Live Fully, Laugh Often, Love Always

Devotion for Baby Shower

2011-11-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

I am so sad to miss out on this opportunity to get to celebrate LeAnne and the gift of this baby boy. I was asked to share a devotional and while honored, also know my wisdom and experience pales in comparison to many ladies that are in LeAnne's life. Especially the example of her mom Judy. I am so thankful for their close relationship and friendship and the instruction that her parents and Josh's parents each of them to seek after the Lord. The is no greater accomplishment. My own parenting has been a constant learning process and with each new child I realize how little I only thought I knew. I pray for less of me and my weaknesses so that HE can fill and lead our family. My thoughts to share are:

Live Fully in the moment. While it is easy to love a sleeping, snuggling, cooing baby. Kisses on warm fuzzy heads & velvet skin. Chubby little fingers, toes and thighs. That breathtaking love so deep that our hearts hurt as they sigh and find utter fulfillment resting on our chests. As those first hours turn into days and then weeks of lack of sleep & showers, crying and dirty diapers, hurting breasts that are barely get a break, the wishing for the next phase of babylife can set in. But that 3, 6, 9-month mark will come all too fast. The time we have to protect, instruct and influence them is short. Lord help us as moms to see thru your eye. To see. To see the gift of each day, hour and moment.

Laugh Often. My own kids antics can quickly push me over the line of sanity when I stop looking at how can this be funny? When I view questions as interruptions, when I view a tired or sick child as a kink in my day I had planned on paper. As I sit typing this up, I watch our 4th and most rambunctious, always loud child, slowly and diligently sorting and lining up his crayons in perfect order in his school box. How many moments have I robbed him and myself of joy for being annoyed that the crayons where on the floor and snapped to pick them up. I saw a wall decal just this week that said "Boy: noise covered in dirt." It made me laugh and brought a fresh breath and new retinas for me as I washed clothes covered in sand and cat poop. As I washed boots that had been filled to the brim with gravel, as I had to tell the boys to put on clean underwear, wash their hands, not to wear their socks 2 days in a row, to take the karate outside, that "no we were eating only meat for supper", that if I can smell them from more than 20 feet away from all the grease from them working on the trailer it didn't matter that it wasn't bedtime, it WAS bathtime. There is a time to laugh and oftentimes it is when we least feel like it.

Love Always. This new baby coming into the Hudson's home is going to be a tangible gift of love from God. Babies are so easy to love and overwhelm us with emotions. To love so deeply a child you have only seen for mere seconds. That we have loved since the instant the lines turned pink. From the first kick in mommas tummy. It is an echo of the Lord's heart for each of us. May we follow the Lords instructions to pursue righteousness in our own hearts as we lead our children to Him.

"The parent must always self-parent first, self-preach before child-teach. Christ incarnated in the parent is the only hope of incarnating Christ in the child." - Ann Voskamp. Love produces better results. Love is Jesus's way. By His example we can see how to gently yet passionately and unselfishly love our children.

Lord thank you for the blessing of this baby boy. Not just another child, but another warrior for your Kingdom. Thank you for the gifts you have bestowed in him already. Open the eyes of the Hudson Family to help develop those gifts as you entrust him to their care. May there be plenty of love and laughter even in the days of long nights and overflowing laundry. May Elijah and Maddie take on the role of mentors to their younger sibling. Thank you for the gift of relationships and children. May be love like you love. Amen.

Quick Update

2011-07-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

We are moved and not settled and will be moving again in the next 2 months. Or at least that is our personal goal. Allen's new job has relocated us out of state and back to my hometown. The house we are planning to move into is a HUD home so it is taking a little longer to close than what anyone thought. For the time being we are staying with my parents. Thankfully they are very hospitable. After closing there is some work to do before we can move in, or at least before I want to move in. Everything is in storage at this point other than the box of clothes that each person has to live out of. There is still much to be done...new driver's licences....tags...storage building and business back in Arkansas. The kids are enjoying swimming lessons, volleyball camp, and most of all grandma and grandpa.

Thank you Kaldi, the Goat Herder

2011-06-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

After 4 hrs of sleep last night, I would just like to give a shout out to Kaldi the Goat Herder for your wonderful observation skills and sharing the wealth of your knowledge.

Also like to say a huge THANK YOU to Allen's grandma as she came over today, helped with meals and swept and mopped and held Wesley a lot in spite of his almost incessant protesting for me. Thank you so much grandma! Which Here's a funny video about cleaning with kids in the house. The story of my life.

Wyatt and Makensie got physicals and shots today. Thankfully the Dr. & her staff know us since Wyatt was wearing the pair of jeans with both knees ripped out, sporting 2 days worth of dirt and I'm pretty certain he was wearing the same underwear he had on BEFORE his bath on Tuesday. The homemade tattoos in green marker all over his back, hands & feet compliments of Gabby were generously pointed out by Makensie. Wyatt is walking slower than normal at this point from the "holes poked in his legs"and Makensie did really well until the time came and then jumped down off the table and asked if we could come back on a different day. Poor things. They should be singing thanks that I opted out of the chicken pox vac and from entering Makensie in the "One less" club. I think we'll shoot for the "Secret Keeper Girl" club instead.

The girls had their friend, Precious Jewel, over to play.

Enjoyed the card swap tonight although we (all 5 kids & I) chose to leave before getting asked to leave. Wyatt dancing and rolling around all over their stage was quite impressive I am sure. Not to mention the rice crispy treats were served on glass dishes.

This week has been one of those weeks filled with arguing and bickering and a mysterious ear virus that causes my voice to be unheard in anyone's little ears. I may just go sit in the Swagger Wagon and listen somewhat loudly to Pink's song and get it out of my system and come back in to do some more laundry:)

You Don't Know What You Got till It's Gone."

2011-06-02T00:15:00.000-07:00

I am tired. This has been a long and rewarding day that started 23 1/2 hours ago. I got up at 4am to feed Wesley and could not go back to sleep. I did get some much needed quiet time though. I don't sleep well with Allen gone. I saw a sign that made me laugh and thought I might need to write this and put by our door. It said, "Prayer gets you in touch with God, trespassing will get you there quicker." :)

Got some smiles from Mr. Serious.

Gabby gave me a good laugh today when she was playing with Wesley and trying to teach him to say, "Hi!" and then tells me, "I sure hope that when Wesley starts talking he doesn't speak Spanish and does speak English." As if it's already in there we're just waiting to see what comes out. lol.

Got to briefly see a precious friend who is so amazingly giving much time and love to those affected by the tornado in West Siloam and Joplin. She has such a huge heart.

Today was Day 1 of the challenge to pray daily for my husband during the month of June, following the Power of the Praying Wife book. I didn't start on Chapter 1 because I decided to start where I left off in Chapter 28 - His Self Esteem. This was timely with Allen starting a new job and letting his business go I know he's had some self doubts and yet he knows well what he is doing. I prayed this morning for encouragement for him and confidence not to be shaken. And at noon he called and received a good 2 week report along with the company sending him out to California as a field representative. I am so proud of him. I am so thankful that the Lord gave him a boost in a tangible way and that the new company is seeing so much in him.

A dear friend who didn't mind me dropping off the boys half dressed with a bag of clothes in hand and dirty from head to toe, kept them for me to play Lego's and do boy stuff, while the girls and I went to my post baby 6 week follow up appointment now that we are at the 10 week mark. I thought about foregoing it completely since I missed it by a month, however despite the always humbling appointment, I was glad I went. I have so enjoyed the Dr and his staff over the last 11 years.

On the way home the kids and I stopped off at Barnett's Dairyette for ice cream and hamburgers....for one last time. Was an added bonus to run into a friend and her kiddos there. I found myself even wanting to buy a t-shirt with their name on the front. As if I am a tourist. The old saying, "You don't know what you got until it's gone." is so true for me right now.

Everywhere I look I see things in a different perspective now.

There is so much I want to do and then there is the list of things I need to do. I want to get together and have a pot luck with everyone, (all 4 of our friends:), before we leave town. I have been asked by 5 people for info on coupons and shopping in the last 2 weeks and I would like to actually teach a couponing class (I have decided I want a shirt that says I couponed before couponing was cool!) I want to go to the park and let the kids play and go again to the library and and and...

Allen's Grandma is coming over to spend the day with us tomorrow to hold baby and to help me. I have to say I'm feeling a little uncomfortable with her coming over to do anything but just hang out. Who hands their husband's grandmother a broom and mop and tells her to get busy? Allen told me that MY mom is spoiling him by doing his laundry and cooking for him each night. I thought it was funny that when she does it he considers it spoiling and when I do those things, he calls them, "woman's work". Not to mention that MY mom rubbed RUBBED Allen's feet down with icy hot last night so that after it was on he would not have to get up to wash his hands. Nice. My mom is serving my husband and I'm working Allen's grandma. Talk about feeling like the bad guy.

Gabby and I just finished up the craft project I am taking to a swap tomorrow night. And yes, I realize it is 2:30am and yes, I know that most parents do not let their kids stay up this late, and yes, that is why no one calls me for parenting advise:) It was however perfect and much needed one on one time for both of us doing something we love. The hostess, and my dear friend, Trish almost crossed me off attending, but I wanted to get to participate with these ladies...just one more time. I did not make cards this time however, instead I made these cute little things.

There are 10 sets of 6.

Wounded

2011-06-01T02:34:00.001-07:00

We each have a different message that haunts us through our lives. Satan knows us. He knows what our destiny is and he knows how to cut deep to discourage us. He won’t bring adversity and pain to us just once, and he isn't random in those attacks. If you’ll look at your hurts, there is a theme to his attacks, to make sure we get the message loud and clear. It starts with our own parents, friends and peers, strangers, and then it carries over into our marriages.

Think for a minute if you have ever had any of these thoughts towards yourself:

I’m not good enough
Someone else does it better
No one will miss me
If I were a better wife or mom or Christian I would be loved more
I feel lonely and I don’t know why
I wish I did not want to be romanced
If people knew the real me they would not love me.
I’m not worthy of being loved
Every time I open myself up I get hurt.
I don’t want to be a burden
No one ever chooses me 1st

My personal message started being memorized. “I am not enough to absolutely be head over heels in love with, to be set aside as precious and valued. If those that know me best do not love me, what is wrong with me? How can God delight in me when he knows me completely? How can I trust Him that I’m of value to Him? Am I second choice? Does He love me because He has to? Am I worth the effort?" Almost as if living in a world where I’m just waiting for everyone to grown tired and leave me.

It is so much easier to believe these statements than the truth which is that we are wonderful, beautiful, delighted in, loved, protected, and desired.

We have been identifying and praying about stepping out into our callings and to go forth. It is powerful to identify the theme of destroying messages in our lives so that we are quick to separate and recognize each individual spiritual battle we are in rather than accepting it to be truth.

Start with your current situations of hurt, then work your way backwards. What is the message that has been etched on your heart that is so hard to shake? Think about the desires of your heart. What adversity comes your way when you follow in obedience to your calling? Think about your love language. These can all be tools used to come against you.

My hearts passion has long been to encourage and uplift other women. Each time I have stepped out to lead a study or speak, that is when I feel the heat. My love language is words, and I can live off a compliment for weeks. But it is by words that I’m also deeply wounded. My attacks have been through words from friends, family, my husband, and most often myself. Those I trust the most. Satan will bring up my own flaws and failures so that I start questioning what I even have to offer other women. Choosing to back off and fly below the radar. Unnoticed. Uneffective.

Even in our failures, the Lord can use us and has a plan. Through my own flaws and trials I hope that other women will be encouraged that they are not alone. All through the scriptures God used men and women not because their perfect track record, but because of their hearts towards Him and some that only He saw potential in.

May 2011

2011-05-30T23:17:00.000-07:00

Little Man Wesley

It was a month of many storms. Lots of rain, terrible floods, the Joplin tornado and the reminder of a promise from a loving God.

The last get together of the year and probably the last time for me to have tea with ladies from our homeschool group. I have been so blessed by such wonderful women.

Brian and Wyatt playing "Cops". Brian looking into Wyatt's eyes with the flashlight asked, "Have you had anything to drink today?" Wyatt told him, "Chocolate milk". Then Brian asked him, "have you thrown gasoline on yourself or anyone else today." :)

Wyatt (yes this is his current uniform of choice most days because he daddy has an outfit just like this). Wyatt repurposed Allen's ear protectors that he wears while shooting. They are now for blocking out bossy sisters and crying baby.Year End Pizza Party for the Elementary Homeschool Group. I feel so honored that I got to serve as the coordinator for the past 2 years. I also was choked up most of the day thinking this was probably the last night my kids would get to spend time with a lot of these families. Thank you Lord for another month.

