Discovering HIS plan

considering

2010-04-23T19:38:00.001-04:00

I am considering blogging again. In some ways I miss it, in others I know I can get sucked in too far and get nothing else done. I will have to work at finding that balance.

She is listening

2008-11-10T07:26:00.003-05:00

me: Please go back outside with Smiles. She can't be outside alone.
Love: She is not alone! Jesus is with her!!
(goes to the screen door) Smiles, is Jesus with you?

It was a funny moment but also heartwarming. She has taken that lesson to heart! Jesus is always with her!
Singing God's praises for the truth that is written on her heart!

Love's First Kid Run

2008-10-22T21:44:00.000-04:00

Love ran in her first kid run with Daddy this past weekend! She was so excited to run like Daddy. She and Daddy now have another set of matching t-shirts!! I have to wonder if this is the start of something they will share for life. As she grows up, will she follow in her Daddy's shoes and become a runner? Will I become a track or cross-country mom? I will gladly be her cheerleader!!

Halloween Begins!

2008-10-11T17:07:00.000-04:00

This year the girls are Strawberry Shortcake and Apple Dumplin'.
I love this time of year!

ABC Meme

2008-10-10T16:45:00.000-04:00

My dear friend Valtool reminded me recently that he tagged me a long time ago for this meme.

A is for: Attached or Single? Attached for 12 years, legally for almost 10.

B is for: Best Friend? I don't have one best friend. The short list includes Hubbie, Mom and Dad!!

C is for Cake or pie? Both? Cake: My Dad's Carrot Cake

D is for: Day of choice? Every other Sunday when my whole family gathers at my parents' for supper

E is for: Essential item? My Bible - the authority for my life

F is for: Favorite color? I like the cool colors - blue, green, and purple

G is for: Gummy bears or worms? Bears

H is for: Home town? Somewhere in the South

I is for: Favorite indulgence? A quiet morning in bed

J is for: January or July? January, I like it COLD!!!

K is for: Kids? Love - 3 years, Smiles - 16months

L is for: Life isn’t complete without? My Hubbie - I can't imagine living my life without him. (on a lighter note - scrapbooking keeps me sane!)

M is for: Marriage date? January 2, 1999

N is for: Number of brothers and sisters? 1 brother, 2 SIL, and 1 BIL

O is for: Oranges or Apples? Gala Apples!! I hated apples as a kids but then Mom was feeding us Red Delicious. I have learned I prefer a crisp apple!

P is for: Phobias? High see-through floors

Q is for: Quotes? "Be still and know that I am God."

R is for: Reasons to smile? Love and Smiles - my daughters, you never know what they are going going to do!

S is for: Season of choice? Winter!! I like it cold

T is for: Tag 5 people: consider yourself tagged

U is for an Unknown fact about me: I don't know!

V is for: Vegetable? Sweet Potato

W is for: Worst Habit: Wasting the time God has given me on trivial things

X is for: X-ray or Ultrasound? Several ultrasounds - two pregnancies! Words can't describe seeing those pixels blink in time with my baby's heartbeat for the first time.

Y is for: Your favorite food? That first spoonful of ice cream

Z is for: Zodiac sign? Means nothing to me

Z is for: Which zoo animal is your favorite? Elephants and Giraffes - I become a kid around those animals. I will wait in lines of small children to have the chance to touch these animals!!

Sibling Rivalry

2008-10-10T16:36:00.000-04:00

WOW! Love had better look out. If Smiles can do this at 16 months, can you imagine what she will be capable of in a couple of years!!?

Truly Blessed

2008-08-25T14:44:00.005-04:00

I had a moment over something very silly.

I have Dora BandAids in my medicine cabinet, because I have two little girls. It just struck me. I love being a mom.
I have waited most of my life to be living this reality. Truly amazing!

Family Night - School!!!

2008-08-20T08:17:00.000-04:00

In honor of Love starting school, we went to school as a family last night. She helped me make and pack the lunches. She made her sandwich all by herself!! It looked a little "pre-eaten" for my taste, but I think she did a good job for her first attempt! We ate what Love had in her lunch the first day of school - PB&J, fruit cup, granola bar, and a juice box.

Daddy was a good sport and ate all of his lunch! (he is not big on sandwiches or fruit!) Thanks Babe!!

Love and I did a little art too. We did windy and rainy art (in honor of Fay, that is keeping her home from the second day of school!) We sprinkled dry Jello on a piece of paper and stood out in the rain to watch the rain show up on the paper! She also got to blow paint around with a straw.

We ended the evening reading stories and watching Blue Takes You to School.
It was fun to spend time together. I am realizing that the pictures are important but not as important as really BEING with my family!! I know that is the whole point of these nights!

In preparation for Family Night

2008-08-19T19:41:00.000-04:00

Love and I attempted our first homemade pull-apart cake!! I was pretty impressed with the result. I am not sure what is up with me and cupcakes. Mine never seem to turn out right! These were very flat! But they served the purpose.
Can you guess the theme for Family Night?

Let the fashion begin!

2008-08-19T19:21:00.000-04:00

Check out Love's outfit for the day!! Alligator tank top, flower pj pants, brown socks, brown Mary Janes, and pink barrette!
OH MY!! She wore it all day!!

The first day of preschool

2008-08-18T09:59:00.002-04:00

Little girl,
Your mommy is so proud of you! Today is a big day. You take that first step out into the big world. You faced it with excitement and anticipation. You gave me a kiss so I could carry your love with me today. Then you let your teacher usher you into a new wonderful world of learning.
I love you, baby!!
Mommy

Publix Super Savers

2008-08-11T07:35:00.001-04:00

I will post my savings a little later.

I ran into a problem using 2 coupons at Publix. My cashier would only let me use one (I has several items that I had one from the paper and one I had printed) He said that the coupon had one it "only one per customer". I think they are two different coupons and I should be able to use them. I mentioned that the codes were different, he would not back down. I think that phrase on the coupon is open to interpretation.
Opinions?

Ta Da!!

2008-08-05T07:24:00.002-04:00

When we were in New York, Smiles decided to get vertical a try!! Now her favorite game is Up/Down!! So funny to watch her plop down and grin!! She is beginning to cruise a little bit!!

She also decided to try crawling on her hands and knees (instead of on her tummy!) She still ops to army crawl when she wants to get somewhere fast, but we are seeing the crawling more and more.

Then Sings my Soul - I will not be moved - Natalie Grant

2008-07-25T22:07:00.003-04:00

Tonight I learned our women's ministry at church is going through huge change. Change is great especially when God is in control. His hand has firmly been in our ministry for years, the evidence has been far from subtle.

There is part of me that wants to cling to the familiar, the comfortable. Part of me dreads this change, part of me fears this change.

But on the way home this song played on the radio. It was a reminder - I will not let Satan have a foothold in my life because of this. God is in control as He has always been. I will not be moved in my faith. I look forward to the unimaginable things that God has planned for the women of our church.

Join us at here for more great music!!

Our trip to New York

2008-07-24T21:31:00.002-04:00

We had a fabulous trip to New York. Here are just 5 of the 487 pictures we took!!

Hubbie has a small obsession with airplanes which he is passing onto the girls! Love really enjoyed watching the action around our airplane.

This was the whole purpose of the trip: Daddy and Love picking raspberries together! She loved it. She was forever asking to go pick raspberries. She never had much to show for her work though, except a few red stains around her mouth and on her shirt!!!

This is how Smiles kept cool in the 90 degree weather. She loves the water. She really loves to have the water sprayed in her face! No joke, she would sputter then sign "more"!

Love decided to cool off the plants. Grandma was pleased with that, especially when Love watered the tomatoes!!

Here is Daddy and Love picking blueberries. Smiles joined us once and I could not pick them fast enough for her! She kept reaching for the berries on the bushes.

It was a once in a lifetime trip. I am so thankful we went. His grandmother is doing reasonably well. She has lots of work and decisions ahead of her as she cleans out the house and prepares to sell it. She still talks about his grandfather in the present tense sometimes, and she uses "we" a lot too. It was very hard to leave her there alone. But we know she is not really alone, she has a great support system. Family is close by and they keep good tabs on her. As we drove away, Hubbie and I both felt we were forgetting something. I finally decided it was Grandmother!

Family Night - 3 Little Pigs

2008-07-15T19:58:00.002-04:00

The inspiration for the night - Great gift from Hubbie's cousin!

My littlest little piggy

Dinner - Pigs in a Blanket, Straw (Chow Mein Noodles), Carrot sticks, and Cheese bricks

Lots of little piggies!!

We had a guest for family night tonight. Our neighbor's little girl was here. The girls took turns dressing up as the BIG BAD WOLF and the little piggy! I have some great shots of the girls pretending to scare and be scared!! They lose something though with the faces blacked out. Oh well, trust me that are super cute!
It feels great to have really planned a fun evening for the family!

I have a copy cat!

2008-07-13T21:03:00.003-04:00

This afternoon I went to release Love (3 years old) from "quiet" time. As we are cleaning her room, she starts talking about peepee, the potty and her kitchen sink. When I noticed the sink was wet I started paying attention!!
Me: Did you put your peepee in the kitchen sink?
Love: No, I put my peepee in Sweetie's potty (Sweetie is a doll!! It is a doll sized potty seat!)
Me: You did what?
Love: I put it in the potty, then in the sink.

