No Greater Joy

Weight Loss Update

2012-02-10T14:25:00.003-05:00

I think it's been nearly a month since I posted, so I will just go ahead and update even though I am not as excited about the weight loss as I was 2 years ago. Since January 1st of this year I have lost 6 pounds. I wish I could say it was 10 or more, but at this point I am just glad it's coming off at all and I hear "slow" weight loss is much more sustainable over the long haul than dropping 15 pounds in a month and then gaining it all back in 2 weeks. I have to wonder if the kombucha is helping the weight loss. That and the fact that I am buying a produce basket every 2 weeks and so there are vegetables that HAVE to be eaten or they go to the bad, and most of you who know me know that I am one who does NOT waste food (aka: money!). :) So just please pray that I will keep the focus on losing to Glorify the One who made me and not for impressing anyone or even fitting into clothes that are looser and fit me much nicer (although our 20th high school class reunion in June is a good date to set as a target, but the lifestyle will have to continue throughout my lifetime).

2012-01-12T22:24:00.003-05:00

It's been 7 months since I last posted anything here. Just wanted to briefly write to let everyone know (all 5 of you!) that I am expecting accountability. I am on a journey to replace the love of food with the love of Jesus! The Proverbs 31 Ministry devotional today spoke directly to the issue and here is the prayer I have printed out and will hang all around my house, "Dear Lord, if I'm being honest with myself and You, I know sometimes I rely on food more than I rely on You. I want to recalibrate my soul and change for the right reasons. I want to see You in and through this entire process. Please be with me, Lord, each day. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

I suppose there are many other "loves" or "addictions" or (call it what it is) "sins" that could be substituted in place of the word "food", so if this speaks to you, feel free to write out the prayer and put whatever the sin that so easily entangles you in the blank for food. I hope to check in at least weekly with progress reports, so please ask or inquire on f*cebook if you see I'm being negligent or quiet. :) Since Jan. 1st I have lost 2.5 pounds so far. But I have not begun to exercise and I have not truly stuck with the 1000 calories a day nor the 3 bottles of water I had planned to drink. I HAVE, however, overcome the no-caffeine coffee headache thing, so God is making me a conquerer one step at a time! And for that I am so grateful!

An Addition to Our Family {perhaps more of a Cowgirl than I thought!}

2011-06-15T21:22:00.005-04:00

INTRODUCING>>>{drum roll, please}>>> our newest little family member...There he is nearly touching noses with his momma (the white cow resting in the shade...I'd be resting too if I'd done what she did just 3 days ago):

Emma Grace wanted to name him "Bitsy" because he's so small. Actually, he's a regular sized bull calf, but she's never seen a calf only 2 days old. We arrived home from vacation at the beach to find him following closely behind his momma, walking well, nursing well, and just generally being a great addition to our flock. :) We knew the momma was going to be having a baby when we bought her, but we just weren't sure when. So we're claiming his birthdate as 6/11/11. Easy to remember!

And so I must tell you all that I called it a week or so ago after noticing some signs us mommas go through and saying, "What do you want to bet she will have that calf while we're out of town?" So erase my last post about not meant to be a farmer. I'm a budding little cowgirl! HA! I'm just so thankful that mom didn't need *help* because apparently not even our substitute parents next door noticed that he had been birthed! AHEM. :) Where can you get good help? {Just kidding} Really, I just kept wondering how she did it so beautifully and quietly when ours (human birth) is so complicated. Haven't even seen any afterbirth or vultures flying around or anything. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. God is so good!

And so here's our next mother-to-be...

You may not be able to tell, but she was probably bred around the same time as the one above, so we're expecting another calf anyday now. I have noticed she is sitting more lately with these hot, no SWELTERING, days. I must say I sure hope this one is a heifer. I don't want Dear Farmer Husband to have to decide to either sell him or make him a *STEER*, if you know what I mean?! PU-LEASE don't tell me what day that is for our new little Bitsy. Oh, and we have one other bull calf (one of the brown calves in the picture). They might surely make some good, grass fed beef one day, but I just can't bear to know it. Tell me it came from somewhere else!

Nowhere Close to Being a Cowgirl!

2011-05-28T14:00:00.010-04:00

While DH was out of town for 4 days this past week, I had the grand opportunity to play cowgirl! I say that with all of the affection I can muster up considering I grew up in a suburb of Charles*on and really never considered that we would own cows one day. It's been about 3 weeks now that we've owned these 4 heffers and 2 nursing calves, so I thought they were pretty acclimated to their new surroundings, but something in them must have decided that, truly, the grass IS greener on the other side...and that decision had to come while Jason was half a country away in St. Lo*is.

Here's the scenario. The pond where they drink water is low. Two brown cows (Herford cows or as some call "white faced cows")decide to venture out to the middle of the pond up against the barbed wire fence running through the middle of the pond. They are able to successfully cross the fence (or what's left of it in the middle of the pond). Farmer Wife decides the two calves need their mommas for milk (they are around 3 months old) and must go to the gap to let them in, coaxing with sweet feed, all the while in nice, dressy sandals and capri pants. Farmer Wife has trouble opening up said "gap" Dear Farmer Husband has created--when this has happened once before, I might add!!

Please picture for yourselves the nicely dressed woman loading up with a white bucket with a bare minimum of sweet feed heading out where the cows are peering at her across the gap. She is straining with all her might in battle with a rusty, big gate and finding out she has to untie a blue strap holding it to a tree. Then seeing the barbed wire going round and round the gate and attempting to untie the barbed wire with her B.A.R.E. hands!!! Not a nice picture once I was finished...bloody, bloody mess compounded with a rusty, rusty mess. And the gate still would not move to the right or the left (hence the shoulder pain now!). The left side of the gap/gate was wedged between two trees...when my husband does a job, he DOES IT WELL!

Please remember I was in nice sandals---not even sure that the area where I was stepping did not contain tons of poison ivy or poison oak. OH, yeah....back to the 3rd person story...

So Farmer Wife remembers Son up in the baby pool (he's 3) playing and calls with cell phone (thank you Lord I remembered that!) to the house to ask Daughter (who is 6) to go out and watch out for Son---that this is going to take longer than expected!! Ya think??!

Next call was to Papa Jeep next door (my FIL) to ask him to come down and see if he can help part the gap so these noses across the way can come through and make life LOTS easier. He arrives and cannot remove the pins from the middle of the gap either, so helps to lift and slide left gate out enough that the two mommas can come through to their nursing babies (who could not cross the pond like their silly mommas did then could not figure out how to get back to them!!). Then the worst part (in MY estimation) occurs:

Papa Jeep says the cows need more sweet feed. I wondered why but figured he had known cows a LOT longer than I, so I did what he said. FW runs, *literally runs*, to get some more and the cows both RUN after FW!!! Can I just tell you how scared I was?? Having lived all my life in the suburbs, I think the movie 8 Seconds (bull riding) is the only memory of knowing anything about cows (bulls--the male kind, which we only have one calf that is a bull). That and the fact that if you wave a red flag, they will come running. And all the pictures of the Spanish people running from the bulls in whatever town it is they do that silly thing. So I could just see myself getting trampled to death by two Herford Heffers!!

At any rate, Papa Jeep tells me to stop running and I DO and they start walking nicely beside me. I get the sweet feed, hand it over the fence to him to put in the feeding troughs and then all 4 heffers come running full speed at the troughs!!! It was quite an experience, let me tell you. I head to give the cows some water on the left side of the house in the watering troughs so maybe they'll stay away from the pond. Papa remarks that we all need to pray for rain so the cows can have some green grass.

Now, I am thinking all is well and can roll up the hose and head back to the house (15 min. later!). That's when I hear Dear Son screaming at the top of his lungs standing on the back deck! The screaming continues as I am reeling in the hose pipe madly. I get to him and he yells, "Sissy said she's gonna spank me with the metal spoon!!" Sissy tells me that he went out barefoot and got 2 splinters in his foot and she told him if he went outside barefoot she would spank him (not with metal spoon, she said, but with wooden spoon we discipline the children with---yeah, not sure if I believe that). I reassure both that grownups are the ONLY ones who will do any spanking of any sort.

Well, I wish that was the happily ever after ending to the story, but it isn't. As I receive a return call from my husband, now finding he is stuck at the St. L airport as his flight has been cancelled (now I see my duties as FW may continue yet another day---oh boy!), I share the whole story with him telling him I AM IN NO WAY CALLED TO BE A FARMER and I should have called Daniel (but it's Daniel's birthday--bless him--and he works out of town anyway, so probably couldn't have helped)!!! Dear Husband just laughs (AT ME and my antics!) and tells me he hopes he'll be home tonight...when....low and behold...looking out the window what do I see but the same two white-faced cows go RIGHT BACK ACROSS THE POND FENCE!! I've never! And they didn't even nurse their young!!!! BAD MOMMAS!!! I could not do that enticing and working and straining like before, knowing all the while they may cross over a 3rd time, so I left them over there where "the grass is greener on the other side"!!!

Ending to story: Daddy came home at 1:30am that night without any luggage and the cows were somehow all on our side of the fence that morning when Daddy woke up to see where they were. Five minutes later Daddy watched the two white-faced ones go back across and throughout that day they continued to cross over at will. Farmer Husband has since fixed the barbed wire in the pond and the cows cannot in any way cross over. Praise the Good Lord!

Now, who wants to care for the cows while we're gone to the beach next week??! Bibbi and Papa, you're up! :)

Wordless Wednesday {although the last 3.5 months have been wordless}

2011-05-11T13:55:00.003-04:00

Trying to learn via osmosis?

Not sure why, but my kids have a new fashion trend---strappy journals on their heads!

Made to Crave?

2011-01-26T16:22:00.003-05:00

There has been a post in the works coming for nearly a month now. And I have probably had a million ideas on what I want to write about during that month....

Friends, homeschooling, dieting, marriage, Christianity today...

But today I am not really in the mood for something serious, so here is what you get...

CRAVINGS, FOOD, ADDICTION to FOOD

I know, not the greatest post and I'll probably lose a few readers right about now, but this has just consumed so many thoughts lately.

Last year I lost about 33 pounds from Feb. 1 through April 30 and I felt so much better about myself. I did not read any books about it but I went on the dieting plunge with my Aunt Pam and, through the grace of God only, I was able to see food for its nutritional value and not something that I "controlled". In actuality, it controlled me!! Very much so. Not many would call overeating an addiction, but that's just what it is. I had grown up eating all the wrong foods and those habits went with me into adulthood. If I craved it, I found a way to get it. Food was for comfort and pleasure.

Now, I believe food should be good (as in palatable to the tongue) and should bring pleasure because it fills that hunger in your body & cells, but I now know that I must choose to find pleasure first in obeying God and not in feeding whatever craving I have. And if I choose foods that bring more lasting nourishment instead of chips/dip, chocolate, etc., then my cells are fuller longer. :) Make sense? If my craving were alcohol, I suppose I could be a recovering alcoholic. Or if my craving were pornography, I suppose I would dealing with those sins right now instead of the food. My "sin that so easily entangles" happens to be overeating/glutony.

Lately I have been hearing scripture through sermons and others on FB and receiving devotionals dealing with lusts of the flesh and being controlled by the Spirit instead of food, and I have really been convicted once again that, even though I have only gained back about 10 pounds of the 33, I have fallen back into the "being controlled by food" syndrome. I constantly pray for my will to bend to His and that I will focus more on serving Him/doing things for my children/being a godly productive wife/exercising & taking care of this "temple"/choosing the healthy alternative.

Here are some of the scriptures in Romans that have been helpful to me:

"...the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans words cannot express" (Romans 8:26).

"You, however, are controlled not the sinful nature but by the Spirit" (Romans 8:9a).

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31b)

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37)

I would like to ask if any of you have read the book Made to Crave? I have considered buying the book and seeing what the author Lysa TerKeurst says about filling your need with GOD. I think it's wonderful that she acknowledges that we as women were made to crave---it's that "something" that we crave.

I'll end with that as I resist the habanero dip I have prepared for my husband. :(

Merry Christmas and a Meaningful 2011

2010-12-29T10:19:00.005-05:00

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!

2010-11-23T15:27:00.003-05:00

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!

2010-11-11T22:45:00.002-05:00

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

2010-10-20T08:38:00.015-04:00

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?

2010-09-20T22:20:00.003-04:00

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!

2010-09-16T14:14:00.002-04:00

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

2010-08-16T21:27:00.003-04:00

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

2010-08-03T13:33:00.003-04:00

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

2010-07-22T16:49:00.002-04:00

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!

2010-07-10T06:35:00.003-04:00

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?

2010-06-15T14:00:00.003-04:00

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

2010-06-06T14:29:00.004-04:00

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

2010-05-29T15:50:00.003-04:00

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

2010-05-23T22:09:00.002-04:00

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?

2010-05-18T15:14:00.005-04:00

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

2010-05-07T14:04:00.004-04:00

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

2010-05-05T13:33:00.002-04:00

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

2010-04-03T21:43:00.002-04:00

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...

2010-03-08T21:42:00.004-05:00

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

2010-02-21T20:58:00.002-05:00

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

2010-02-07T14:27:00.004-05:00

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":

He is With You---By Mandisa

2010-02-02T13:27:00.002-05:00

Had to add Karen's song of the month that has really touched me in the month of January! Mandisa rocks! If this song doesn't just make you cry, shout out to the Lord, and bend the knee, then something must be wrong with you. Seriously. I know people who say they don't listen to our local Christian music station because it's too "rap" and they can't hear the lyrics. No excuse this time! It's very EASY to hear what scripture she is singing, so turn up the volume and worship the King for His awesomeness (song is FIRST on my playlist)! She talks about the changes in our lives, but He is WITH US ALWAYS! What a wonderful song.

There's a time to live
And a time to die
There's a time to laugh
And a time to cry

There's a time for war
And a time for peace
There's a hand to hold
In the worst of things
In the worst of things

He is with you when your faith is dead
And you can't even get out of bed
Or your husband doesn't kiss you anymore
He is with you when your baby's gone
And your house is still
And your hearts are stone
Crying "God what'd you do that for?"
He is with you

There's a time for yes
And a time for no
There's a time to be angry
And a time to let it go
There's a time to run
And a time to face it
There's love to seek
In all of this
Through all of this

He is with you in the conference room
When the world is coming down on you
And your wife and kids don't know you anymore
And He is with you in the ICU when the doctors don't know what to do
And it scares you to the core
He is with you

We may weep for a time but joy will come in the morning
The morning light

He is with you when your kids are grown
When there's too much space and you feel alone
And your worried if you got it right or wrong
Yes He is with you when you've given up on ever finding your true love
Someone who feels like home
He is with you

When nothing else is left and you take your final breath
He is with you

He is with you

Wondering How the Clean Heart is Going?

2010-01-28T14:00:00.002-05:00

I guess I have been really trying to give school my best attention and make sure we have some time for playing each and every day. Our son has decided it is best for him to take a 1 hour and 15 minute nap each day! Well, that's not exactly what your mother had in mind, son, but I guess I should be thankful he goes down without a fight and wakes up each morning and after naptime with such a pleasant disposition.

I wanted to fill you in about my "clean heart" resolution I made about a month ago. How have I been doing? Well, I have been getting up before the kids do to shower and have my quiet time with the Lord. It's been good, although it can always be better. :) I struggle with doing Bible reading/studying and praying for all the things and people on my prayer list all within the 15-30 min. time period I generally get after showertime and before Jase wakes up each morning. BUT, be not afraid, I have also been giving myself time to rest before the Lord during Jase's naptime. I even found myself on the couch snuggling with Emma Grace twice this week!!! Amazing things happen when I break myself away from the computer and don't allow myself to get wrapped up in bids on Ebay and "stalking" others on FB! All things have to be regulated, and this is just one area we must get under wraps before we spend hours, days, and months not knowing where the time has gone.

I will also tell you I have had one particular area of sin (gossiping about a particular person) that I have been trying to allow the Lord to shut my mouth and not criticize them publically. I see things in their life that I just cringe and want to blurt, but I am really trying hard to focus on my Savior and not allow my pride and judgement of them to come to the surface. God will have to do a work of wonder and miracle in my heart for these thoughts (some are truly founded and Biblical) to leave my head and heart. It's an ever present thought process (I won't go into the details of why) but I have to trust the Lord to do any changing in this person. My judgement isn't near as harsh as His, and I must rest in the fact that He blesses those who obey Him and disciplines those who don't. That alone must satisfy my spirit. I must become a person who wants to only obey and not compare myself to them. They are not the ruler or measuring stick for my life.

