Merry Christmas and a Meaningful 2011

Yes, we're counting down the days until the New Year rolls in! And we just celebrated a 6th birthday for a very special girl in our family! Is certainly is the "most wonderful time of the year"! I wanted to share a very special gift my sister Kaye got us for Christmas. It was our request that we (Jason and I) not be given gifts this year but that the money that would normally be spent on us go toward people who actually *need* things. So here is what she came up with:

We received a card telling us that Aunt Kaye Kaye donated $75 to Hopeg*vers International so that an orphaned child in Ind*a could have new pants, a shirt, socks, shoes, sweater, blanket, toiletries, school supplies, a toy, and a brand new Bible, along with a sturdy chest to keep things in! Her contribution will also help provide the children at their Hope Homes with a special Christmas meal and a Christmas Carnival Celebration!

We were so excited to receive this card (even though Kaye Kaye had already told us what she got "us") and to actually see the child's hand print, name, and age that received the Hope Chest!! What a joy it is to know that we are helping orphaned children through my sister's gift. And in case anyone wonders, yes, we'd LOVE to continue this tradition for our birthdays and Christmases to come. Honestly, what do we *need*? Nothing except the love of our Father and we already have that!

I'd also like to share that I personally have been very convinced lately of the need and desire to honor God through our adopting a child in the next few years. And the orphanages that Hopeg*vers directs and oversees in Ind*a is very close to our hearts, so this gift is very special gift! Who knows? Maybe one day we'll be able to bring home one of the orphans directly impacted by gifts like the one Kaye gave in our honor. Blessed be the Name of the Lord!!

We love you! Thanks, Aunt Kaye Kaye!

Free Baby Sling!!!

I recently received an email for a promo code for 100% off on the baby carrier of your choice at www.sevenslings.com ! There are SEVEN to choose from!

These high quality carriers make great holiday and new mother gifts! Get an early start on your shopping so you can relax and spend time with family and friends during the season!

The code is "Thanksgiving".

Go to www.sevenslings.com , click on “Shop Now” and select the correct size sling or gift set you would like (be sure to visit the sizing page for instructions on how to select the right size carrier for you). Once you have selected the sling or gift set you would like - enter the promo code Thanksgiving into the promo code box and click “Apply Code”. This will bring your total from $39.00 to $0 for one of the carriers or from $44.00 to only $5 for a 3-piece gift set - all you are required to pay is the shipping fees!

This promotion code is valid once per transaction! You can use it more than once –you just have to open a new window to do so. Have a great holiday!

The email comes from Jenny Pierce, the owner of http://www.sevenslings.com/ .

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

It cannot be true. It simply can't be time for Thanksgiving festivities and then a few short weeks leading right straight to CHRISTMAS and our daughter's 6th BIRTHDAY! She'll remind you it's 2 days after Jesus's birthday--so glad she remembers who comes first!!

So it's time for gathering loved recipes, baking, making lists and checking them twice (I already know who is naughty or nice!!), fun homeschool crafts and activities, family photos (you know according to the hubby, he only participates in family pics once per year!), and then choosing the PERFECT photo(s) for our Christmas cards!

Speaking of Christmas cards....

This year I will be uploading to www.shutterfly.com and choosing from literally HUNDREDS of styles of cards! I just love looking at all their new designs online without leaving my home and creating it all with a few touches of a button. I have been scanning the ones from this year and here are my favorites: "Wonder of Wonders" and "Dotty Holiday Monogram" by Stacy Claire Boyd (who is she anyway??) and "Kaleidoscope Stars" by Erin Condren (although it is square shaped and requires extra postage, so probably not a go). I also liked "Retro Plaid 5X7 folded card" by Haute Note. I have NO IDEA what pictures I will pull from, so I guess I need to see how many I have that I want to put into my creation first, huh? And then I need to head to the post office and see how much of a loan I'll have to take out to buy the postage for 50 cards!

Then, wa-lah, they are delivered presto to my mailbox, which we are sure to make the awaited trip out to the mailbox each and every day in anticipation of a special package (don't know what I think might come, but we have frequented EB*Y quite a bit being a homeschool family). :)

So all you bloggers out there, take note of this great deal: Bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly... sign up: http://bit.ly/sfly2010

Here are some links you might find helpful in picking your design:

holiday cards: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards

new years cards: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/new-years-cards

Christmas photo cards: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards

O.K., go check it out!!