Ok, I did not put her peepee in the sink but I did dump it into the toilet.
I just had to laugh, then explain that Sweetie's potty is just pretend!

Ragamuffin Top Challenge Week #7

2008-07-12T15:01:00.003-04:00

Start weight : 191.2
End weight: 190.4
It was not such a great week. I did lose a pound.

My knee was hurting on Monday so that became the excuse to not walk. Once I was out of the habit the rest of the week was gone before I could think about walking again.

The water consumption has dropped again.

Goals this week:
1. Drink water (2 pitchers)
2. Walk 3 days
3. Avoid eating during rest time!! (I am a huge snacker in the afternoons!)

I am having a hard time getting serious again. I am playing around with losing the weight. The depressing part is that I know I can do it and I am just not making myself to it.

This next week includes travel. I need to make wise choices!!

Then Sings my Soul

2008-07-12T08:57:00.001-04:00

The past couple of Saturdays have been crazy busy and I have not had time to write a post. This past week my baby grew up before my eyes. She is a year old and this week she seemed less "my baby," she is beginning that change from baby to toddler. I heard this song for the first time this week and it really struck me. This is what I want her to know: she will always be safe in my arms. I want to create a relationship with her (and her sister) that allows her to always feel safe in my arms. I want to be the safe place she can run to when others hurt her, when she makes less than wise choices, when life throws her a curve ball. This song helps keep that as a focus!

Your baby blues
So full of wonder
Your Curly Que's
Your contagious smile
And as I watch
You start to grow up
All I can do is hold you tight
Knowing

Clouds will rage in
Storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms

Story books
Are full of fairy-tales
Of kings and queens
And the bluest skies
My heart is torn just in knowing
You'll someday see
The truth for lies

Clouds will rage in
Storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms

Castles they might crumble
Dreams may not come true
Cause you are never all alone
Cause I will always
Always love you

Hey I
Hey I
Will love

Clouds will rage in
Storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms

In my arms

it will be worth it

2008-07-10T20:28:00.003-04:00

I have been told by a good friend that if I write more I will get better so I am going to bore the two of you that read this blog with any consistency with more writing!

I am really beginning to stress over the up coming trip. I am one who likes to plan in advance. I make lists of what I am going to pack down to the individual outfits (sometimes). It hit me tonight when Hubbie's grandmother called to talk about food for next week, that we are traveling to NEW YORK, flying on an airplane, spending days away from home without our toys, and (I will be honest) our DVD player!!!!

It does not help that the airlines are scaring me with the whole luggage thing. I don't want to pay extra to get my stuff there, so I want to pack very minimally. I am trying to keep it to two suitcases for the four of us. I maybe crazy but I am going to try my darnedest!!

I know it will all work out, I know that no one will kick of off the plane (I plan to dress the kids very conservatively, so it won't be because of revealing too much!), I know this means the world to his grandmother, I know I will cherish the pictures of my girls and their daddy in the garden together, I know I would never forgive myself if I let this opportunity pass by.

Thanks for listening to the rambling!

Friends

2008-07-09T11:16:00.002-04:00

My life has been full of friends the past week! It is a great feeling! Two of my very good friends were gone for the month June - absence truly does make the heart grow fonder! I have missed their friendships while they were vacationing. I realized how much I rely on their support in the adventure of parenting!!
I am thankful for them!

Ragamuffin Top Challenge Week #6

2008-07-06T16:10:00.000-04:00

Monday:
walked 1.5 miles (30 minutes)
ate well breakfast, lunch and snack
drank 3 quarts Crystal Light

Tuesday:
no walk
ate well breakfast, lunch and snack (dinner was my Dad's AWESOME!!! baked beans)
drank 2 pitchers (4 quarts) of Crystal Light/water!!

Wednesday:
Breakfast was more of Dad's beans.
Lunch, snack and dinner on target
no walk
drank 2 pitchers!

Thursday:
walked 1.5 miles (30 minutes)
Breakfast, lunch on track
walked 1.5 miles

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were a complete wash.

I hope this week will be better!! I want to eat better this week. I cheated WAY too often during the five days I was supposed to make wise choices.
I think I need to think about it in those terms: wise and foolish choices. (We are working with our 3 year old on making wise choices!!! So I say those words A LOT!!!) Eating right, exercise, those are wise choices. The root beer I am drinking right now - foolish choice!!

I got the dress!! I can zip it! and it does look really nice on me (maybe I will post a picture later) but... it will look and feel even better if I make WISE choices.

Be encouraged!!! We can be successful!

Goals for this week are the same as last week only add Friday and Saturday!!

Please wake up!

2008-07-02T22:36:00.000-04:00

My youngest was trying to get her big sister's attention. Even though she was sleeping!
I kept asking "Where is sister?" She would look up at the bed and back at me.
Finally sister woke up! Just precious to watch them interact!

Are we crazy?

2008-07-02T20:21:00.003-04:00

In a couple of weeks Hubbie and I will embark on a major adventure: we are taking our girls to NY to pick berries off their great grandfather's berry bushes (just as their Daddy did when he was little).
This is going to involve getting two children, two LARGE carseats, a stroller, carry-ons full of entertainment, and a MIL through airport security. I can't wait!! Got any ideas to make it easier?

But seriously I am looking forward to the memories we will be making. Hubbie's grandfather past away in January and his grandmother is staying in the house through this berry season then she is moving in with her sister. So if we wanted to take the girls we had to do it this year. It sounds like Hubbie's cousins are planning to join us too, that will be great!!

Back on track

2008-06-30T09:25:00.004-04:00

I am going to be real this morning! I have gained back ten of the 15 pounds I had lost. Two weeks of working in the kitchen at VBS with no will power did me in. That and being on my feet all morning turned me into a couch potato in the afternoons.

This is a new week and I am back on track. Goals for the week:

1. Eat balanced(The Formula) Monday through Thursday
2. Friday and Saturday I can enjoy BBQ within reason.
3. Sunday back to balanced.
4. I would like to walk on the treadmill 3 times ( 30 to 45 minutes each day)
5. I want to drink two pitchers of water/Crystal Light each day.

Please keep me accountable. Ask me how it is going.
My MIL is buying me a beautiful dress from Coldwater Creek and I want to it to look great on me.

I got a devotional this morning that struck me:

What I lose today in weight will be gain in other ways tomorrow!

I want to keep the long term goal of being healthy in mind!!

I am hungry.

2008-06-24T16:29:00.002-04:00

But certainly not starving. It has been a good day. I have been praying for the Mocha Club any time I wanted to eat.
I made it through VBS. A note on that: Mid-morning I really got hungry and even a little grumpy because of it. It was not a great day to go hungry but then I realize millions go to work with this same (even worse) feeling in their tummies. They put in a full, hard day of work so they can put something on the table for their family. Very humbling.

Thank you, Kat, for responding to God's tug on your heart. Lives around the globe are being changed because of your obedience!!

40 Day Fast

2008-06-23T22:00:00.001-04:00

This past February God rocked my comfortable little world when I followed this man and his wife as they traveled to Uganda with Compassion International. I started following several of the other bloggers, which led to Kat's blog and this picture and post. The picture haunted me. I knew that if Kat did another fast I wanted to be a part of it. I don't want to settle back into that ignorant self-absorbed world. I want to lift up those in need in prayer, I want to work toward helping tangibly. I chose to be a part of this fast to have my world rocked again and again. I pray none of us are the same at the end of these 40 days!!

The Mocha Club is an organization that is meeting the needs in Africa. They are "tying together two communities - Africa and you." The cost of 2 mochas...
You get to decide where your money goes. There are several projects you can chose from: education, AIDS/HIV, orphan care, etc. Mocha Club provides monthly updates so you get to see how your gift is making a difference.
Please join me in praying for this organization today. Please consider forming your own team to partner with them.

Lately...

2008-06-23T15:06:00.002-04:00

I have noticed a change in my life. Things are/were falling apart. I have no interest in blogging, scrapbooking, etc. I am yelling at my 3 year old. All of the old (bad) eating habits are back.

What to know what is different? I have fallen away from a daily relationship with my Heavenly Father! It amazes me to look at the change in my life.

I am working to change that. I have a running prayer list on my counter (where I see it all the time). I am working through a Bible study Beth Moore is leading on her blog. I am listening to my worship music again! I am refocusing my life (again!)

I am so thankful that God does not walk away from me. He always reaches out His arms and welcomes me home. He reminds me that He never left and He was watching me the whole time. He reminds me how better my life runs when HE is in control and NOT ME!!!

40 Day Fast

2008-06-22T12:14:00.002-04:00

I have joined a group of bloggers to participate in a 40 Day Fast. I will actually be fasting for only 2 of those days. This fast is to raise awareness of needs around the world and to pray for the organizations that seek to meet those needs. Each day a different blogger will highlight a different need on their blog. I will have a link here to that blogger.
I will be fasting on Tuesday, June 24. I covet your prayers for that day. I will be working the kitchen at VBS!! with Vanilla Wafers! No temptation there! God has a great sense of humor.
Thanks for joining me on this eye-opening adventure!

Family Night - Monkey Night

2008-06-13T07:21:00.002-04:00

I found this monkey who helped me make chocolate covered bananas (Monkey Popsicles)!