Today is just a beautiful day and we are ready as soon as Jase wakes up to head outside and ride bikes. Jase got a toddler riding seat for the back of my bike and I have been trying in stages to get it attached to my bike so we can ride him around. So nice to be able to be home with the kids and get to read stories, cut out things we make, bake cookies, ride bikes, and have dinner ready when my hard working hubby comes home! Truly a blessing to our family!

First Post for a New Year---and Cleaning OUT!

2010-01-02T23:07:00.002-05:00

Yes, it's another year---in fact it's 10 years from when we were all freaking out about Y2K possibilities. I must admit I had not stocked up one thing or prepared in one single way. I was simply trusting God and really wondering if Jason would ever propose to me after 5 years of dating!! So 2000 was the year of adventure and here we are 10 years later happily married with 2 wonderful blessings added to our family! I've changed jobs 4 times in 10 years and now I'm home with my babies---hardest job out of the 4!! No kidding!! But by far the most rewarding!!

I have been cleaning out this week---replacing old rubbermaid containers that I am proud to say we use QUITE frequently (thanks to my hubby for loving to eat leftovers!), trashing old dishtowels and dishcloths we've had for 10 years and got as wedding presents and replacing now with newer fluffy ones that don't have stains, dusting baseboards, washing curtains, and just generally getting a new attitude on life. I just love the turn of a new year---a new calendar--a fresh start. I really think this new attitude not only comes from having a clean house, but lately I have been made aware of my need to be cleaned from the sins that so easily entangle me. I was reading a friend Shay's blog the other day and she was describing the same thing. Go to www.versesfortheking.blogspot.com and read her post. You will definitely be blessed by the way she reveals her heart and nails those things that I know I struggle with to the cross...those things we might as well all name them by name...no other word but SIN. I pray that my God will help me remember that it's not about ME this year...that it's all about His Glory and that He wants to cleanse me from the inside out (no matter what my HOUSE may look like!).

We love you, Emma Grace! 5 wonderful years!

2009-12-30T13:54:00.006-05:00

As I sit here typing, Emma Grace is beside me in the next bar stool drawing "people". We have just returned from her 5 year old well-visit, and I'm pleased to say, she's as healthy as a horse! She weighs 41 pounds and 4 ounces. That puts her in the 60th percentile for weight. Her height is 3 feet 8 inches---82nd percentile. TALL girl. Hmmm....wonder who she takes after? I have been so blessed to have been home with my little girl for the last 19 months. A day never goes by where I do not learn something new about her. It's just amazing the way the Lord has knit her together.

Jason has been home for a week and a half (one of the wonderful things about having a Christmas baby is that daddy can be home for the days leading up to and the days after her birthday), and the conversations between father and daughter are worth recording. Honestly, there are meals I just want to run grab the camcorder and begin rolling. She just grabbed Jase under his arms and is carrying him around singing, "A thing, a thing, a ting ting ting. Tom, ta ting, ta ting ting ting." She told me this is called the "Thing Dance". So creative!! I am so glad the Lord has blessed us with a daughter and a son! What a difference girls and boys are; God knew what He was doing when He created us uniquely!

It has been my pleasure to teach Emma Grace preschool at home the last 5 months and to introduce her to the foundational stories of the Bible over the last 3 years. I really am looking forward to official Kindergarten in the fall of 2010! Curriculum searches are underway! I think it's funny to look over the "Normal Development" lists from the pediatrician's office today. One says, "Embarrasses easily, and cannot laugh at self." I haven't really noticed that about her...she is usually more than willing to laugh at her mistakes. She doesn't, however, like to get hurt. In this area, crying can go on and on, whereas our son has shown thus far that he is far less dramatic. Just some basic differences in girls/boys. Oh!!!! And one of the development bullets says "is curious about reproduction and birth". Oh boy, do they have that one right!! She was just nursing her baby earlier today! And she stuffed a baby up Kaye Kaye's shirt pretending like Kaye was "pregnant" earlier this weekend---I wondered how she was going to explain to her niece how the baby came out. I haven't had to explain that just yet, thank goodness. Guess I should be glad Aunt Kaye Kaye didn't TRY to explain it either!

Here are some of the things I LOVE about our little girlie:

*How she loves and smooches on her brother!

*LOVES music!! LOUD music, I might add. (thanks, daddy!)

*Tender and compassionate heart--I found her all out *bawling* watching the Mickey/Pluto Christmas movie!

*She entertains herself very easily---did I mention she is very creative?

*She gets along with all of her friends...such a blessing. Let's hope it continues!

*Her long, blonde hair and blue eyes. And I hate to be superficial here, but her long eyelashes (just like her brother) are adorable just like her glasses! Melt my heart!

*I love how she replicates lovingly taking care of her million babies just like I take care of Jase. Think your kids aren't listening to the way you behave and treat them on a daily basis? Think AGAIN. (This is how I know I am patient and fair in dealing with these kids. If I weren't, it would definitely show up in her mommy skills!)

*Her OCDness in cleaning up after eating or having a snack---definitely inherited from mommy!

*Loving to go out and ride her bike--she got skates and a scooter for Christmas and Birthday, so she's been trying those two out faithfully!

*How she cares so much for her daddy---she told him he was such a good daddy that she would take care of him when he got older! Wonder if that goes for mommy, too?! :)

Emma Grace, we pray that your heart will be open to accept the message of the gospel at a very early age. We also pray that you will choose friends wisely, learn to obey God and your parents, and be a very giving person of your time and resources. We pray for the young lady you will become as well as the future wife, mother, and grandmother we see in you. How EXCITING!!!!!! We love you, our precious daughter. XXXX OOOO

'Twas the Night Before Jesus Came

2009-12-13T21:43:00.001-05:00

'Twas The Night Before Jesus Came'
written by Unknown Author

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed.
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter.
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "it's not here" my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound.
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

"Bow"tique

2009-12-11T21:07:00.004-05:00

My child loves to "do" hair. Here I am after a day at the "bow"tique!

Wow, now that's a great hairdo, right?! And yes, that would be a wand from Emma Grace's closet that Jase was waving around in his Cabe*la's overalls. He got off good if his sister didn't attack him with the tiny hairbows. I might add that now that she's spotted the "baby" bows (from when she barely had any hair), she's asking to wear those instead of the nice, big pretty $5 ones! YIKES. Looks like it's time for Emma Grace to take a hike to the barn with daddy (or spend a day with a friend or at Bibbi's) so I can go home and clean out all the baby things we need to sell. Yes, I said sell. I'm just ready to get rid of all the clutter and baby things we no longer need (ssshhh...Jason doesn't read this anyway!). We need cash for clutter, don't you know? And I know how to get it! Cha-ching!

Visiting Ms. Emmy & Poinsettia Pics

2009-12-06T14:28:00.004-05:00

One of the AWESOME things about homeschooling your child(ren) is being able to go out and visit places while everyone else is still in school! YIPEE!! Our morning breakfast/schooling/chores routine is usually over by lunchtime, so we are able to head out right after Jase wakes up from his nap and we get in a little lunch. This week, as you can see, we went and visited one of the dear elderly ladies from our church who has moved to Bail*y Manor in the last 9 months. Her name is Ms. Emmy. She is actually Madeline and Alex's great-grandmother, but she might as well be Emma Grace's and Jase's also! We really have missed seeing Ms. Emmy since she has moved an hour away, so it was an EXTRA special treat to be able to go and see her new apartment and take her some goodies! Bail*y Manor also has 61 Christmas trees done by various people, vendors, businesses, and donors....and thanks to a TORNADO warning where we were in hiding with all the elderly people....we will just have to go back and see them ALL! Makes for a great excuse to go see her one day this month before they take them all down in the new year!

Also, you see that Julie and I took the kids to Br*ce's Greenhouse in Blythew*od to capture a shot or two of our little ones! Jase is quite a booger for capturing any sort of smile unless you plan to have someone behind you tickling his nose or the top of your head with the feather duster (and YES, I did bring one of those!!). Hope you enjoy the pics of the little ones! We're heading to P*rtrait Inn*vations on Tuesday to do the $9.95 special deal---this time in their Christmas pajamas. We've never done PJ's before, but I just thought they would be extra special pics (and because we need some current ones of the kids besides the ones Ol*n Mills took for the church directory). You all have a super week and we pray you can remember the reason for this blessed Season as you go through the month's festivities, events, and parties---Jesus!

Thanksgiving Fun

2009-11-30T21:18:00.007-05:00

We did go down to Dad's in Charleston on Thursday just for the Thanksgiving Day! It was such a nice, relaxing day for me! Dad, I thank you for all of your hard working in putting together and preparing all the food for such a great meal! Nothing was left out! We actually had to put two TV tray/stands next to the table because we were overflowing with food! Not a bad problem at ALL! Everything was DELISH and we were glad to be able to spend it with you and Kaye!

On Friday evening Dad came back up to Winnsboro for the weekend and we were able to roast marshmallows, grill out steaks, grill out brats (on Sat. after the horrible CU/USC game!), play some ping pong, and just generally have a SUPERB time with our family! I truly had an awesome weekend with my family and was a little hesitant on how today (Monday) might begin for us as we got back into the schooling/daddy-goes-to-work routine. It's always a challenge when Daddy's been with us for 4 full days to go back to mommy is in charge mode. :)

But, I am happy to report that we were able to complete school happily and learned much in our lessons including our verse for the week, "Pretty words may hide a wicked heart" from Proverbs 26:23 and our math lesson began skip counting by two's up to 20. This will lead into (eventually) division, multiplication, and a whole other host of math skills, so we'll be spending a good 2 weeks probably on this skill before moving on to lesson 18. School goes much quicker at home than in public education, so we were able to get a ride in to town to return a video to the library we had checked out and get some Christmas tree branches for one of my crafty, homemade gifts we are making!

I have to share with you a few pics of Emma Grace playing photographer today. She makes me laugh most days with her surprising humor and "acting"...today "The Bear Family" was having their photographs taken in her studio. Here she is telling Mr. and Mrs. Bear where they should sit and which way to face and how to put this arm right here on Papa Bear's shoulder, etc. And then you hear, "O.K. On three....a one, a two, and THREE." Then she said, "Now I just want the children." You can just hear her mimicking the Olan Mills photographer that was at our church doing the church directory photos last week!! So hilarious! I do often wonder what she will become in life---she "plays" many things at home from Dr. to teacher to nurse to artist, but the one thing she remains intent on becoming is a MOMMY. And for that I am forever grateful. May I always portray to her that it is such an honorable and noble job and one she should be thankful to become one day.

Love her fashion sense, don't you?

Making Up the Miles

2009-11-25T22:43:00.002-05:00

I guess I'm making up the miles on my low-mileage minivan since almost 3 weeks ago I wrote about our spur of the moment trip to Charleston just for Jason's 10 year college reunion and last weekend I also made the trip with a college friend Lydia to Charleston once again (this time in her car, thankfully) for Girls' Weekend with Lydia and Michelle. What an awesome time being with friends and having adult conversation! Every SAHM needs an outlet whether it be time to work out and exercise daily away from the kids or a trip with girlfriends every 6 months. I am not ashamed to say that I had a fabulous time despite our oldest child's shocking diagnosis of pneumonia just 2 hours after I left town. I won't be winning mother of the year, but I can tell you I came home a much more alive mommy and watched as my hubby showed he can be just as awesome of a care-taker and organizer as I am! I'm so proud of him, and I can tell you our daughter thinks the world of her daddy!!!

So tomorrow we venture into the minivan as a family once again for the day traveling to Charleston to eat a yummy, fattening turkey dinner at my dad's. I am so excited to NOT be cooking for the first time in 10 years!! Usually we gather with part of my family and Jason's parents next door for holiday dinners, but the inlaws are in San Antonio visiting Bubba, their younger son, and his girlfriend. This allowed us time to not feel bad about taking a much needed trip to Charleston to be with family. So I will have to update about our trip later and how the "trip-toe-fan" affected our ability to drive back!!

Prayers for a Sister in Christ

2009-11-14T10:08:00.003-05:00

So much has been going on in my mind this last week. I almost hesitate to write anything at all. I mean, I am drained emotionally. It was all I could do to finish homeschooling each day knowing that all I really wanted to do was to sit down at the computer, my refuge, and read updates about a dear sister in Christ, Kelly Rambo. I'll try hard to make it through this post without completely soaking the keyboard.

Kelly and Peter and their 4 boys (who are all under the age of 14) are such precious children of God. They live about one mile away (they actually have biked to my house) and Peter works with my F-I-L at Pope Fun*ral Home. Pete is an ARP Pastor and Kelly homeschools the 4 boys. She's one AWESOME woman! Kelly lost her hands in a skydiving accident in her 20's before marrying Peter while they were both in the Army. So she has lived through much adversity already, but now she is fighting her greatest fight ever.

I will allow her newly created Caringbridge website to speak for her ongoing story. Click this link to read more www.caringbridge.org/visit/kellyrambo . I ask that you add Kelly to your prayer list and not only know her as a name, but honestly lay her at the feet of Jesus. The family hopes to get further information from the CDC on Monday or Tuesday regarding exactly what is attacking her body as she fights in the ICU at Palmetto Baptist Hospital. They are 99% certain it is a very rare type of H1N1. Not even enough cases for them to know how to treat her. Such a sad situation that God alone is being glorified in and through! Praise be His marvelous name!!

Free at Outback (and I'm told Applebees)

2009-11-09T16:27:00.002-05:00

Here is a little something free for those wonderful folks serving ( and those who have served) our country —

THIS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11th – ———As a special thanks to our Veterans, this Veteran’s Day all Veterans and Active Duty Military will receive a free Bloomin’ Onion and Beverage.

Got a Wild Hair?

2009-11-07T23:39:00.005-05:00

Friday I became excited as Jason entered the house from hunting (greeted by warm biscuits and sausage gravy of course! I'm such a wonderful wife...ahem....) and then began to tell me how he would regret it if he didn't make the trek down to El Cid (The Citadel, for those of you who aren't familiar with that terminology) for his 10 year reunion. So we got a wild hair (it didn't take much convincing for me to go) and loaded up the kids in the van after lunch.

We had a super afternoon of watching the chorale sing, which Jason even got to sing the Alma Mater with the chorale, and then Twilight Parade followed by dinner with about 12 or 13 of his Alpha Company classmates from the Class of 99. It was just a great time (minus the number of trips I made to the bathroom at Southend Brewery for either Emma Grace, myself, or Jase who seems to have a stomach bug). The food was OH MY GOODNESS delicious. I had shrimp and grits that were to DIE for and Jason and Emma Grace had woodfired pizzas that were worth bringing the extras home for lunch today! We had forgotten how good that place is!

I think more than anything I enjoyed watching my husband walk around the place he knows like the back of his hand and just feel and see all of the vivid sights, sounds, memories that flood his mind from the 4+ years he called The Citadel home. Boy, do I have some memories of my own....Hampton Park, the library, speedy trips back at midnight, countless parades, church services, and football games. The sacrifices I made for this wonderful man are well worth it--every minute of it! He made some sacrifices of his own, yet I know without a doubt He is forever grateful for the time he had at The Citadel. God knows what He's doing and His perfect plan cannot be thwarted even by my poor "planning". Such a comfort to know we sit right in the PALM of HIS hand! Those were trying times, but I would not want to take back a single minute of the memories we made and the ways God used that time to shape and mold us into the parents we are today. What a MIGHTY God we serve!

I hope we can be able to take more "day trips" like that out of spontaneity every once in a while! Sure makes life FUN.

Harvest Festival at Church

2009-10-31T20:53:00.005-04:00

We had a SUPER time at the Harvest Festival! Enough cannot be said to thank those that helped to prepare the games, food, decorations, treat bags, etc. Joeli certainly went above and beyond this year and we thank her for what she adds to the CE Committee. There were several families absent this year (I know of one on vacation...the pastor) and I know that those who couldn't be there really missed a blessing.

I will throw one more thing out there since this IS my blog and I can say what I want....if you attended a secular Halloween event, I so think you missed out on a wonderful time with God's people and a time to stress to your children through your lifestyle what your most important priority is. Would you dare miss a Christmas program at church for a secular one? I don't think so. Funny how we slight this time of the year to do what we want just because we have "always done it this way". Think we didn't have fun at our Harvest Festival?! Think again! We salute those great saints of the faith and pray for those who use this holiday to focus their kids minds on ghosts, witches, goblins, devils, and all things evil and train them up to do what they've "always done". But our God is bigger and He will reign and be praised even through our wrongful actions. Did I go trick-or-treating when I was a kid? Yes. Was I warped through it? No. Do I wish I had been able to go have fun with God's people and shown how important our God really is instead? Of course. So I choose to try and turn all experiences into times of learning for my children (and for me, of course!!).