Haunted by a Question

2011-05-26T04:50:00.000-07:00

When I recently received an email asking if I would be willing to share what I’ve been learning thru the book, “Captivating” by John & Stasi Eldridge, I sat and stared at the words on the screen. The words, “would you be willing to share? Could just as easily have said, “Are you ready to risk adversity and open yourself up to satan’s attacks and the Lord honoring your obedience with growth by stretching and pruning you?” I prayed about it and felt like I could do this and know upfront I was prepared for the trials should they come. I slowly typed in “yes”, and then hit the “send” button. It was as if that very action set in motion the start of an intense battle.

What I thought I knew I was going to be able to easily share regarding the insights I have gained from this book; all uplifting to encourage other ladies, became even more personal for me. There are 3 chapters specifically that really spoke to me and followed just what we’ve been talking about over the past year. Those 3 chapters are: Haunted by a question, Wounded, and A Special Hatred.

At our 1st gathering for Healing the Daughters of Zion, Tammy encouraged us to search our childhood hearts and remember our dreams and desires. Challenging us to come out of the dessert and dry land and to walk boldly into that promised land of milk and honey. To be aware that satan will attack the very area that we are called to follow in order make us feel disqualified, shamed and worthless.

Even though we each have different destiny’s to fulfill, we all start with a common question on our hearts, “Am I Captivating? Am I lovely? Do you see me? Do you want to see me?” We see this search starting in every young girls heart, trying to gain attention from their family and especially from their daddy. Playing dress up, dancing, singing etc.

But we grow up. We give up on our hearts desires.

"Women are tired. Drained. But it's not from a life of shared adventures. No, the weariness of women comes from lives that are crammed with routine, with chores, with hundreds of demands. As Chekov said, "any idiot can face a crisis. It's the day to day living that wears you out." Somehow, somewhere between our youth of yesterday, efficiency has taken the place of adventure. Most women do not feel they are playing an irreplaceable role in a great Story. Oh, no. We struggle to know if we matter at all. If we are at home, we feel ashamed we don't have a "real life" in the outside world. We are swallowed by laundry. If we have a career, we feel as though we are missing out on more important matters like marriage and children. We are swallowed by meetings."

"Most women doubt very much that they have any genuine beauty to unveil. It is, in fact, our deepest doubt. When it comes to the issues surrounding beauty, we vacillate between striving and resignation. New diets, new outfits, new hair color. Work out; work on your life; try this discipline or that new program for self-improvement. Oh, forget it. Who cares anyway? Put up a shield and get on with life. Hide. Hide in busyness; hide in church activities; hide in depression. There is nothing captivating about me. Certainly not inside me. I'll be lucky to pull it off on the outside." - Captivating, pg 44-45

Do you feel beautiful and captivating with your husband? Strangers? Friends?

What about the Lord?

With each pass in front of the mirror we are quickly reminded of each of our outside flaws and while those we can often hide with a new dress, an pretty lipstick, it is that deep heart loss and void that is almost too much to hope for fulfillment. But why the hurt and emptiness?

From the Eve, was easily enchanted with the lies of the enemy and how quickly she was convinced that God was not on her side and had her best in mind. She decided to take control for herself. And because of the Fall, the Curse on women was to have loneliness, want control and be dominated by man.

Aren't our deepest heartaches relational? Don't we all feel the hairs on the backs of our necks rustle when we feel vulnerable? How many times have you felt trapped or hurt and instantly that anger surges up inside and the need to take control, be on top, not look like the fool taken over? But by trying to push down that vulnerability we end up loosing our alluring, tender, feminine and merciful characteristics. Our world in today often rewards the "Get it done, in control" woman. However, consider that this is not truly living and a lack of trust in God. It is robbing the world of the precious self we are trying to hide and protect.

There is also the opposite pendulum swing of the desolate woman. Hiding from being noticed, never speaking up, not building relationships because they could end up hurting us. Quietly slipping into nothingness.

We start to indulge in little things trying to fulfill our hearts, shopping, eating, gambling, drinking, cleaning, working, working out, novels, movies, affairs. Or do we go to the familiar and comfortable self-doubt, condemning, shamed thoughts of ourselves? Giving our hearts away rather than giving them over to God. It make take the pain away for a brief time but it is creating an addiction stronger than drugs to go back to that same place for fulfillment. Losing touch with our hearts and our longing for God. What do you go when that ache in your heart shows up?

We all know we are not what we are meant to be. We all fear that we'll be truly known and then we'll not be loved. But rather than during our hearts back to the Lord and asking him to answer these haunting questions, we turn to other things and people who will hurt us and then we have an ongoing cycle that never fulfills that longing in us. We each set ourselves up for terrible heartbreak.

There is a Time and Season for Everything

2011-05-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

After being self-employed for 6 years and going thru all the joys, frustrations, feasts and famine. Allen was physically and mentally worn down. He had a couple of job offers in Tulsa, OK and while I didn't say no, I, in my best non-outwardly-hormonal-just-had-a-5th-baby-hysterical are you crazy?-way, relayed that if we were going to be moving, I would prefer it not be to a large town in which we knew absolutely no one. Please. Honey.

We have tried to move closer to my family on a couple occasions however the doors have never opened and we had in turn all but given up on that as an option.

So 2 weeks ago we sent out a couple of applications to Kansas and within a weeks time Allen had 2 interviews and one offer. He agreed to take the job, although my heart ached to think of him taking a job that is not in line with his interest just to pay the bills. And it was a wonderful company and a good fit for many men.

He went to Kansas just 2 days ago to go thru orientation and a drug test. He had planned to leave to come home by noon. However, my sister asked to take Gabby shopping for the afternoon so Allen decided to stay there for the afternoon. Shortly after noon, the 2nd company he had interviewed with called and asked to meet him again, without even knowing he was in town that day. God is a God of the 11th hour. That 2nd company offered a long term vision in the line of work that Allen is versed in, with better hours for our family and better pay. So yesterday he accepted this opportunity and Monday he will be starting. It just so happened that Friday the transmission on his glass truck went out. Almost as if to stay, it is finished.

There are so many loose ends and of course the kids and I will be staying here until everything is ironed out.

The last two weeks have left me spinning. At our last months Healing the Daughters of Zion bible study, Tammy shared that God prunes out of our lives what is replacing Him in our hearts. Then one early morning I was feeding baby and having a little T.D. Jakes time and he talked on that same subject. Repeated messages made me wonder what God had in store for me.

You would think that I would be excited to move home and closer to my parents, who my dad was recently diagnosed with Leukemia, and my two sisters and brother and their families. To get to mend and build relationships with those I haven't had the chance to do so. For our kids to have a extended family close by. Not to mention the hope of having an actual date night compliments of grandma. But there was a pain.

I quickly discovered what the Lord was pruning me of….my comfort zone, my friends, my little homeschool supporting, Christian community. I felt an intense grieving. The verse a neighbor close by is better than a brother far away had become a way of life for us. Our friends and community had become our family. There is nothing wrong with that. However, I also realized that I had allowed my friends to replace the Lord as my priority in times of trouble. I would run to them sometimes before I had really spent some time in prayer about issues.

It was in my tears I had a vision of standing alone, naked before the Lord with only Him to clothe me with love. I had based a lot of my worth, my joy, my importance on the level of admiration I received from my friends. I found myself now being stripped away of my safety net. How could I possibly move somewhere that I may be seen as an outcast for being too religious? How could I move and start over, being a no one, having few friends? No large homeschool group with activities for the kids. The Lord will remove from our lives whatever is replacing him, if we will hand him the pruning sheers and trust that He knows the best design.

I am going to be placed in a position to quiet my soul and find my worth in HIM. I'm closing the door on one very wonderfully blessed season in my life and praying that as I move into this next season that it is God's perfect timing to use us to fulfill His plans for our family.

Life is good. Busy, but good.

2011-05-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Wesley Allen

The Church or be church

2011-03-15T08:46:00.000-07:00

One hundred religious persons knit into a unity by careful organizations do not constitute a church any more than eleven dead men make a football team. The first requisite is life, always ~~~Tozer~~~

I saw this quote recently. How true. How many of us are Sunday morning and Wednesday evening Christians, then the rest of the week behind closed doors our love for the Lord isn't enough to make us repent and live a consistent and fruitful life every day that will glorify Him. Would we openly act, speak or live the same way in our homes or with friends that we present ourselves as in the Church building? Christ said that WE christians are the church. Not just at certain times each week but always.

Lord increase my love for you so that I have no desire to live in any way but one that honors you. Let the life we live be one that others will desire to be around to know that fulfillment that only comes from knowing you. Let us be an example at all hours to those we don't even realize are watching. Help me remember today that I have a ministry when I'm loading the dishwasher and doing paperwork that I'm serving my family and how they see me react and speak to them will reflect You.

Waiting

2011-03-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't been writing much at all lately. I miss it. I have found myself substituting status on FB as a quickly way to update, however fear how much I'm forgetting to jot down the fun things in life in a permanent place.

We have 16 days from today for our official "due date" for this little man. And honestly I wouldn't be offended if he decided to make his appearance a little sooner. I have always loved being pregnant, however have found myself sick, hurting to the point of barely walking or struggling with migraines for the past 8 1/2 months. It has been discouraging and exhausting all in one. Thank goodness we moms tend to forget all that when we hold that precious little baby and kiss and smell their warm little heads and chubby fingers and rock their tiny bodies against us as they sleep so contently. We look forward to the gift of a new baby and selfishly I'm looking forward to walking normally again:)

I don't want to forget

2011-01-24T08:39:00.000-08:00

I have not been good at keeping up with my journaling. Life has gotten busy, but those little precious moments and comments still come and I so want to remember them verses letting them be lost.

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After going to see a friend's 5 day old baby, on the way home, I asked Gabby if it made her excited about our little one coming in just 8 weeks. She said, "Well, I'd be more excited if it was a girl, but ya get what ya get."

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Each of the kids have a prayer journal and once every week or so we go back thru and cross off anything we have received an answer on or changed our minds about. This morning after Brian and I's time together and marking off several requests, he commented, "It's so cool. It's like almost anything I add to the prayer list and pray about gets an answer. I should totally pray more."

Which allowed me to mark off a little request for Brian to understand the power of prayer off my list.

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Wyatt has turned a corner on his communication. While once a very quiet little man, he now is talking non stop. He is also said quite a few very cute, (only because it is coming from a 3 year olds mouth), little comments.

"No way Jose!"
"Oh, that's just GREAT!" (in a sarcastic tone)
"Hey woman!" (referring to me)
"That is absolutely amazing."
And tattling on me to dad...."mom poked my eye out and won't give it back."

Sisterhood Creations

2010-11-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce to you Sisterhood Creations. Makensie and Gabby voted out of picking up walnuts this year as a business for themselves. "It's just too cold and dirty". We saw these adorable necklaces at a friend's booth at a craft fair this summer. We were smitten immediately and happily bought a couple of sets. The girls loved mixing and matching their caps, but quickly decided they would like more options. They also thought this was the answer to their business woes and decided to put together their own creations. Hope you will look and enjoy and let us know if you would like to purchase any for yourself or as a sweet girls gift.

Prices:
$3.00 per necklace or bracelet, this is a stretchy choker.
$2.00 per bottle cap or 6 for $10

The back of the bottle cap has a super strong magnet that attaches to the necklace and can be interchanged with other choker colors.

Initials Collection:

Hello Kitty Collection:

Cherry Collection:

Owl Collection:

Cupcake Collection:

Funky Monkey Collection:

Plaid Jammin' Collection:

Pressure Points

2010-11-03T06:34:00.000-07:00

And yet...another great book: A Mother's Heart by Jean Fleming.

This book has came along at perfect timing for me. When Allen and I were 1st engaged, I tried to break it off with him several times as I was pretty sure I didn't even want kids and I knew he did. I feel like I'm not one of those naturally wise mom's with wonderful insight as to how to really love and educate and deal with children, yet that seems to fallen in my lap as my full time job as now we are expecting our 5th in March and homeschooling and me wondering at times if I was suppose to be a 1 kid parent and I've mistakenly gotten someone else's assignment:)

This book has tenderly spoken to my heart. We have company coming over for supper this week and so of course the house has become my pressure point of tension. Before kids, I thought I might actually have a shot at being the next Martha Stewart. I dreamed of a home that looked like it came straight out of the pages of "Better Homes and Gardens". But what I seem to accomplish is Pillsbury cookies and decorations sitting in the attic that I have never hung or put out and a house that often times resembles a garden of chaos. I still have that innate desire to entertain and present a lovely everything-in-it's-place, type A personality home, it is just that sometimes the pressure to try to get there immediately takes over....like when we are going to have company.

After snapping at the kids for the umpteenth time to pick up something, ANYTHING! and finding myself seething from irritation, I retreated to breathe and happened to pick up the book, and read just 1 page. I am behind on my assigned reading for this book but God knew where I needed to be. One single paragraph almost strangled me with quilt and slapped me back into reality of having a home with 4 little ones there constantly, a business to run and school to be had.