This is what happens when you try and get pictures of both people in the process. The chocolate got too hot and curdled. I had to add corn syrup so it would wrap around the bananas.

Our "decorations" There was another big Curious George on the floor. (I guess he was enjoying a picnic!!)

Enjoying a Monkey Popsicle!

I hope to get better at remembering family night before 5:00 on Tuesday night!! I need to start writing the theme on the calendar so I see it more!! I am thankful for the focus it creates in my life.

Ragamuffin Top Challenge

2008-06-07T18:15:00.002-04:00

Week 2:
Lost 2 lbs (really should have been more. The past three days have been awful eating habits!!)
I walked on Tuesday.
I am hoping next week is better. The trip to the store to get better food will help. Daughter not being sick and maybe sleeping better through the night will help also (my excuses for the lousy week!)
Here is the said picture from last week: (will add picture later, computer giving me problems)

Nothing has changed so I won't post one this week! LOL

Make sure to check out other MuffinTops here.

Thankful Thursday

2008-06-05T11:03:00.002-04:00

This week I am thankful for my hubbie. His job has been incredibly stressful recently. He is being intentional in his relationships at home.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for my husband. Thank you for providing the perfect man for me. Thank you for his devotion to his marriage and his family. Thank you for providing all he needs to handle work and home. Thank you for the words of affirmation he has spoken into my life this week.
Continue to bless him here at home and in the work place.
Amen

Contest

2008-06-05T07:48:00.002-04:00

Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer is holding a very cool contest. She is giving away a collection of worship cd's (18 in all!!). That would make an awesome Father's Day present for my hubbie (who sings in our church praise team!).
Here is the link I am supposed to post to enter: WOWonline.com

Ragamuffin Top Challenge

2008-06-01T22:33:00.005-04:00

Carlos is starting a new challenge. This comes at a great time for me. I am jumping back on the wagon starting today.
I would like to lose another 40lbs, ultimate weight goal of 150 to 145, and clothing size 10. But I would also like to strengthen my body and get in shape. I would like to being walking about 30 minutes everyday. I would like to lower my resting heart rate.
Short term goal is to lose about 10 pounds in the next 14 days.
I have a picture to post but I will do that next week.

Thankful Thursday

2008-05-29T06:45:00.000-04:00

Today's focus is easy. My little girl is 1 today.

Smiles,
I am so thankful God chose you for our family. It has been an incredible year!
I am thankful for your smiles.
I am thankful for your personality (which can be a little spirited at times).
I am thankful you are different from your sister.
I am thankful you have finally learned to sit up on your own.
I am thankful you have a different time-table then your sister or your cousin - it causes me to love you for who you are.
I am thankful for the kisses and hugs you are beginning to give.
I am thankful all the little things you are learning everyday.
I am thankful you are learning to sign with me, it makes (and will make) our life easier.
I am thankful for the way you light up when Daddy walks in the room.
I am thankful for the grins you give me first thing in the morning.
I am thankful for the church family that is loving on you, helping us raise you in God's Love.
I am thankful for every moment I get to spend with you.
I love you!
Love,
Mommy

(sorry about the paragraph. I changed fonts and it took away all of my returns in the post, but showed them in the preview!)

Then Sings my Soul

2008-05-23T21:50:00.008-04:00

This song carried me through the early part of the week. Tuesday was a rough day. I got in the car and this song came on; I almost had to pull over to have a good cry!! I love the line about being "broken in my melody." For some reason that line resonates with me.
This week I had to stand firm on this Promise of a Lifetime - God will never walk away from me. He promises that in His Word. I cling to that promise!!

"Promise Of A Lifetime" by Kutless

I have fallen to my knees
As I sing a lullaby of pain
I'm feeling broken in my melody
As I sing to help the tears go away

Then I remember the pledge you made to me

[CHORUS:]
I know you're always there
To hear my every prayer inside
I'm clinging to the promise of a lifetime
I hear the words you say
To never walk away from me and leave behind
The promise of a lifetime

Will you help me fall apart
Pick me up, take me in your arms
Find my way back from the storm
And you show me how to grow
Through the change

I still remember the pledge you made to me

[BRIDGE:]
I am holding on to the hope I have inside
With you I will stay through every day
Putting my understanding aside

And I am comforted

Join Amy for more great songs.

Thankful Thursday

2008-05-22T07:28:00.003-04:00

Psalm 141:8
But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign LORD;
in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death.

God is sovereign and He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I have had to cling to that TRUTH this week. Satan tried very hard to have his way but "my eyes are fixed on you!"

Dear Lord,
Thank you for your sovereignty. Thank you for having a plan for our life as a family. I firmly believe that You know the desire of my heart and You will honor that desire in YOUR timing. Thank you for speaking TRUTH into my life this week. Thank you for helping me stand strong against Satan's lies. Thank you for deep friendships that encourage my faith. Thank you for my husband's understanding and compassion. Thank you for this past week and all of its' ups and downs!!
Amen

Join us at Sting my Heart for more Thankful Thursday!!

Thankful Thursday

2008-05-15T06:20:00.004-04:00

Family has been on my mind this past week. Somewhere along in my life I developed a deep sense of family. It is not that my family got together a lot or even communicated well together. I believe it is God-given! My extended family is scattered all over the US. I am incredibly excited that in the course of one month I will have seen ALL of my Aunts and Uncles and several of my cousins.

This week I am thankful for my family!

I am thankful my parents live 10 minutes away and are an active part of our lives.
I am thankful that my brother and his wife and daughter live close by also.
I am thankful for my new niece or nephew!! Thank you for caring for that tiny baby growing inside my sister in love!
I am thankful my dad has developed a deep sense of family and encourages us to gather together on a weekly basis.
I am thankful for the gathering of my mom's family last Saturday. It was an awesome time of just being together!
I am thankful for the celebration that will be on Saturday for Granddaddy. Lord, I pray and thank you for moving in the details of the day. Thank you in advance for providing a wonderful time with my dad's family.
I am thankful my in love's live close enough to be able to come watch the girls on Saturday.
I am also thankful for my church family. My girls are growing up surrounded by God's love!!

Join us at Sting my Heart for more Thankful Thursday!!

Family Night #1

2008-05-14T09:29:00.004-04:00

"Then we saw him step in on the mat!

We looked!
And we saw him!
The Cat in the Hat!"

"Say!

I like green eggs and ham!
I do! I like them, Sam-I-am!"Look at me! Look at me!
Look at me now!
It is fun to have fun but you have to know how."

Weight loss update

2008-05-12T17:32:00.003-04:00

So it has been awhile since I posted about the weight loss goal.
I am now 183.!! This means I have lost BOTH pregnancies!! I am back to the weight I was when I got pregnant almost 4 years ago.
So now I need to keep it off and keep on track to lost more!!

Then Sings my Soul

2008-05-10T07:29:00.003-04:00

Happy Saturday!
Well, Amy took my top choice this week...but I will just save it for another week!
I am going to write about "Your Grace is Enough" (if I have time later I may add a video)

I am just learning about God's grace and truly understanding it. This song is so powerful. But right it is my three year old daughter that makes this song so cool! She runs around the house singing the chorus! It does my heart good to know that good things are going into her head and heart! How cool that I get to teach her at THREE what I am just learning at 31!!!
Here are the lyrics and the song is on my playlist --->

Great is your faithfulness oh God
You wrestle with the sinner's heart
You lead us by still waters into mercy
And nothing can keep us apart

Pre Chorus:
So remember your people
Remember your children
Remember your promise, oh God

Chorus:
Your grace is enough.
Your grace is enough.
Your grace is enough.
Your grace is enough for me.

Verse 2:
Great is your love and justice God.
You use the weak to lead the strong.
You lead us in the song of your salvation
And all your people sing along.

Pre Chorus:
So remember your people.
Remember your children.
Remember your promise, oh God.

Chorus x3

Chorus 2:
Your Grace is enough
Heaven reaching down to us
Your Grace is enough for me

----------------
God, I see your grace is enough
I'm covered in your love
Your grace is enough for me

For me

Have a blessed weekend
Join us at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders for more great music!!!

Family Night Ideas

2008-05-09T08:13:00.000-04:00

Dr. Seuss Night

have green eggs and ham
make red and white hats for all
Follow the Cat
Balancing Relay (or just practice balancing items on your head)

Gardening

do some real planting
have dirt cake
eat spaghetti (as worms!)

Super Why

create problem to solve
make caps for everyone

Curious George

simple science experiments
donuts for dessert (he loves donuts)
watch the movie/ read CG books
Ted Says

Tie Tye

make family shirts
coffee filter butterflies

Pool party

dinner by the pool
swimming/water fight
obstacle course with beach ball

Tea Party

(manly) tea sandwiches
make hats for family

Fire Truck/ Fighter
Flip Flop

flip flop dessert (Bright ideas M&M site)
Decorate flip flops
relay race in flip flops

Space
Frogs

Lily pad hop

Mexican Fiesta
Ice Cream Parlor
Cowboy

Galloping Horse relay (riding on a broom)
Pin the tail on the horse
Hot Dogs, Beans, Corn on the cob, Cowboy cake

Farm
Zoo
Camping

make a tent under the table
s'mores
sleeping bags

Hawaiian
Circus
Puppets

Here are some websites I found in generating this list:
Family Fun
The GIANT list of Birthday parties

Have fun coming up with your own themes and PLEASE share them!!!