I wished I had been able to get pics of the square dancing of both kids and adults. It was such a riot!! But I was part of the fun and Jason was the watcher of the little guy, so, sorry, no pics of that, but I hope you enjoy the pics I did take (notice no one really dresses up---the focus is supposed to be on All Saints Day/Reformation Day).

Once in a while a song comes along and grabs me...

2009-10-24T22:21:00.003-04:00

Every once in a while I hear a song on WMHK and am just blown away by the lyrics I hear. The song below is called "More Beautiful You" and it is by Johnny Diaz. It is a christian song. I had never heard of this artist, but I tell you, this man has Truth. And it's truth that our young girls and daughters need to hear desperately in this society. Not only the lyrics, but the music is just so moving. I found myself blaring the words loudly in the van today as I drove to Wa*Mart by myself today and I was crying as I tried singing along (I did not know the words, so I googled them and here they are below). Having 2 sisters and a daughter of my own, I "feel" the words to this song about how girls feel and how they just want to feel special. I think it's important that our girls know God created them with a special purpose in mind and that there could truly never be a more beautiful you. Love, LOVE, LOVE this song!!!! Please listen to it on my playlist at right.

Little girl fourteen flipping through a magazine
Says she wants to look that way
But her hair isn't straight her body isn't fake
And she's always felt overweight

Well little girl fourteen I wish that you could see
That beauty is within your heart
And you were made with such care your skin your body and your hair
Are perfect just the way they are

There could never be a more beautiful you
Don't buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

Little girl twenty-one the things that you've already done
Anything to get ahead
And you say you've got a man but he's got another plan
Only wants what you will do instead

Well little girl twenty-one you never thought that this would come
You starve yourself to play the part
But I can promise you there's a man whose love is true
And he'll treat you like the jewel you are

So turn around you're not too far
To back away be who you are
To change your path go another way
It's not too late you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights hope to forget
Can disappear they can all be washed away
By the one who's strong can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears dry all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world

He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light
He will show you truth
And again you'll see through the eyes of a little girl

The Wedding

2009-10-19T21:47:00.006-04:00

Today all was quiet in the house---that's when I knew something was going on. Usually silence is a bad thing when both children are up and playing. I appeared out in the living room to find Emma Grace putting a "wedding ring" on Jase's finger. I asked her what was going on and she said, "We're getting married!" with a big 'ole grin on her face. Then she showed me which ring was her "gregagement ring". It was the CUTEST thing you have ever seen. She had gone and gotten a skirt, dressup heals, a bracelet, a necklace, and SEVERAL rings. Girls, I tell you, there's nothing like them! I just LOVE having a daughter. And she has such a vivid imagination.

Well, I had to get pictures of their hands with wedding rings! Jase, of course, was being forced to marry his sister. He had no idea what she was doing. Aahh...I just love how she loves her brother so much that she'd want to marry him. I asked her if the preacher had said, "And now you may kiss the groom!" She just laughed!!! More or less, she was dragging him around and he was just being quiet since his sister had placed something shiny on his thumb finger (go figure) and he was trying to figure it out.

I must tell you, though, this led to a whole discussion. I then asked her why her mommy wasn't invited to the wedding?! She said they videotaped it and did I want to see it? Well, that's when she took me to the kitchen and showed me (pretending) that she had a video complete with sound on her phonics/learning computer game. :) (see above pic) I completely went along with the charade. That's when I asked her if she wanted to see mommy and daddy's wedding video. *What?* A video of you and daddy?! Yes, we marched right in the living room and found the tape dating back to 2000! It was so neat for her to watch us "pre-children". She asked, "How old were you, mommy?" "Who is that lady?" (referring to my two grandparents there---granny Barrett and Great-Grandmother Allinger). I have to say I got tears in my eyes when I saw Grandmother Allinger in the video and told Emma Grace that is who she is partly named after (Grace Beatrice Allinger). I miss her terribly. She would have been 110 this past May. I pray Emma Grace can have a full life like Grandmother living to 102!

There have been lots of those teary moments lately...even Saturday when Emma Grace was watching the show "Little House on the Prairie" on TV with her daddy for the first time (which she LOVED!!!!) and then we went to find the novel Little House on the Prairie that I had from when I was a young girl. Guess what was written inside the first page? "With Love from Grandmother Allinger, Christmas 1985" My grandmother loved those books, and she loved giving them as gifts to her great-grands. Such a memory for me....amazing what a legacy she left for us. I pray that I can be that to my children and grandchildren and greatgrands. It takes work, though, and intentionality. And lots of thoughtfulness. That she was.

Our Visit to the SC State Fair

2009-10-17T23:19:00.001-04:00

Instead of Going Through the Motions

2009-10-10T21:30:00.003-04:00

I'm not exactly sure how so much time has passed since I last posted, but we've been plugging along....homeschooling every day (except Sat. and Sun.), trying to save money doing thrifty shopping (which requires research and work), enjoying this awesome weather, and I must say, doing LITTLE cleaning. I shared with our small Tuesday morning prayer group that meets at 6am, I have tried to maintain that delicate balance between maintaining an orderly/clean home (we all know God is a God of order) and trying to enjoy each day to the fullest without letting everything go to pot.

Our children are so young, and they won't be this way forever. Lately, I have tried so hard to not just "go through the motions" in rearing our children. We've been praying harder than ever about everything in our lives, reading fun books, playing outside every day, baking, trying to do "fall" decorating, and just generally enjoying each day to the fullest. I guess you could say I have had a life altering event in my life (although I'm sure much more life altering for those directly involved) in the daily struggles my friend Catherine has with the news of battling cancer throughout her body. She's 35 with a 6 month old daughter and a 3 year old son. WOW. Life is so precious, such a treasure. How can we NOT take each breath captive for the Glory of God? Why would we want to just go through the motions? Why does it take something so horrible for me to see this and claim what is mine and has been mine?

I've just gotten to the point this week that the toilet just H.A.D. to be cleaned. There was no way around the ickiness (is that a word?). So between Thurs. afternoon and Friday morning, I have gotten word from the Lord (!!) that now is the time to clean so that I do not cross over and make our lives unbalanced. Boy, it's amazing how much better I feel. Now, we didn't play outside much those two days, but when it's 85 degrees outside plus humidity, who really wants to? Besides, Daddy and Granddaddy have taken up the slack and allowed me time to actually MOP the kitchen floor without little feet scurrying over it while wet. Ask me how long it stayed spotless and I think you know the answer. Just impossible to keep a clean floor with 3 meals a day and 3 snacks a day. And know what?? This too shall pass, but the memories made with my babies are for a lifetime!

Unspoken Prayer Request

2009-09-27T14:27:00.028-04:00

Have you ever been present at church, Circle, BSU, RUF (or otherwise) when someone mentions an "Unspoken Prayer Request"? I often wonder just why they mention it if it is unspoken? I mean, really, what does this mean? Are we not brothers and sisters in Christ and able to share all that burdens us? If your answer to that is "yes, we are sisters in Christ", then why is there the need to keep requests veiled from those that can bring your specific area of difficulty before the Lord? If your answer to that question is "no, we are not sisters in Christ", then I would first pray for your unbelieving heart. Perhaps that is what is at the root of someone listing an "unspoken" request...or maybe it's too much pride??

Often during prayer list time, I've wanted to blurt out..."unspoken? then why did you bring it up if you don't want us to speak to God about it?" He tells us to pray specifically...to name it by name. I don't mean blurt out all your personal business. But it would suffice to say, "There's a decision I/a friend is making" or "There is a relationship that is in strain" or "There is a sin I am struggling with" or "I have medical tests/problems I need you to be in prayer about that I don't want to go into all the specifics about" or whatever. But just to say "Unspoken" seems to superficial and unChristian.

I just don't understand what it will take for us as brothers and sisters in Christ to break down these walls that divide us and keep us from sharing our deepest hearts (at least with one or two of our closest Christian brothers even if not the whole lot of them). I'd be interested to know what your thoughts are regarding the "unspoken".

Sand-n-Surf

2009-09-20T16:16:00.009-04:00

One Big Happy Family!

Pedicures at the Inlet Square Mall
Guess whose toes are whose?

Papa loves to take Jase out to ride his car!

Emma Grace says she took a nap in the stroller.

Mommy & Jase on the beach
Hmmm..wonder if I'll like the sand?

Bubba catches the football thrown by Jason--Necia gets in on the action, too! Emma Grace tries to play, but isn't successful.

Uncle Bubba and Emma Grace catching up on old times.

My family--beautiful, aren't they?!

Jase trying to keep out of the sand.

Mommy and Emma Grace at Atalaya Castle.

Monday morning sunrise--God paints masterpieces!

Lunch on the deck

Our family just returned last night from 7 nights and 8 days at Garden City Beach here in SC! It was such a needed vacation and one that we will treasure always!! I remember so many things from the week that I wanted to share, but I first went to our daughter Emma Grace and asked her what she thought I should share. She wanted you all to know that she L-O-V-E-D the ocean and getting in the water! Being 4 years old, she really went at this full force this year and even thought she could "surf" like Daddy and Uncle Bubba! Quite a funny girl!

The things I remember most from this vacation were:

Beach volleyball with Bubba and Necia
PEDICURE--my feet will thank Necia for at least 6 months or more!
Children sleeping through all 7 nights peacefully--such a blessing! (Thanks to Hannah and Chris for allowing us to use their extra crib!)
Reading out on the deck in absolute quiet. Aahh.
Making cookies with icing & getting Painter's Ice Cream.
Playing bocci ball.
Jase not liking the sand or water! BOO.
Watching the boys (Hennies, Bubba, and Jason) "surf" and throw the football.
Having the foresight to plan at least 3 meals ahead of time and take them with us. :) Frugal vacations are the bomb when you only have 1 salary!
Watching Bubba and Necia--boy, I don't miss dating at ALL. So glad that season of life is OVER. {{papa jeep coined the term "smackey mouth}}
Looking for seashells with Emma Grace.
No horseflies this year!!!! YIPPEE!
Watching Papa Jeep as Jase whines---he always thinks Jase wants to go out and play; he usually obliges and takes him out!
Lunches on the porch
Visiting Adalaya (castle) at Huntington Beach State Park.

We did make some fabulous memories and took some super pictures. We have come home charged up and ready to head into this fall season which begins Tuesday, by the way! And we missed our church family. So good to be back this morning worshipping with those who know us best! Better go fold some laundry (like 4 loads waiting for me) and get ready---tomorrow is coming and school will be back on!

Field Trip to Edventure & the Vein Specialist!

2009-09-03T11:27:00.005-04:00

In the butterfly gardenEddy with Emma Grace and Madeline

Eddy's shoe

Inside Eddy's stomach

Madeline, Alex, and Emma Grace bulldozing the "brick" wall

Emma Grace and Madeline in the Fire truck at Dalmation Station

I've been meaning to post since Monday but our preschool has been taking up most of Jase's morning naptime and I'm barely getting a shower! We had a fabulous visit to Edventure! We went last Friday, August 28th with Julie and her two younguns--and we made several other stops along the way....when you go to Columbia about once a month, you have to combine trips! The visit went great---furthermore, we got in free since Jason's office (Fire Marshal's Office) hires the workers for Dalmation Station. Thanks to Miss April for allowing us to be one of her "friends"!! Here are some of the pics from the day. I think Emma Grace really liked "The Little Pig" grocery store they have best (wonder where she gets that from?)--we had to visit it twice along with Dalmation Station. Emma Grace learned to go down the fire pole by herself at Dalmation Station and was actually pretty good at putting back her grocery items she "bought".

I really enjoyed the Butterfly Garden; it's only there until the beginning of October, so you need to get there soon if you haven't had a chance to visit. There were SO MANY butterflies!! The first thing the "gate keeper" told us (it's extra to get into the butterfly exhibit and you have to have a time to enter/leave) was to be careful where you walk so we don't squash the butterflies. Ha! Nice!! Easy to say when you're not watching a 1 year old, a 2 year old, and a 4 year old! We did fine, though, and it was good to hear Emma Grace say, "Momma, is that a monarch?" She does learn something at home! Ha!

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I had my own little Field trip to the vein specialist in Columbia yesterday! Boy, was that a new experience for me. God bless all the plebotomists out there! I guess the moral to the story is "Vanity is not worth it!" No, really, I did find out after an ultrasound on my horrible looking calves that I do have medical necessity for work on my legs (insurance would cover the work I need done), but that 20% of $9000 is ALOT of MOOLAH (like $1700)! More than what we paid to have either one of our children!!

So, with having only one salary (and really even if we had two salaries), we still cannot afford to have this work done on my legs until they become everyday paining-me problems. I have cramping about once or twice a week during sleep, but generally they don't ache where I have to take medicine for pain. Now, this may become true as I get older, but for now, I will have to put the needs of my family above my own. Such is the life of a mother. I couldn't rightfully and willfully spend that much on myself!!! I'd have to sing the song, "You're so vain, you probably think this song is about you" if I did that. Our 10th wedding anniversary is coming up next summer, so I think I'd rather see that $1700 go towards a nice week-long vacation somewhere really nice with my hubby than to think my legs sure do look great and feel great, but, eh, I'm stuck at home looking at them myself! There's always future years like when I'm 40 or 50-something (come to think of it, I was the youngest person in the waiting room yesterday!). They probably waited too and put the needs of their family first, too. Thank you, God, for this insight! I'll go lotion down my sleek legs now that I shaved for the doctor yesterday---special events, don't you know?!?

Knee Pits

2009-08-25T19:16:00.002-04:00

I just had to write to let you know that I have LOTS of "pits" according to Emma Grace! At lunch yesterday she told me that the applesauce had spilt in her "knee pit". I nearly blew out my tuna fish salad sandwich across the table! Had to ask for clarification on that, but I really knew what she was getting at...just wanted to hear her explain it. Then she told me that I had LOTS of pits...elbow pits, toe pits, knee pits, and of course arm pits! Oh, the thought process of a 4 year old!

I must update you all (all 6 of you!) to let you know that we did start homeschooling yesterday!! :) It went super! We're using Sonlight's Pre-K 4/5 curriculum along with Math-U-See Primer and Handwriting Without Tears. So far, we love it. Our scripture memory verse this week is Proverbs 4:20 "Pay attention, my child, to what I say. Listen carefully." Emma Grace is a very intriguing little student and she just thrives on "the next activity". I love her sponginess and the way she soaks up everything.

We are trying to do schooling while Jase is doing his first (morning) nap from usually 9:45am-11:15am. It doesn't take nearly as long as I had anticipated, but I must remember this is just preschool, not 4th grade or 3rd grade like I taught. I also must get a shower during that time, so we started handwriting and DEL (Developing the Early Learner) early while Jase was still awake and EG was working at the bar stool today. I HAD to get to the grocery store between 1st nap and 2nd nap or we were going to be out of milk, fresh fruit and veggies all together....and my kids LOVE strawberries, grapes, bananas, etc. Everything went fine, even hauling two to the grocery store and post office. You have to be ready...have eaten lunch...kids aren't tired...just having been diapered...and juice and snacks readily available. OH, and my list was organized by isles in Wal-mart, so I was ready for the attack!!

We're hoping to get to take a "field trip" to Edventure Children's Museum either tomorrow or Friday! Looks like it's going to be a fabulous school year! You can pray for us to accomplish all that God would have to accomplish and that He would be uplifted and glorified in all that we say, do, and learn.

Words of 4 year olds

2009-08-16T14:14:00.003-04:00

Sometimes the words of Emma Grace just make me smile from ear to ear. Last night while her daddy and I were praying with her before bedtime, Emma Grace prayed, "Dear Lord, thank you for my mommy, my daddy, and my baby brother Jase. I just love Jase so much, Lord, and I thank you that he is in our lives. I thank you for taking care of him. I wouldn't want anything to happen to him. In Jesus' name, Amen." Jason and I just smiled at each other after it was over. It was one of those moments where the world is at peace. It was late (10:00pm) and she and her daddy had been at the skeet shoot since 4pm (Jase and I joined them after naptime in time for dinner at 7pm). She was worn out and had been running around the Harkins' yard after dinner with her brother, so maybe that's why he was fresh on her mind and in her prayers.