"How easy to allow the pressure of company (or you could insert here any current pressure point you are dealing with) to determine my values. My guest will be here only for a few hours, but I will live with my children many years. So I've decided not to let what company thinks of my house-keeping or hostessing become more important than "walking blamelessly in my own house."

Thank you Lord for speaking to my heart and teaching me through the words of another mom. Forgive me for letting my little ones take the brunt of my harshness yesterday. Renew our spirits today to reflect a love like yours.

Thankful Thursday

2010-10-21T05:21:00.000-07:00

While I am no longer an Oprah fan, I used to be. 12 years ago she had a book on her book club that I decided to buy. Simple Abundance. It is a daily devotional that challenged me to be thankful and find joy in the simple things of life. I kept a journal adding 5 things a day to be thankful for. Over the years, I have went thru that journal a couple of different times, with each pass adding to the list. One of my 5 entries for Oct 21, 2000 was "I decide what affects me." I enjoyed this process so much that I have added it to our family's suppertime tradition. We have index cards labeled for each day of the year and the nights we all sit down together for supper, we go around the table and voice something we are thankful for and I jot them down. As the years have past it is fun to read back on previous years entries such as...thankful for thick pillows, common everyday tasks and ibuprofen.

It is more than just fun though, it is biblical. As Christians, we have a lot to be thankful for. I came across this article by Rev Andrew Cammenga, from Fl regarding the Chapter of Psalms 75:

Another week is almost past. Only seven days but it represents over 600,000 seconds, and in each one the Lord had to provide us with life and all the big and little things which we needed. When David thinks of this he exclaims: "How precious are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them."

Scripture wrestles with words to give expression to a heart filled with thankfulness to God. It speaks of "making music" to the Lord, and of "singing" His praise. It chooses such words as "tell," "declare" and "boast." In our text the word "thanks" is used, which in the original means "to stretch out the hand," "to point with the finger," The meaning is significant for it suggests that we go through life and point to all that we have and say, "This is of the Lord, and that is of Him, and that, and that..."

For God's people there is even more to life than that all gifts and experiences come from God; our text tells us that in everything God's name is near. In every gift, great or small, in every experience of joy or soorrow God brings Himself close to us in faithfulness and love. This fellowship with God brings truest joy. It assures us that all God's gifts are directed to our hope and joy in Christ.

As we point to the gifts and experiences of the past week and remember that God gave them in Love, we'll have something to talk and sing about. Praise the Lord, O my soul!
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While the 1st several days it is easy to think of things to be thankful for...our family, friends, homes, day 30 isn't as easy. It is a retraining of our minds to purposely seek out the little things that are commonly taken for granted in our busy lives. I challenge you for at least 30 days, to jot down 5 things a day you are thankful for. Ask God to open your eyes and heart and be ready to point those out to your kids and others.

My 5 today are:
1. Fresh deer steak for supper
2. Potatoes that were in the oven in plenty of time to be soft all the way thru
3. The strawberry cake our neighbor blessed us with.
4. For finding the super soft fleece blanket to snuggle up with Wyatt.
5. Black Cherry Koolaid

hmmm....4 out of 5 things revolve around food.....

June 2010...just a little late

2010-10-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

Forgive me for these updates and photos being a good 4 months in the past.

We painted the front porch this summer. This is the little man helping me wash all the wood railings down 1st.

And After:

Gabby turned 9 years old. Although I took the cake decorating classes so that I could make some lovely cakes for my kiddos birthdays, I was turned down for the job as she wanted to do her own cake. I printed off the directions and she did it all including switching out the correct tips. She is by far more creative and talented than I. (it's a pony).

Summer sunburns :(

They were all slathered down with lotion and all out for the same amount of time. Makensie has my skin and got it the worst. She turned red, pink and then back to translucent.

Gabby turned a nice warm tan and peeled a little on her shoulders.

Brian got tan and had a bajillion little blisters on his shoulders.

Enjoyed a beautiful rainbow!

Made a short notice wedding cake.

Worked at a fund raiser for 4H.

Attended a night of ministry where the gentleman tamed a wild horse in front of us in less than 2 minutes and correlated it to scripture. It was amazing.

Took in an area fireworks display. Notice Allen wearing a sweatshirt while the rest of us were sweating! Come to find out he was on the verge of heat stroke. It was a long hot summer for him.

So went the month of June.

How Quickly Life Changes

2010-09-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for quite a while. This past month life as we know it has quickly came to a turn around. I have been sick most days by mid afternoon I'm done for. We have been blessed to not have this kind of consistent pregnancy sickness with any of the other kiddos, so I can't really complain, other than it has been difficult to get everything done that is required of a mom.

This past weekend after a sudden loss of blood, we landed in ER for 1/2 the day and me on bed rest for 3 days. But baby's heartbeat is strong and my body seems to be doing well. We had several hours of silence to sit and think. It was in our minds that God was in control, but your mind can go to some dark places of "what if" at times.

We are thanking the Lord that all is well at now almost 12 weeks. And we would be praising Him all the same for His love if I was posting otherwise today. We are also so incredibly blessed to have the friends and family in our lives that immediately took kids, brought meals, picked up laundry and cleaned our home.

In His Image

2010-08-18T05:35:00.000-07:00

God shows Himself in both the masculine qualities we find in men and the feminine qualities we find in women. What is it that we women reveal about who God is? Women are relational. If you want to know how someone is doing you don't ask the man, you ask the woman. We are the ones who dive in and ask those questions, that my husband accuses me of being too personal and invading sometimes. Which I'm sure he sees it that way, most women view it as truly caring beyond that, "how are you?" courtesy question.

The last couple of years have brought many changes for our household. We went from homeschool 2 girls to adding a boy to the mix. A little one that went from baby to full throttle boy toddler. I took on managing the office full time from home for my husbands business. We moved twice. All of that takes a lot of focus to detail. It was exhausting. I am organized to a point, because I have to be. But this is not my desire. I enjoy leadership, but that is because it gives me an opportunity to serve others, not because I'm the best manager. I LOVE spending time with women. I try my hardest to follow up and encourage and continually pray for areas of their lives I know they are struggling.

I had came to a point where I viewed this as a weakness, as if it made me lazy that I was inclined to choose a relationship building afternoon with some phone calls or emails that were pressing on my heart vs mopping the floor. I have come to accept that this is a part of God Himself. He is a relational God. I was so thankful to be reminded to have a Mary heart in a Martha world. I still have to find that balance because my husband is not a relational creature and it is important to have the main rooms picked up and a hot meal on the table, which I enjoy honoring him with. I have given myself some grace and ask for wisdom that the Lord will use me where He may and to help me be a reflection of Him and how much He cares for others. And on this journey to echo more of Him, I'm sure I'll continue to fail many.

We as women often define ourselves by the relationship of our lives with our spouse, children, family members. God yearns for a relationship with us as well. He is a jealous God. He desires our hearts to desire Him. We are tenderhearted, we are inviting, we are hospitable, tender, merciful and at the same time fiercely devoted. God is all these things too. If everyone is created in His image, what is it we can discover about Him in each person we meet?

The Grand Finale

2010-08-15T14:08:00.001-07:00

It seems everywhere I turn I am being directed to study "women". How God sees us, how God cares for us, how we as women display the "image of God."

I'm reading a book, "Captivating" by John & Stasi Eldredge and Stasi invites us to view creation thru a new set of glasses. With each new day of creation, God added more detail, more beauty to the world, like a crescendo with a magnificent ending. I personally had found myself as many women thinking of myself as an afterthought. As merely a helpmate for the magnificent ending that was man. But God is omnipotent. He knew before He created man that He was not finished. Woman was the grand finale.

Women entice men with their beauty. Even women notice other beautiful women. Not in a sexual way, but who hasn't had their breathe taken away by a gorgeous woman? Maybe your daughter? Or maybe your grandmother, dressed for a special gathering? If you can tomorrow morning, look out over the earth green with many plants and colorful flowers, the perfect blue summer sky, listen to the birds welcoming the day, in the evening as you watch the sun set in a prism of colors and listen to the serenade of the locust. Know that you as woman are more beautiful and detailed and the zenith of all that was created.:) Not because of how you look but because of who designed you?

Small Claims Court

2010-08-11T04:54:00.000-07:00

I don't have a picture to post of this one. Although I thought about taking one with the judge. Allen and I had to appear in small claims court last night. I have been so nervous about it since this ordeal 1st began back in April. Neither of us have ever had to do something like this before and really didn't know what to expect. We pray we never have to go thru it again.

While the judge was very nice, it was very difficult for justice to prevail. For 2 reasons, 1 being that while I was extremely detailed and prepared for the evening, my nerves got the best of me and I forgot to mention about 90% of what I wanted to. 2ndly the reason my nerves were so crazy was because the plaintiff stood there and lied repeatedly. Straight faced, absolute lies. I was shocked. We had just taken an oath. This was a woman that claims to be a Christian yet the fruits of her life have yet to show that, a woman that lied in front of 2 witnesses that I had there that can testify otherwise. The judge tried his best, but I could barely speak without getting shaky and here was the other woman who seems to be a pro at this. Not even a quiver in her voice knowing she is stealing from God's people. Not even a concern.

I thought of the prayers of David that God right the wrongs that the unrighteous attack us with. I am anxious to see how what satan obviously meant for harm, what good the Lord will bring of this. God knows our hearts, he knows our desire to only please him. That money that was unrightly gained thru wrong will not to going to help feed other families in need this month, it won't be going to bless others in need. I pray that while the Lord does bring about his justice, that he will also allow us to see His favor and return the money to those who love him.

I didn't sleep well last night. I kept thinking of what I should have said. Even her evidence in pictures were tampered with and not truthful. Did I mention that I'm just shocked that someone would do that? I am thankful that even though things didn't go the way we hoped that at least when I'm out in public if we run into her I won't have to live with the shame that we did something wrong and that same day when we all stand in front of the final judge she will have to answer for herself.

The Power of a Praying Wife

2010-08-04T08:56:00.000-07:00

I think just about everyone has heard of this book. And if you haven't I highly encourage you to get it. Not just to get another book, but to read it and commit to praying. I personally had grown lax about praying daily for Allen.

Recently, I have had the opportunity to get more involved with a women's ministry and food pantry to serve others. I admitted up front my fears. Every time I have stepped out to put myself out there for any kind of leadership or service for the Lord, I get attacked. Satan attacks me thru words as these are my love language. Give me a heart felt compliment and I'll love ya and can survive for weeks on it. But just as devastating are words filled with hatred and lies and slander. Satan is like a wolf in sheep's clothes. He appears to be innocent and good until you are taken in. He has attacked in the form of friends, women who were leading a women's ministry at church, family, strangers.

I prayed that I would recognize any attack and be ready for any more onslaught of condemning words that cause doubt. Satan my not be wise, but he is cunning. Attacking from angles we did not prepare or foresee. Creeping in slowly so as to go unnoticed.

I would like to challenge all you wives to be on your knees before the Lord each and every day as you commit your marriage and husband to the Lord. Satan is in full force to come against marriages that are doing something good for the kingdom. I am recommitting to be the praying wife that my husband needs.

Here is one of the prayers from her book:

His Reputation
"Lord, I pray that (husband's name) will have a reputation that is untarnished. I know that a man if often valued "by what others say of him" (Prov 27:21), so I pray that he will be respected in our town and people will speak highly of him. You've said in Your Word that "a curse without cause shall not alight" (Prov 26:2). I pray that there would never be any reason for bad things to be said of him. Keep him out of legal entanglements. Protect us from lawsuits and criminal proceedings. Deliver those who rise up to do him harm (Psalm 59:1). Fight against those who fight against him (Psalm 35:1). In You, O Lord, we put our trust. Let us never be put to shame (Psalm 71:1). If You are for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?

Your Word says that "a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire" (Matt 7:18-19). I pray that my husband will bear good fruit out of the goodness that is within him, and that he will be known by the good that he does. May the fruits of honesty, trustworthiness, and humility sweeten all his dealings, so that his reputation will never be spoiled.

Preserve his life from the enemy, hide him from the secret counsel of the wicked. Pull him out of any net which has been laid for him (Psalm 31:4). Keep him safe from the evil of gossiping mouths. Where there has been ill spoken of him, touch the lips of those who it with Your refining fire. Let the responsibility of those involved be revealed. Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion who seek to destroy his life; let them be driven backward and brought to dishonor who wish him evil (Psalm 40:14). May he trust in You and not be afraid of what man can do to him (Psalm 56:11). For You have said whoever believes in You will not be put to shame (Romans 10:11). Lead him, guide him, and be his mighty fortress and hiding place. May his light so shine before men that they see his good works and glorify You, Lord (Matt 5:16)

Coming the the Griffin Home Spring 2011

2010-08-01T05:24:00.001-07:00

God Time

2010-07-14T05:54:00.000-07:00

Just as I was recently down and doubting my worth as a woman, God threw out the verses from Genesis 1:26 at me.