Beach Vacation 2010

God is so good! Thanks to Mrs. Bette, we were able to go with Papa Jeep and Bibbi once again for a week at the beach! This year it fell in October, but it turns out the weather was just WONDERFUL!! As I said, God is good and He is never late with His good gifts to His children!

I won't bore you with every picture of our beach vacation, but at this (LIMITED) time of the morning where one is still asleep and the other has eaten breakfast and wants jelly beans, I will give you a brief walk through our vacation at Garden City last week (most of you have seen them on FB, but it's mainly for those who are not a friend on FB--MOM!!)...

Where Does My Bank of Information Come From?

I have been asked more than a couple of times to share the websites I frequent and places where I gain a whole bank of information on child rearing, homeschooling, saving money, meal planning and preparation, etc. Here are the websites and blogs I use most often and highly recommend:

http://www.amommysadventures.com/
http://www.confessionsofahomeschooler.blogspot.com/
http://www.keeperofthehome.org/
http://www.thehappyhousewife.com/
http://www.faithfulprovisions.com/
http://www.heavenlyhomemakers.com/
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/
http://www.southernsavers.com/
http://www.thriftymama.com/
http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/
http://www.prayerofhannah.blogspot.com/
http://www.joyunspeakableandfullofglory.blogspot.com/
http://www.thepacepage.blogspot.com/
http://www.katlupesblog.blogspot.com/

I think that about summs it up. There may be a few more I'm missing, but I will try to add those if I find them. Hope you find them helpful! Leave me a comment if you have others you recommend as I always love to read other good, Christian websites that can help me!

Losing "Things" and my MIND!

It is not uncommon. Things disappear and reappear. Our children like rearranging our home and redecorating.

This one has been the longest missing so far. The cordless phone from our room disappears for a night and I look high and low for it. Then a week passes and I think it must be in a closet hiding in a shoe where the kids were playing hide-and-seek.

No such luck.

So while cleaning up their "fort" in the living room, I find lots of "missing items".

Low and behold, Dora must have needed a cordless phone for her latest expedition as I found it in Dora's purple back pack!

Sad thing is that now it won't charge on the charger and it won't turn on or anything.

Completely dead.

Much like my mind lately.

The First Day of Kindergarten

EMMA GRACE'S FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN--at HOME!

After waking at 8am, we had pancakes and cereal for breakfast! I already love kindergarten!!!

Then, we brushed teeth, made beds, and got dressed so we could head outside for FIRST DAY PICTURES!

We headed inside and Emma Grace asked the Lord to bless our school day and that we wouldn't give up when something was too hard. (Boy, mommy seems to have been the one to need that as being organized and keeping Jase occupied was more of a challenge that I had originally thought!)

Jase did find some things to do....like reading Thomas the Train.

Math U See--what do we remember from last year?

This is actually the first grade "Alpha" edition since we did the kindergarten "Primer" last year! So proud of my girl!
First day for a double french braid!

Jase is learning too! (And mommy is headed to the computer to find more activities for the little man to do during school hours!! Does anyone know of a free "Mom's Morning In"? I need some peace to be able to teach my girlie. Ha! No, seriously, who ever thought I'd need those same skills I once used in teaching a class full while still planning individual activities for each child?!)

Overall, it was a very productive day and I think it's going to be a wonderful year of growth for all 3 of us! Lord, keep us grounded in the Word.

Episodes of The Green Thumb Robber

One day last week I began wondering why leaves were disappearing off my "T*psy T*rvy" tomato plant at light speed (which I had diligently watered and watched over for over a month now). I even went so far as to move the plant off the front porch and onto the screened in back porch to protect it from any night prowling animals like deer, rabbits, birds, etc. Then, the leaves were still being munched and the poop was still appearing below the plant on even the back porch! On the advice of my friend Julie, I discovered not just 1 "horned worm" but 14 that were TAKING OVER my entire plant. Here's what's left of that said tomato plant and some pics of the creatures that caused all my trouble.

Boy, I just love it when these green, ugly things ruin all my hard work! Someone did tell me they are called "hummingbird moths". I love the hummingbirds, but I could do without these worms!

I suppose I'll pay better attention to my plants from now on!

Pluses and Minuses to Being a SAHM

I probably could have written these posts myself...they are so much the things I feel in my heart/head....but I have copied and pasted these two posts from Leah at the Prayer of Hannah http://www.prayerofhannah.blogspot.com/ .


Thursday, July 22, 2010
The Benefits of Being a SAHM
Here is a list of things that I'm thankful I get to experience as a SAHM. I often take these for granted, but wanted to reflect here about how great they truly are.