New Tradition I am starting

2008-05-09T08:03:00.000-04:00

Heather is doing the coolest thing with her family. Wednesday is Family Night and each week she has a different theme! They are so simple but so cool!! Here are the ones she has done so far:
Backwards Night
Movie Night
Strawberry Shortcake Night
Under the Sea
Princess Night

Heather is so creative, the nights look like a lot of fun without being TOO much extra work. I think the nights could be as simple or elaborate as you want.

I am going to start my own list. I will have a link on the side to my list. I will try and post pictures from the evenings too. I think our night is going to be Tuesday night, I think that will work best with Hubbie's schedule.

Please leave a comment if you think of another theme!!

Thankful Thursday

2008-05-07T19:21:00.007-04:00

"always giving thanks to God the Father for everything,
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Ephesians 5:20

It has been one of those weeks at our house! I am called to be thankful for the illness that has woken me up for four nights!!
So here is my list:
I am thankful for the illness that has invaded my house.
I am thankful for the snuggles I have received this week because of said illness.
I am thankful for a great washer and dryer that helped clean up (every night)!
I am thankful for my husband's understanding and help this week.
I am thankful for the break I got last night with a dear friend!! (we rearranged her bedroom at 10 last night!! Call me crazy but that was just what I needed!!)
I am thankful God heard and answered my prayers last night!!!
I am thankful no one redecorated their beds last night!!! Whoo Hoo!!
Praise God!!!!

Join us over at Sting My Heart to see what other people are thankful for this week!

Rough times

2008-05-07T09:07:00.002-04:00

This past week has been rough.
My Granddaddy past away on Saturday. I am having a harder time processing this than I thought I would. His service is the 17th. I am looking forward to the closure I pray that brings.

Early Sunday morning (4:00am) my youngest let me know that she had caught a tummy bug. So for the next three nights she decorated her crib for me.
Then last night my oldest let me know that she too had caught the tummy bug! Oh Joy!!

The really strange thing is that they are only getting sick once at night. But it makes me wary during the day, "How much do I let them eat? If I let them eat are they going to get sick again?" I HATE tummy bugs!!!

SO because of the bug in the house, I have been pretty isolated too, can't go out (don't want to have to bleach the car!!) can't have people here! I am a people person. I get my energy from being with my friends.

Lord, please provide for me. Please provide wisdom and discernment in caring for my girls. Please provide rest and peace for all of us. Please lay your healing hand on my girls! Please fill me with your Spirit until You overflow into my family's lives.

Marriage Monday

2008-05-05T07:44:00.000-04:00

The Crazy Way We Met

Sitting at my desk answering the phones. Enters a quiet shy guy, "Here are your copies."
"Thank you"

That was the first conversation Hubbie and I had with each other. I was a student assistant in a Small Business Development Center on campus. He was a student assistant in the copy center. We carried on that lengthy conversation for about 2 months.

Then I joined the Wesley Foundation on campus and guess who was there: "Here are your copies." Over the course of 6 months we got to know each other in a group setting, until he finally arranged a "date" without having to ask just me!! (He tells a different story!)

Our relationship developed very slowly: we became good friends, we started dating, we talked for hours and hours, we prayed together. All of a sudden we realized we wanted to spend forever together. I can still remember the day that it felt wrong to leave him in the evening, my place was next to him.

And as they say, "The rest is history."

I don't have a clear picture of how He brought us together but we have certainly seen His hand in our life. Small little details changed our course forever. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we belong together!!

Granddaddy

2008-05-03T16:40:00.000-04:00

June 14, 1927 - May 3, 2008

Dearest Granddaddy,
I am not sure where to begin. You lived a tumultuous life that really impacted your family. As I reflect on your life, I wish I had done things differently. I wish I had been in a position to do things differently. I can only pray that you knew that I loved you and desired a better relationship with you.

I do have some fond memories of times with you. The time we went fishing stands out. You made me hook that nasty worm. I am not even sure I caught fish after all of that!!

I remember coming to your beautiful home that you build. I remember loving the view off the back deck. You did such neat things with wood, your creations were all over the house. I remember going out to the shed/barn where you were making soda cozies.

I remember that you always liked "big and scary" dogs!! You always had some dog I was scared to death of! It was an odd mix because after you remarried you have HUGE dogs outside and tiny dogs inside!

I loved sitting quietly listening to you and your children recount stories from their childhood. Some of them made me really glad you were not MY dad! Cherry cobbler comes to mind!

I remember your smile and your laugh. I loved the way you looked over your glasses at me to make a point. Your eyes carried such a twinkle.

You will be missed.

Then Sings my Soul

2008-05-03T09:30:00.005-04:00

I am excited about joining this meme because God uses songs in my life to remind me to pray for specific people.

This week is a song that I first heard in middle school. I got to hear it again live for the first time in years!! Michael W. Smith performed "Friends" last night. You could tell he is still amazed at how much people like this song.

My heart was heavy last night as I listened to the words again. I have a dear friend who is moving to Georgia, obeying God's call on her husband's life (and her life). She is currently in Ghana as her husband moves their girls to a new city. I prayed this song over her last night as I sang.

Randel, this song is dedicated to you! You will be greatly missed! May God place his guiding hand on your shoulder and direct your every move! Love you!!

(this was the best video I could find! LOL!)

God is so Good!!!

2008-05-02T23:20:00.002-04:00

I got an unexpected call today at 3:30. A friend had two extra tickets to the Michael W. Smith concert, would Hubbie and I like to go?
Ummm...let me think about that for two seconds...a resounding YES!!
I had planned on surprising Hubbie with tickets, but we decided not to go (we had small group scheduled for that night, we don't really know his current stuff, yada, yada, yada).
We did ditch our girls on our small group and skipped out on them (Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! We could not have gone if you all did not say yes!! We hear we missed a great movie! lol)

The concert was AMAZING!!! Smitty is just as good as ever. God was in the house in a mighty way!! The music was phenomenal and uplifting!! I for warned Hubbie that he might disown me by the end of the concert (I am a standing on my feet, hands in the air kind of worshiper, when I don't feel self-conscious!). He played Secret Ambition and Friends from the "old" days! It warmed my heart. Those are both songs from the beginning of my faith.

Another really cool thing about that evening was that Compassion was there. This guy was there too. (I knew that from reading his blog.) I worked up the nerve to meet him. I have been reading his blog since February. Spence works for Compassion and gets to work with the different artists that promote the work that Compassion does. He was happy to meet someone that read his blog. It was neat to be able to meet him in person.

It was a great evening. Again, I felt God confirming His call on my life to look beyond myself and my world. Hubbie got to hear the Compassion promo for himself. I can't tell you how hard it was not to raise my hand to receive a child to sponsor, but I am trusting that God knows the desire of my heart. In His time, He will grant that desire! For now, I will continue to pray for "our girls", trusting that He knows who they are!!

Thank you Jacqueline for thinking of us! God used you in a mighty way tonight!!

God is moving...

2008-05-02T14:08:00.003-04:00

in my heart. Praise God!!
But it is really uncomfortable. He is broadening my world.
Since February I have been following several bloggers that went to Uganda on a Compassion International trip. That was the beginning of the "movement" within my heart. Their trip changed me. I became aware of just how selfish and greedy I am and our country is. I have no NEEDS that are not met, but I am not satisfied with that, I want my WANTS fulfilled too.

One of the bloggers I have been following is Shaun Groves. He does some amazing work with Compassion. Right now he is in the Dominican Republic shooting some footage about Compassion's work there. Once again I am blown away by the circumstances people are living in. The really sad part is that a U.S. company is the one causing some of the conditions! It breaks my heart to think that people are so greedy that they would abuse another people to make a profit (I know this has been going on for generations).

For awhile I felt helpless. I can't sponsor a child yet (we are working on that). I can't write the company and demand they change their ways. I can't write to my government and demand that they demand the company change their ways. I can't make a difference in those people's lives.

Satan has been lying to me and I have been believing that lie. "prayer isn't enough. prayer can't change things, especially not your prayers!"
Praise God that His voice has broken through the lies. God is telling me something different, He is telling me the Truth. Prayer is a great place for me to start!!

Lord,
I "approach your throne of grace with confidence" on behalf of those around the world that live in poverty. Father, I pray you would provide for their needs. Please provide food, clean water, shelter, protection from diseases. Please provide comfort and peace for their hearts.
I pray specifically for the workers in the sugar plantation in the Dominican Republic. I pray, Holy Spirit, you convict the company of their vile ways. I pray for change from the inside of the company. I pray that you would move in the hearts of those that have the power to affect that change.
Father, show me ways I can help your children, here in my own community, and around the world. Teach me to be grateful for the many blessings in my life, teach me to be content!
Amen

That seems like such a small thing for me to do, but I believe, have faith, that it will make a difference!
Matthew 17:20 says: "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Thankful Thursday

2008-05-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

I am thankful for God's provision this week.
I am thankful I have a luxurious house and plenty of room for my family.
I am thankful I have a huge closet of clean clothes to chose from in the morning.
I am thankful I can provide healthy, clean food for my girls until they are full.
I am thankful I have a car that gets me from point A to point B safely.
I am thankful I have a husband that loves and honors me.
I am thankful God has reminded me of His children that do not have those basic needs fulled on a daily basis.
I am thankful that prayer is a good place for me to start caring for His children.

