekend with Janelle. We had a blast just walking around the shops at the local hot spot. We had to stop here and have a foot massage. A word of advice: Don't buy your heavy Yankee* candles first thing.

And then we ate at the fabulous Fish* Market restaurant ( the guy in the picture is Janelle's step-dad)
Monday I spent time with my favorite girl.


And Tuesday I went to lunch with my parents and then to dinner with Tod and the kids.

I must confess... I was going to do a whole catch up post, but I am so computer challenged that this post (with all the pictures and stuff) has taken me way too long. So I must bid you farewell and I will post more later.

Birthday Week

I feel like a little girl today... I am just so excited! My husband has planned a birthday week for me. It started Wednesday when "the rest of the spices" spoiled my husbands weekend surprise by telling me I was spending the night with Janelle Saturday after our church's Christmas party. Yea!!!! Then the kid in him could be contained no longer and he gave me my present, a beautiful pair of earrings, to wear on our date Friday night. I was instructed to take Friday off work and get my hair highlighted and cut. (I need it so badly) The fun continues with a day of shopping with Janelle on Saturday. Sunday I am sleeping in and missing church (gasp). Monday evening I am taking my daughter to a movie. And finally Tuesday (my actual b-day) we are going out for a family celebration. I am so grateful for this time. Thanks Honey!!

Calling All Prayer Warriors

Tod has had an interview for a new job. He has been asked back for a second interview. Please pray with us. Tuesday December 4th at 10:00 is the interview. Thank you all.