1. Snuggling in the mornings b/c we're not in a rush to get out the door.
2. Getting to laugh all day long at the silly things my boys say.
3. Picking how much/little my boys watch TV.
4. Going on outings to the library, the zoo, the farm.
5. Hanging out with friends for playdates.
6. Going to MOMs group.
7. Reading to my kids throughout the day and watching their vocabulary blossom because of it.
8. Going to the grocery during the day when it isn't as busy.
9. Talking to my kids throughout the day about God and His Creation.
10. Listening to our VBS songs in the van and hearing the boys start to sing along.
11. Getting stuff done during the day/week so that our weekends can be clear to do fun things.
12. Playing with my kids.
13. Getting to go visit my out-of-town parents for a week at a time without having to take vacation days.
14. Having opportunities all day long to teach my children good manners.
15. Being there to answer their questions.
16. Knowing what they've done all day long and helping them tell their dad all about it.
17. Saving money on things I can do around the house since I'm home.
18. Being able to go to BSF, and to take my kids there too for their awesome children's program.
19. Being the one my children spend the most time with.
20. Getting to hug and kiss my boys all day long.

What about you? Do you have any favorites that you'd like to add?

Written by Leah at 8:19 AM 1 readers shared Links to this post

Labels: Leah, Life as a Mom


Wednesday, July 21, 2010
My Weaknesses as a SAHM
There are a few things that really stick out to me when I consider the sins I constantly face as a SAHM. These probably apply to other women as well, but sometimes spending so much time at home seems to really bring these out.

1. Ignoring my kids. Since I spend all my time at home, I feel like there is a big blur between mommy time and me time. Life is just not comparmentalized. Your home is where you work and where you are supposed to retreat. For me, this translates into me being pulled to me time when I should be focusing on mommy time. I think I can just pop on the computer for a bit while the kids are playing. Or I see the newspaper and think it would be so great to sit down and read it for awhile. But then the kitchen sits messy or the bathroom doesn't get cleaned. In the end, I think it's my kids that suffer. I put myself before them and don't get down on the floor and play with them.

2. Comparing myself with other moms. As I said, I spend a lot of time with other moms. This gives me plenty of time to fret about what ways they are better than me and what ways I'm better than them. I wish I was as skinny as Erica. I wish I was as pretty as Keyna. I wish I was as fit as Kristin. It goes on. But it also goes the other way. I find myself criticizing (in my head) the way that different moms parent their kids. I climb right up on my high horse the minute I walk into the library and see a mom letting her kid crawl all over the furniture and throw toys. I pat myself on the back when Samuel & Joel say please and thank you while the other kids grab. I think about how I would organize the house differently if I lived at that mom's house. I am being really honest here because I want to expose my pride for what it is - ugly, ugly sin! I hate it when I catch myself being this way. And I feel like there is so much competition as a SAHM. Do I do preschool with my kids? What kind of schedule do I keep? How clean is my house? Am I going to homeschool? It gets so exhausting and before I tsk my tongue and think it's just something that happens to me, I have to admit that it's something I inflict on others as well.

3. Resenting my husband. The first would be that my husband gets to go to work every day and get a break from the house and chaos. I think a lot of SAHMs struggle with this one. I don't know if our schedule makes this more or less pronounced than others. Ed works from 3pm-12pm Monday through Friday. That means that he usually sleeps until 8:30 or 9am. We get up at 7 or 7:30. I find myself getting so upset when I have to get up with the kids every day while Ed "sleeps in". I wish I could just sleep until I was ready to get up. And then he gets to come downstairs and have breakfast (which I've fixed for him) and then I clean it up. Same with lunch - he waits for me to lay out lunch and then he sits down to eat it. And I clean up. Dinner? Same drill - I cook and clean. Can you see my bad attitude dripping through here? Ed goes to work at 3, comes home for dinner between 6 and 7, and then heads back to work for the rest of the night. That leaves me to do bedtime every night. When I talk about our schedule to others, I always talk about how great it is to have Ed home during the day. But as I go through my day, I find myself getting so upset all the time and resenting him. It is NOT him - it is DEFINITELY me and a sinful tendency to make everything me vs. him. He is a GREAT dad and he really does help out so much during the day. And he cleans the kitchen floor for me! The problem isn't anything he does or doesn't do. It's me building up resentment towards him. I always seem to concentrate on the negative instead of the positive. And this tends to cause strain on our marriage. I find it so hard to put away the resentment.