I have noticed lately that she's been very protective of Jase. When I walked with them out to the mailbox the other day, Jase wanted to walk further down the dirt road to the other side of our semicircle driveway. Of course. My little explorer! WELL, that was not a good idea according to Emma Grace. She was SCREAMING, "NOOOO, MOMMY, NOOO....don't let him walk down the road, NOOOO! What if a car is coming?!!!" I assured her that mommy is watching for cars and wouldn't let anything happen to Jase. We did have to move off the dirt road onto our grass because there was a truck coming not long after that...and these people going down our road go WAY too fast! Her little momma instinct is already at work! :)

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On another occasion just a few minutes ago before Sunday afternoon naptime, I was cleaning off the table from dinner and Emma Grace and her daddy went in the livingroom and began folding the laundry that had been sitting there on the couch since last night. I knew this was going on and I really appreciated their help since I was still cleaning off the 4 placemats from where they had helped to make messes. Folding laundry is one of the few chores that she still likes to help me do (used to be that she liked helping to dust and vacuum, but now it's just folding laundry and mopping the kitchen floor).

The funny part was when she came in the kitchen while I was still putting away containers in the fridge and said, "Mommy, Daddy and I folded your laundry. Wasn't that nice?" Oh yes, mommy, is more than appreciative that you helped to fold MY laundry. MY laundry. MY laundry....it resounded in my head. The M.Y. part. Now, I know she's only 4 years old, but I assured her that mommy was so glad they helped to fold my 3 shirts ('cause that's ALL that was mine in the stack! no kidding!). I asked her if she and her daddy helped to fold her laundry and Jase's laundry and Daddy's laundry? She kinda looked at me funny and said, "Uh huh." I told her, "Thank you for helping to do our FAMILY'S laundry." We all appreciate it! And, yes, I do appreciate any little bit of help. Hopefully she'll one day grow to understand that laundry is not just mommy's job to do. Just like clearing the table, unloading the dishwasher, making beds, dusting, vacuuming, mopping, mowing the lawn, cooking dinner, etc. are all things our FAMILY enjoys the benefits of and must help to take care of. Bless her little heart...wonder where she learned that it's all MOMMY'S laundry?

It's the little things in life...

2009-08-07T22:06:00.002-04:00

It's the little things in life that can keep me going. Amazing to me how changing one chair at the kitchen table gives me a fresh attitude and helps me to go on daily feeding children, wiping little mouths and little hands, cleaning placemats after each and every meal and snacktime 2-3 times a day, etc. The kids recently rearranged the "kiddie table" and the high chair to opposite sides of our kitchen table from where they once were. No problem...I actually wish I had thought of that about 3 years ago---that same high chair has been exactly where it is since we moved into our house 4 1/2 years ago. Can you tell I'm a woman of ROUTINE? I get stuck in a rut and not much changes.

Well, I decided that since 3 years ago we have added a black sewing machine chair to our kitchen table (which is white and natural wood) to accommodate more than just our 4 person family (like when the grands come over to eat), I would move the black chair to MY spot where I normally sit and feed 2 children...oh, yeah, I guess I do eat occasionally also. O.k. I make it a priority that I get to eat and no one is debating that by the fact that now I am very "healthy" (on a diet!) and really trying to rethink my views on food. I guess I should tell you that the black chair has a cushion tied into the seat of it, and it's the ONLY chair with such a cushion. Usually, the men avoid the seat or move the cushion out since it's hard for their legs to fit under the table while sitting on the cushion. Emma Grace sometimes sits on the seat when she doesn't want her booster seat, but now I have given up my rickety-sounding white chair for the black cushy chair!!! And man, has it given me the grandest outlook on sitting for HOURS at that table feeding little ones! My hiney feels so much better and I can see the "world" from new heights! The hummingbird feeder, the side field....all look so much better the way I'm facing now that the high chair is on my right versus my left and my hiney is smiling (o.k., no smart remarks, please!). Why hadn't I thought of this before?

I think now I'll go about rearranging the pictures on the wall, changing our bedroom furniture around, pulling out books that have been on our shelves for years and rereading them. Who knows what life could bring now?!! :) Well, I'm off to rub down my feet with that good, smelly foot lotion...one of those other things that just makes me feel pampered and good. It's just the simple things in life....priceless!

Hot Topic: Couponing

2009-08-02T15:05:00.002-04:00

Today's hot topic (at least for frugal mothers) seems to be couponing and using those coupons in conjunction with sales ads at grocery stores and drug stores. I'm ALL for saving money...in fact, my husband will tell you he is not allowed to go grocery shopping. I may ask him to pick up a gallon of milk or a loaf of bread if we're at the very end, but even in that I am VERY SPECIFIC about what kind of bread or milk. He is not a bargain shopper...doesn't like the challenge. Me, on the other hand, I'm a sucker for a good deal! Give me 50% off and I'm game. I love looking for a good deal, and the fact that websites like www.southernsavers.com and www.thethriftymama.com and www.moneysavingmom.com do all the leg work for you is just WONDERFUL! Now, I don't pay others money to give me the coupons I need as in the Grocery Game (I think it's like $5 or something like that), but I'm pretty advanced in my cutting coupons, filing them in my system, and checking those websites before I go to the store to make sure I'm matching super duper coupons with super duper sales.

My problem with the whole thing is the idea is to stockpile a bunch of items so that you have them when needed. This is so you don't have to go out and buy papertowels or whatever the needed item is at that time at regular price. Yes, that's a bad idea...that's how my hubby operates and it doesn't save us A.N.Y. money. Now, I know we'll eventually use papertowels and need more for a long, LONG time to come (assuming we live past today...which by the way isn't for certain), but why does it seem that some people are buying items they don't normally use just for the sake of having it free or at a reduced cost. I mean, I saw a blog the other day where the person had written how she had gotten like 3 shampoos and 3 deodorants for FREE at her local CVS all by using coupons along with sales ads and then accumulating ECB (extra care bucks) to pay for the remaining deodorants and shampoos. It was a remarkable plan and I applaud her for figuring all that out. I mean, it really takes planning and rationalization to think that whole process through. That sounded like a fabulous idea and one I should head over to CVS to take advantage of.

Problem is, I don't use P*rt shampoo or D*gree deodorant or whatever kind was in her "deal". It would do me no good to stockpile these things since NO ONE in my household uses these things. We are generally a pretty standard, simple family, and we don't buy what I call frivolous things....things that are not completely essential. Like mouthwash, poptarts, room deodorizer, scented Gl*de candles, F*sion razors, P*lsar toothbrushes, sparkly toothpaste for kids, etc. Who really needs these things? I've had no cavities since I was 2 or 3 and I have not missed out in not having mouthwash.

Now, we do buy another kind of deodorant and another kind of razor and another kind of manual toothbrush, but we do not need to have all the name brand's latest and greatest in order to be clean, well-groomed people. Generic 2-ply toilet paper and generic toothbrushes equivalent to Or*l B will be just fine. My cheap razor works fine, too. My hair is specific to one type of shampoo (P*ntene if you must know), so I do cut coupons for that anytime I see one and I would LOVE to have a free deal at CVS on that. I guess some people just like P*rt shampoo and others have to have their candles to make their house smell good, but I plain old refuse to start buying things and "working deals" just to get all that junk stockpiled that I may NEVER use. I find the most helpful part of those websites with great deals is the food section where you can get peanut butter for FREE and cereal for $.14 a box. That's what I'm talking about!!! I know we'll use those things.

Well, I'll shut my blogger trap for now and go finish finding my great deal on Eb*y for homeschool curriculum for our 4 year old's preschool this year! See, I told you I'm a sucker for a great deal!

Good News!

2009-07-23T22:48:00.002-04:00

I have a praise item to report! Some of you know I had some lab work done recently at the OB/GYN office for my hormone levels (no shock to anyone), thyroid, prolactin, iron, cholesterol, etc. Thankfully all of them came back normal except two. The prolactin, which comes from the work of the pituitary (located in your head) helps to control milk production. SHOCKER---I have milk!!! Duh!....have had it somewhat since before I was ever pregnant with Emma Grace! Well, the nursing is over and has been, but the milk remains. It's annoying wearing breast pads all the time! Thus the reason my prolactin was 86.4 instead of below 20 (really, it's supposed to be between 2.0 and 10.0 unless you're pregnant, but they wouldn't worry about 20.0 in a woman who has finished nursing in the last 4 months even). Also, my cholesterol (the LDL--that's the bad one, not the triglycerides) was a little elevated. But not elevated enough that I will need to go on medication. The doctor just prescribed "diet and exercise" as I'm sure they always do for elevated LDL's. She did put me on dostinex, the same medication I took before to stop the milk, which helped us get pregnant with Emma Grace.

The praise comes in on days when I take the dostinex (twice a week--Saturdays and Tuesdays) and when it DOESN'T cause a headache. For the last week or two I've been trying to figure out if it was the medicine causing the headaches, which I am able to rid with tylenol usually, or if it was being out in the sun or not having anymore sodas on this diet or if I was just hungry. Well, I still don't know yet if it was the dostinex, but on Tuesday I took the medication with breakfast as I always do and I was THRILLED that I went the entire day and all day yesterday (Wed.) without a headache of any kind. PRAISE! Wonderful! Whatever it was, the Lord saw fit to give me a no headache day. :) Let's just hope I can have a good Saturday this weekend while my mom is here and we have 2 parties to attend with Emma Grace.

Y'all have a super weekend! May YOU be blessed by the Lord!

Our 9th Anniversary

2009-07-20T14:22:00.004-04:00

The beach line near Springmaid.
Swinging on the Springmaid Pier around midnight on our anniversary.
Eating seafood at Sara J's in Garden City! Oh. My. Goodness.

For our 9th anniversary we were able to go to Myrtle Beach together for a couple of days (thanks to Bibbi and Papa Jeep for watching the children for us!). Actually, it was for Jason's SC State Firefighter's Convention that he always goes down this time of the year and it always falls on our anniversary (oh, how fortunate am I! Ha! Didn't even get to go last year b/c we had a 5 week old baby). Anyway, the cost of the room at Springmaid is covered and all of his meals are covered by work (he really did have to work each day even if just for 2 or 3 hours on our anniversary). The main expenses were my gas since I couldn't stay the whole week and my meals.

We did a lot of things; I went Christmas shopping and got all the kids' things! Oh, what a relief! I also got to.....listen to this.....READ in peace out by the pool and coast around the lazy river for nearly 2 hours! WOW. I know you're all jealous right now...especially if you have little ones. :)

But, the most important thing is that Jason and I got to spend quality, uninterrupted time with each other! How wonderful! I'm now reaquainted with Jason's chest hairs! Ha! I had forgotten that he even had them since it isn't very often that I get to lay my head on his chest for snuggle time. We last had that quality time without children back in Feb. when we went to the mountains together for a super weekend. And I hope that we can have a date night or two the week we go back to Garden City in September for a full family vacation, but we'll have to see. I may see if a sitter wants to come with us for the week! I know lots of families who do just that! Kelsey, are you available? :)

I must tell you, my husband wrote the sweetest, most loving note to me for our anniversary. Simply beats all the Hallmark cards he has ever gotten for me in the past. I cannot tell you how I love this man...he loves me for who I am and helps me to be all that God has intended for me to be. How blessed I am!

Girls, ladies, all you who are single even if you are just 12 years old...start NOW developing the list for the kind of characteristics you want in a godly husband. I don't mean "macho" or "muscular"...I'm talking long-lasting qualities that edify the Lord. Don't just make the list, but stick to the list. Don't date anyone who wouldn't qualify. Then, begin praying diligently for that godly man. Pray for him each day...pray for him to be developing into the kind of leader you would wish for in a godly husband and godly father. Pray for his patience, contentment, and strength. I am SOOO glad I did this and God has been faithful in bringing me that man. First, though, He had to develop me into a godly woman that Jason would want in a wife and mother. Oh, please don't get me wrong, we "have not yet arrived". We have our downfalls and areas that we need work in, but oh, how wonderful marriage can be when lived according to His principles instead of our own!! Praise Him!

Well, here's to 59 more years (oh, wow, that makes me 94 years old---hey, it can happen and I'm praying for it!)!

A Long Way to Ohio

2009-06-23T13:41:00.005-04:00

Callie, the bride, throwing the bouquet

Emma Grace and Jason

The car ride up to Ohio
This past weekend (really a 4 day trip) we ventured up to Marion, OH because Jason and Bubba were both in Daniel and Callie's wedding. First, I would like to say, "Thank you, MOM!" We are so thankful to my mom for keeping Jase for 4 whole days! That is the longest we've EVER left any of our kids, and we missed him so much. We know how much dedication it takes to take time off from work and travel up where we live in order to give undivided attention to one special little boy. I know he enjoyed being with his Mimi with no distractions or sister to split the time with. :) We also know that we couldn't have made the trip with him either. Emma Grace was a sheer delight. She was SOOOO good---probably fared better in the van than I did. Kids are so resilient and flexible! She even had to hang with the adults and went to bed around midnight two of the nights!

It was a great trip up and really was a special time for Daniel and Callie! We wish God's blessings on them as they begin their lives together as one in Him! Such a fun time! I remember it like it was yesterday, and I can tell them it only gets better!! A godly husband is SUCH a blessing---and speaking of husbands and Father's Day....

I wanted to take this time to first thank my own Dad for all that he provided for us 3 girls growing up. I would say I got my work ethic from my dad, and for that I am grateful! There are lots of things said in the Bible about working and not being slothful or lazy.

I also want to thank my hubby Jason for being the greatest father to our children. He loves our children so much and spends so much time with us as a family---that can't be said of every father. He bathes the children, feeds them, plays with them, reads and prays with them, laughs with them, and more than anything he is the finest example of a godly father and husband both at our church and in our home. The way they run to him when he enters the door in the evenings is very special! Our whole family loves to be with DADDY. And I have fallen more in love with him every day over the 9 years we've been married!

I love you, Jason!

Too Many Irons in the Fire?

2009-06-13T15:07:00.002-04:00

Have you ever just looked around at your desk (my home desk I mean) and thought, "Wow, what pile am I working on now?" I guess I have so many things going on, especially that require me to look up some phone number on the internet or compile my list of grocery deals from the website I mentioned below or get a card out to so and so who is sick.....on....and....on it goes. As I look over my desk, there is SOME semblance of order to me even if no one else knows what's going on.

I have one pile of papers about my Educator Recertification, which I need to call the SDOE to find out if a couple of classes I want to take this summer for CEU's (continuing education units) will count toward my recertification. My certificate is due to expire in June 2011, so I really have over a year to do this, but I might as well take one day classes that are only $25-$50 versus $900 a taking up 7-11 days and even weekends.

Another pile is papers I printed with information about our reservations this week for Daniel's wedding in Ohio, which my husband and his brother are groomsmen in. I like to plan ahead, so of course I've tried to look for places to eat, shop, fun things to do, etc.

Another pile is Father's Day cards and gifts that will need to go out before we leave for Ohio or will need to be wrapped and taken with us to Ohio for hubby and his dad who are going with us.

The other stack relates to an ongoing file of resources/catalogs/price lists/etc. of homeschool resources and field trips we hope to take this year.

Oh, and there is just one more stack that I would call the "Get Ready for Emma Grace's 4 1/2 Birthday swimming party" that is coming up June 27th. I'm trying to get my ducks in a row as far as presents, food for everyone, decorations, invitations, games they can play besides swimming, treat bags for the guests, etc.

Woops, hidden under the recertification stack is a small bunch of papers (2-3 sheets) that relate to our current insurances and life insurance policies. I need to evaluate what we have--- is it enough for us now that we also have Jase, are we paying for some policies we don't need, and do we need to add other term or whole life policies to be sure? I want to sit down soon with Jason and a Christian financial planner to see if we're on target and being wise with the resources we currently have coming in. I don't want us to sit down and one day say what one lady in our church shared recently about her being punished for her sins in the area of financial irresponsibility from years back.

Now I guess I should turn around and look at the scrapbooking table behind me sitting open with pictures ready to go in from June 2008 (YIKES, I'm one year behind already!!!!).

Saving Money---working on a budget

2009-06-08T14:35:00.002-04:00

A couple of friends' blogs have referenced frugalness lately, and some on FB had me searching around on www.southernsavers.com for grocery deals at local grocery stores. People, if you live in the southern states, this is the best website I have ever found for helping me know what the weekly sales ads are in conjunction with coupons. It frankly amazes me how people can get Pampers Jumbo size diapers at CVS for .49! You'll just have to look at that website on the CVS section to see what I am talking about. They get bread for free at Bi-Lo.....only .66 for a block of cheese at Bi-Lo this week when you use your coupons. SO MANY deals---you could easily get your groceries for virtually FREE if you shop around!! Why not?? And now I know exactly why I have clipped coupons for years and have them organized by isles in my coupon organizer. God has certainly told us to be wise with the money and resources He gives us.