I went to a ladies Bible Study, and the verse that the speaker was sharing on was none other than this verse. There was also a parting CD for everyone, titled, "The Incredible Worth of a Woman." When I went forward for prayer, a woman with a gift of prophecy and prayer, spoke words over me cutting to the very core of my want and desire to feel before the Lord.

Monday morning in my email, a devotional on Genesis 1:26 conveniently arrived.

"The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles." Psalms 34:17. The Lord hears our hearts and listens when we cry out with mere groans.

The Lord wants us women to know that we hold value and that He loves us. It is satan that hates us women according to Genesis 3. Satan only brings adversity to those who are threatening his plan. Almost every time I have stepped out to lead, he meets me toe to toe. Whether it be from my own self doubts or other godly men or women who become his vessels of destruction. We are told to "count it all joy" when we are persecuted. What is the old saying, "no pain, no gain."?

I also had been doubting my abilities to minister to others. Who am I? Not a bible scholar by any means. Don't you have to have all sorts of degrees to know the bible? Or is this why the Lord gave us the Holy Spirit so that we may discern His word? How could the disciples possibly teach others in the land before the Bible could be found in the Dollar Tree and every hotel? How could they comprehend or teach when they themselves did not have a copy of the book? They had no formal training on all the interlinking scripture; or all the scripture that was yet to be even written. They spoke of the greatest commandments of all. To love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself. Do our lives mimic the heart of Christ? I know I have a long way to go.

Reading this morning about the balance between raising kids with academic excellency and Godly wisdom, I came across this passage that says it better than I can.

"But the Lord does not limit His call to only the well educated. He uses both the faithful and the unfaithful, the learned and the unlearned, to fulfill His purposes. A man or woman of faithfulness, regardless of educational background, may be called upon to stand out among the people and serve God." - Susan Card from "The Homeschool Journey"

The words of the Lord to Moses in Ex 4:10-12 covering his doubts in love and encouragement are still available to us today. "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."

This is my prayer that He will use me in what ever role He has for me, whenever He has it planned for me.

I am Woman, Hear Me...please.

2010-07-09T05:50:00.000-07:00

I have a heart for women. I thought I had lost it, but had to come to terms with what I envision as my ministry quite honestly may never come to be. I have found myself this past year drained from the many responsibilities I hold as just a mom and wife. It has been a difficult year to sit by and willingly have to give up my hope to reach out and minister to women. A dream I have long had. A purpose I felt that I was on the road to fulfilling. I gained so much joy from being involved with activities where I was in the position to personally touch another ladies heart and life. I thought this was my calling, my destiny to follow. And maybe it will be someday.

And as much as I always want to put into other women, I so often find myself back at square one in my own heart. Asking that same question, am I really of worth to the Lord? Does He see me? Does He hear ME? Who am I?

The devotional book I decided to finally pick up and study, that was on the list 2 years ago thru our moms group, is about Homemaking. I honestly felt more exhausted and discouraged after the 1st chapter and study questions than when I started. It seemed to magnify my doubts. Yes, Genesis 1:26 tells us that we females were created in the image of God. But am I the only one who feels like an afterthought sometimes? God created man and then woman to complete the man? Maybe it's because I'm daughter to one and wife to another man who sees women this way. Maybe it is all my own insecurities. I want to be loved, desired and known by the Lord, but in my own failures and weaknesses and lack of who I want to be, what is left for Him to want me? My head knows the correct answers and my heart has experienced such a closeness to Him at times, it is difficult for me to be patient and wait during the seasons of His seemingly silence.

Where does the guilt and the doubts come from? It is the whisper of the enemy. Always. I know that the Lord knows how many hairs on on my head, but was it His desire for me to be or just that He knew my parents would choose children. How am I unique to show of Him image? What can I bring to this world that 7 billion other people do not? I guess that is what is the heart of a lot of women, the desire to be wanted, to be needed and to feel special.

I had to step back and understand that my ministries to women, starts in my own home. How can I give to others what I have not 1st given to the 2 most important ladies in my life? How can I share with them the importance of their lives and the deep love the Lord has for them, when I doubt my own? What if all I am ever called to be is a mom and wife? Will that be enough? Would I not be so pleased if that were the roles my girls fulfilled? There is a book that was recommended that is next on my list. "When all you ever wanted, isn't enough."

I am a reader, possibly the world's slowest reader, but a reader all the same. God is always perfect in His timing. Whispering to me the truth thru friends, songs, His word and the words of others. In the Homeschool book I'm reading (still) this very week I read the passage she wrote of the same reference in Genesis 1:26. She asks the question, If so many individuals are created in the image of God, from the beginning of time until now, it just goes to show how vast and complex our God is. "Because we are all created to bear God's image in a unique manner, there is so much that we can learn from one another.

And another confirmation in perfect timing. I picked up a book, "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge at a yard sale, who knows how long ago, and lately have been recommended it several times. I started it this weekend. I'll give you one guess as to what the 1st chapter delves into? Of course, being the image of God, as a woman. If as women we are designed to have a heart filled with love, nurturing, grace, softness and all the qualities that women behold, then this is part of our God as well. Just as in the Old Testament God was bold and firm and strict and full of laws 1st, then came the covenant of Grace. So He created male and female, both in His own image.

A quote out of this book that jumped out at me, "I know I am not alone in this nagging sense of failing to measure up, a feeling of not being good enough as a woman. Every woman I've ever met feels it - something deeper than just the sense of failing at what she does. An underlying, gut feeling of failing at who she is. The result is Shame, the universal companion of women."

So I've come full circle from living the shame and wanting more, to having a heart for women who share the shame to know more, but not sharing because I wear the same badge.

Oh Lord, who am I as you see me? Open my heart and eyes and mouth at the perfect time. Help me to raise godly young women who know their worth in you. May I fulfill the role you have for me. Convict me to be more if that is your desire, comfort me to in rest and contentment in the role that I'm already living today.

Prosper

2010-06-29T06:29:00.000-07:00

Deuteronomy 30

This is a very encouraging passage. Like a breathe of fresh air following chapters full of laws and direction. Our God is a God of order, and at the same time that he is certain about passing judgement on for our transgressions, he speaks of the grace, love and compassion He has for us and how we can live in that love when we repent and come back to Him.

My favorite verses are 9-11. Not only do we have the promise that He will prosper us if we obey His commandments, and love Him with all our heart and soul, but He knows we doubt if we are capable of doing and just as any loving parent, He gives us a boost of confidence that we can indeed do this.

When we look up the word "prosper" (or plenteous in the KJV) as was used in this verse in the Strong's concordance, we find that it means just that. To have more than enough. In life, this is what the majority of us are working for, not to have to struggle week to week, but to have more than enough. And don't you think God wants that for His people? To show favor on His people? So that we believers can bless others with our more than enough? So why is it that when we have a promise before us on how to fulfill that, that we often times do not want to follow the formula but do our own thing?

Lord, open our eyes to be convicted in the areas our of lives that we have not given fully to you. Touch our hearts to know where we are not loving you with all our heart and soul. What am I afraid of losing by doing so? For thru obeying you I have only to gain. Lord woe my heart so that I lose all fear of following you unconditionally and completely.

God Smacks

2010-06-24T18:46:00.000-07:00

God Smacks is what we call it when someone does something they shouldn't have and appears to get away with it, only it ends up having a negative outcome in the end. Some would call this karma. Some God Smacks this week:

*Made a cake and butter cream frosting. Left the room and explicit instructions for no one to taste the frosting. Come by to find someone had taken a finger full of what they thought was white frosting in a little bowl on the counter. I'm sure they were surprised to taste Crisco.

*Every time I make Chicken Enchiladas I hear, "They are really good, but not as good as Aunt Gina's". So tonight I added her secret touch of running the chicken thru the blender. We do smoothies often, so at the sound of the blender, kids came running begging for just a spoonful. When I turned my back, Wyatt had taken off with the entire bowl of chicken filling with green chilies. I'm guessing definitely not the smoothie he was hoping for.

Thank you Lord for keeping my back with these kiddos.

The Covenant with Grace

2010-06-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

The Old Testament is difficult to read simply just understand for me. There are so many laws and covenants referenced back and forth that it really does take me some digging to follow. I enjoy history, but dates escape me. This past week I started digging deeper into Deuteronomy 29 & 30. And am pleased that I did. Most of the Old Testament is in preparation for the Messiah and it is so amazing to put little bits and pieces together and see it forming what we already know of the story coming in the Gospels.

The very 1st verse of this chapter reads almost as in a foreign language. What we need to know is that this new covenant was to include not only the children of Israel, but as we see later in the chapter, to include the stranger, the Gentile, as well. This covenant was also different in content as that it not only included the renewal of the covenant made almost 40 years prior, but along side this came promises of grace, which had not been made before. Giving room for repenting and returning hearts echoing the times of the future Messiah.

What was the previous Sinai Covenant? See HERE
Key Elements of the Sinai Covenant? See HERE
What was the main weakness of the Sinai Covenant? See HERE
How can we obey God's commandments? See HERE

We find the grace God bestowed in this renewed covenant in Deut 30:1-3-
1AND WHEN all these things have come upon you, the blessings and the curses which I have set before you, and you shall call them to mind among all the nations where the Lord your God has driven you,
2And shall return to the Lord your God and obey His voice according to all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your [mind and] heart and with all your being,
3Then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion upon you and will gather you again from all the nations where He has scattered you.

And then we find the New Covenant of the Messiah: See HERE

Thank you Lord that you have made way for each of your children to find grace and restoration and a desire to repent and turn to you thru the Holy Spirit you have gifted to us. Lord give me ears that hear your every word and a heart that is quick to obey your voice and laws. Renew me Lord to love you with all my heart and all my soul so that I can glorify you in my life.

A Month of Sayings In Our House

2010-06-11T04:55:00.000-07:00

Quotes from Brian:

As he was trimming the bushes "If I can just get a couple cups of coffee and a flashlight I could do this all night!"

As Allen was leaving for work, Brian rushed out after him and yelled, "DAD! Whatever you do today, don't feed any squirrels caffeine!"

"I wish we had a flat top roof. That way I could have meetings. Business Meetings and talk about starting new businesses. That and ride my bike up there. Of course I think I could ride my bike up there now. Can I?" (For those who don't know...we have a 2 story with a steep roof.)

At supper Allen asked, "Brian, do you not like your bread son?" He answered, "I do. I'm just sculpting it into a snail's shell."

"There are lots of names for nuts, huh?" Yes. Name some. (As he did, I realized we were thinking of two different kinds of "nuts".)
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Quotes from Gabby:

"Mom, can I use the chainsaw?" What for? "To build a deck."

"I can remember when McDonald's used to be a drive thru only restaurant." Me: It's always been an eat in place, we were just a drive thru family when you were all little. :) Surprise!

"Wish we could go to Grandma's for snack time. She has REAL snacks. The kind you buy. Not just fruit."

"Mom, this is how I want my headstone when I die..." What are you planning to do today Gabby?

"How come when I shake really hard I can't feel my uvula move?" Me: What did you say?! Then I had to look up what exactly was an uvula.
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Quotes from Makensie:

"We are pretending to be a wealthy family. Kinda like us in real life." (For those who don't know...we are NOT wealthy.)

A Month In Our House

2010-06-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

What happened to the rest of the Parmesan Cheese (or Farmer John Cheese as my kids call it):

Nature Study assignment: Gather something outside to study.....

They gathered a bird. This is actually the 3rd one they caught.

Our new little kitten, Friday.

Gabby's early birthday present of Project Runway Design Gallery, which she is loving. Right up her alley....but hopefully she chooses not to wear the clothes she is designing.

17 pairs of underwear on the boy, 17 pairs of underwear.....

Graduation Cakes

Ballet Performance

Honey I shrunk the kids:

Our new tenement on wheels:

Beautiful! And as you can see under the cabinets right above Wyatt's head is the 8 track player that still works and we even acquired an entire collection of 8 track tapes.

"Now don't go gettin attached, cuz we'll be takin it with us when we leave here next month."

- Cousin Eddy

Cookies for a soldier coming home:

Catch of the Day:

Summertime with friends:

My precious niece on the Merry Go Round....I didn't know if it was ever going to stop:)

Early Impromptu Birthday Party at Grandma's:

Brian's 1st plane ride:

Safely on the Ground again in his cowboy boots, with Grandpa John and Aunt Gina:

Obedience

2010-05-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

I am reading a wonderful little diddy of a book called "The Homeschool Journey". So far the first several chapters have been more for me as a person than anything about homeschooling. Talking about integrity, servant hood, humility and obedience. Obedience is nothing new for any parent, but I can always learn from others. I used to think that self-control, or the lack of, was at the core of most of my problems I bring on myself. But the author challenged me to see it as a slave to self, full of pride. Disobedience to the will of God. That cuts deep. It is honestly so much easier to say I had lost self control and over ate than it is to admit that I committed gluttony and disobeyed God's will for my body.