4. Finding my job mundane. Ugh. This is the worst for me. I focus too closely on the day to day things I'm doing as my job instead of stepping back to see the bigger picture of what I'm actually accomplishing here. I see my job as a SAHM as a combination house cleaner, cook, babysitter, grocery shopper, laundrymat, etc. And I get so bored. But is that why Ed and I decided it would be a priority for me to stay home once we had kids? Absolutely not. I became a SAHM so that I could be the one to fix my kids meals, talk to them about their day, teach them things along the way, teach them about the Lord and how much He loves them, put them to bed at night, be a living example to them. I should clean my house because I love my husband. I should cook the meals because I care about my family's health. I should never view spending time with my kids as just 'babysitting'. I should do a good job shopping because I want to be a good steward with my money (okay, for everyone that knows me, you know that I actually enjoy this part!). Sure, a lot of what I do is mundane. I get it. But there are things that need to be done one way or another. I can either hire someone else to do it, not do it at all, or do my job with joy because I am doing it for the Lord. If I step back and think about it, life isn't necessarily meant to be fun or easy. I think about all that women have had to do for centuries past, as well as what other women around the world do today and I realize I actually do have it pretty good. It just takes that stepping outside of myself to get a little perspective.

I realize this was a really negative post as far as sharing all the downsides I find in being a SAHM. But I am thinking that some of you out there might feel the same way at one time or another. Tomorrow I'll touch on how I try to turn these things around as well as things that I think I would miss if I weren't a SAHM.

Written by Leah at 10:08 PM 5 readers shared Links to this post

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

How does nearly a month go by without blogging? Seems impossible that summer is halfway over---well not summer as the season, but summer as most teachers and school children understand!

We have been busy bees with 3 Vacation Bible Schools here in our town and then add to that a birthday party (5 1/2) for our daughter, a wedding, a baby shower, a wedding reception here for Bubba and Necia, and lots of free movies and SWIMMING!

I have been thinking lately about how to word this post and exactly what I wanted to say.

Basically, I wanted to share with you a couple of the oh so MANY ways I am SOOOO thankful! I just think we can never quit giving thanks to our Lord and having a joyful heart!

I am thankful for:

1.) A husband who doesn't mind eating leftovers or whatever I put on the table for that matter.

2.) Children who are healthy and usually sleep 11+ hours a night.

3.) A husband who loves to spend time with his family/children! He just loves to come home and jump in the swimming pool with us even though I know he is tired.

4.) Enough money through my sales on Eb*y to pay for homeschooling books for next year.

5.) Websites like Thr*fty Mama and friends with awesome, cheap ideas for fun and menu planning that help me save money for our family.

6.) A husband who wakes up each morning early and spends time with Our Father. What an example! And one I should follow more often.

7.) Parents who see the value in allowing Jason and I to spend time together as husband and wife on a semi-regularly basis.

8.) My friend Julie!! Without having her to share with, I would have all these crazy thoughts running around in my head daily (and I my husband's boss would get fed up with me calling him too often!).

9.) Having a home to work in, take care of, feel safe in, and provide nurture and love to the two children God has entrusted us with.

10.) God is never late! He is always on time! The money always comes on time; the vacation time always comes on time. The right words from His Word always come on time. As Corrie Ten Boom says, God always gives you the "ticket" right when you need it...never before you board the train, but right when you have to have it. Praise be to Him!

Been Thirsty Lately?

Here in SC it's a balmy 105 degrees! My A/C tries desperately to keep up with the rising temps outside. Our son's bedroom thermostat reads 77.8 right now as he tries to nap--and we keep our temp set at 71 during the day, so you can tell it's really having a difficult time (esp. when boiling potatoes for potato salad to take to church tonight). I have found myself wanting more and more to drink...I fill up one cup with filtered water (thank you, Br*ta!) and before I can finish that cup, I find I am craving another.

But I have another thirst....

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my sould pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" Psa. 42:1-2

Since becoming a mom 5 1/2 years ago and even since being married nearly 10 years ago, it seems that those times of refreshing don't come soon enough. Or maybe it's I am not making that time a priority, as we all know we make time in life for the things that we deem most important. The things of the world are so alluring and steal me away. I have so longed for the times to read my Bible and devotional book and to be a part of Sunday School and worship with my fellow brothers and sisters at church!

Sometimes I find myself sitting back remembering with such joy all the time I had in college to read and pray and study God's word. The Winthr*p lake was such a wonderful, peaceful place where God was soooo very real to me. I would cry out to Him, literally in an audible voice. I prayed for everyone in my family and all of my friends at Winthr*p and at home near every day as well as for the man I would one day marry.