????

2009-06-07T15:01:00.003-04:00

There are so many things I've wanted to title this post, but none seemed to fit well, so I will just leave the question marks. I'll just say that I need prayer in dealing with my attitude with others in general. Maybe it's rooted in jealousy, which I definitely can fall prey to coveting others "fun" time with their older children. I would imagine most people do not have a CLUE what I'm talking about since the way I feel is not often displayed on the outside for all to see, but ask my husband and he knows what I feel on a daily basis (he probably will not tell you, though, because he knows it is my weakness and an area of prayer).

It's an ongoing struggle in my head involving where I am in this season of life and trying to soak up babyhood while still yearning for some sense of what I would call "fun" that I think will come as Jase finally grows out of babyhood. A lot of my friends who have kids (some even have just one who is older) try to pawn their kids off all the time to grandparents or daycare or sitters so they can be by themselves and it won't "cramp their style". I, on the other hand, have sooo many things I want to do this summer and even during the school year that involve Emma Grace having fun and doing those "homeschool" experiences, but I feel she often gets the short end of the stick because of us having to stay home with Jase. We tried the strawberry patch thing with him, and we had a little fun and got strawberries (which was the thing we did go for), but it doesn't take but an hour or so in a stroller or being carried (which he HATES) and then we're heading back home for his nappy-noo-noo.

I want to take Emma Grace to places I know she'll enjoy---it's about making memories, right? Some of the places are to the Riverbanks Zoo, the free movies on T/W (once a month maybe--not every Tues. and Wed.), Putt-Putting, Fort Jackson Water Park, Edventure (they have the butterfly garden right now), Happy Cow Creamery tour, etc. But all of those would last more than an hour or two, and Jase would be begging for his bed....not to mention how I'd be toting a diaper bag, a snack and/or lunch for him, a stroller, his juice, sunscreen, probably a cooler, etc. It's just not like putting Emma Grace in the van and going. I really don't think it would be worth it to go for an hour to the zoo and then head home---waste of money. Nor to Edventure and home after an hour---you could easily spend 2-4 hours in that place and not see everything---and the cost is like $7 for a child 2 and over and $9 for adults. I'm quite certain, also, that he would not sit through a movie or putt-putting (I'm envisioning right now him crawling down the embankment into a green colored pond while I'm putting a hole-in-one)! So I guess I should ask those of you who read this blog, do you:

1.) Have to wait until your children are out of babyhood to begin to enjoy life?
2.) Hire a sitter since you can't expect grandma to watch him once a week or more often if you have doctor appointments that week too or if grandma has to work that week?
3.) Take the baby anyway and forego making the most of a visit your older child will enjoy (hence wasting $$ since you'll have to go back again to catch the rest of the visit)?
4.) Some other option I'm not realizing??

I guess you can see that I sort of feel doomed to leave my van parked right here at home and not go anywhere all week long. Now, don't get me wrong, we do activities here at home and she's really loving riding her bike lately (won't go outside unless I go out with her still---which is hard b/c Jase again is crawling and pavement isn't a nice friend to knees), but there is just so much cooking, cleaning, playing babies, reading books, sidewalk chalk, etc. you can do before you need to get out of the house. Hopefully the pool at MIL's next door will be ready soon and we can go enjoy the outside weather---Lord knows we've been cooped up in this house too long!

I guess I have a problem like http://www.theprayerofhannah.blogspot.com/ has been hitting on this week about "Entitlement". I need to pray hard about overcoming my feelings of expecting other family members and friends to want to help me in taking care of Jase. (Lord, don't let me go there...part of my attitude thing) This is especially hard on me this year as a stay-at-home mom. Those of you who know me know I'm a mover and shaker. I don't like to sit still for long...don't understand how people can stay at home day after day with no activity. Just would drive me NUTS....does drive me nuts. Now, don't get me wrong...we're busy bees---at least it seems my kitchen gets a pretty good workout! I'm a people person and I like to see progress. Like I told my MIL (we've had this discussion before about her being a home-body and me the opposite), I am a people person and I crave action. I crave the day when we can pack up the kids' bikes and go camping and hiking! I want to cook marshmallows and weenies over the fire with my kids! I want to see their eyes light up at feeding the lorikeets and giraffes. Want to take Emma Grace to dance lessons or allow her to take gymnastics if that's what she wants to do. And the thoughts that weigh me down now are that I could be doing thrifty activities with Emma Grace if I had a reliable sitter ($5 water park, free movies, zoo membership). Just makes me sick to my stomach. :(

Y'all please pray for me in these areas and I'd love feedback from other moms who have the same issues. I know I'm not the only one to ever trod down this path of stay-at-home blues. :)

Definition of "Blog"

2009-05-25T14:30:00.005-04:00

A blog is defined as, "A Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer ; also : the contents of such a site." Please remember that these are my personal thoughts and reflections. Does that make them absolute truth? Heavens no!

Having said that, I would like to clarify a previous blog entry I wrote that seems to be causing some confusion. You all know I am a person who says it like it is...there is little processing between what comes in my head and what comes out of my mouth. This is an area that I may apologize for or I may be praised for, depending on if you agree with what I say or not. And having written in an earlier post about how our family (personally--Jason and I are all I can speak for--and Jason sometimes disagrees with me, but, hey, this is my blog, not his...so don't blame him)(and yes, I think he agrees with me on this subject) seems to not have much in common in the way of our Christian walk with other members of our extended family.

Now, I in no way mentioned first names or even last names of individual family members when I discussed this and sometimes my language is a little sarcastic, I'll admit. But the subject of the blog I still stand behind and still hope that those who read and disagree will call me or leave a comment so some discussion can be started about just that....our Christian walk on a daily basis. Lord knows we all need uplifting and encouraging in this life together. So maybe I don't know our family very well (which may be true considering we only see each other once a year and do not otherwise share daily happenings through calls or emails), in which case I'd absolutely LOVE to have some dialogue about so I may know that I walk among brothers and sisters in Christ and you too can know that you walk among brothers and sisters in the Lord. :) Maybe you didn't know that about me either (shame on me if my Chrisianity was hidden from you as well!!). I will feel much assurance if I know that we'll be reunited in heaven one day!

I will add some words below from another author that restate my point about non-church-attenders with the scripture to back it up about using your spiritual gift, etc. There are many who read this that may not agree (and possibly former co-workers, friends, etc.), but I don't see myself arguing with the Word of God. It's dangerous business when we argue with our Maker. :)

Here's the article:

Some people joke about the “Bedside Baptists” who attend the "Chapel of the Tube" on Sunday mornings. But it's more than a joke. Many people refuse to get near a church unless their nephew is playing the role of a sheep in the Christmas pageant! They claim they can get more out of a walk in the woods than from the typical sermon.
Can a Christian survive apart from a church? Some Christians have no choice. They are trapped in a hospital bed, or working in an isolated area where no church exists. And God is certainly sufficient to care for their needs. You can still get to heaven if you can't go to church.
But even though it's technically possible to live the Christian life in isolation, it's certainly not the norm.
When you become a Christian, you are called into a relationship with God (1 Corinthians 1:9). But I John 1:3 makes it clear that we enter a fellowship that goes two ways: with God and with other Christians.
The New Testament never divides Christians into the church members and the non-church members. All the way through, it assumes that everybody participates in their local assembly. It gives no samples of Christians who belong to the “universal church” but have no link with a local church. One scholar has said that "any idea...of enjoying salvation or being a Christian in isolation is foreign to the New Testament writings" (Alan Stibbs, God's Church, p. 92). Wherever Christians are within range of each other in the New Testament, they meet. Every time the apostle Paul comes to a town in the book of Acts where there are no Christians, he wins a few converts and immediately organizes them into a small group - a little church.
Acts 20:7 reveals the practice of the early church: "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them." For Christians in every location, regular gathering was a part of life.
It's illogical to say that you are merely part of the worldwide, universal church, yet refuse to gather with the segment of that universal church that exists in your geographical area. It would be like claiming you have a car, when the right fender is in Phoenix, the engine is in Tucson, and the wheels are in Paradise Valley! You don't have a car; you have the beginning of the inventory for a junkyard. It just won't function until the pieces are put together.
The church must be together to carry out many of its purposes.

Here are some irreplaceable pieces of the Christian that cannot happen when you live in isolation from the church:

USE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS - I Corinthians 12 makes it clear that God has given spiritual gifts to every Christian. And verse 7 states unmistakably that these abilities are not provided to make you feel good; they are abilities to minister that should be used for the common good! I Peter 4:10 commands us to use spiritual gifts to help each other.
The same passage makes it clear that we meet with other Christians so they can use their gifts to strengthen us. God's gift of a preacher or teacher is wasted if no one comes to hear them speak.

MUTUAL MINISTRY - The church is pictured as a body in I Corinthians 12, and Paul explains that each part of the body exists to meet the needs of other body parts. In the same way, God intends each of us to meet the needs of other believers, using our strengths to help in their areas of weakness. I Corinthians 12:21 expresses it this way: "The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you." Neither can a Christian claim to be self-sufficient today.
The New Testament is full of “one another” commands. We are to comfort one another (I Thessalonians 4:18), build up one another (I Thessalonians 5:11), confess our sins to one another (James 5:16), pray for one another (James 5:16), and many more. How can we obey these directives if we stay away from the gathering of believers?

ACCOUNTABILITY - God designed the church as a place where spiritual leaders could watch out for our welfare, as a shepherd guards the sheep (I Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:17). A Christian who answers only to himself can easily rationalize sinful attitudes or actions; regular contact with other Christians can keep us sharp.
A single verse should actually be sufficient answer for this question: Hebrews 10:25 warns its readers against “forsaking the assembly of yourselves together, as the manner of some is.”

Author: Dr. John Bechtle.

1 year old portraits

2009-05-22T10:00:00.004-04:00

I took Jase to Portrait Innovations at Sandhills yesterday before his 1 year shots (boo!) and these were the decent pics we got. You just can't count on a busy one year old to sit still and smile for the camera! :) Gotta love this cute little guy!!

Not too happy about the flash!

Strawberry Pickin' at Lever Farms

2009-05-15T21:37:00.004-04:00

This is the place where you pay---and they even have pound cake and strawberry SALSA for sale!
Examining a strawberry---then.....

Smooshing the strawberry all over himself!!!

Look what we picked! Pretty good, eh?

Emma Grace and Madeline with stains and all---I think Madeline ate more than she put in her basket!

Alex and Jase watching the action!

Here's one, Mommy!

Ms. Julie, Madeline, and Emma Grace---beautiful rows they have at Lever!

Today a friend and I took our little ones to pick strawberries at Lever Farm about 20 min. up the road on Hwy. 34 in Newberry County. Emma Grace and Madeline really enjoyed themselves...Emma Grace had never picked anything beyond our garden before, and this year she's really getting into the planting and weeding aspects of it. She was actually very good at only picking the big, red ones and picked most of what we brought home. We hauled Jase and Alex along for the ride and it was not long that they were reminding us of why it's hard to travel anywhere with babies. :) The strollers would not fit down any of the rows planted, but we persevered and came home with a gallon each full of juicy, sweet strawberries!! I'm talking YUMMY!!!! I'm so excited about what I might do with them tomorrow (tonight they just sit on the counter--maybe they should be in the refrigerator!). This is just the first of many wonderful trips around the Midlands---can't wait for the Zoo, the dairy farm, Edventure again (they have the butterfly garden now!), etc. Enjoy the pics of our little ones with red stains!

Jase's 1st Birthday

2009-05-11T14:26:00.004-04:00

Food & Fun!
Jase was not too hip on the messy cupcake. He's a lot like his mother---a little OCD!

The happy Birthday Boy!

This was before he made too much of a mess.

Emma Grace helps Jase open his presents.

To my precious Jase:

God has blessed you with nearly one year of life! We are so honored to be your parents! God has only given you to us for a short time, and we pray more than anything that we can teach you how to truly love Jesus and trust Him for everything while we are caretakers over you. You have just been such a blessing to our family for this first year, and we all look forward to watching you grow up! Sometimes I sit and wonder and pray about what it is that you might become in this world. I must confess one year ago I sat in church on Mother's Day without a named picked out for you and, upon hearing the sermon about Hannah and her vowing to give Samuel back to the Lord (which she kept that vow), I wondered if we should call you Samuel. That name had been in my mind almost the entire 9 months I carried you, and I felt the Lord telling me that you were to be given back to Him even as we raise you. That God was getting ready to entrust to us another little life to help shape and mold.

Well, you came into the world on May 20, 2008 and your daddy and I decided you were going to be named Hennies Jason Pope III. But even at this your one year birthday coming up on the 20th, I know still that God has asked us to give you back to Him...that you are His covenant child and that we can give you no greater present than to pray for you to come to know Him at an early age! WOW! What an awesome blessing you are to us! We do pray for you in all areas: your salvation, to love God's word, to use the gifts He gives you, for wisdom and discernment, for a servant's heart, for kindness & compassion, health and safety, self-control & diligence, spiritual protection, friends, sibling, teachers, and one day your future mate. He can handle all of those things and MORE, so I am not scared to hand you back over to the One who lays our paths. May yours be filled with more love and joy than you could ever imagine. I love you, Jase Pope!!!

Heading Out to Lake Lure

2009-04-29T15:56:00.003-04:00

Pulling up on everything.

If Mommy won't put up the Johnny jump-up, then I'll sit in it myself.

Bathtime mohawk.

On Friday I'll be heading out to Lake Lure with some friends from college days at Winthrop. Oh, how I look forward to sleeping all the way through the night. It's the simple things in life! Yes, I look forward to seeing my friends and catching up with them like we do every 6 months, but I really just need time to sleep and be a normal person. This is what I asked (told) Jason I wanted for Mother's Day. Can't wait to see how he fares...he told me that no one does things like mama. True, true. I'm sure they'll be fine. Funny how you relax so much more with the second child! Here are some recent pics of Jase at 11 months old. He's such a doll!!!

2009-04-23T21:36:00.002-04:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Kudos to Miss California!!

2009-04-22T07:34:00.002-04:00

Iam so proud that Miss California stood her ground both in the pageant and on the Today Show regarding Gay Marriage. If you haven't listened to her, the link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DwozFT7n6s
And when Matt asked her if she were to have the opportunity to do it all over again, would she still answer the same way, her response SOOOO honors God. Yes, of course, she would answer the same way because our God never changes...He is not circumstancial. He does not change His views on gay marriage. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. As Christians, we should be bold everyday to defend the faith that we possess, and now Miss California has an AWESOME chance to "tell the hope that is within her." Isn't life worth the living!? AMEN!!!

Quick Trip to TN

2009-04-15T09:59:00.003-04:00

This past weekend was the Allinger family reunion in Sevierville, TN. I was really anticipating a lot of "We only see you once a year" stares and lots of people on "that" side of the family that we really do not have much in common with. It started out much the same way with one of the ladies looking completely over me as we walked in and she did not speak. Looking back, I am a little disgruntled to say that, yes, I feel we did a very little to "bond" with our family. But with all that said, what can you expect from seeing people ONCE A YEAR?! I mean, it's not like we even talk on the phone or email personal stuff. The family members who I regularly email from Charleston were not even there, and those who were are people that we really do not share much in common with. I know my church family here in Lebanon better than any of the other family members. I'd be surprised if any of them even went to church on Easter Sunday much less any other Sunday throughout the year, and Lord forbid any weeknight! Just not important to them like our Lord and Savior are to us. The kids played fine together and the adults watched TV and ate well together (whoopdi-do!).

We had hoped to enter some sort of conversation and be a shining light about "the reason for the hope that is within us", but it just did not happen. Jason was asked to say the blessing, which he did share the reason for Easter and for us to even have all the blessings that were on the table before us. So I guess we can be thankful for that. Like I said, it's about relationships and relationships take time. We will know when the time is right, when the season for sharing is upon us. God will give us the wisdom for all that He wants us to do.

Another area that I have been so glad to be studying/reading in is Matthew 11:28-30 when Jesus talks about coming to Him all who are weary and heavy laden. I really like the book Queen of the Castle by Lynn Bowen Walker. My mom gave me the book for Christmas, and on page 89 she shares, "The definition of yoke is a harness that was never intended to be worn by just one. It was designed for two creatures to share the workload. That helps me see how important it is for me to bring my troubles to Jesus when I'm feeling stressed and overburdened. I don't need to walk alone, lugging hundreds of pounds more than I can carry. My shoulders are weak, and He knows that. As soon as I ask Him to, Christ will walk with me, sharing my life and my burdens, taking nearly all the weight from my back so all that's left is an amount I can bear. It is heavy enough, to be sure, but as I walk with Christ, sharing the yoke designed for two, I know it can be carried."