Ashamed

2008-04-29T06:42:00.002-04:00

I am so ashamed right now. I just finished reading this article on Kat's blog about a young boy made to beg in the streets. I am so caught up in my own little world that I am completely unaware of events like this. I am so concerned about when we can move to a bigger home (and be closer to Hubbie's work), I am so caught up in what do we give the girls' for their birthday, when can I print more pictures for a hobby, the list goes on and on.

I recently followed a group of bloggers as they went to Uganda with Compassion International. Their trip also opened my eyes to the reality of the world around me. I have seen the Oprah shows about Africa and the like, but watching these everyday people experience poverty changed me. I wanted to sponsor a child, I still want to and we are working on the budget to make that happen. But what do I do in the mean time? What do I do with the knowledge that I live a cushie life?

Dear Lord,
Please forgive me of my selfishness. Please make me aware of opportunities to bless others. Please make me bold enough to act in those moments! Please help me change my priorities and my way of thinking.
Thank you!

Granddaddy update

2008-04-26T17:52:00.002-04:00

Holy Spirit spoke and I obeyed. He said, "Go see your grandfather! with your brother."
I am so thankful I listened!! Bozo and I had the best time in the car, even though we got off track twice (I won't call it lost because we sort of knew where we were!). I can't remember the last time we had time just the two of us without our families around. Very nice!

My grandfather looked good (considering). He knew who we were!! That was huge! I got to hold his hand until he fell asleep. Then I got to whisper to him what I felt I needed to say. I am at peace now. Praise God! I am still unsure of his salvation but I might not get that reassurance this side of heaven. But I have done all I can do. I am still praying and if I can swing it, I might go visit again. My dad went today and i am anxious to hear how he was. I know that every day is different at this point.
Please continue to lift the family up. Three children are losing their father, three grandchildren are losing their grandfather, three great-granddaughters are losing their great-grandfather, and two ex-wives are losing a man they loved.

Weigh In

2008-04-24T19:43:00.002-04:00

186.8 so I am down a little (again).

I have started the Biggest Loser at church. That runs through June 14th.

The kids and I walked a mile tonight and I have had a ton of water!! I just need to keep that up.

Thankful Thursday

2008-04-24T09:54:00.002-04:00

Faithfulness
I am thankful for God's faithfulness. I am thankful that He remains the same no matter what happening in my life. He does not waver in His love for me. He is always looking out for my BEST interest. I have known all of this in my head, but it has finally moved to my heart and I believe it!!

Life and Death

2008-04-23T08:58:00.000-04:00

Dear Lord,
My heart is heavy today. Granddaddy is sick and dying. Only You know how much time he has left with us. His illness raises many questions in me. Could I have done more? Could I have been a better granddaughter? Does he know You? Are You his Savior? When he goes, will he join You forever? Only You hold those answers, since he is no longer able to communicate with us. I pray he does know You. Even more I pray You reveal Yourself to him if he does not know You.

Daddy mentioned something the other day that has taken hold of me. His father has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Is that what his future holds? That thought shakes me to my core. I know You hold his future in the palm of Your hand. Please give me the assurance that he does know You.

God, thank you for Your faithfulness. Thank you for Your believability. Thank you for being my Rock, my hiding place.

Emotions

2008-04-22T07:16:00.000-04:00

This weekend my pastor talked about emotions. The main point was that feelings should follow action/behavior. It made so much sense to me. It is much harder to apply in our culture. There are some emotions that don't seem to fit that bill.

I want to feel peaceful and patient with my 3 year old, what sort of behaviors do I have to do to feel that way? I want to remain calm when all chaos is breaking loose while I am trying to fix dinner (you know that last 30 to 60 minutes before the "help" arrives home from a hard day at the office). Does that mean breathing deeply for that hour? I want to feel more compassion for a certain child in our life, that one means doing more for someone else at a time of day when I am done!!!

The Holy Spirit is pricking my conscience. These are all things I can't do on my own. I am humanly unable to live outside myself. It is only through HIM that I am able to be the person I desire to be.

Holy Spirit, I empty myself of me. I empty myself of my pride, my selfish ways, my fears, my concerns. I empty myself of me so there is room for you and your gifts - your fruit. I want to bear fruit for you. Fill me , Holy Spirit!

Organ Donation

2008-04-18T16:05:00.003-04:00

Nate at Confessions of a CF Husband is having an interesting conversation about organ donation over on his blog. He is obviously a HUGE proponent!! He has some great Q&A posts about organ donation.

I have always been an organ donor (since I got my drivers license). But witnessing Tricia's story unfold has confirmed my decision. Through my death I just might be able to help someone else live: a mother might live to see her child grow, a father might be there to give his daughter away on her wedding day, a husband might walk many more years beside his bride.

I encourage you to think about it. If you have questions, Nate has some great resources on his site.

Thankful Thursday

2008-04-17T07:40:00.000-04:00

My Weekend
1. I am thankful I got to share a fabulous weekend with the man of my dreams.
2. I am thankful for message our pastor and his wife shared with us this weekend. It is something that will impact my marriage for years to come.
3. I am thankful for the ancient oaks we got sit under. Thank you, God, for revealing your splendor in your creation.
4. I am thankful for the friendships that were strengthened and for new friendships .
5. I am thankful we had a chance to renew our wedding vows again. It so nice (and needed) to be reminded of the commitment we made to each other.
6. I am thankful for the contrast in weather: it was sunny and beautiful one day and the next was cold and wet.
7. I am thankful I was able to leave the girls in the wonderful care of my parents. I am thankful they are so close and can be a major influence on the girls.

Weigh in

2008-04-17T07:24:00.003-04:00

187.8 (yuck)
oh well, I am getting back on track after the weekend.

I have a new motivation for losing the weight (as if getting healthy and feeling back were not enough). My church is doing unique fund raiser - The Biggest Loser for Missions!! Based on the tv show, I will be setting a weight lose goal and collecting sponsors. Sponsors can pledge per pound or make a flat donation. All of the money raised goes to the church mission budget to be used locally and internationally. I am really excited about it!!! If you would like to be a sponsor, leave me a comment and I will get in touch with you.

A few pictures from the weekend

2008-04-14T16:40:00.004-04:00

S mores!!!

I think I see a new hobby for us as a couple - Photography!!

We got to renew a portion of our vows this weekend! So special!

We had such a great time together! It was nice to be able to focus one each other without "life" getting in the way! Can't wait for next year!!

Just Be...

2008-04-13T21:42:00.002-04:00

That was the theme of the marriage retreat my husband and I got to attend this weekend.
Just be loved and loving
Just be forgiven and forgiving
Just be comforted and comforting

I learned some hard truths about myself. I have committed to my husband to allow God change me. I have some new goals for this next year in my marriage.

God, please don't leave me here. Please move me to a place of change. Holy Spirit. please continue to reveal my sin, my stumbling blocks, so that I might confess them and seek forgiveness, enabling you to do mighty things in me. I pray my marriage grows to reflect you.

Thankful Thursday

2008-04-10T08:00:00.001-04:00

I have decided to participate in this weekly meme because I need the constant reminder to be thankful for all of the many blessings in my life!

I am thankful for my parents who are willing to watch our girls for the weekend so Hubbie and I can attend our church's annual marriage retreat! (can't wait)

I am thankful for Hubbie, who works so hard so that I can stay home with our precious girls! Things have been particularly hard for him at work recently, but he comes home and is an active part of the family in the evenings, even when he is just worn out! Thanks, Babe!!

I am thankful for good friends - people I can run to with the latest joy or struggle. They are an invaluable part of my life.

I am most thankful for my Heavenly Father, His Son and His Holy Spirit! They are changing me, so that I might reflect Their GLORY in my life! It hurts sometimes but in the end I know it will be worth it!!

Two things

2008-04-10T07:35:00.002-04:00

Official weigh in for the week: 183.2!! Pretty exciting. I am heading out of town this weekend and will have to work at being good while I am gone!! (Don't want to undo that!)

I found a post today at Rocks in My Dryer that was particularly moving to me. Please go read it! So many times in life I think we forget just how much God cares about us and is watching over us ALL THE TIME!!

Just have to share...

2008-04-09T08:54:00.003-04:00

I have gotten back on track with the eating habits! Since Sunday I have lost 5lbs!! I know that some of that is water weight because I did start drinking water better. Plus I had been eating some pretty high sodium foods. But still...it is so motivating to watch the scale drop!
So what am I doing you ask?

This program balances your carbs, fats, and proteins. They have a Fat Flush program that really restricts your glycemic levels. That is what I have been on for 2 days!
My girls are the other reasons I decided it was time to get back on track. When I am eating this way, we have great fruits and veggies in the house. You should see the "rainbow" my family has been eating the past two nights!
The other benefit I see right away is I sleep better when I am eating this way! When I was eating the junk, I was not sleeping through the night. I would wake up several times or wake up and not be able to go back to sleep. The past nights I have slept great!! I am not waking up at all.
Just thought I would share!