I long for those times when my Daddy held me and called me back to Him each and every day for hours and hours. I know what it means to pant for streams of water, for the God who knows me completely and LOVES me unconditionally. He completes me.

It's so nice to know that sweet love and to be able to crawl up into His lap. I don't have hours and hours anymore in my life, but Oh, how I savor 30 minutes or an hour when I can commune with the Father. That water in my cup might help me not to physically thirst, but I give thanks that He has drawn me close once again and made me THIRST for Him. It's been a L O N G time since I've felt this thirst, but PRAISE BE TO GOD that it's back. You don't know how that makes me want to sing and shout!!!! How I pray I might not ignore the thirst or try to fill it with anything else.

Allinger Family Reunion at Givhans Ferry State Park

Yesterday we traveled 2 hours to Givhans Ferry State Park for the Allinger family reunion. It was a good time to talk with and catch up with family we hadn't seen in at least a year and some in 2 years. Uncle Bill has been struggling with lung cancer and had recently learned that his CT scan came back all clear of cancer! But then, he had to be admitted to the hospital on Friday night due to episodes of passing out due to thinning blood. He and Aunt Carol were certainly missed! I know Jason really looked forward to talking hunting and fishing with Uncle Bill! Jase was begging for his paci and blanket by noon, which is his usual napping time. But we held him off til 3:30pm and then headed on home so the kids could nap on the way back.

Then Jason was able to mow the grass and do the weed eating before he leaves again this Tuesday for the SC Fir*fighter's Association Convention at Myrtle B*ach where he will have a booth to work for his program at the Fire Marshal's Office. I am really hoping to get a respite and be able to go with him for a couple of days this week before the convention actually gets started on Thursday. I'll leave you with some pics from the day yesterday. Aunt Pam will have to get me the big family picture with all 28 people that some lady heading toward the restroom took so I can upload it.

Our family at the picnic shelter where the reunion was held.
Aunt Kaye Kaye brought the vegetable tray.

Mandy and her family (husband Lonnie and girls Kayla and Brianna)

One of our cooks--Uncle Jimmy

Two more cooks-- My cousin Brian Allinger and cousin Brenda's husband Mark.

Aunt Pam uncovers the food & Dad drools!

My family plus Uncle Roy--everyone awaiting lunch!

My cousin Michael, cousin Mandy, Aunt Jenny, and cousin Brenda

Emma Grace is starving for lunch---even resorts to eating celery with ranch dip!

Surgery Update

Just wanted to let everyone know (if you aren't already on FB and following SU's) that Jase's hernia surgery went well. He went in bright and early Tues. morning and they repaired the right side and then looked at the left just to be sure and found....you guessed it...another hernia over there. So he has 2 incisions on his abdomen that are healing up so nicely. He has internal stitches and a nice clear medical tape/bandage over the incisions so you can see if they are oozing or anything. There has been no more bleeding since the surgery, and I think on Wed. at his followup visit they will take off the bandage if I haven't taken it off already.

He was able to take a bath last night and rode his tricycle for the first time this morning! Boy, was he happy about that. We've been hiding the riding toys for 5 days now and I'm sure he was delighted when his daddy pulled it out and allowed him to ride it. EG and I had gone to Columbia for a haircut.

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

Just an aside...continued from a past post....

Honestly, I have always thought that FB could be a witnessing tool and an area where you could reach some people you wouldn't normally reach. Obviously, we cannot think that our 498 "friends" are all Christians. Just like we cannot think that 100% of people who sit in the pews at churches are all Christians. I think at one point the Baptist church (SBC) even went so far as to say something like 1/2 of all of their church goers were not Christian. They may profess that they are Christian, but we know that not all who say "Lord, Lord" know Him personally....they were simply saying that there will be wheat and tares even among a church congregation. I think that is probably true of most churches, not just the Baptist Church.

My original intent on FBing was to help reach the unreachable. I have tried to give scriptural references when possible, and yes, I have even added a few opinions, which I would hope are not against God's Holy Word. In fact, most of them are very conservative and not offensive to God. There may have been some things I have said which others did not personally agree with and in which God did not address specifically in His Word. I.E. Us not watching TV...not choosing to pierce our child's ears until a certain age...not putting our children in tons of extra lessons and activities....choosing to keep them at home for schooling....and the list goes on.

But there have been instances lately wherein I was "attacked" on FB for presenting a scripture or laying out my opinion, which I believe to be scripturally sound and what Jesus would do if He were here on earth living in my place. Even so far as to having been called a "spherical a-hole". (!!) So I have felt the need to weed out those who don't help me in lifting up the Father.