Jesus in the garden was tore between his flesh and his will and his Father's will. "If there is any way this cup can pass, if there is any way You can get me out of this, do it!" "Nevertheless not My will but Thine be done." And He prayed it not just once, but 3 times. - (That's a summary:) Matthew 26:39-44 So the victory that took place on the cross was because of Christ choosing to serve and have ultimate obedience.

So it goes with letting our children disobey. It is never the easy thing to stop and correct our kids, or at least for me it's not. I do not like disciplining them. I do not like taking things away and seeing their sad little faces. I'm the mom, isn't it my job to love and protect them to the ends of the earth? I often fear I look like a hypocrite with my own shortcomings as I am still striving to have my life reflect more of Christ's characteristics. This has been my own arch enemy in doubting if I even have a right to correct the kids at time.

I have often gained their obedience with bribes, or asked each individual child to do the chores they are already good at or enjoy. But this is for my own comfort level, so that there is no butting of heads. But there is also no true uncomfortableness to reach their hearts to become genuine servers and die to their own self will and build their obedience muscles.

My desire is not that my kids help keep a clean home, but that they have joyful hearts when asked to serve in our home. The very heart of servant hood and obedience is humility. A quality that will be seen in the way we live our lives.

It is only by God's grace with me that I can learn to to apologize to the kids when I am disobedient. I am slowly growing more confident and keeping the end in sight as we fall and get back up to run the race we are called to finish. I pray that I will be a better example to my children to teach by my walk rather than by my talk.

Christ is intentional

2010-05-12T06:50:00.001-07:00

There are so many things around us in life that appear to be "bad". So many tragedies, events, hurts and failures that hit us hard, and cut to the heart. Things that feel like they are a punishment, or maybe God had forgotten about us. No matter how our human minds might conceive such events and even when burdens feel like more than we can bear, we can hold fast to the truth that Christ is intentional.

Everything that comes our way has a purpose for our own good. Whether it is to grow in character, empathy, humbleness or for us to come back to our Father's feet. Even in the death of Lazarus, a friend that Christ loved and wept over. There was no mistake. While it pained Christ to hear of his death and know the hurt the family faced, in this event He was able to raise the dead. He took something so sad and devastating and healed that hurt like no one else was able to. He was able to convert those who did not believe. Convince those who were bordering and saw the miracle. And deepen the faith of his disciples, the very men that lived and ate with the Son of God.

We watched a documentary on the History Channel about the Black Blizzards of the dust bowl. One man had attached a wire from the barn to the house so that if he was caught in the barn when the storm came that he could close his eyes and the wire would lead him to safety. I pray that when facing a hardship of any kind, that we will reach out and grab that wire of prayer that will lead us to the Father. He already knows the answers and He can make good what the enemy has intended for destruction.

My Own Secret Garden

2010-05-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

We went and watched the play "The Secret Garden" although it made into a musical and with heavy British accents, overall I would have to say it was...long and not at all like the movie we rented. Not to mention we sat in the balcony. In an old building. We lots of other people. And you all know how little I like that sort of setting. The kids did great to sit thru the 90 minutes. However, it was a play and an experience to enjoy. Plus it was free:)

You would think that I would learn to check all the pockets when I have 3 boys to wash laundry for in this house. But I haven't. Here is a picture of my own private secret garden of goodies in my washer tonight.

14 Crayons, 14 water balloons, 12 screws, 54 cents, 2 ponytail holders (my fault), 2 ink pens, 1 marble, 1 nail, 1 key and yes, 1 razor blade.

Just Life

2010-05-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

Ballet Beauties after performance at JBU for morning worship.

Katelyn and Wyatt sittin' in a tractor....

Building a house out of kid size Lincoln Logs (Allen's dad made these for us)The skirt that Grandma Connie made. You can take the boy off the tractor, but you can't take the tractor seat away from the boy.Wild Horse Ministries. It was fabulous.Keys: It's what's always in his pocket. Two baby kittens and one tired momma.Airing up the tires.Night out with girlfriends.Afternoon of fishing. 5 little monkeys, jumpingLast time with our JBU gals for this semester. We all love Steph and Tori.We don't do a lot of art, but this was the Spotted Leopard Frog and Gabby had to add a full background to the printout. :)Studied Neutrals in art today and viewed some of Escher's work. (One of my favorites.)This is Gabby's. She cut out all the pieces, even the dog's legs are individually cut and glued.

Rock Your World

2010-04-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

I was concerned about the day yesterday as it started with Gabby greeting me with with a groaning "How much longer til coffee is ready?".

But it turned out to be absolutely beautiful. Maybe a tad windy for my liking heightened by the fact that I forgot to put down paperweights in the office before opening the windows, but beautiful all the same.

The kids played outside every chance they got. Riding bikes, swinging all together, pushing Wyatt around in his little truck and playing on the trampoline. Brian asked me yesterday afternoon, "How hot is it out here? Like 100' degree's??!!!" I let him know that it was 81'. And while I thought that was the end of our conversation he in his oh-so-boy-style continued, "I'm sweating! My butt is sweating. It's so wet it feels like diarrhea in my underwear. I'm..." I had to cut him off. "OK! I get the picture! That's enough!"

Yesterday we also had a small earthquake that lasted 10 seconds. I had no idea. Truly with 4 kids running around, who feels a small shake? I have this intense fear of items collapsing, although I've never been in a building as it collapsed. I still have visions of the news reports of the newly opened hotel in KC on New Years Eve that collasped when I was in my teens and realized that all buildings are not weight proof. This has proved to be an annoying fear as I don't like bridges, tall buildings, heavy items in our house, lots of people in any one place. I am uncomfortable with just having a piano in the house. I realize though that it is not a fear of falling, but a fear of falling and getting hurt. I'm working thru it and holding onto the fact that God is in control of all things. Both the good and ones that appear as not so good. Back on track. I'm however not terrified of earthquakes. I have this interest and desire to actually feel one. Not a huge one, but just a small tremor. To feel the earth...move....under my feet.

I started a new diet plan this morning, it's called the stomach flu. It works great and is so easy to stick with. But life as a mom continues.

Message in a Bottle

2010-04-28T06:02:00.000-07:00

As we were standing on the bridge overlooking Sager Creek bubbling along, there was a dark glass bottle floating on the surface that contained a paper. The girls and I were both excited just to spot it. Wishing we had a way to grab it up, but without a net or some daring soul to jump in the frigid spring water we had to just stand and watch and wonder the thousands of possibilities that were contained within. Even now, 4 days later I catch myself wondering about the message in the bottle. Was it something that would have changed out lives? Or just a fun experiment? Was it intended for us to find and we just didn't grasp the opportunity with determination that we were going to get it? Were we just lazy? Or did God not intend for us to find it at all?

I pray that as each message in life that passes our way, that we will capture it and learn from it.

Movin Movin Movin

2010-04-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

We are moved, but still a far cry from being settled. It actually looked better when everything was still in boxes rather than partially put away. I'm tired. It's been an emotional move.

We have a little nook off the kitchen that we use as an office. After seeing my sister's red office, I knew that this was the direction I wanted to go.

This is the office before in cream.

Here it is in Garnet Red (a Better Homes and Garden collection color)

1 Down, and about 5000 more to go

2010-03-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

So this week has been exhausting in a good way. We got the green light with the house and our friend/investor/blessing of a family signed the final papers. So each evening we've been heading over to paint and get some things crossed off the list before moving in. The first completed project is the laundry room. She went from dark brown paneling with a light that required you to manually screw or unscrew the bulb if you wanted to see anything. To, with a little money, sweat and skill later, we have an apple green "happy" laundry room, complete with tract lighting and a real light switch. Thank you honey! And thank you dear lady friends for blessing me with your most precious possession of time and fellowship to help me!

The Making of an Igloo

2010-03-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Makensie has really wanted to make an igloo and while with each snow we had good intentions and looked up directions, it just never happened. But today, we just couldn't resist. The snow was so wet and heavy and it was still raining sleet adding to the bonding power.

Inside:

Allen helped us for awhile, but had to leave. He is so generous in helping others. So the girls and I finished. Notice the heavy leaning and an architect I am not, so this was the best we could figure out.

Done! Hope it lasts at least for the day.

Shocked on a Whollllle - Notha - Levvvvvvelllll

2010-03-20T11:05:00.000-07:00

Gabby: Mom, when our cat dies, can we stuff her like the deer? That was we can play with her forever?

_________________________

Compliments of our new neighbor we just met 1 hour ago: Can Gabby stay all night tonight? It's my daughter's birthday.

__________________________________

Compliments of our new neighbor at 9pm (we just met 4 hour earlier): Do you have any chicken nuggets? My daughter doesn't want to eat what I cooked for supper.

_____________________________

Gabby: What's wrong with her boobs?
Me: That's what happens when you don't wear a bra.

_______________________________

Compliments of our new neighbor at the 22 hour mark: Can you babysit for the girls this afternoon? I need to go run some errands.

________________________________________

25 hour mark: Since you homeschool anyway, can you homeschool my son?

________________________________

Compliments of the 7 year old neighbor girl: My mom wants to know if you can come over and talk to her?

Me: Um, can she come over here?

girl: She wants to know if you can start babysitting us?

Me: (only in my head) I thought I already was. And I thought both of your parents didn't work.

_____________________________________

Compliments of the 5 year old neighbor: The police have been to our house before and arrested my dad.
______________________________________

Compliments of the 7 year old: Can I play now or do you want me to come back later?
Me: (only in my head) I'm guessing it's only to be both.

_____________________________________

After returning home and finding my front door wide open and the neighbor girls waiting across the street for us to get home:
Me: Did you see anyone come over?
Them: No.
Me: Was my door open all the time?
Them: Yes. But don't worry, we walked thru and made sure that there were no robbers here and nothing was missing.
Me: thanks.
_________________________________________

Compliments from our new neighbor girl after playing at our house for about an hour: My mom said to ask you that if you have to go anywhere if you would wait until they get home. They went to run errands.

__________________________

Lord unto the least of these. Help me remember that all these kids want to be at our home for a reason. Help me keep my heart and home open to witness of you. Give me patience and grace and love for them as if they were my own.

Date Night with my hero

2010-03-19T06:06:00.000-07:00

Nothing beats rootbeer floats with Batman in March.

What's The Rule About NOT Slamming Doors?

2010-03-04T06:51:00.000-08:00

Brian's finger got pinched in the hinge side of the door Sunday morning. We did not end up having to make a mad dash to the ER. He is not one to manage his pain well, so it was difficult to tell at first if he really was dying even though there was no blood. But I was ready as every mother of boys, I know the closest friends to drop off the other kids wit (Adelia...congratulations) on the way to the hospital in the quickest route.

After a splint and some pain medication he is now jumping on the trampoline.

He was so sweet though this morning. After the accident and he had calmed down he ate some heart shaped pancakes. He started to pick up his plate and I told him, "Honey, I'll get it." He tells me, "mom, it's not like I broke all 10 fingers and then he continued to help me pick up the entire table."

Thank you Lord for a sweetness in their spirits just when I need it most. Thank you for protecting his little finger from worse.

Household Notebook

2010-03-03T06:34:00.000-08:00

I love lists, and schedules and 3 x 5" note cards, numbers, magazine ideas and all sorts of other ocd crazy things. This past year has been a challenge to stick with the type of schedule that my life showcased before. My dear friend Adelia, recently shared with a ladies group her control journal and I thought I would update what we are doing. Since I have taken on the office for our business, life doesn't always fit into nice neat little boxes that I can carve out and say, "from 10-noon is my work time" because when the phone rings, that is my work time. I often have to forward the phones to my cell phone when I leave the house. Which doesn't always make for the best play dates. And then if I forget to take care of something when I get home it makes it harder to fix. If I leave and transfer phones to Allen, then he has appointments and work orders started that I don't know about and we can get double booked or loose information. Our whole system needs tweaking. So I don't get to come and go freely or have the casual time with friends or even the kids as I would like because the office is always looming in the background.

We have went to block scheduling and a lot more flexibility than what we've known in years past.

6:30-7:30 - Pray, coffee, print off invoices for the day, check calendar, emails, shower, start breakfast

7:30-8:00 - Wake kids and have breakfast, clean up table, start 1st load of laundry

8:00-11:30 - School

11:30-1:00 - lunch, clean up, switch out laundry - free time

1:00-3:30 - Core work, projects etc.