Sermon thoughts

2008-04-06T15:33:00.005-04:00

My pastor preached a convicting message this weekend. Well, at least I was convicted. My husband was reassured. (Talk about the Holy Spirit speaking to individuals!!)
It was about the second coming of Jesus and that we need to be ready at all times. It could be tomorrow or not for another hundred years. We don't know and Scripture says we won't! Only God knows. The pastor was talking about being ready to face God the Judge. If we know we are living in sin we need to change that. Repent and turn away. He mentioned several of the "big" sins: adultery, embezzling, porn, etc. I find it interesting that judgment, slander, self ambition, jealousy, etc. did not make it into the sermon. He made a statement like, "those that sit on the pews on Sunday and then go home and turn on the computer to look at porn are in trouble" Immediately the Holy Spirit said to me, "Those that sit on these pews on Sunday and are judging others are in trouble!"

There are so many sins that live deep within me that I can do a fairly good job of hiding from the outside world. They are just as dangerous if not more so than those that the world can see. Our Bible study is about peace this week; a whole day was devoted to the judgment of others and how that can steal your peace! I know that judgment and a critical heart are huge areas of darkness in my life. I am so thankful that God loves me enough to point that out to me (over and over again!). He is changing me slowly. I hear the judgment now where as before I am not sure I heard it as judgment.

I know it is only through the Holy Spirit that I will be able to change. I have one friend in particular that I admire because she never sounds judgmental even if I know she does not agree with the other person. She never has a negative thing to say about others (okay never is a strong word because she is human and does have some challenging people to deal with.) I strive to be more like that. I want to honor people and God with my words and thoughts. I know that one day with God's help I won't even think the thoughts!! Praise God for his power to overcome sin!!

I can't believe you stuck around to finish reading this, I wish I had a better command of the English language. Thanks for reading.

A glimpse into the future?

2008-04-03T19:40:00.003-04:00

Look for her in the 2020 Olympics!!! You will be able to say, "I knew her when she was just starting out at the tender age of 10 months!"

Tricia is Awake and Aware

2008-04-03T18:53:00.000-04:00

Confessions Of A CF Husband: Awake and Aware

The surgery was a success so far. Can you believe that they will have her up and walking in under 24 hours of going into surgery? Please continue to pray for them, comfort for Tricia and rest for Nate!!

Weigh in

2008-04-03T06:37:00.002-04:00

185.0!!!
Even with all the birthday cake and ice cream!! Whoo hoo!!
I need to get serious again. I would like to lose another 10 to 12 pounds before my annual gyn visit (the end of May). I believe the lowest I have been was 175-173 after Rachel was born. I would love to go in having lost the weight from both pregnancies!! That is easily doable as long as I get busy. I need to start walking again. If you see me during the week, ask me if I have been walking!! and drinking my water!

Family, Prayer, and me

2008-04-02T22:13:00.004-04:00

I am going to try and put into words what I am feeling right now.
Back in January a friend said, "You should read this blog." I clicked over to discover a tiny baby fighting for life, a wife/mom who also was fighting for life, and a husband/daddy documenting their journey. This family has had a profound effect on me. I think one of the reasons their story touches me is Tricia has Cystic Fibrosis. We discovered with my first pregnancy that I am a carrier of cf. (Charles is not so the chances of our children having it are nil.) This story gives me a glimpse into what our life might have been like. It reminds me daily to be thankful that my children are healthy.
I think what draws me to this family most though is something else that we share, our faith in Jesus Christ. They are unwavering in their faith. Nate is quick to point out his fear of heights so I don't have them on a pedestal. I know they are human, but they have been able to keep their focus on God and His plan for them. They have allowed God to use their story to spread the word about cf and organ donation. Read just a few of the comments and you will see that their story is impacting people for eternity. I am blown away by my connection with this family. We will probably never meet this side of heaven, yet when they got the call for the lungs, my reaction was one as if they were dear friends. I wanted to shout from the mountaintop with joy. My husband does not get it, but I think in some way this is how it should be. Nate, Tricia, and Gwyneth are friends, more than that they are family. We are in God's family. I should be shouting for joy for them. I rejoice in that community!
As I type this, Tricia is still in surgery getting new lungs! (Praise God!) In the past 24 hours I have experienced an attitude of constant prayer, I think for the first time. I remember last night thinking, "This is what scripture is talking about - to pray constantly." I want to carry that attitude into my own life. How different would my life be if I sought Him at every turn? My responses to the world around (my dear husband and children) would certainly be different. Why is it that I can pray constantly for people I have never met, but I don't think to pray constantly for the ones most dear in my life?
God, please give me the power to change that. Please empower me to carrying this attitude of prayer into my daily life. Thank you for Nate and their story. Please continue to shelter them in the palm of your hand. Amen.

Confessions Of A CF Husband: IN THE OR

2008-04-02T20:01:00.000-04:00

Confessions Of A CF Husband: IN THE OR

Please say prayers for Tricia and the surgeons. This surgery is about 7-9 hours long. Please pray peace for Nate as he sits with Gwyneth and family. Please lift up the donor family, may they know God's comfort!!

Confessions Of A CF Husband: TX CALL #2!!!

2008-04-02T14:13:00.000-04:00

Confessions Of A CF Husband: TX CALL #2!!!

Nate and Tricia are waiting to see if these lungs are "hers." Please lift them up.

Childhood memories

2008-03-31T19:58:00.002-04:00

Tonight we introduced R to this game! She did great! Hubbie and I were reminiscing about the game we owned. Remember the cherries with the hooks? Did you put them hooks up or hooks down? What was your favorite board game growing up?

Join me at 2pm

2008-03-31T07:29:00.002-04:00

on our knees for Nate and Tricia. The lungs were not a match, but we serve a faithful God. He has His mighty hand on this family! Please pray for Tricia that she would stay infection free, that she would sleep at night so she can do her PT during the day. Please pray for Nate as he divides his time between his two beautiful ladies, for continued health for him. Please pray that Gwyneth would continue to gain weight and continue to flourish! Please pray for the family who did lose someone last night, pray comfort and peace into their lives, pray that God would reveal Himself in a mighty way through this time of lose.
God, you are so good, all the time!!

Prayers please!!!

2008-03-30T21:37:00.002-04:00

I am so excited! Tricia and Nate of cfhusband have gotten a call that there might be a set of lungs for her!! Please pray for God's Will, that these lungs are for her, that the surgery goes well, peace and comfort for the donor family, and peace for Tricia and Nate as they wait to find out if Tricia will have surgery in the early morning!!
Thanks!

3 Years Ago

2008-03-29T22:03:00.003-04:00

Pre-epiduralPost-epidural

My life changed (again) forever this night three years ago. I welcomed my first child into the world. It was an incredible start to even more incredible journey. I am very thankful for the blessings she has brought to my life. R, my life is forever changed because God sent you to me!
I love you!!

2008-03-27T21:00:00.001-04:00

Here is the finished wall with the pictures. We have "designed" it so that we can add more pictures if we would like.
Right now I am up to my ears in Curious George. He is the guest of honor at my 3 year old's birthday party this weekend. She is so excited about having a George birthday. We are having it at a park so the "monkeys" will not be in my house!! It should be a swingin' good time!

weigh in

2008-03-27T08:08:00.001-04:00

187.0
My fault entirely!! Easter candy, brownies, bakalava, pizza. Is it any wonder? and not much water!
This is a new week. I will be good over the weekend. My daughter turns 3!

Green!!

2008-03-26T21:33:00.001-04:00

The last two days I have spent my free time on a rather impromptu project. I was rearranging some pictures and decided to patch the resulting holes. That involved pulling out all the paint stuff, which led to, "the paint does not have to be white!" So it is green instead!! I am very excited about the results. This green is also in the kitchen in small doses so it ties the front of the house with the back of the house. Check back in a couple days and I will post the wall with the pictures that started the whole process.

Got some answers

2008-03-25T16:09:00.002-04:00

Today we watched Beth Moore's teachings on peace. That woman is blessed with the ability to lay it out there!! I love listening to her. God speaks to me through her.
God is revealing things to me slowly (or I am slowly grasping things He has been trying to teach me for years!). I am learning so much about the Holy Spirit and His power. He has never been "real" to me. I have wondered,"How do I get what she has?" Our leader has always said, "You already have it!" "The secret is Jesus in me, the hope of glory" I still did not understand, I still did not know how to access it (him). God revealed this year that I have to empty me of myself. There is only room for one, if I am full of me, there is no room for the Holy Spirit to be. He can't fill me if I am full of myself. Let me tell you, I am full of myself!!!! No wonder I have been living a defeated Christian life, no wonder I can't seem to do anything right when it comes to doing His work. I have not been living my life full of the Holy Spirit! Beth taught us to empty ourselves each morning with all of our junk so the Holy Spirit would have room to be. Sometimes I feel like I don't have enough time!!! There is so much of me! I am working on it. I am trying to remember to take time in the morning. I need to remember I can do it throughout the day. God is a God of NOW! He can change me NOW! "God, let me speak out of love to my daughter" (when she has been whining for the past ten minutes!!!) I want to get better at remembering I have access to HIM whenever I need Him. He is there waiting to provide.
I serve an amazing God. I humbled by his perseverance in pursuing me. He does not leave me hanging. I stand in awe of HIM!!