I have another question.

So if you are no longer friends with someone on FB, are you no longer friends with them in real life? And I have some people on FB who have unfriended me but not my husband. That is just amazing to me b/c he puts a lot more conservative things on his SU than I do. Things about training up children and our choice not to watch TV. All biblical things. Most of them are things that would make the majority of society who are unsaved press the "dislike" button (if there were such a thing). But my guess is that these unfriended people don't want to engage in such a conversation with my husband for whatever reason. Or maybe they just want to continue to see pictures and updates on our family and he is their only "link" left.

I have no idea....maybe someone can fill me in? I will be glad to read comments left. :)

Funny thing is, no one will leave comments here like they do on my SU's b/c 496 people aren't publically reading this at the same time. Makes one think about the motive for anyone who wants to argue and attack in such a social media as that, doesn't it? 12 readers versus 496? Yes, it's still time to weed the friend garden.

Bye y'all! That's all I have for now.

Chick-F*l-A free Spicy Chicken Sandwich

I'm no www.thriftymama.com or anything like that, but I did want to let you in on a great deal going on with Chick-f*l-A. They are promoting their new SPICY CHICKEN sandwich...it isn't officially out yet, but they want to give a limited number of them away by reservation so folks can try them out and give feedback. Of course, I LOVE Chick-f*l-A and I love free food, so I logged in and I will be picking mine up on Wed., June 2nd.

Here's the web site: www.getspicychicken.com

Go register yourself now!!! Before they run out of reservations at your location!

How Much is TOO MUCH?

I have gotten a lot of comments today on my Faceb*ok status update and I felt the urge to write more about that on my blog today.

I first want you all to be aware that I am not against celebrating the accomplishments of ourselves or our children. But, being a counselor professionally, and a responsible Christian parent, I feel that we must raise our children to be children and focus on praising them just as much for their growth in the Lord as we do for their worldly accomplishments.

Here is what I mean...

Each year in school did we all not have "end of year parties" and rejoice that we had gone 180 days and successfully completed all of our work and learned all of the necessary skills for our particular age? As we exited elementary & middle school, the celebration may have been a little bigger and grade-wide. There were songs, works of art, nice sunday dresses, a cake square or two, etc.

Then why do we, as a society, feel the need to make our children grow up as miniature adults? Why must we force a 4 year old to wear a cap and gown? Do they not have time for that yet to come? The bottom line is children learn within the parameters you have set up for them. If you allow them to experiment with makeup and stress beauty in your home, then they learn that. If you stress having material things, then they expect that as adults themselves. If you stress creative learning versus always being entertained by the boob tube from the time they are out of the womb, then why are we surprised when our children are bored in school and having difficulty? There's no three ring circus there to occupy their time.

If we buy them heels, "It's all about me" t-shirts, and revealing clothing as the parent when they are 7, 8, 9, then it is only multiplied in consequences that we can see as parents years down the road. It's a sad state of affairs what we are in essence "doing" to our children. They didn't ask for this.

I have seen kids with ears pierced as infants, wearing heels as 3 year olds, doing the shimmy in their dance costume as toddlers and we as parents call it "cute". Oh isn't she "cute"?!

I like to have fun, too, but I think it would be prudent for us as Christian parents to step back and look at what example we are providing for our children.

My friend Catherine has on her FB profile a quote I love, "Be who you desire your children to become."

I daily remind myself to *think* before I act. When the news was on tonight, I asked myself if I should be watching this in front of my kids? While preparing their dinner time drink, I reminded myself that they have had plenty of juice today and needed milk for dinner. It was a conscious decision...not rushed or in the moment. Those are just two examples from today.

Am I claiming how perfect a parent I am, IN NO WAY! I have FAR to go!!

This just happens to be my medium, my way to get out all that is going on in my head. Maybe it's the counselor in me, or simply the urge, the pull, the tug on my heart to share these things with other parents like me who feel like I do too.

This just happens to be the time of year when it seems I shake my head the most and pray for parents all across the nation and world. It's a hard job that requires deliberate actions. Some parents have obviously felt I have hit a nerve lately, as seen on FB comments. What other reason would they have for such negative, rude, demeaning comments?

I pray that we would all want to consider how we can spur our children on toward love for the Savior & how they can glorify God when they one day (hopefully at an early age) come to know Him. It won't be how many degrees they have or what job they have or how big their house is or what their parents let them "get away with". God has only loaned these children to us, and it is up to us to "train them up in the way they should go so that when they are old they will not depart from it."