May this last prayer help you as it has helped me as I go through yet another week of being a SAHM and learning to let Him carry my burden and not get stressed out:

"Lord, thank you that neither death nor life nor dirty laundry nor sticky floors nor grocery shopping nor carpooling nor homework nor science fair projects can separate us from Your love. Whether I handle life well or poorly, thank You that nothing I do will make You love me any more, or less. Help me not to be stressed over my imperfections, but to rest in the comforting knowledge that through Christ, I am acceptable to You." AMEN!

Burp, mommy, burp

2009-04-06T15:01:00.003-04:00

I have to post some of the funny things Jase has been doing lately and how he is just GROWING UP SO FAST!! He's just crawling everywhere and pulling up on everything. Nothing is off limits! It's amazing how different he is from when Emma Grace was a little tot. Boys are just different AND we have a lot more "stuff" now since there's a little girly girl who loves dolls, bottles, little play shoes, strawberry shortcake house complete with wardrobe and table/chairs.

This is just too funny. Lately Jase has started reaching behind me after I give him his morning bottle and I begin to pat his back and now he's starting to pat ME on the back as if to say, "Burp, mommy, burp!" It's too cute and I almost can't help but laugh now that I realize what he's doing. Maybe he's seen EG doing it with her baby dolls, too. She's such a good little mommy to Rachel and Laura and Suzy and Abigail and Campton (boy doll...yes, she named him Camp-ton like Hampton) and all her other dolls I cannot remember.

And I really do not like that Jase is pushing away the baby food! What?! I think he's seen Emma Grace's plate and he knows that she does NOT have little jars and plastic containers with tops on her plate. This morning he ate some of our cinnamon toast and seemed to like it a lot. UUHH, OH. And seems to love the Special K I have for breakfast. I'm just not ready for a messy meal 3X a day when he self feeds. Well, now I have gone and purchased some of the diced Gerber graduates foods like apples and carrots and stuff and guess what??? I have a 4 year old who says, "I want those apples" or "I want those turkey sticks"! YUCK. Why? I thought one bite of those little fruit puffs for babies and she'd get back to the real deal cheese puffs, but NOOOOOO. She eats the entire bag of Jase's baby puffs in the car! Well, at least they're good for her.

Jase loves the johnny jump up!! Man, he's a monkey, and I'm sure glad he likes the jump up because it's the only place I can really confine him that he's happy. If he's not napping or in the jump up, mommy generally cannot get a shower. He's just too mobile. I may have to bring the pack-and-play in from the car so I can let him be caged in enough to shower. (I keep it in the car for days when we go to the park or the church playground or even to our Sat. night fellowship at Danny and Lily's and he needs something to sit in and play while I push EG on the swing or help her do the monkey bars). He will occassionally sit in the exersaucer for a stint or the bouncy seat for about 10 min. while we eat breakfast, but he does not like them for long periods of time.

He has finally started on whole milk in his bottle. Most of the bottle is still formula, but part is whole milk and the proportions are starting to be more even, thank goodness, because formula is WAY too expensive! I don't know how people do it for 12 months or more!! I'm so thankful to have been able to pump and give him breastmilk for 10 months. His first tooth came in on my birthday, March 22!! YEAH! I thought for sure he was going to be like me and be 15 months before he showed signs of a tooth, but it popped up on my birthday. Wonderful present for mommy! Glad I'm NOT nursing now---oh how I remember when EG got teeth and decided it was time to gnaw. I DO NOT MISS THAT.

We're all doing well...still trying to maintain that balance in church activities later at night and my children's sanity. Pray for me as I try to also walk at least once a week and do my workout tapes 2X a week. It's been difficult, but EG every now and then wants to do the tape with me...please be aware that she is more in the way than she is actually working out, but at least she's active some of the time and it's not cartoons I'm battling on the TV. She knows that is mommy's TV time. :) Ha!

Moved to the Core by Songs!

2009-03-31T14:35:00.002-04:00

I have always known that songs are one of the most powerful influences in my life. I literally fall to my knees and cry out to God when a certain song just moves me. Sometimes it’s choruses we sing on Sunday evenings, or sometimes it’s a new song on the radio or an old song on the radio that I recall an especially joyful or sad moment. Lately I have been so touched by the songs on the movie Fireproof and I have looked to find a soundtrack for the movie, but there is no such CD made. Besides the first track that is playing here on my blog (“Slow Fade”) which I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, I also have fallen in love with “While I’m Waiting”. Here are the words:

I’m waiting.
I’m waiting on You, Lord.
And I am hopeful.
I’m waiting on You, Lord.
Though it is painful,
But patiently, I will wait.
I will move ahead, bold and confident.
Taking every step in obedience
While I’m waiting.
I will serve You while I’m waiting.
I will worship while I’m waiting.
I will not faint.
I’ll be running the race,
Even while I wait.
I’m waiting.
I’m waiting on You, Lord.
And I am peaceful.
I’m waiting on You, Lord.
Though it’s not easy,
But faithfully, I will wait.
Yes, I will wait.
I will serve You while I’m waiting.
I will worship while I’m waiting.
I will serve You while I’m waiting.
I will worship while I’m waiting.
I will serve You while I’m waiting.
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord.

That song really speaks truth to my soul. (I need to add it to my blog....think I'll try to find it now!) It’s such a deep reaching tune and the words are enough for me to raise my hands to the Father in adoration every time I play it! (And I did buy John Waller’s CD at Lifeway thanks to mom’s birthday giftcard even if I couldn’t get the Fireproof soundtrack!) We’ve recently been talking lately in Sunday School about moving ahead and not sitting there idly waiting for the Lord to tell you where to go and what to do, but listening intently for the Holy Spirit as you move—for He may move you in another direction and you’ll be called to OBEY and move ahead BOLDLY and CONFIDENTLY. Flexibility is the key when you’re talking about plans and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

While I was in college, my motto was, “I’m running the race!” Ask Michelle J. or Lydia and they’ll tell you that I was constantly on the go and would reply to them, “Gotta run that race!” I think it drove Michelle nearly crazy, but the same motto should still be true today. We must wait for His perfect will and plan, but we cannot sit like couch potatoes and do nothing. Our God is a God of forward moving action. Paul’s ministry was a forward moving ministry, yet He patiently listened and obediently followed the Spirit’s leading. He served while he was waiting; he worshipped while he was waiting. Are we able to be so flexible that we could just pick up and move our family, our lives to another place that same day in order to follow the Holy Spirit?

Over Committed?

2009-03-24T15:05:00.005-04:00

You all know I struggle with maintaining balance when it comes to our church activities and family time/structure...I have learned last night that Jason has taken on the youth as another activity for Wed. nights now while Emma Grace and I are busy with Pioneers and MITI (at least they are in the planning stages and he's one of the planners). I just wonder what will become of my little boy during this time. Hope the youth group likes him because that's probably where he'll be if Bibbi and Papa don't come get him. :) I just think with all the activities our church is doing, we really need a paid sitter on at least Sun. and Wed. nights ("oh no", Michele says, "she didn't just say that!" Ha!) for those nights when we are involved in leading our church children, mothers, youth, and congregation. It's just an hour, so I'm not concerned about a sitter for him for an hour, be it grandparents or paid sitter, but I am concerned about when we will eat supper. With Jason not getting home M-R until 6pm, I guess I'll have to start feeding the children at 5:30pm by myself in that rat race it already is because I flat refuse to eat dinner at 7:45 or 8:00. It's not feasible for children who are supposed to be in bed by 8pm or 8:30pm. Jase is WHIPPED by 7:30 or 8:00 when we get home, so we'll have to work out something different or this mommy is going to have to stay home evenings too and let daddy do the work of ministering and being involved. 8th floor psych ward, here I come! (JK)
So I pose the question to you all, do you think you can become what I call over committed to God (that isn't possible since our lives are totally about Him anyway, right?!) and in turn miss out on time with our families and ministering to THEM first before we focus on outward ministry to our church family? When they are involved too (the kids) and when they aren't rocked so much by a weird, altering, unexpected schedule every night of the week (babies are not good at weird schedules and our 4 year old proved that eating dinner at 8:15pm works out very poorly for sleep the other night!), then we as parents can be more involved. Wish the time for activities could be 5:30-6:30 or something like that. I'd love to help out with the youth--I've worked with youth for 8 years so far in my profession--but I'm just not sure how much I can be stretched without popping. Just an item of discussion...

Baby news all around us

2009-03-17T15:33:00.002-04:00

It is with sadness that I write this blog...just thinking about and praying for our friends Justin and Megan Pifer who have miscarried this pregnancy just this weekend. Most of you know it was 2 years ago on Thursday the 19th that I underwent at D & C for our miscarried second pregnancy. It was very painful, yet we were strong in the strength of the Lord and He again blessed us with Jase last May. :) So we pray for their peace, comfort, healing, and the joy that comes from resting in His unfailing love.

Also, a baby has been born today! Congrats to Leanne and Jonathan Rambo on the birth of their third son (still waiting to hear final name and stats)! God is sooo good! We also received word that Jason's uncle Connie Fortner and his wife Joyce will be grandparents again in September! Congratulations to Cory and Leah Wilson!! I know it must be such a surprise to them as well(Nate just turned one last month)! In this uncertain world, it's good to know that we have a Savior, a King, a Father, who watches over us and directs our every path. I am not afraid for He knows the plans He has for ME. Thanks be that I am not in charge!!!

End of the Nursing

2009-03-01T17:43:00.004-05:00

So we're down to 4 ounces a pump, if even that. I can't say that I'm sad. I'm actually ready for no more attachments, 10pm with Jason looking at me from the couch with the look like, "Are you done yet, woman? It's time for bed!" He's been such a trooper with it---stays up with me while I pump---we always go to bed at the same time and I must say he's usually been an encouragement to continue the breastmilk journey. Jase knows the formula by now and is comfortable with it, and it won't be long now before we start adding in a little whole milk here and there as he nears 12 months. He LOVES, LOVES baby food; like a little birdie with mouth wide open just waiting for food. If I didn't cut him off, he'd probably still be eating endlessly. I have not found even one food so far that he doesn't like...if it's edible, he wants it! He was only 19lbs. 15oz. at his 9 month checkup on Monday (which is the 42nd percentile), but he was 82nd on length, which was like 29 inches long. Gonna be a tall boy!! Well, hope you enjoy his 9 month pics above.

A Weekend at Solitude Pointe

2009-02-17T14:23:00.005-05:00

It's been two whole weeks since I blogged...not good! Let me explain....we "lost" internet access for the time being (someone is very slow sometimes in transitioning between one cell phone/internet provider and another....from AT&T to Alltel) and I am having to learn to readjust to life without internet access at home for a few weeks (at least I hope that's all it is). I just means I've had more time to clean the house, read to Emma Grace, read my own books (currently Bringing Up Boys by James Dobson), do the taxes, write letters and cards to others to send through snail mail, and cook some pretty good new recipes! Not bad, eh?!

Jason and I were also able to go to the mountains this past weekend ALL BY OURSELVES. It was not the original plan (the original plan would have been a free place in the mountains or in Charleston), but it was amazing how God worked out all the details of us going to Solitude Pointe near Table Rock and Caesar's Head. Beautiful weather, great food (highly recommend Aunt Sue's!), and such a renewing of our love and our commitment to our marriage. How wonderful and refreshing it was to be together and not jump up every 10 minutes to see what a child needs and to be able to sleep soundly through the night. It was not the best bed in the world (we have high expectations coming from a Sleep Number bed at home), but we managed and really enjoyed the jacuzzi part of the cabin as well!

We met some of the nicest people at Solitude Pointe (http://www.solitudepointe.com/). The owners are Christians and Amy, the mom and former Guidance Counselor (go figure!) homeschools her two 7th grade twins. Every night they had a campfire and we sat around and chatted with Amy and Rodney and their 2 children as well as another couple and their children from Simpsonville (and Adam made Hobo pies!). It was wonderful to be encouraged in the Lord! Just a special time and people we hope we will one day see again and maybe even be able to take a group from our church to visit up there. I know Emma Grace would LOVE it! I wish I had taken pics of the cabins, lodge, hiking trail, etc., but we only took the pics above atop Caesar's Head. Another magnificent reminder of God's awesomeness!!! We highly recommend Solitude Pointe and furthermore just getting away as a couple by any means necessary. :) Thank you, Father, for allowing us to have this time together and also to Mimi for being willing to come care for our children while we were away. Thank you also to Matt for teaching Sunday School in place of Jason and to Katherine and Johnny for trading nursery spaces so we could be away! God can make a way when there seems to be no way...

#3 not on the way

2009-02-03T10:04:00.004-05:00

The answer to the burning question is NO...negative!! Praise the Lord! I had been having symptoms of pregnancy in the last couple of weeks even though I am on the low dose of birth control, but now I know the answer is no...I took a test at 5am this morning to be sure. The good Lord knows I couldn't handle a 4 year old, a 17 month old, and a newborn! Last night in the chaos of getting kids to bed at 10:45pm (long story I wish to not relive!), I was still a bit scared of WHAT IF?! I know during intense, stressful times like last night that our family is not meant to expand to 5. Not unless you all want to visit me at the psych ward! And Jason would be the next one on the psych ward b/c he couldn't handle 3 children by himself either. That was evident last night as well. :) Love him to pieces, but men just don't do crying children any time of the day, much less 10:30pm! I was able to record the fiasco on video (part of it anyway) just for my sanity and to remind us all of how stressful having 2 crying/temper tantrum kids can be. Furthermore, I had to find some humor and laughter or I would have headed out the door to take a joyride til morning. Well, it's all over now and we're better for having lived through it. As my mom would say, "This too shall pass!" It did, mom, and I am oh, so THANKFUL that there isn't another one on the way to add to the mix. Lord, teach me, show me today that children truly are blessings from Your hand in some way. I need that reassurance and reminding. :) I know it in my head, but I need to feel it in my heart.

Less than two weeks and counting

2009-02-02T14:26:00.002-05:00

I am just so excited to be going away with my husband for an entire weekend in less than two weeks. I mean Friday through Sunday!!! WOO HOO! We're going to spend Valentine's weekend in either the mountains of Table Rock (do have reservations for a cabin, but really hate to put a vacation on credit! and it's only $69/night, but even that I hate to do when we are about out of diapers and wonder where they'll come from) or down in Charleston at a relative's second home (which is the better option since it's free!). We just have to have time away by ourselves, so I had to go and make reservations in case the Charleston house is still under remodeling! Just too important!!

As I stated in a previous post, it's been since July 2007 that we've been away even one night without the kid(s). Is this normal for couples to not have time for each other? It's ridiculous in my opinion. Aren't marriages THAT important? If I remember correctly, it's supposed to be God as first priority, marriage as second priority, and kids as the third priority. So where did most of America fall off the train? More importantly, where did most Christians fall off the train? That's the question...and why aren't churches doing a better job of focusing on marriages and battling against the forces wanting to destroy marriages?! I don't mean just young couples...I mean older ones too.

I thought it was interesting that we watched the movie Fireproof again on Friday (it's out on rental now and I HIGHLY recommend it to all married couples and those who want to one day get married!), and after it was all over we were discussing its relevance to couples and Christian couples more importantly. My father-in-law says, "I think all young couples wanting to get married and the younger married folks should see that movie!" Again, I interjected that I thought the young married AND old married couples alike should see it...the devil isn't just interested in us young folk! He's breaking up well established marriages of 30 years or more!! It was just as much about how the older generation is to pass on their godly wisdom to the younger generation...the Bible clearly tells the older women to advise the younger women in matters. And it was a movie where the older couple was about to break up too, but was saved by the Love Dare (I won't spoil the whole movie for those of you who haven't seen it yet). I've seen it too many times lately where the parents invest all their time on their kids for 18+ years and then when the last one moves out they look at each other and say, "Who is this I married?"