3:30-4:00 - Snacks, clean up, switch out laundry

4:00-5:00 - House Blessing-
5:00-6:00 - Make supper with kid of the day

6:00-7:00 - supper, clean up, switch out laundry, after supper chores

7:00-9:00 - Family Time/movie/games/dates/baths

9:00- Kids tucked in, ,mom reads, prayers

9:30-10:30 paperwork, time with Allen, misc tasks, time for me

This is all flexible. Sometimes, school gets finished from 7-9pm because we've had errands or lots of phone calls during the day.

Here is a link to Makensie's chore chart, I print off one for each kid and the girls love it.

One of my many areas of failure is my housework. I am not a naturally skilled at this. I tried the Flylady and Large Family Logistics and have taken away things from both. I like their systems, but could never get everything done on specific days and then by Wednesday I'd be stressed because Monday and Tuesday's cleaning tasks weren't completed.

I then found this card file system that I loved the idea. My house keeping still leaves much to be desired and honestly if we had the money this would be the 1st thing I would hire out. Not that I mind doing it, it is just a big chunk of time that I feel could be better spent with family and friends. Anyhow, what I like about the card system is that I broke my chores down into Daily, Weekly by room, Monthly by room and extras. I did not assign a specific day, week or Month. Then I'm not behind. Well, at least not on paper and for someone with the OCD list obsessions I seem to have, this is very freeing. The goal is to make it thru all the daily and one room of weekly tasks a day, but if I don't make it thru them all I just pick up where I left off and then move that card to the back of the section when I'm done. Saves me the thought process of what do I do? And where do I start? I wish I could view the house and just run thru and just do, but for some frustrating reason my brain does not work like that.

My Protector

2010-02-28T12:16:00.000-08:00

I don't like it when Allen is gone. He is my protector. I instantly feel safe when he's here. Last night after checking the doors 3 times to make sure they were all locked and startling myself at the sound of the ice maker in the kitchen and peering thru the blinds to spy on the strange car parked at the vacant house across the street, I managed to work up quite a stir in myself. As I checked the door one last time, just tightening the dead bolt as I walked away, someone scratched at the door. I didn't know what to do! I had 3 little girls freaking out in the frontroom, Brian snoring away and Wyatt running to open the door. Lord help us! I ran to the door to barricade it with my body. Then I heard it again along with a faint "meow". Translation: Let me in, it's cold out here!

Thank you Lord that you gave me Allen. Even though as we discovered with little ones that his hearing is defective at night and if someone did ever break in he would never know, but at least I could push him in front of me.

Perfect

2010-02-28T06:27:00.000-08:00

Aren't they perfect when they are asleep.

Do You Enjoy Your Children?

2010-02-27T06:02:00.000-08:00

This was the question posed to me. I have to admit I was taken aback. "Of course" was my answer. But inside my head was whirling. I hadn't thought about this ever before. In all honestly no. NO I was not enjoying my children at this point in life. I was exhausted, frustrated and annoyed most of the time. I had stooped to only bossing and yelling and refereeing the kids as they were bossing and yelling. I was sick. This was not the mom I wanted to be. But I didn't know how to break the cycle.

With some guidance from some other much better skilled moms we made it thru. But I find myself back at that point again recently. Which frustrates me even more because God is doing some awesome things in our lives, yet the core of my life, what I do...mothering...feels like a failure. I am not one of those moms that is gifted with motherly loving wisdom and always knows the right thing to say or do. Which also causes stress. I look at the clock now as I'm typing and it is 11:11. A friend refers to that as a time when God is saying a little reminder that He loves us. I know He Loves Me. So why is it so difficult for me to really LOVE my own children unconditionally at times? Why is it difficult for me to just enjoy them some days? It's not that I don't love them, but what kind of mom gets so frustrated with her kids? What causes these little day in and day out pieces of life to feel overwhelming?

Expectations. My inconsistency to follow up or follow through.

I was reading thru a book that made a huge life change in my parenting with Brian and I am devouring it again with Wyatt. I guess I'm a slow learner.

As I sat reading I came across this paragraph and as I let the words sink in the tears just stung my eyes.

"Sometimes parents know what to do, but are simply unwilling to do it. They expect their children to behave perfectly with little or no effort on their part. Or they expect their children to just stay out of the way while they proceed with their lives as if their children didn't exist. They let their ambitions, housework, or hobbies come a higher priority than parenting, and they begin to view their children as annoying interruptions. This attitude guarantees failure, frustration, and anger. Only by reordering priorities and recognizing that parenting is a highly demanding, full time job will there be any hope for decent results and the absence of frustration. Give up everything else if necessary, and undertake the world's most important and fulfilling job to the best of your ability. Expect it to be a demanding job at times, but look forward to the challenge instead of resenting it. Parenting will be fa less frustrating if you learn how to do it well, and if it is not competing with everything else for your time and attention."

- "And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion , kindness, humility, gentleness and patience..." Col 3:12

Lord help me keep my priorities your priorities. Help me to be a loving gentle mom and consistent so that life is not unfair or frustrating for the little ones either. Give us a renewal as Spring is here. Allow for time to just be a family and grow in relationship. Give me wisdom Lord and may my own shortcomings be wiped from their memory of youth. Grant me an unending supply of love and grace for these blessings so that they may see You thru me.

Welcome Home

2010-02-26T09:02:00.001-08:00

Last year I posted about our financial downfall and I never thought that this would be the follow up I would be posting this year.

March 26, 2009, our home on Carl St. was sold back to the bank. I know that most people would not be impressed with this 100 year old home, but we loved it. The kids knew it as home and even though we saw the hand of God on us during that difficult time, we still ached every time we drove by. The kids still asked when we'd move home, getting upset that no one was taking care of the yard, feeling like they "lost a friend."

One Sunday I had a vision of a specific couple buying the house and renting to us, but that's not something you call and ask someone to do. Two days later, this same contractor called us and asked if we were interested in moving back home. A couple days after that, he called back and his offer was accepted on our home and he closes March 26th.

We had supper with them and we are doing a lease to own.

I am overwhelmed. Literally weak. I feel like this is a big deal and want it to be special in the way of announcement. I thought about sending out welcome home cards with our new address or have a open house BBQ and house blessing. I want to "speak of the glorious splendor of His majesty and wonderful works". God is a God that gives and takes away and is the God of restoration. He does things that are impossible for us to accomplish so that He will be glorified.

There are no coincidences so what do you call it when the house was suppose to sell 4 other times and hasn't and then 1 year to the date we get to move back in?

In addition, while we were living there previously we had a bad experience with the neighbor boy and he was no longer welcome to come over. A couple of weeks ago, a friend said he had moved. While it just seemed like information then, it seems like one more preparation for our return to be welcome and safe now.

As with any old house there are always projects to complete, but this time I'll be thankful to finish painting that room I was in the middle of, thankful for the yard work, and thankful to patch that floor. This will be the 1st time since we drove away that last time, that I won't feel like we are trespassing when we drive by.

I am just amazed. But neither would I give this year back. My husband has softened and his faith renewed. The kids got to see The church in action by way of the body of Christ. They also had a difficult and hurtful experience but got to see God be there at every turn and now will see Him do it again.

I think about the Israelites having their tent mindset and continuing the tradition of taking their families every year for a week to camp out to remind them that their homes are just temporal, we can live anywhere. And I kind of view this home we've been in this last year as just that.

We are still praying that if at anytime this is not the direction we are to travel, that the doors will shut. I know the other couple is praying about it as well. The bank has stated that they are not taking the house off the market until the final papers are signed as they are waiting for better offers to come along and have a right to back out at any time. We feel at peace and know that God is in the midst and in control.

I am overjoyed and feel so humble that He continues to love us in tangible ways.

What Not to Eat

2010-02-24T05:41:00.000-08:00

On the way to Shooting Club practice someone had remembered to pack sandwiches, drinks and snacks for all the kids but forgot to include myself.

So as I whip into Taco Tico, Brian yells out, "Mom, no! Go to Taco Bell! They have a diet taco."

I kindly respond, "Thank you Brian, but this is the closest and last stop."

And then he proudly tells me, "That's called a hint, huh?"

Yes. Yes it is. Now just to work on the tackful!

(Although in his defense, diet talk has been open discussion this last week at our house as well as meal planning for such, so he really was trying to help.)

Birthday Boy's Cakes and Gifts

2010-02-22T06:07:00.000-08:00

Wyatt's turned 3 and as you can see, I was not joking about the cake disaster. My prayer for this kid this next month is to get him potty trained, which I'm paying the kids to do. I have been buying diapers for almost 10 years!

Some friends had us to their home the night of Brian's birthday and I took the cake that was designed by the 7th year old himself.

What a wonderful hostess we had, not only did she call ahead of time to find out Brian's favorite meal, but she had ice cream, party plates and the family had gifts for him. It really made him feel special. Although his favorite part of the night was hanging out in the basement with his new found friend playing the Wii racing game.

And yes, all 10 kids belong to just our two families. :)

Aunt Gina sent Brian the gift he has been asking for and now we all are getting it! We know that when we hear "It's Nerf or Nothin'" that we had better take cover. And they do sting!

I love you boys.

Birthday Boys

2010-02-17T05:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my baby turned 3.

I just want to keep him little forever.

We didn't have a party as this is the last year I'll have with him not having a clue what the cake is even for. Plus, I am on a 3 day migraine so the cake I made for him, well, left much to be desired. In fact, since 1/2 of it stuck in the pan, rendering it next to impossible to ice, I served everyone a slab of cake with a side of a spoonful of icing along with their 1/2 price Sonic hamburgers.

I don't know if the migraine continues from all the crying (good tears) lately, which I'll share more soon, or from the terrible smell of smoke which awoke us in the middle of the night coming from the furnace, which seems to be fine now, but I find myself a little antsy to fall sleep. Which also gives me the option to blame the lack of sleep the last couple of nights.

Brian's birthday is tomorrow night and we are having supper with some friends so I'll have a chance to redeem myself with cakes this week. My friend Mary had called to see what Brian would like to eat for his birthday supper and he replied. Cow...heart! Yuck! Don't ask. But his 2nd choice was spaghetti. Wonderful!

4-H King

2010-02-10T06:17:00.000-08:00

My name is Brian Griffin and I am 6 years old. Last week I was voted as King of the Bloomfield 4H group. As King it is my job to help collect donations this year for 4H. All the money goes to the Benton County 4H groups. There are many activities to participate in and learn. One of the events I am involved in is the shooting club. We are learning gun safety and target shooting. I really like being part of our 4H group and would appreciate any donation amount you could support us with. And if I collect the most money of all the other Kings from other groups I will win King of the Benton County 4H. Thank you.

What is 4-H?
4-H is the youth development program conducted by the University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service. 4-H members can select from many activities in 82 project areas ranging from automotive to clothing to space camp.
Adult leaders, trained by county Cooperative Extension Service Faculty, teach projects to children using the "learn -by-doing" method. 4-H teaches leadership, citizenship, and skills children will use through out their lives. Each year Arkansas 4-H youth receive more than $80,000 in college scholarships at the state level for their 4-H work. Some scholarships are available at the county level.

4-H Mission
The mission of 4-H is to provide opportunities for youth to acquire knowledge, develop life skills, form attitudes, and practice behavior that will enable them to become self directing, productive, and contributing members of society.

4-H Is:
An nonformal educational program Community based and locally determined Primarily group focused and family oriented Volunteer operated Coordinated by professional Extension faculty.
Emblem

The 4-H emblem is a four-leaf clover with the letter "H" on each leaf. The letters in the emblem stands for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health - the foundation of all 4-H programs.

Little Escapee

2010-02-09T16:04:00.000-08:00

How can a 2 year old get in the front yard when we have a chain on the front door?

Those are the cushions off the couch.

Just a Little Practical Joke

2010-01-28T14:33:00.000-08:00

"...but a child left to himself, [or with dad]bringeth his mother shame."

Yes, the inquisitive young boy is emerging. I thought each family only had one of "those" kids that they had to worry about. But I'm beginning to think it's just boys in general. I refuse to believe I'm the only one so lucky to get two.

I wonder who did this?!!!

Yes this is Sharpie marker.

He used the Sharpie like a Q-Tip in BOTH ears.

I've been trying to clean out his ears the best he'll allow. So with all the ear and QTip chatter this week, we decided to play a little joke on Allen.

I cut a Q-Tip in half.

Then Gabby just barely held it in her ear and asked him, "Do you think I have this in too far?"

She's Gonna Blow!

2010-01-27T18:17:00.000-08:00

I'm reading this book right now...for the 3rd time. Let me just say, I was a much better mom before I had kids. I can remember all my wonderfully wise a.k.a. judgemental, thoughts of the other parents and all their obvious mistakes. I just knew I was going to be the funnest, wisest, most respected and loved mom. In 2000, not only was our 1st little one born, but so was a mom. All the reading and observing in the world doesn't prepare your heart for what you feel when you hold this precious being for the 1st time and you transition from being a woman to becoming a mom.