A Mother's Prayer

Here is a song I heard on a friend's blog that is just BEAUTIFUL! It perfectly displays the love we have for our children and the desires of our hearts for our children. I hope you will be blessed

Here are the lyrics:

A Mother’s Prayer (HANNAH'S SONG) Words by Rachel Aldous
Music by John Mandeville

Verse:
My sweet baby on loan from above
no better treasure could I more love
I stand here beside your bed as I pray
I lay my hand on your head and I say:

Chorus:
May you grow up to serve Him
all of your days
May He lead you and guide you
in all of your ways
May His hand bless your future with
friendships that last
May you cherish your youth
and not grow up too fast

Verse:
I stare in wonder at your tiny frame
Just to think that God knows you by name
He knows every hair on your beautiful head
He knows all your thoughts before they are said

Chorus:
May you grow up to serve Him
all of your days
May He lead you and guide you
in all of your ways
May His hand bless your future with
friendships that last
May you cherish your youth
and not grow up too fast

Prayer:
May God grant you peace
in the midst of a storm
May God give you strength even
when you’re forlorn
May you answer the door when
Jesus comes knocking
May wisdom guide when
your mouth is talkin’
May discretion protect you
and keep you pure
May you never stumble
or fall for a lure
May your heart remain humble
to the very end
May uprightness and truth
be what you defend
May the world not ensnare
or change who you are
May the light that's within you
shine like the stars
May angels surround you
body, spirit, mind
May favor and peace be yours to find
May rejection and pain
never reach you
May your spirit grow bold
for what you’re called to

Chorus:
May you grow up to serve Him
all of your days
May He lead you and guide you
in all of your ways
May His hand bless your future with
friendships that last
May you cherish your youth
and not grow up too fast

Singing:
As you rest in God’s care I will rest too
Knowing that Jesus is watching over you
Amen

Been a Long Month

It's been a long month and I'm quite sure I cannot begin to remember everything that has gone on in our family. Sometimes I don't even want to remember those things. :)

First, I want to share that through all of these things, I have learned (o.k., I should say I have been in the PROCESS of learning) to be content in all circumstances.

This is what I mean:

We have had what I would call the N*RO virus for a week back in April, which we think lead Jase being taken one Saturday to the ER for a swollen scrotum to find out he has an inguinal hernia from all the heaving during vomiting. So he will be having surgery on that hernia on Tuesday, May 25th. Please keep us in your prayers.

Then, somehow my little sleeping baby boy (who is almost two in just 2 short weeks!) no longer liked sleeping through the night. He began to greatly dislike his bed and wakes up 2-3 times a night. Wondering if there are bad memories of his crib and night time sleep being interrupted by vomiting and diarrhea. So we've done the twin bed for a while and are now back to the crib. One can never tell what kind of night we might have. It's just beyond me how he goes from 11 hours of sleep to 8 or 9 hours every night now with usually just one nap of an hour or hour and a half. Like I said above, trying to be like Paul..."content no matter the circumstances". I often remember how Samu*l Thom*s shared about his time in Ind*a where he was imprisoned like Paul and had mice eating away at him. So why do I worry and fret over lost sleep.

But it does make one grumpy and snippy when there is a lack of sleep. Just sayin'!

Oh, I have to share that in the middle of all of this, one morning at breakfast Jase is eating his cereal bar when he decides he doesn't want anymore. We've been breaking him of his habit of throwing food off his high chair tray when he thinks he is done. Well, low and behold, he takes the last section of cereal bar and throws it directly into Jason's coffee cup! SPLASH!! It didn't even hit the side of the coffee cup!!! It was just too funny and one of those times you wish you'd had a video camera going so we could win some money from "Americ*'s Funniest Home V*deos".

Then after I too caught half of the yucky N*RO virus, I was thankful to be able to escape to the mountains near Lake L*re with two college friends this past weekend. I thought I would get some much needed rest, but I came to find out that the mice situation at the friend's house scared me such that I barely slept at all Friday night. Saturday night was better as we went to Wal-M*rt to get a noise maker and I did not hear a thing. Funny thing was, we set 8 traps out Sat. night and caught NOTHING....NADA. And no more mice droppings! So now we're really wondering if it wasn't just the squirrels that were so active in and around the roof as Michelle said they have been in the past.