Anyway, that's my soap box today---don't get stale in your marriage...do whatever it takes to keep the committment there, the love there, the devotion. And if you or your spouse doesn't know the love of God, His saving love that loves you even when you did not deserve it, please know that until you surrender to Him, your marriage cannot work. It's hard enough with two sinners saved by grace who submit to His guidance and leadership; I can't even imagine trying to sustain a marriage with two sinners who plod around in selfishness all the while thinking they are the ones who have to hold it all together. You cannot do it. And with that, I will go think about the wonderful weekend ahead and how to rekindle that love with MY man. :) XXX OOO

Never too old to say you're sorry

2009-01-26T21:08:00.002-05:00

I was reminded Friday night that I should always be able to tell my kids (and my spouse, but this time it was Emma Grace) that I am sorry. We can never be too big or too old to model for our children what it is that we hope they will learn and practice. I was convicted by the Holy Spirit to confess to Emma Grace that mommy lost her temper at bedtime--she was basically prolonging bedtime with "I need to go potty....I need a drink....I want to go weigh AGAIN....I need some shorts and not these long pants....I want to read the story this time (after I had already read it)." On average, this usually happens when I put her to bed, never when Jason puts her to bed. So I had already prepped both her and her daddy that if she "played" that night, then I'd walk out the bedroom door and it would be daddy's turn. I don't play at night; bedtime is bedtime. I will not be manipulated by a 4 year old...some parents allow their kids to manipulate every night and discipline with the counting to 3 or 10 or whatever method. Not me. Obey the first time or it's a spanking. Spare the rod and spoil the child. No thanks.

So, upon us having snuggle time, Emma Grace thought it would work to grab my neck and hold me in the bed while whining about how she "needs" this or that. So I had had enough and put my hands on her shoulders, looked her square in the face and lightly shook her (I know, it sounds a lot worse than it was...her head and shoulders didn't leave the bed). I knew I had to leave the room or I might grab the spanking spoon and it would not be a peaceful goodnight experience. I told her I was going to get her daddy and HE could finish putting her to bed!

Five minutes later I felt horrible..it was mainly the look of fright in her eyes that mommy was about to explode that I knew I didn't want the sun to go down with these feelings. I didn't care if she might already be asleep, but I wanted her to always know that my mommy practices what she preaches and she is able to say sorry when she's behaved wrongly. So I went back in her dark room and she wasn't moving. Even after saying her name lightly she didn't move. So I touched her on the arm and said her name again. Then she turned her head toward me and I could tell she had already dozed off! But I went ahead and told her I was sorry for shaking her and for losing my temper. I told her that I still didn't like when she wasted time at bedtime but that I shouldn't have gotten so angry at her. She hugged me and said she still loved me! I told her I always love her no matter what (that's our saying) and asked her to please forgive mommy. She said she does forgive me, so I could then go to bed knowing I had responded to the Holy Spirit and my soul was clean. What an awesome feeling! The truth really does set us free! As Christians, we are free to obey...free to live the life God has called us to. Praise Him for making us in His image!

I'm being heard

2009-01-21T15:40:00.003-05:00

Emma Grace has been saying some really cute and funny things today while "teaching" her class or while dealing with her "baby" Laura. I want to remember them in the days and years to come....

"Olivia, if you don't come right now I will call your momma. Did you hear me? Read my lips..." (and she said it with a calm tone and demeanor, so I am not worried that I know those things came out of my mouth at one time or another).

"Laura, now you know things don't happen your way. That's just the way it is. You have to be ready to change." (FUNNNNY! At least it's sinking in...now I just have to be sure to remind her that it is God who plans our steps...was waiting for that to come out next.)

Our First Snow!!

2009-01-20T12:03:00.005-05:00

We had a good time enjoying the inch or so of snow we got here in Winnsboro! Enjoy the pics!!

Learning through Experience

2009-01-17T08:15:00.004-05:00

Last night we had some friends over for supper and fellowship. We played a round of Sequence (Daniel and Callie won the best 2 out of 3) and just generally chatted about anything under the sun. Yesterday I also got to spend time with my friend Tracy from Longleaf, which meant a great deal to me. Tracy is overcoming breast cancer, and she has so much to impart to me in even just going through the last 4 months (she found out in Sept.). I guess last night while spending time with such a young couple (well, Callie is young in age---Daniel is 30 I think, but they were recently engaged and will marry in June), I realized that there are so many things I want to impart to them. I would like to give them the knowlege and tools necessary for what they will experience in the years to come. But that is not possible. Only God can do that. You know how you want to tell your kids what to do and what not to do so they don't have to stumble and fall or get hurt in any way (emotionally, physically, etc.)...it was the same way with my wanting to tell them what to do and how to have such a wonderful marriage through what we have experienced. And truly it has been a WONDERFUL 8 1/2 years!

I am just so refreshed having spent time with a "new" couple and especially ones who will be living right here in Lebanon and being a part of our church (well, they are working out the details of that right now since Callie plays the piano at another local church but they know they cannot attend 2 different churches). It's good to know that God is working and moving right here in our little community. It's also good to rest in the knowlege that God will lead them through those experiences in life together and that I am not responsible for telling them everything they are to know. Yes, they will have marriage counseling up until they get married (usually 6 months I think, but theirs doesn't allow for 6 months), but even that won't teach them everything life will bring their way. They must do as we all do....learn through experience. Bathing it in prayer will be the best thing Jason and I can do and that they can do themselves. :) Funny how Tracy was imparting things to me without my really knowing it and how we were probably imparting things to Daniel and Callie last night, but I guess we don't truly know how it all will go until we walk a mile in someone else's shoes. May we have His faith, confidence, peace, and love through it all no matter what circumstances in life befall us.

Is it busyness we're looking for?

2009-01-14T13:50:00.002-05:00

I have to ask in times like these when the schedule seems to add one thing at a time until it comes to look full and busy, it is busyness we're looking for? Are we just about one program after another, one practice or sport after another, almost a hamster on a wheel just spinning, spinning, spinning? I know too many moms both SAHMs and those who work outside the home who just seem to flit from one activity to another with their kids without really knowing why they are doing all this and truly not being the ones to spend time with their kids. Let's just pay someone else to kick the soccer ball with Johnny. Admitedly, I would not be the one to teach Emma Grace ballet moves, but should I try to get her in this lesson or that lesson or this sport or that sport all while she's 4 years old?

I, too, am tempted to try to stuff things/opportunities for Emma Grace into her schedule. Thankfully, living out in the country brings some barriers which may not altogether be bad...can't just hop on over to gymnastics practice or drop Jase off (one day) to karate right up the road. It takes planning when you live near cows unless you want to spend an entire day in the car with the kids. NOT!! So I will say there has been protection from too much overplanning--by the grace of God. I will also add that I think we can overplan our kids in our church programs. We're starting back the Pioneers Club (Wed. for kids) at our church tonight and also at the same time starting back a Moms in Touch International (MITI) tonight during that same hour. I might add that our church generally has activities each night for some group or another--pretty active little church (I say little in that we probably have 250 members and 100 on any Sunday). Here's how a typical week goes/went for us:
Sunday: 9:30-Singing time
9:45-Sunday School for ALL ages
11:00-Worship
6:00-Evening praise and worship (testimony, prayer, song) & the kids have
Club KICK
Monday: 7:00pm First Monday every month--Circle (ladies only)
7:00pm Third Monday every month--Women in the Church (WIC) for Karen
7:30pm--Men's Bible Study
4th Monday every month--Session/Elders meeting (Jason only)
Wednesday: 6:30pm--Pioneers Club
6:30pm--MITI
Thursday: 6:30pm--Discipleship group (Moms and dads)
7:30 First Thursday every month--Christian Education Committee (Karen)
Saturday: 6:30pm--Fellowship time/supper for discipleship group at Danny & Lily's

We just finished nearly 2 years of discipleship lessons, which we met every Thursday, so now we do have that night open. But can you see how a person can become over-committed and not leave time for family time and having a "normal" schedule including a sit down dinner with family at home?? I am just not willing to sacrifice that special family time for busyness. I just want to also add that I am oh so thankful to have a wonderful husband who thinks family time is a priority. He knows that he must have a job where we can eat together as a family, worship together as a family, play together as a family, vacation together as a family, etc. He's not willing to compromise anything in place of those things...even making money. Praise be to God! I am oh so thankful for him and that he has been able to find M-F or M-R daytime work in the 8 years we've been married. God is so good to our family!

Too Many Choices

2009-01-07T13:42:00.002-05:00

There are several decisions our family is facing lately. I'll just share a few of them with you and you can pray with us or not.

1.)Will I send Emma Grace to Mom's Morning Out at the Methodist Church in town at all? This involves spending money ($65.00/month for T/R & $32.50/month for either T or R). There is a space open that we have been offered, but money is lacking...that money tree in the backyard just won't grow!

2.) Will I begin tutoring for Fairfield County Schools on Fridays when Jason is off and he can be our only source of reliable free childcare. This will bring in around $600/month and will give me time to be out in the world and keep my resume up in case I one day want to go back into schools.

3.) Will I order a homeschool curriculum for Emma Grace to begin preschool at home with me? If so, which curriculum? Again, this involves money of which we are lacking. I am highly leaning toward the Sonlight Curriculum (about $400). If anyone has ideas of things you've used that have worked for preschool, please let me know.

4.) Will we EVER get a weekend away in the mountains by ourselves? (or anywhere for that matter as long as we don't have to pay $100 to stay there!) Every place we have looked at so far that any of our friends own is either being renovated or is not available or other various reasons, and quite honestly we're getting a little disgruntled that it might never occur. We've been trying to get away since our anniversary this past July (and haven't been away for even an overnight by ourselves since before the baby was born in May 2008 that I know for sure---probably back to the summer of 2007 when I was not yet pregnant with Jase and we went to Myrtle Beach that summer by ourselves). As you can see, we are LONG OVERDUE for some marriage rebonding time. If anyone knows of someone who would donate their mountain lodge/cabin for a weekend stay for this beckoning couple, please let me know. We'd be willing to pay the utilities at least and drop a love offering on the table as thanks! Think of it as a ministry opportunity b/c that is truly what it will be for us. We are not stuck on the mountains---anywhere that we can go be alone is a viable option! :)

5.) Can we start a Weight Watchers group at our church? I really want to see this take wheels and go! I need it to be a go! I just cannot travel to Columbia 30 miles away once a week to attend the meetings. I believe there are people (some of whom are reading this blog) at my church who currently do go all the way to Columbia for WW and would benefit from us starting one here locally and others who I know resolved to lose weight this year and some who already count the points as if they were on WW. But we need about 10 people at least to get it going. Would you be willing? Get in touch with me if you would!! My email is kdpope2000@hotmail.com

Is it good to even make a New Year's Resolution?

2009-01-03T22:09:00.002-05:00

O.K. We've all been there before and I really wonder how many people stick with what they say they are going to do all year? Not just a month or two months or even three months but all year? I guess if I HAVE to make a resolution for 2009 it would be that I need to get serious about making my eating habits ones for a LIFETIME. I need to have a body that does not fluctuate between 20-30 pounds difference. That's a very hard one to stick by on a limited budget first of all and secondly since I am a mom of two little ones who are not exactly the type who will go for the veggie or fruit above all else. Jase eats just whatever I give him...he loves all foods! There is nothing he will turn down so far. Emma Grace likes most of your main line veggies like corn, blackeyed peas, squash, peas, green beans, carrots (if fixed a certain way), fresh tomatoes, salad (ate three plates at Christmas dinner), etc. Not big on collards, asparagus, fresh celery and what I call "hard line/weird" veggies. Also not big on fruits unless they come in a cup from the store. I bought 2 apples over 2 weeks ago and they went rotten on the counter. She will eat fresh grapes, orange wedges in a cup, applesauce, peaches in a cup, etc.

So it will be difficult to buy groceries to please and feed my family. Then there's the "other issue"....giving up the easy chocolate here and there. It's sort of like comfort food. Call it my addiction, if you will. My secret (or not so secret) love affair with chocolate. A few Hershey kisses here or there, a Reese's miniature here or there. A piece of birthday cake here or there. Guess it just adds up and I need to give it up. May have to start counting points with my Weight Watcher's book again. Whew, that'll be hard!

So here I am rationalizing why I don't need a resolution. See why these things never work from the get-go?! Well, I'll at least vow to try and not eat seconds at any meal. No second bowl of Special K, no second helping at my MIL's, no eating what's left on Emma Grace's plate (moms are famous for that!). As Jason says, "It's called the pushback method...push back from the table." I guess the key is when you feel you are slightly satisfied...not FULL...not stuffed....just enough to nourish your body so you can keep on going. Lord, give me the strength to just keep on going and to be persistent....this is YOUR TEMPLE. Your Holy Spirit dwells in me and I need to understand how it grieves Him when I abuse my body and gorge it. That's not what He designed food for.

My Baby is 4!!

2008-12-30T22:18:00.003-05:00

On Saturday, Dec. 27th our baby girl turned 4 years old! Oh, how I remember that first night 4 years ago when they brought her to me from the nursery every 2-3 hours to nurse. And how I wanted to say, "NOOOO, please send her back...I need to rest!!" It was a trying time, but one we made it through. Today this same little girl received 4 immunization shots and did not even WHIMPER. I lie not! Talk about totally shocked. I had been dreading this for days and weeks since the appointment was made back around Dec. 3rd when I last took Jase for his wailing and shot-getting. It's just not something I look forward to. I only had to have blood drawn once or twice in both of my pregnancies and one shot in the hip (other than the obvious epidurals with both) when they gave me the epidural and my blood pressure dropped. I want to thank our church family for praying for us this morning with the appointment! I certainly felt your prayers and I know it was only by the grace of God that such a dramatic little girl who WAILS and screams when she falls on the kitchen floor was able to sit calm and still during 4 shots without blinking an eye. It was truly AMAZING. A miracle! I'm inspired by my own daughter to be a bigger, braver mommy.

Here are some pics above of Emma Grace's birthday "lunch" with her friend Madeline Rambo at Chuck E. Cheese on Saturday. May the Lord continue to bless her as she grows to love the One who created her.

A Mommy Moment & 3 Good Recipes

2008-12-16T09:15:00.002-05:00

Yesterday morning around 7:45am when I went in to "get" Emma Grace up (she calls me until I come snuggle in the bed with her and then she gets up), she was telling me that her doll "Laura" (the one she sleeps with) was sick last night and threw up for two hours! Oh the drama from this almost 4 year old! I asked her was she going to be a doctor when she grows up and she said no. So I asked her if maybe she was going to be nurse to help sick children and she said no. Then I said, "Well, what do you want to be?" She said, "I want to be a MOMMY!" I asked her why and she said, "Because I love YOU and you take care of your children!" I was in awe and complete shock.

Since Jason and I had a discussion about my example and daily witness to the children being at home with them all the time, it has really set in what he said about "If being a mommy is not fun for you then what makes you think your children will see that and want to be a mommy or daddy when they grow up?" Surely it's a noble calling and honestly the highest calling any woman can take on, but I had never thought about leaving a legacy where my daughter (especially) would want, crave, seek to stay at home with her children and seek out a husband who would want her to do the same. Or that my son would one day see that as a thing to value and want his future wife to be a stay-at-home mom. I know it's far down the road, but the seeds are being sown now and the foundation is being layed (or is that laid, Becky?).

Anyway, I pray that each day I will remember, write it on the forefront of my head, just how important my witness and attitude are for these children. :)

And now, I have 3 recipes that I have used lately and would recommend to anyone and everyone, so I'll post them below for all who would like to print or copy them. They are all borrowed from friends...none are my own creation!

Pine Bark:
1 to 2 secions of 1 box of saltine crackers
2 sticks of butter
1 cup brown sugar
1-12oz. package of semi-sweet chocolate morsels

Line a 12X16 cookie sheet (the kind with a lip around it) with aluminum foil.

Cover with one layer of crackers, placed side by side. Melt butter and brown sugar together in a pot and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes then spread mixture over the crackers. Bake at 400 degrees for 5 minutes (the crackers will look real bubbly). Remove from oven and spread the chocolate chips over the top. Spread the chocolate as it melts. Refrigerate until hard; break apart and store in refrigerator in an airtight container.

Buffalo Chicken Dip:
1-8oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese salad dressing
1/2 cup Jack's Buffalo wing sauce

Microwave until smooth. Stir in: 1/2 cup shredded (sharp, colby, mozzerella) and
1 can chunk chicken (drained)

Put in baking dish and bake @ 350 for about 20 min. or until bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips.

Crock Pot Pizza
This is so yummy and so easy!! This recipe makes A LOT, so be prepared to have leftovers (or maybe invite some friends over)!

Ingredients:
12 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package directions and drained
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onions
2 (14 oz) jars pizza sauce OR 1 large jar spaghetti sauce
3.5 ounces turkey or beef pepperoni
3 cups (12 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
3 cups (12 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until done. Drain. Stir in pizza sauce and pepperoni. Grease crock pot. Spread 1/2 of meat sauce on the bottom. Cover with a layer of noodles, then a layer of cheeses. Repeat layers twice. Cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or until heated through and cheeses are melted. Serve with a tossed salad and bread.