Nor did all the reading and observing prepare me for what I felt just 3 short years later when this precious completely dependant beautiful gift became this irritable, independent, destructive and back talking individual. Whoever coined the term terrible two's obviously hadn't made it to the trying three's.

I had no idea that trying to coerce a 3 year old to willingly sit down, stand up, come to, go away, open up, quit spitting, spit that out, take a bite, quit hitting, share, use the potty, not play in the toilet, unlock the bathroom door, take the medicine, lay down, use their words, be quiet, sit in the cart, not unload the cart or just let me help them would be frustrating on the nth degree.

Don't get me wrong. I love my kids. More than I ever thought possible. But there are times that I honestly think I might just black out from irritation. Almost every job I've ever had has dealt with some ridiculous individual and I thought I was a pretty patient person. Yet here is my flesh and blood standing less than 3 foot tall that I devote my days to, bringing me to the bring of insanity in zero to 60 flat.

Most times I am only frustrated on the inside, but then there are those moments I snap and say something cutting, am harsher than I should have been, or yell at rather than talk to. Letting those words or tones escape and enter their little ears to never be taken back. Hurting the hearts of these gifts from the Lord. These imperfect little creatures that if something happened to any of them, I think I would literally die from a broken heart. Why is it so easy for me to forget that and take tomorrow for granted? Why is it so hard for me to think it thru wisely when we are in the heat of things? Why is it so easy to forget that I'm an imperfect adult with many more years of experience, still failing daily and that I'm here to lead, love and walk along side them? Lord give me strengthen where I am weak, give me wisdom where I am ignorant, give me grace for them as you give it to me.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-01-25T11:41:00.000-08:00

Menu Plan Monday Jan 25th

Here is our plan this week in order of Breakfast, Lunch, Snack, Supper

Monday:
Raisin bread Toast & Juice
leftovers
oranges
chimichangas (make large batch), jello, tortilla chips, salad

Tuesday:
Rice pudding (make large batch of rice to use later in the week)
Pizza from field trip
apples
Left overs from Sunday (garlic salmon, cheesy garlic biscuits, Parmesan artichoke casserole, salmon chowder)

Wednesday:
Oatmeal & banana
Ham sandwich & carrots
popcorn
Enchiladas (use leftover chimichangas), Mexican rice (from leftover breakfast on Tuesday), refried beans, fruit cocktail

Thursday:
Cold cereal
tuna and noodles casserole
peaches
crock pot of bean soup (make a large batch to freeze multiple meals) and hoe cakes

Friday:
scrambled eggs and toast
bean and cheese burritos (from leftover mashed beans) & tropical fruit salad
cinnamon toast
Chicken fried rice (cook extra chicken) (rice from leftover rice), potstickers, crab ragoon

Saturday:
Succotash
left overs
popcorn
chicken tacos (from leftover chicken), cantaloupe salsa, Mexican corn

Sunday:
Allen makes brunch of home fries, deer steak & eggs
Make cookies (for snack, dessert and some to freeze)
Leftovers from the week - clean out frig

More Quotes From the Kids

2010-01-22T07:04:00.000-08:00

Gabby: So I'm the only normal kid, huh?
Me: What?
Gabby: Brian and Makensie are "special" kids right?
Me: Why do you think that?
Gabby: Makensie is right brained and Brian is left handed

-----------------------------------------------

Brian playing the Wii with daddy
Brian: Mom who's side are you on? Your sweet, precious little boy? or your ugly, fat, old, mean husband?
Allen: You realize I'm sitting right here don't you son?

_______________________________________

Brian: I know how to speak Spanish
Me: Really?
Brian: Yep, just add a "O" or "ilda" to the end of everything. Taco, burrito, enchilada, cheesilda, chipilda, friendo,

_________________________________________

I woke up to Gabby sweeping the kitchen last week.
Me: What cha doing?
Gabby: I'm eight. It's time for me to grow up.
Me: Wonderful
And she was been sweeping the kitchen every day since. :)

__________________________________________

Brian: Mom drive faster!
Me: I can't, they'll pull me over and throw me in jail
(quiet pondering)
Brian: Will they literally "throw" you into jail? or just "put" you in jail. Because if they are just going to "put" you in jail that won't hurt.

__________________________________________

Brian: MOM! MOM! Look how much I've grown in just 1 day!!!!! Yesterday when I stood right here I could only see a little bit of my head in the mirror and today...wall la! I can see my chest!!!!
Me: (Kiss) That's awesome!

I didn't tell him that the mirror had slipped down and was just sitting there and no longer hanging on the wall. ;)

________________________________________________

The kids were playing with playdough. The girls of course were making little cakes and decorating them and pretending to own a cake shop.

Brian was making killer King Cobras

________________________________________________

(Some of these were on FB already)
Brian: Mom, sorry you are close to a nervous breakdown.

Gabby: If I were a fly, would I be a maget or a fly?

Gabby: For Christmas I want a switchblade knife.

Brian: For Christmas I want a tuxedo.

Gabby: Are beans really the musical fruit?

Gabby: Have you ever killed someone?
Me: No yet

Brian: Mom, I'm SO sorry, I didn't know the bathroom sink would fill up that fast.

Makensie: I was being really nice to Wyatt and sucked all the sour stuff over the outside of his candies for him.

Me: Where would you like to go for vacation?
Gabby: Africa
Brian: The junkyard

Gabby: God gave me the gift of being able to make underarm farts because I wanted to do it so bad.

After seeing Brian walk out of the bathroom naked Gabby yells: That's just GREAT! Now my eyes are RUINED!

Christmas Gifts For the Cheap, I Mean Frugal

2010-01-19T17:43:00.000-08:00

I had so many grand plans as always to make wonderful handmade gifts for everyone I remotely came in contact with...friends, family, neighbors, the mail man...I managed to get gifts for family done and that was about it.

This is the one I was most excited about. I found this 1952 gem of a book on Costmotology at the local print shop for 10cents. I picked it up for my sister Debi and held onto it.

Then I tore out all the pages (I'm sure Trish and other teachers and library enthusiast across the land are passing out right about now;)

Added a little matching fabric and some handles and duh da.... I'm sure Debi will love it when I remember to bring it do her as I forgot it at Christmas! rrrrrr....

Next I made aprons. Wendy had several apron tutorials on her site and I was blessed enough to have a great yard sale day last fall and found several square dance dresses for a quarter each. I made these into some rather cute aprons if I might say so myself.

Then I added iron on monograms for everyone. The 1st one I attempted was for my sister Gina. "G" for Gina. However, you'll notice that not only did I manage to iron it on upside down, I figured out later (by way of Gabby informing me of my mistake) that the pretty dot in the middle was suppose to be a period that I cut out to use seperately.

And then there were these coasters. I took glass from the shop and had the glass man sand down the corners and edges for me in exchange for a couple extra kisses. And decoupaged (with homemade decoupage paste) scrapbook paper on the back.

We made springerale cookies, (my didn't look as great as this link, but I did get to use my SU stamps) homemade caramels (fabulous!), orange julius cookies, Chai Tea mix, hot chocolate mix, puppy treats (in the shape of cats) & jello spritz cookies with the press.

We spent Christmas lunch with Allen's family. It was nice, Kathy is a terrific cook and I always enjoy hanging out with them.

This is Allen's mom and dad with all the Grandkids. We took photos of each family and all the grandkids in less than 20 minutes.

Then we headed to my folks for Christmas night. The next day we started family photos in a more professional atmosphere and it lasted almost 4? hours. And Adina (talented sister in law with an eye for good shots) is going to post those soon...right? I thought all the guys were going to loose it. They had to dress up and wait for the girls to primp and do hair and pose and kids were starting to fuse. It lost it's fun quickly for Allen, but I'm sure once we get the photos back, it will be well worth it.

I think I've mentioned before what a great host my mom is. Every holiday gets a big deal made out of it. I stayed up late Christmas night helping finish pies with her in the kitchen. It is always nice to go "home". She always has a huge spread anytime we go home and the house is always decorated. The entire sunroom was filled with pies, candies, desserts, chips, dips, manicotti. Every year, she makes bon bons and my favorite pie ever, sour cream raisin. My dad makes several different batches of homemade fudge. We got in an afternoon of Bunco as well. We love playing games and it is fun as the grandkids are getting old enough to play along.

Almost every room at my parent's house has a decorated tree. This is the guest bathroom, and she has mini shampoos, soaps, etc hung on for decorations.

This was the tree in Allen and I's suite.
This was the little bathroom tree in our bathroom, also decorated with bathroom goodies.

This was the tree in the toy room with all the homemade and odds and ends ornaments.

And I didn't even take any of the trees upstairs. Some day mom....I'll make you proud, but this year the kids were lucky I got a tree up. :)

Santa comes every year to Grandma Connies and brings gifts for all the little kids.

And this year he brought a six pack for all the big boys as well. :) Yes, at Christmas.

Here is Wyatt helping the other "babies" as he calls them eat all the gummy bears that were left unattended.

Don't Do Today What You Can Put Off Until Tomorrow

2010-01-19T16:18:00.000-08:00

Or is it the other way around?

If I would just regularly sit down and update this blog quickly nightly, I wouldn't have these hodge podge of things I'm wanting to record and overwhelm all 3 of my friends that read this. :)

Makensie is taking ballet lessons and had her 1st recital. She felt really good about what she achieved. She is graceful and beautiful.

We are so thankful for her teacher, Miss Anna, as she has done a wonderful job instructing the girls and helping them to appreciate and use their bodies to glorify the Lord. And thankful that Miss Anna is offering this to our home school group.

We celebrated afterwards with Pizza and a cake.

We had round 2 of the Keepers of the Home with using royal icing to decorate Christmas Cookies. Once again thank you to Miss Kathryn for opening her home to a great group of kids and the mess that comes with that.

I always thought it would be fun to make a gingerbread house but was pretty intimidated with it. So we bought a $7 kit at WM this year and were pleased and plan to make it a tradition and maybe even make our own gingerbread next year.

Sugar Overload.

Our stockings (that my aunt Helen custom made for us) all hung by the fireplace with care, with hopes that the kids don't have nightmares from the wall of death above.

I had to share this photo of Brian. He was having a donut and coffee (yes I give my kids coffee, and they have even shown up at the local Mothering group with a sippy cup of it and I don't feel quilty...much.) He went and got the newspaper, mind you he can't read yet, to look at and be a "real man". I don't know where this came from because Allen doesn't drink coffee or read:)

Celebrated with friend for her birthday. (That's the cake to the left of me that I made for her)

Went to Kansas and enjoyed some snow! (I realize this isn't a great photo to show fun in the snow like the 4 foot drifts out in the country would have been, but it just then dawned on me to take one.)

Brian asked for a tuxedo for christmas....???....Aunt Gina bought him a shirt and tie...which he LOVES and has worn several times now for any reason he can.

This is the card that Gabby made me for my birthday. She drew the cat and cut her out. She loves art. She was blessed with art lessons for her birthday (thank you Aunt Gina) from Rich Davis when he taught the homeschool group this summer.

Makensie had 11 inches cut off her hair, by Aunt Debi. We are going to donate it to Pantene.

And of course now that she no longer has long hair a friend informed me of this site for hair styles for girls.

So Gabby let me practice on her:

Pets

2010-01-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

I don't want to sound crass, but I'm not a huge pet person. I enjoy cats more than dogs. I don't like pet hair or pet smells or pet licks or pet poop. My kids however did not inherit this non-pet-enjoying trait. They would gladly bring home every stray animal in the world if allowed. I know that animals are suppose to be therapy, but so are plants and art and baths. :) Don't get me wrong, I don't hate animals, just don't want them in my yard or house or licking me.

All that to say, we adopted a dog several months back, a sweet girl puppy and named her Marley and bought food and gave her a bath. She lasted all of 3 days before she ran off to greener yards and probably less kids or at least less attentive ones.

So then we had a cat show up. She just walked into the house as if she owned us. Which is pretty typical of cat personalities. As she walked in I felt her say, "This looks like a nice place. Think I'll check it out. See how it feels. I'll let you know if I need anything." She is a white calico we named, "Cookie". She has been a great pet for the kids. She lets them tote her around all day, she has only scratched after repeated warnings with a hiss that she would rather be left alone, hence the reason she was hiding under the bed. We thought she was pregnant, but I think she is just eating better than before. She is like a dog in the fact that she has no litter box, just meows when she would like to go out and scratches when she would like back in. She is not a loud cat, nor does she try to kill me by tripping me when I walk thru the room.

She normally stays off the counters as well. Until today. She was trying to escape the 2 year old that is constantly too amazed with her. She jumped up on the window sill counter between the kitchen and laundry room. Where I had a candle lit. Cat hair stinks. Here's to hoping that Cookie will stick around and continue to give us grace for all she has to put up with. We are all growing quite found of her.