I'm sure there are many more things I could share. We've been to the zoo, the strawberry farm, the park twice, and of course planning for this month is sure to be it's own kind of zoo! We had Aunt Pam's birthday, Aunt Necia's birthday tomorrow (happy birthday to the newest member of our family!), Mother's Day this weekend, a new Winnsboro homeschool coop organizational meeting Friday night, Jase's 2nd birthday, my sister Kim's birthday, a baby shower I am planning for a couple who are having a little boy this summer, Confederate Memorial Day--o.k. the only significance is that Jason has that day off & PTL, Jase's surgery, & Memorial Day. Is that enough?

I pray that God will continue to shape and mold me.

To never let me be idle.

To give thanks for these two blessings He has entrusted me with, and to love my husband more deeply every day.

Jase at the ER with gown on and all

A busy month behind us

What's that they say about March: In like a LION, out like a LAMB. Well, March came and went with what seemed like the blink of an eye. We have been busy with birthdays, wedding, consignment sales, baby showers, and the day-to-day chores and homeschooling. I look back and think about how blessed we are that we are still a healthy family and still enjoying the life God gives us every day. We have spent so much time outside lately and I must say it's been years since I've enjoyed God's creation this much and having had time to actually sit outside and play, read, look at the birds, flowers, etc. What a blessing it is to be at home with my children! These are the moments I was missing as a mom who worked outside the home; these are the days I was jealous of other SAHM. It is truly a joy to wake up with them every morning and sit at our table and eat 3 meals a day with them. Hearing Emma Grace and Madeline sing "Holy, Holy, Holy" on the swing set today was such a blessing to my heart! I cheer inside when I hear the lady at the drugstore ask Emma Grace if the Easter Bunny is coming to see her tomorrow. No way!!!! The Lord is coming out of the tomb! That's why we're celebrating tomorrow!! Joy, Joy! Oh the bliss of the this glorious day!!

Well, we have been eating outside on the patio the last 2 nights; Jase is now IN HIS ELEMENT. This boy LOVES the outdoors. He adores it. Cannot wait to get outside. Everything about it is him all over. I just love that there are differences between girls and boys. Did I mention I'm selling all of my baby stuff in the next year or so? We're (scratch that--I'M) so happy to have a family that sleeps through the night and we will soon be starting the potty training for our soon to be 2 year old! I cannot imagine starting baby days all over again. I have not, however, given up the thought that we might provide a loving family for some child in our world or country.

This past month has held some surprising things. And some things that I could have penned about years ago they are so routine. Some have been painful. Some have been hilarious. Some are just plain stupid. But all are held in His hand. All were written before time. I rest in that thought...complete peace. No need to worry how the bills will get paid, how a friend will get through this tough time in her marriage, how a friend will overcome the cancer in her body, how I will have more intimate time with my husband. I can lay it all at His feet, the One who rose victorious from the grave!! Friends, tomorrow is Easter, and tomorrow is just any other day if you're a Christian. Because God gives us that same victory each and every day to overcome the sin that so easily entangles us. Thank You, Father.

Spring is on it's way...

Snow one week....70 degrees the next week. Today was a picture perfect day! We just had to head outside!

This is our adventure outside (really just outback behind the house)...

Redecorating the House & My Computer

This would be the way our son redecorates his bedroom door and his sister's bedroom door!

Guess he's learning a lot during home schooling since he decided to use a red colored pencil to mark all OVER the doors while I was doing read alouds with Emma Grace. UUGHHH!

Guess I should be happy he didn't decide to do the walls, right?! The doors have shiny paint (whatever you call it, semigloss?) and should be able to be sprayed and wiped down. I'll keep you posted.

He's certainly branching out and feeling his oates!!!

This was on Friday.

But this is the kicker!!!!

On Tuesday he had pushed the on/off button on my computer ONE too many times. And therefore, the power button went dead, nothing, STUCK.

Thankfully Jason took it to work on Wednesday and his super duper I.T. guru worked his magic and it was fixed just like that.....wa-la! He even added a few more things that I needed on it and I am F.O.R.E.V.E.R. thankful!!!

"Sunday Snapshot" of a Sweetie

I have been wanting to have a reason to take some pics, and I'm sure there have been LOTS of photo opportunities these last few weeks. But the camera hasn't been "right there" where I could grab it and I haven't made the effort to go get it out of the camera bag! So, I will leave you with one photo from January of my sweet 5 year old girl in what will be her "flower girl" dress in Uncle Bubba's wedding in San Antonio in March! We're still deciding about the shoes, style of hair, etc. and the infamous "pearls" she's been dying to wear aren't in this try-on picture, but AIN'T she PURTY??!

Here's a preview of what's to come and my "Sunday Snapshot":