Christmas Pics

2008-12-08T07:44:00.000-05:00

Come out of la-la land back to reality!

2008-12-08T07:26:00.002-05:00

Every now and then looking at other people's families on Facebook (yes, sigh, Jason..) and thinking, "Wow, I could have a couple more kids and be o.k. just like they are!" is good for me. The Lord can even use Facebook! Our Christmas decorations are up, cards are coming along, shopping (the little we can do this year) is nearly done, the kids are healthy, life is GOOD. Add to that a couple of weeks of Jase and Emma Grace BOTH sleeping soundly through the night from say 8:30 or 9pm until 7am or 8am and I was (I say WAS) seriously thinking that in a couple of years we might be able to THINK about having another child. Yeah, dream land that was!!!!

Last night blew that concept out the window...matter of fact, I videotaped in the dark my husband with all his deep breathing in between the 10 or more times I had to get up with either Emma Grace or Jase. I got NO SLEEP! I mean probably less than 3 hours...seriously. Who can live on sleep like that?! I was seriously beginning to think this was a joke they all were playing on me! Emma Grace even called 2 times and had to go to the bathroom once and was "thirsty" another time. Give me a break!

Furthermore, I was beginning to think Jase had to be sick with something as he never wakes up every 20-30 minutes crying. I have no clue what was going on. This morning he's had a bottle at 7am--drank the entire thing fine. He's a little congested, but not so much he can't drink a bottle. He doesn't feel feverish. I did finally give the boy some tylenol at 3:30am after I'd had all I could stand and I was thinking maybe some teeth coming in were paining him (and ME!). So about 4am I think he really was in a deep sleep. That would be when Jason started up the engine on his breathing/snoring! Then after warming the bottle at 5am (heard him again) at about 5:30 I think I fell asleep only to be woken up by Jason's alarm at 6am!!

I tell you, the Lord has a funny way of showing us who is in charge. Get comfortable and then let Him show you how comfortable he wants you. So the moral of the story is, Lord, you must not want us to have more kids right now...and I must say that is FINE by me! Please pray for patience for me today; I don't do well on little sleep...and I hear little Jase talking right now in his bed, so that extra morning nap is gone. Guess I'm up for the day!! Lord, give me strength for TODAY and bright hope for TOMORROW. Help me to see if Jase really is sick. Amen.

P.S. Here are some pics from our photos at Portrait Innovations on Friday.

One word---COLD!!!!!

2008-12-01T12:31:00.002-05:00

Words cannot express how COLD it is in my house today!!! The guage in the hallway is reading 65/66 right now!!! I just went ahead and turned the blooming thing off as all I felt was COLD air coming out! What is it with heat pumps?!? Do the things work? Evidently not ours too good! Well, I suppose I'll turn it back on in just a few minutes to see if any warmer air comes out. We normally keep it set on 69 day or night, but the thing just can't keep up and I promise it's blowing out COLD air. But our socks are on, our slippers are on, we have sweatshirts and t-shirts and layers and layers of clothes and I'm seriously freezing. My nose is dripping and my feet are like ice. My hands make Jase shiver when I have to touch him or heaven forbid change his poor diaper and touch his hiney!

Did I mention we want to have new windows and doors put in this place? They simply aren't doing their job! The wind is gusty today and I know the high is like 45, so we're bound to be freezing in here when the cold air leaks in. I've had a space heater blowing in Emma Grace's room for the entire morning since she woke up and her clock/temperature guage is reading 66 still!! Tell me all the temperature guages in the house are broken, right?! NOT!! O.K. I'm off to call the Superior Gas man so he can come look at these gas logs and the pilot to see why it won't light. We've got to do something, and FAST!

2008-11-25T21:37:00.004-05:00

Poinsettias put me in the mood for Christmas! Today we went to Bruce's Greenhouse in Blythwood...they have the most beautiful poinsettias! We were able to get the kids in their Christmas outfits and take some wonderful photos! Jase is now 6 months old and growing like a weed. He's on the brink of turning over and even maintains his balance just enough to begin sitting up (ironically in the baby bathtub you put in the sink..think I might try the one that suctions to the real bathtub in a week or so). Emma Grace is really getting excited about going to get our live tree on Friday and decorating the house for Christmas! Then comes her BIRTHDAY "just two days after Jesus' birthday!" I love it when she says that! She has such a sweet personality. I am a bit afraid that this staying home thing has made her very clingy to her mommy. I am hoping that she will want to get out and do more with other people. Tomorrow she is supposed to go to Ms. Jennifer's and play with Zoe and Emily and maybe even bake cookies, so that should be fun! Just hope she remembers her manners. We've been really working on that and trying to praise her a lot when we see it. She reminds us that we don't say "Oh, gosh!" we say "Oh goodness".

Well, here are some photos of our wee ones surrounded by a sea of poinsettias; go to Bruce's if you've never been there and get some great photos and pick up a poinsettia or two!

Bestest Mommy

2008-11-20T08:10:00.002-05:00

Emma Grace told me yesterday that I am the "Bestest Mommy in the WORLD"! Can I just tell you how wonderful that made me feel? She hugged my neck and gave me a kiss...all that and she wasn't fishing for any kind of reward!! :) She's been my closest buddy here lately. I mean, she's sitting on my lap as I type not knowing that it's about her! Well, it's time for this bestest mommy to get these bestest children some breakfast before time runs out and it'll be time for lunch!

I'm back in business!

2008-11-18T21:46:00.003-05:00

Quickly---it's getting late and my hubby is already sacked out on the couch! I'll just say that my computer is back today and I'm typing on it right now! :) Prai-ses!!! PRAISES! I hope to do a better job at blogging now that I have daylight hours to work. So many things I've missed these past few weeks. Don't think I can recall them all. OH, do want to remember how Emma Grace asked me (and Jason and Papa Jeep) tonight if we were Christians and if you told her yes, then she gave you a smiley face recipe sticker my mom gave her. Sweet child of mine! She also prayed for baby Brooke and for the 2 teenage boys' families here in Winnsboro who died in the car accident. She wanted to know did the two boys go to heaven....told her I wasn't sure if they loved Jesus or not, but that we hope so.

2008-11-10T20:19:00.004-05:00

Here are some pics from this past Sunday as we headed out to church and two of our final pumpkin! Also, Jason and EG went out to put the deer camera in the woods and he took EG up in a deer stand. He hopes to get a two seater stand so he can take her deer hunting sometime!

Fun Zone and the Park

2008-11-10T19:58:00.003-05:00

One day last week we went with friends (Ms. Jennifer, Zoe, Emily, Madeline, Alex, and Ms. Julie) to the Park at the Old Armory here in Winnsboro and today we went to the Fun Zone in Irmo for the Puppet Playhouse (pictures attached) with Ms. Julie, Madeline, and Alex. It's been great to get out of the house! Can I say that loud enough...to GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!

I also was able to go to aerobics tonight, which I have not done in over 4 years since becoming pregnant with Emma Grace. I briefly went to Curves for about a year while trying to get pregnant the second time, but that's when I miscarried and dropped out of exercising all together. So it felt great tonight to get my body MOVING, although I'll pay dearly for it in the morning and for the next few days!

I'm also trying to decide if I should order the Sonlight curriculum for K4/5 and start now before Emma Grace is officially 4 and continue throughout next year and up past her 5th birthday. It's just a big decision for something that costs $400+. Really that's not a lot of money considering how much people pay for private/Christian school tuition and/or daycare!! Well, it's time to head out and get the kids in bed so I can have a few peaceful moments tonight while Jason is at Men's Monday night Bible Study.

Long overdue

2008-11-01T13:31:00.004-04:00

Yes, my new Gateway notebook computer took a turn for the worst and so I’m typing away on Jason’s laptop he brings home from work. I have to mail the laptop to Gateway to let them work on what they call the "motherboard" or the brains of the computer. I find that there have been so many things I should have blogged in the last month or so, but at 9:30pm when dinner is put away, meetings are over at church, and kids are bathed and in bed, I just don’t have enough time or the energy to write. So this one will be sort of long….bear with me!

First, Emma Grace has ears!! I mean, she’s listening ALL THE TIME. Don’t be fooled because she doesn’t look at you or appear to be listening. She may not even be in the same room. Rest assured, however, you will hear things you say repeated by an almost 4 year old at some point in the future!

Example #1 (this may be graphic for some of you): “Mommy, Jase has nuts in his hiney.” Do what? What is she talking about? Now I’ve seen carrots come out in the same form as they went in, but we’ve never fed him nuts!! So I pry a little more only to recall that she’s describing his boy parts, specifically his “sac”, which his daddy and I had a conversation about in the nursery a few days (maybe a week) ago when I asked Daddy to please be sure and wipe all the stinky off Jase's nuts. MY FAULT! Completely my fault. Guess I just never thought of it until having a boy and now that the messes are much larger with oatmeal and carrots on the menu! Then, it gets better, except that this time she uses the appropriate terminology….she says, “Why do you have to clean his penis?” She heard that while I was bathing Jase the other night. Well, thank the good Lord that I didn’t say something else for that body part! She was actually helping to scrub Jase in the baby bath that night, but I had no clue with the “nuts” conversation she was even around or taking it in.

Example #2: “Mommy, you shouldn’t talk at the table while you’re eating. Oh, I forgot, you’re finished eating….but I don’t tell you what to do because you’re my mommy and you’re older than me. You tell me what to do.” So I say, “Yes, Emma Grace I am your mommy. You’ve been listening to your daddy, huh?” Then she says, “Yeah, I get truth from Daddy!” I laughed so hard I nearly cried. I had to call Jason at work and tell him. Who said she wasn’t listening at the lunch/dinner table?!

Example #3: “Mommy, this card from Mimi has a jack-o-lantern on it. We don’t celebrate Halloween.” I affirmed her (we’ve had this discussion before about why we celebrate the Harvest, etc.) and then I said, “We’re Christians and we believe Jesus Christ died for our sins. That’s why we put 3 crosses on our pumpkin.” She starts singing, “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our looooove.” We had just sung that song at church either last Sunday or the one before. I had no clue she was listening to the words of the song!

Teachable moments!!! And these are the best days of our lives!!! This is why the Lord has lead me to stay home with our children!! May He always give me the words to say (and the actions to go with it) to glorify Him alone! I’m sure I’ll think of other things I have forgotten to blog, but this serves as a good starting point.

The SC State Fair

2008-10-18T14:53:00.002-04:00

Yes, we finally took the kiddos to the SC State Fair! It was so much fun!! We will never, I mean NEVER, go back when it's night time knowing how great it was to go during the day when there are very few people there! No lines, no waiting, tables available everywhere to sit down, no teens running around, no nasty cracks hanging out, there seemed to be no one blowing smoke in our faces, etc. Generally, it was just a really fun time watching Emma Grace have the time of her life riding roller coasters I never thought she'd try (it was the dragon one for kids although still very curvy and fairly fast for a 3 year old!) and the tallest ferris wheel at the fair. She loved every minute of it and, had we been made of money, I'm sure she would have ridden a few hundred more. :) As it was, we spent $20 on 22 ride tickets (some require the accompanying parent to use 2 or 3 tickets also). We did the bad thing (good for our pocketbook) and took our uncrustable lunches inside in the diaper bag (that's how small they are!) and ate pretzels, oatmeal cream pies, and a bottle of water, all which we brought in the diaper bag. We asked for one of the vendor stands to give us ice in the cup I usually use to warm Jase's bottle so I could pour my hot caffeine free Pepsi over it.

It all worked out wonderfully and cost us a fraction of what most people spend! We did end up buying an elephant ear---I mean, who can go to the fair and NOT buy an elephant ear? Jason also couldn't resist a cup of fries which he added vinegar to (YUCK). So all in all we spent about 3 hours riding rides and seeing the livestock and $48 for the admission, rides, and a little food. Not great, but not bad considering elephant ears cost $6 alone! I guess the cheapest person of all was Jase! He was free all the way around, but I'm sure he enjoyed the lights, roosters cock-a-doodling, cows mooing, and tasted the elephant ear in the 6:30am bottle. OH, and I MUST mention that he was so WHOOPED after a long day and little napping that he slept the ENTIRE NIGHT from 9pm until 6:30 am without a single whimper or whine. :) Or maybe I was just so whooped that I didn't hear a single whimper or whine!! Ha!!!! Let's see if he can do it again tonight (with a little help from Mr. Oatmeal around 7:30!).

A milestone!

2008-10-11T14:09:00.002-04:00

I guess it's not as big a deal as turning from laying on back to tummy position, but Jase turned from his tummy over to his back on Tuesday, 10-7-08! I forgot to record it that day and didn't want us to miss recording his first milestone. There will be so many more to come!! First tooth, first sitting up, first crawling, first step, first word, first, first, first!!! I could go on and on all the way up to having his first child! :) He's growing so fast right before our eyes. He also started oatmeal yesterday! Seemed to have liked it better than rice cereal, so I think we might have a winner. I also have only pumped 3X yesterday and will only pump 3X today. I guess you could say I'm weaning myself. Seeing the 80 some bags of frozen milk in the freezer that has to be used by the 6 month date, I just am losing that loving feeling I have for the pump. HA! No shocker to anyone, eh? I think by 6 mos. old (which will be right before Thanksgiving on 11/20/08) Jase will be starting more baby foods and hopefully be down to just 3 bottles a day. I feel that I'll be ready to give up the pumping completely at that time and just use frozen milk even if I have to use the 2 cans of formula I got free in the mail to supplement an ounce or two to the frozen milk and to make the "liquid gold" last longer. Yeah, sounds like a plan...thanks for letting me work this out on the computer and in my thoughts!

Jason and I are headed out for a long awaited date night tonight! Thanks, Mimi, for volunteering to keep the kids and put them to bed while we're gone! We haven't had date night for over 5 months and we really, really need time to be alone! Still hoping for a weekend in the mountains in Nov. or Dec. if it all works out, but we'll suffice for a few hours (6 to be exact--shorter than most people are at work in one day) by ourselves. :) We're going to see the movie "Fireproof" and also go out to dinner probably at Wild Wings. Hope I can keep my eyes open to finish watching the movie---oh the life of a mother!

Teeth, electric poles, and a good night's sleep

2008-10-09T13:25:00.002-04:00

Well, today I must go get my teeth cleaned for my 6 month visit--except it's been way past 6 months since I've had to call twice and reschedule my appointment due to various reasons like going to the beach and then my MIL had to schedule an appointment for her arms breaking out. So today I had poppyseed chicken casserole (leftover from last night) and I have to go floss and dig out all those little black seeds before I go. I plan to take EG with me to watch/take notes so when she goes in 2009, she won't be all weirded out. I know how I was petrified of the dentist. Her teeth are exceptional, so I don't expect there to be any reason for her to be scared of the dentist like I was at her age!!

And I had to have the kids in for naps by 12:30 today so we can be up at out of here by 2:30 or 2:45 headed to the dentist, so down they go and....well, here comes Fairfield Electric at 12:40 to put up the new power poles leading to Johnny Boulware's land he bought from Uncle Marion!! Never fails. They don't seem to be making too much racket, so let's hope both of the kids stay asleep until at least 2 or 2:30. :) Which leads me to the reason I'm up and not napping....Bibbi kept Jase last night from about 8:15pm until about 9:15am this morning. And I got a GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP!! So praise be to God and thanks go to Bibbi for volunteering. She knows when she volunteers that I am most likely going to take her up on the offer....so I guess that's why she doesn't volunteer but about once a month or every two months. :) My entire outlook and attitude are different when I have 8 hours of sleep versus the 4 1/2 I got the night before and several weeks leading up to that. It just changes how I deal with the children and I'm able to not "snap" at them and get easily aggravated.

Well, my mom comes this weekend until Monday, so let's hope that she is able to help as well. She doesn't get to see our children that often, so it's a special time when she's up. :) And I don't mind giving up the bottle feeding and diaper changing once or twice a day either (still get the joy of pumping 4X a day!). Isn't that what grandparents delight in? That they can soak it all up for 2-3 days, be part of the insanity, help mold their grandchildren's hearts to know Him, and then go home to their sane life?

Donation to Locks of Love

2008-10-07T11:03:00.003-04:00

So I went and did it! I got 10 1/2 inches cut off my hair to donate to Locks of Love! Even I was a little surprised at how short it is (she cut another 1-2 inches off after the ponytail went), but I figure it will grow back. I think Jason was the most surprised, but he seems to like it a lot and think I look much more modern! :) I'm finding it is harder to fix and requires a lot more time and attention. No more ponytails at this point. :( So here are a couple of the before and after pictures.