Peace

2008-03-24T15:10:00.002-04:00

We are studying the fruit of the Spirit in our women's Bible study. This week has been about peace. I think I mix up peace and feeling calm. Is it a lack of peace when the whining gets on my nerves and I completely snap at my daughter? Is it a lack of peace that causes me to be frustrated when Hubbie does not do something "my" way?
My image of peace is unruffled, not phased by the events happening around you. Jesus was always in control even when he was mad (in the temple courtyard). Is that peace, always being in control (or is that self-control, which we have not gotten to yet!)?
I guess I need to spend some more time in prayer about peace and how that should look in my heart and ultimately in my life.

Good Friday

2008-03-21T16:39:00.003-04:00

I just finished watching the Passion of the Christ. I never thought I would want to watch it again and I certainly did not enjoy watching it either time. I know it is one man's impressions of what happened on Jesus' last day. I think the movie has helped make it real to me. It is easy to read it in the Bible and not fully understand what Jesus suffered through.
There were two things that struck me this time. Jesus got on that cross, he crawled across that rocky ground and laid down on the cross. He suffered this willingly. He would have done it for just me. He did it for me. I am so unworthy. I am the worst kind of sinner, one who is so prideful that I forget I do need a Savior everyday. May I never forget again. May the reality of my sin be as real to me as His suffering, as His forgiveness. May I always remember that without of His love, His grace I am nothing. May my life reflect HIM and not me.

The second thing that struck me was Mary's strength, a mother's strength. There are times when Jesus seems to draw strength from her. When he sees her in the crowd as he is being beaten, he stands tall. When he sees her again, he has the strength to stand again. This spoke to me about the power a mother can have in the life of her child. He was fully God and fully man. I believe the man in him needed his mother. I want that kind of relationship with my girls. I want them to be able to draw strength from me when they need it.

Those are my thoughts on this "darkest day in history." I look through this darkness to the HOPE of Easter morning. I can't wait to celebrate the resurrection of my Savior at the sunrise service. There is nothing like it.

What do I wear??!!

2008-03-20T16:21:00.002-04:00

Okay so the next statement is going to sound awful but I dislike special services at church! I never know what to wear. I think a more accurate statement is that I don't have what I would like to wear! I am so tempted to run out to Target right now (it is 4:30) to buy a "little black dress" to wear to the Maundy Thursday service tonight (at 7:00). Nothing fancy but something appropriate for a "service of shadows". I have nothing in my closet!! (which is so far from the truth, I have more clothes than I need!) That is one of my major goals as I lose this weight, I want a closet that looks nicer. I am tired of the run down SAHM look I have been wearing for years!!! Even before I was a SAHM!!
I have made one discovery I really don't like the way I look in button down shirts. They do nothing for me. I can iron them, but they never look nice.
I think I have decided on my brown capris and a cream top.
Thanks for listening to this rant. I really do know that God does not care what I wear, all He cares about is my heart and attitude. The service is not about what people are wearing, it is about reflecting on the life and sacrifice of my Lord and Savior. When I focus on that, the clothing is so unimportant.
Jesus, Help me to stay focused on you this next several days. Break my heart again to your suffering and sacrifice. Make my daily need for you as my Savior very real to me. Remind me of your love. I want this Easter to be all about you!

It is Thursday

2008-03-20T08:02:00.002-04:00

The scale reads 186.8! I lost a pound this week! (which is amazing because the good habits have flown the coup)
I have to get back to walking!!! and drinking the water!! I hate how this goes up and down so much. I would like to stay more consistent. Holy Spirit, fill me with your self-control today!!!

Am I ...

2008-03-20T07:55:00.005-04:00

the one who could not wait for J to crawl? Last night this was the scene as I was trying to fix dinner. At one point she was actually between my feet and crying the whole time. Next time I will put her in "park" (Hubbie made that joke last night. We laughed so hard). Park is sitting up! She has yet to figure out how to get in the scooting position from sitting.
I am very excited that my little girl is growing up and doing all sort of new things!!

Easter

2008-03-19T08:30:00.003-04:00

As someone who grew up in a unchurched home, I sometimes struggle with holidays who background and "true" meaning lies in the church. My Easters were full of the Easter Bunny, eggs and baskets, I am not sure Jesus was ever mentioned. That is not what I want for my girls!!! Already R knows that Easter is about Jesus (and she had known since her 1st year. Thanks to Miss Patty Cake) For those of you with little kids Miss Patty Cake has a video in which she uses the Resurrections Eggs (FamilyLife) to tell the Easter story. It has stuck with R. This year R has discovered that people were mean to Jesus, and hurt him. How oh how to you explain this to a soon-to-be 3 year old!!! I told her that the mean people gave Jesus boo boos and God fixed/healed those boo boos. She understands the concept of boo boos. At first I was a little concerned about her fixation on the boo boos, but then I asked her what happened after God fixed the boo boos. She told me Jesus is alive!!
So she is off to a good start. But the dilemma is what to do about the Easter Bunny and the baskets. and the Easter Egg hunt (always a HUGE and exciting part of my childhood!) Part of the issue is that Hubbie is singing at the Sunrise service and all 3 services after that. He will not be home until about 1. So there is not really a way to have the Easter Bunny leave the baskets before church or even while we are at church. This year I think we have settled on just giving them the baskets after Hubbie gets home. Not really making a big deal about the Bunny bringing them. I am not really sure I ever want to be make a big deal about the Bunny. But then I struggle with turning my back on my childhood and the traditions my parents gave me. I LOVED the Easter Egg hunt. My Dad is the BEST egg hider ever!! He used to make a tape of where all the eggs were because he hid them so well. I want them to experience that too.
Thoughts

Fabulous evening out

2008-03-16T09:25:00.002-04:00

Last night I was able to get together with some friends and scrapbook!! Nothing better!! (except a date night with my hubbie) I did not get into bed until 3:30am!!! J's wake up at 6:30 came really really early!! Did you think the pastor will be understanding this morning at church if I sleep through the sermon?

On a more serious note, I have been doing some thinking and praying about my "Kingdom work" - my life and how I am living it for Jesus. Recently I have been feeling that I am too involved in my own life and not involved enough in the lives of those around me. I had lunch with a friend recently and I felt like I had nothing to discuss except my kids. Now I am well aware that raising these girls is important Kingdom work - no doubt about it. But I feel like I am being called to do more, that is a little overwhelming because I feel like I don't have time. I know that is not true. (You should see how much time is wasted on the computer everyday!!) I read recently about serving others being a sacrifice - I will have to sacrifice something to serve others. I am praying God would reveal His Plan and Will for my time.

I have been tagged for the first time!

2008-03-14T09:13:00.002-04:00

My friend Michael tagged me to do a Crazy 8's meme, so here goes:

Name 8 Things I Am Passionate About:
1. Learning more about the Holy Spirit
2. My Amazing husband
3. My incredible children
4. LOST
5. Scrapbooking
6. Time with friends
7. Music
8. Teaching my girls about their Savior

Name 8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die:
See the list of 101 things on the right!!

8 Things I Often Say
1. Don't take that from J!!!
2. Get in your carseat!
3. Are you coming home?
4. I love you!!!
5. No raspberries while you are eating
6. Look at me! Smile!
7. Holy Spirit, FILL ME!!!
8. We need to get together

8 Books I've Recently Read or am Currently Reading
1. Navy Wife
2. Navy Brat
3. Navy Baby (all by Macomber)
4. The Resurrection Eggs with Miss PattyCake
5. Noisy Farm
6. Blue's Checkup
7. Bible
8. Going to Sleep on the Farm

8 Songs I Could Listen To Over and Over
1. Anything Casting Crowns
2. Carried to the Table - Leeland
3. From this Moment - Shana Twain
4. That's Why God Made the Moon - Chris Rice
5. Ten Thousand Charms - Jami Smith (I think)
6. Bring the Rain - Mercy Me
7. Still - Watermark
8. Silent Night - Kenny Rogers

8 Things That Attract Me To My Best Friends
1. Loyal
2. Great listener
3. Kids the same ages
4. Tell it like they see it (in love!!)
5. Always there to lend a hand
6. Fun loving
7. Shared hobbies
8. Challenge my faith

8 People I Think Should Do Crazy 8's
1. Randel @ The Hambricks
2. Julie @ Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe
3. Jacqueline @ Leave it to Beaver meets Sybil?
4. Jaime @ Laughable Lunacy
5. Cindy @ Daily at the Hills
6.
7.
8.
Sad but I don't have any other people (so new to blogging!)

Weigh in

2008-03-13T17:54:00.002-04:00

The scale did not change this week. 187.8 BUT... see the previous post for great news about my clothing size changes!! So the scale did not change but obviously my body is!!
I did have a great week of exercise though!! I have walked at least a mile everyday! Today I even increased the speed on the treadmill to jogging!! (for a few moments twice) I am excited about that. My eating habits have not been the best, but today they have been dead on!! I am getting back into the groove again!! Hopefully the scale will reflect that next week.

Big news!

2008-03-12T12:33:00.003-04:00

So some of you will not really understand this but Today I did something I have not been able to do in years!!!! (I think pre-first child)
I bought 2 skirts! (no that is not the news!) They were size 16! (Notice anything missing!!) Not 16W!! I have not been able to wear regular sizes. I am beyond excited! So motivating! Can't wait to walk today! Been drinking my water and have made awesome food choices!!

Awesome experience

2008-03-07T15:04:00.002-05:00

I had the most incredible experience today. God answered prayer in an unexpected way.
I was supposed to have lunch with a friend, she had to cancel. I had been praying about the lunch all morning (I confess to being a little nervous). When she canceled, I looked up and said, "that is not the answer I was looking for!" So I continued to pray that God would let me run into someone to have lunch with. No such luck! We were at Target getting J's pictures (they turned out awesome!!!!) so I decided to stay there for lunch, still praying that I would run into someone.
We were almost finished when a lady walked up with her young son the cart. She sat down and put her head down. I watched her for a few moments, it was obvious something was not right. I finally got up my nerve to go say something. Turns out she was about 3.5 months pregnant and had all the symptoms of a panic attack (dizzy, sweating, heart racing). I was able to sit with her until her friend arrived to take her to the hospital (at the recommendation of her doctor).
It was truly amazing to know that God had placed me there for that woman. It is amazing what happens when I pray and then walk yielded to the Holy Spirit!

Weekly Weigh In

2008-03-07T07:46:00.002-05:00

Hey, You all are my "Weight Watchers" group and Thursday are my official weigh in days.
Official weigh in for the week: 187.6 (so I lost a little less than a pound this week)
I really need to get the hindy in gear! I did walk 1.5 miles once this week, but that needs to become almost a daily thing!
I have done good with my eating choices. I have avoided several treats that have been offered, the goal of losing the weight by Easter is keeping me on track.

Confessions Of A CF Husband: My Child

2008-03-05T13:58:00.000-05:00

This is one of the sweetest moments I have have ever been able to "witness." Tricia got to hold her Gwyneth for the first time on Tuesday!! Gwyneth is 8 weeks old.
Confessions Of A CF Husband: My Child

This family is a daily inspiration to me. God has used their story to remind me how thankful I need to be.

I have decided that one of the 3 "walks for a cause" on my list will be in honor of this family. I will walk for some CF organization.

Ideas?

2008-03-03T21:26:00.000-05:00

I have been making my list of books to read and I would like your suggestions.
What biographies have you read that have impacted your life? What other really great books have you read?

Back on track

2008-03-03T09:25:00.001-05:00

This morning I am getting back on track with the weight loss. I am reclaiming 2 Timothy 1:7!

"For God did not give me a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-control"

I will call on that Spirit to keep my eating choices in check and to motivate me to walk on the treadmill!!
Starting weight for this re commitment is 188.4, I have a goal of being 180 by Easter. That is going to take some serious work, but I (through the Holy Spirit) am up to the challenge!!

Do you have a question?

2008-03-01T10:50:00.000-05:00

You Are a Question Mark

You seek knowledge and insight in every form possible. You love learning.

And while you know a lot, you don't act like a know it all. You're open to learning you're wrong.

You ask a lot of questions, collect a lot of data, and always dig deep to find out more.

You're naturally curious and inquisitive. You jump to ask a question when the opportunity arises.

Your friends see you as interesting, insightful, and thought provoking.

(But they're not always up for the intense inquisitions that you love!)

You excel in: Higher education

You get along best with: The Comma

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

101 Things to do in 1001 days

2008-02-29T15:21:00.001-05:00

So, I am sort new to the whole blogging thing. I have a private family blog but that is easy to find material to write about.
I have been doing some exploring on the web about various memes and sort. I came across this website Day Zero and I think I like the challenge it offers. At first it seems overwhelming but then I like the idea of really thinking about things I would like to accomplish in the next 2.75 years. I have posted my list on the side (it is complete, I just need to finish typing it in).
I hope this inspires someone else to do some long term thinking. Where are you and where do you want to be? My dad talks a lot about this. If you don't have an idea where you want to be, how will you know when you get there?
Start thinking and dreaming!!

101 Things to Accomplish in 1,001 Days

2008-02-29T14:35:00.005-05:00

Task completed
Task in progress
1. Lose 45 pounds and maintain loss (4.8/45 183.2)
2. Shopping spree at Ann Taylor or Talbot's
3. Sponsor a child through Compassion
4. Fly in a hot air balloon
5. See the sunrise on the East coast and set on the West coast on the same day!
6. Fence in the backyard
7. Pick raspberries from Granddad's bushes
8. Record 50 family stories (0/50)
9. Read Bible cover to cover
10. Complete a couples' devotional
11. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
12. Finish J's quilt
13. Finish the 1st quilt
14. Create family heritage albums (0/2)
15. Walk 1,000 miles (for exercise) (9.75/1,000)
16. Read 20 biographies (0/20)
17. Participate in a short term mission trip
18. Plant a tree
19. Have dinner at Seasons 52
20. Make a list of 50 things I like about myself
21. Make a list of 50 things I like about Hubbie
22. Make my bed in the morning for a month
23. Learn to bake great bread
24. Become politically aware for the November election
25. Get fitted for a bra
26. Buy 4 bras that fit! (0/4)
27. See a play
28. Decide on guardians
29. Make a will ( I know, I know!!)
30. Memorize 140 Bible verses (0/140)
31. Finish family tree for Gram
32. Get new contacts
33. Get new glasses
34. Visit dentist 2x a year (1/5)
35. Write 2 snail mail letters each month (2/66)
36. Participate in 3 walks for causes (0/3)
37. Compile a wardrobe I love
38. Surprise someone with a gift (0/5)
39. Take kids to zoo
40. Take kids to aquarium
41. Read 20 new books (biographies don't count) (1/20)
Navy Wife (Macomber)
42. Buy flowers for myself (0/12)
43. Plan a romantic weekend for Hubbie (0/3)
44. Attend Marriage Retreat each year(1 /3)
45. "Boo" 5 neighbors each year at Halloween (0/15)
46. Leave a 50% tip
47. Pay for the person behind me in line
48. Get teaching certificate renewed
49. Take classes to renew certificate
50. Use Resurrection Eggs each Easter (1/3)
51. Sleep under the stars with kids
52. Involve kids in Operation Christmas Child (0/2)
53. Create a scrapbook about myself
54. Make a prayer list for each kid (0/2)
55. Pray it!
56. Try 30 new recipes (1/30)
57. Find a persecuted Christian to pray for
58. Share the gospel with 5 people (0/5)
59. Write a letter of compliment to a supervisor
60. Visit an art museum
61. Go to an art show
62. Ride on a bus, train, boat with kids (0/3)
63. Learn to play the keyboard
64. Learn to read music
65. Create a house cleaning schedule
66. Stick to the schedule for 6 months (0/6)
67. Read and understand A Tale of Two Cities
68. See dolphins in the inter coastal
69. Leave Hubbie a love note once a month (0/33)
70. Meet up with an old friend
71. Save $2.00 for every item completed (0/101)
72. Send photos of the kids to grandparents every 3 months (0/11)
73. Hang out with a friend (1 on1) once a month (2/33)
74. Buy Greg Olsen print for J's room
75. Get my ring cleaned
76. Get a pet fish
77. Go to an airshow with Hubbie (maybe w/out the kids)
78. Spend the day at Sea World w/out kids
79. Spend the day at Sea World w/ my brother and family
80.Take R to the Science Center
81. Do 2 beth Moore studies (0/2)
82. Get cholesterol checked (lowered if needed)
83. Finish hand sewn quilt
84. Visit S&J for at least a weekend (0/2)
85. Visit my grandmothers once every 4 months (0/8)
86. Spend the weekend at the beach
87. Plan a surprise for 10th anniversary
88. Scan cards and memorabilia, burn to a disc
89. Take a class with Hubbie
90. Write a thank you card to Molly
91. Write Thanksgiving cards to 5 people each year (0/15)
92. Give $5 per item NOT done to Wesley Foundation
93. Write a story for my kids
94. Introduce R to Little House on the Prairie books
95. Go geocaching as a family with brother's family
96. Travel to NM for Balloon Festival
97. Bring cookies to church once a month (1/33)
98. Volunteer to teach a children's Sunday School class
99. Establish a birthday tradition
100. Write R a letter the first day of Kindergarten
101. Make a new list

5 Positives

2008-02-28T16:06:00.000-05:00

I am stealing this idea from Jaime at Laughable Lunacy (who stole it from her friend)
I too need to focus more on the positives in my life. I have so blessings I should be thankful for.

So here goes:

1. I know a God who loves me no matter what. He is faithful even when I am not. To use a friend's favorite word (or maybe it is just my favorite word that she uses!), I know a God that is constantly pursuing me! He desires to have a deep and REAL relationship with me.

2. I have an incredible husband who works very hard to provide so that I can stay home with our little girls.

3. My immediate family lives within 15 minutes of us. We get together every Sunday night for dinner. My girls are growing up surrounded by family!!

4. My daughter potty trained very very easily!! She was trained in under a week with next to no accidents. Nothing I did, it was all God and her!!

5. We got to enjoy the crisp weather with friends today after being cooped indoors for two days with colds!!

Please Pray

2008-02-26T21:14:00.000-05:00

I have been following this family for about a month now.
Please lift this family up in your prayers. You can join them on their journey at:

http://www.cfhusband.blogspot.com/

They have an amazing faith! Their story will change your life. Tricia is awaiting a double lung transplant, Gwyneth Rose is miracle, and Nate is the voice to their stories.