Maybe I should go all out an order a Martha Stewart suggested compilation of relaxation music for pets.

To Trust or Not To Trust?

2010-01-12T11:46:00.000-08:00

This is an except from a book I'm reading....

---------------------
Most of our lessons in trust have been incredibly painful. Haven't we all been disappointed by people we thought would treat us fairly or compassionately? Perhaps you've experienced the betrayal of people you considered close friends simply because you no longer served their needs or desires.

Through the course of life we learn to keep a wary eye on people, knowing how few trustworthy people there really are. That may sound jaded, but Jesus lived that way, too. He didn't entrust Himself to anyone because He knew what was inside people (John 2:24). So of course our attempts to trust others will often be frustrated, but that's because He never wanted us to trust others. He wanted us to love others but to trust Him alone.

But learning to trust Him can also be a struggle. In my spiritual journey I've often been disillusioned by trusting God. It seems so easy when all our circumstances are pleasant, but when painful and desperate circumstances come crashing down on us, He sometimes seems to ignore our most ardent prayers. Who hasn't trusted God to do something, then watched Him seemingly fail? How do those moments help us learn to trust?

Interestingly enough, they do! I used to think that being disillusioned with God was sinful, but I have since learned it is a valuable part of the process. Being disillusioned with God means I have illusions about Him that need to be "dissed." The fact is He has never failed to love me completely, despite how it may have appeared. He didn't do what I expected, not because He loved me less, as I feared, but because His way of resolving my need exceeded my own. "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, " is how Paul phrased it (Eph 3:20).

Looking back, I thought I could trust God to make my life easy, to provide what I wanted and steer me clear of any painful experiences. That wasn't God's agenda for me at all. He wanted to imprint His glory into my life, to make me a man who would bear His image to a fallen world. So He rarely dealt with circumstances the way I wanted, and by not accepting the way in which He was loving me, my confidence was eroded. As long as our trust in Him is based on circumstances (and our misinterpretation of them), it will shift as often as the winds.

Through the cross God provided a way for us to trust Him that would transcend our own preferences and intellect, a way that is able to take us through the darkest circumstances, not doubting His love, but resting in it.
-----
He Loves Me, by Wayne Jacobsen

Another Year of Us

2010-01-01T07:26:00.000-08:00

Today we have been married 11 years. I read thru my post from last year on "The Story of Us", and there really isn't more I can add except to the list of things I love about Allen. I know I give him grieve but only because we he knows I'm just giving him a hard time. He has been my friend when I felt there were no others. He is the love of my life and I'm so thankful for the gift that the Lord gave me in him. And in him I find it all the more sweeter for all that I had to endure to find him.

-He really tries to get me anything I even mention I might like.

-He has way more patience with me than I deserve.

-He makes me feel safe. I know we could survive in the wilderness indefinitely.

-He touches my back gently almost every time he walks by me.

-He isn't afraid of wearing the pants and knows he is the leader.

-He has grown so much this past year thru many trials and came out shining brighter than before.

-He is a good man, good father and good husband when he didn't have a good example growing up.

-He loves being self-employed.

-He lays down his life and wants for the best of the family most of the time.

-His skin is weathered from working out in the bitter cold and scorching heat year round.

-He takes the kids with him to work when he can.

-If he's late, I don't have to worry about where he is, just if he's ok.

-He loves it when I don't dress up or wear make-up but tells me how pretty I am when I do.

-He doesn't care if I've spent the day playing with the kids rather than picking up house.

-He won't allow there to be questions and doubts about us homeschooling. He is 100% in favor.

-He is a command man and knows what he wants.

-He is a stable man and doesn't make rash decisions or emotional ones.

-He wears Cowboy Cut Wranglers, long sleeve button up shirts and boots better than anyone.

-He loves to help others.

-When he gives without receiving a thank you, he lets it go.

-When he is wronged or hurt by others, he lets it go.

-He would gladly give his life for us and be proud to do so.

-He chooses to do the right thing.

I love you Allen. Thank you for loving me for all this time.

Another Year Older

2009-12-30T07:04:00.000-08:00

Today I turned 38. I have not feared getting older, but I am shocked to think about the fact that I am so close to 40 yet I do not feel as wise and mature as I thought I would at this age. I still feel like the 20 something most days until I walk in front of a mirror and don't recognize the reflection of myself. While I am not jumping for joy at the loss of my younger figure, I am thankful that the lifestyle of the 20 year old is long gone.

This year is already proving to be a much better birthday than last year. Allen remembered and had a nice gift card for me to pick out something of my choice. Gabby is making blueberry pancakes, Wyatt slept with me last night (I know, not a good thing usually...but this child will rarely snuggle, let alone give a kiss and I got to kiss and snuggle him all night without resistance.)

At this time of year, I know there are a lot of goals being made as New Year's approaches. I am right there with ya. I don't have any huge, life changing, world saving goals. We just go thru every possible area and do a double check. What's working? What can we do better? Where do we hope to be at this time next year? I love it. Allen pacifies me by just listening and adding the occasional "sounds good" in between bites. If we go out to eat I take my little journal of goals and chat while he is entertained with some good food and no kids interrupting.

I have found myself asking several times this past year, "Lord, what is my purpose?" I had such grand plans of wealth and success and celebritism at one point in my life. I truly thought that by now my name would be in lights as the next Martha Stewart. However, over time, year by year, rather than having become famous, I have drifted into that invisible little world that engulfs many of us moms. That laying down our lives to have the time to invest in those little people. Running to ballet lessons, co-op, friends houses, the library. Most of my day is spent teaching them to be equipped with knowledge and wisdom and refereeing fights and cleaning up messes. I have laid down my life for my husband to pursue his dream of his business and take on the office work that he did not enjoy or have time to do.

Very little of my life reflects Martha's in any way. In fact, if she saw my skills she would probably send me a charity gift subscription. I am thankful to just get the floor swept, let alone have the time to cut a fresh lemon, which I wouldn't have because I didn't plant a lemon tree in the hand made terracotta pot, that I covered in moss seed, in half to help bleach the grout. We don't have a beautifully set table, and are just happy if everyone gets glass not paper plates and that I don't find something warming in the microwave after supper has been finished.

We have many plans and goals for our lives. And Proverbs tells us to commit our actions to the Lord and our plans will succeed. And just a few verses later we are told that even though we plan our way, God directs our steps. Most plans for my life didn't change overnight, but as God directed my steps along the path, my plans have changed, my mind has changed, my heart has changed. To no longer want success for myself based on what the world deems successful. My heart wants my life to be deemed good by the One who matters most. For my family to feel loved and cared for. For friends and relationships in my life to be uplifted from knowing me.

I pray that I am filled enough daily with Him that I can continue to pour out to those I love. Someday if I'm signing books at Borders, that will be exciting. But if my life continues to be me hoping that I could just get a shower and leave the house just to stand in the back of the line waiting for a signature from Sarah Palin, than that is the role I'll fill. Lord direct my steps, bless our goals as we commit this year to you and protect us from anything that is not in our best interest.

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not

2009-12-11T06:29:00.000-08:00

I can still remember sitting in the back yard and plucking the petals off the Black-Eyed Susan playing this Russian Roulette with love over a childhood crush. I cannot recall how many flowers fell victim that day to my hopes of winning the answer I longed for. I was so young and so innocent to believe that love was held in the number of petals and my ability to start with the correct one.

As I aged I no longer played the game with the flower petals, but I still played the game in my head. With each heart break I faced, either letting my parents down, a friend that betrayed, or a relationship that ended badly or I had lost their affection; it grew harder to deeply trust and know whether the relationships I were in were safe for the long run. Did they love me, did they love me not?

And now as I can almost touch being 40 years old I see that I play this same game with my Lord. It is hard not too. The style of love that most of us have experienced is based on performance. Most of our parents, while certainly not all, have loved us unconditionally. But even with my own children, I may love, but my approval or lack of often shows because of their actions. This is life in this life.

I teach a Bible study, He loves me. I fail and yell at the kids, He loves me not. We give a gift to someone in need, He loves me. I gossip, He loves me not. You can't foster a deep trusting relationship with someone who is always checking your performance to make sure it adequate enough to merit their friendship.

What I didn't realize is that I was reading The Scriptures starting with the same view point of God only having the same capabilities in relationships as the ones I was accustomed to. From the very beginning it has been about His love for us. In the Garden with Adam and Eve, God could have hidden the trees of life and knowledge in some remote corner of the world. He could have stepped in and stopped Eve from that 1st bite. But He didn't. God allows us to choose and fail because it allows us to see the lack of our own wisdom and and seek to put our trust in Him. Only then do our greatest failures make it worth the pain when it turns us back to
Him.

G0d raised the bar so high that I'm not capable of jumping it on my own. The purpose of the cross was not to fill some need in God at the expense of His son, but to satisfy a need in us at His expense. This is where I come to the end of me. And as a wise lady said, it is a great place to be.

Betty Crocker Style

2009-12-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

I know I've posted a lot today, however, while the kids are working so nicely I'm getting in just one more.

A dear friend was chosen for a Betty Crocker House Party and if you haven't registered with House Party you can here.

We had 5 stations and worked in teams to make 5 different yummy cookies, had cake and punch.

And of course Mrs. Crafty had therapy in the way of making little beautiful gift boxes while waiting for the goodies to cool. What a lovely evening. Thank you!

Christmas Parade

2009-12-10T08:18:00.000-08:00

I have never put together a Christmas Float before and for some reason thought it a grand idea to suggest doing so for our homeschool group. Of course it was the day after the Christmas Workshop, so I was a little busy last week. We didn't do anything extravagant, but thankfully there were other ladies with ideas and common sense thinking to lead the way. We went with a theme of Children are a gift from the Lord. By Saturday morning, the float wasn't decorated, we didn't have hay bales for sitting and we didn't have a banner or even the paint in hand to make the banner. It was getting a little uncomfortable and quite honestly with the freezing wind, this was the 1st time I considered calling it off.

But it all came together, hay and paint was found, someone generously painted the sign so I didn't have to bend over....

However, at @5:00 was the 2nd time I considered calling it off. There were only 3 of us families at the float and since the idea was to hopefully share with the community how many of us there are....3 families didn't seem impressive.

But once again, it all suddenly came together as people started showing up from every direction. I believe with parents and kiddos, we had close to 70 people. Everyone seemed to have a great time in spite of the bitter cold.

Christmas Workshop

2009-12-10T07:55:00.000-08:00

Homeschool Elementary Christmas Gift Workshop. We had 50 kids signed up to complete 10 projects each in 2 hours. It was so much fun. I am so thankful to all the ladies to helped make this happen. And my hubby.
Table #1: Sugar Scrubs Table #2: CD Sleeves decorated for holding large cookies

Table #3: Individual packets of Hot Cocoa. You can see Tables #4 & 5 in the background, but I must have gotten distracted because I don't have pictures of them. #4 was fire starters. #5 was individual cakes in a cup.

#6: Marshmallow Shooters

#7 Wagon Train Rag Dolls

#8 Recipe Cards

#9 Gak/Slime

#10 Sock Babies

Birthing a Butterfly

2009-12-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

1st we found this little guy a while back:
We put him in a jar with some leaves and he formed his little chrysalis. Then last week we heard some rustling in the leaves of the jar and this is what we found:After about 15 minutes:

Mmmm.....Chocolate

2009-12-10T07:32:00.000-08:00

Allen's Birthday Cake

2009-12-10T07:26:00.000-08:00

Gabby choose the "target" design and decorated the cake herself. I have no idea why she choose her crazy face for the picture.

This and That

2009-12-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I sat down to write. It's been a long time since I had time to sit and write. Our homeschool Co-op classes are finished for this semester which is bitter sweet. I'll miss the girls, but have a little more time and freedom in the week. My vacuum broke, but we were able to get a great deal on ebay in a Hila System. Yeah!

I hurt my back over Thanksgiving vacation and have no idea what is wrong, although my kids are getting really good at picking things up off the floor for me.

We just finished a Christmas Workshop for the Elementary aged kids in our homeschool group. I had 10 projects, 50 kids, 2 hours and $110. It went rather smooth and I was so pleased with the outcome that I'm sure we'll do it again next year.

We had our Christmas parade which also came together in the end. At 10am we had no idea where to get hay, had no banner made, no paint to make the banner...it was looking rather hopeless, but God is good and it all worked out and with kids and parents all together I think we had close to 70 walking/riding in the parade to represent our little homeschool group.

Allen called me yesterday afternoon and said to have the kids ready to go to the sitters and myself gussied up in 1 1/2 hours that he was taking me out for the night. We dropped the kids off at a blessed friends house and then headed to Eureka Springs, albeit for a measure on a job, we did get to drive around and look at the lights and then enjoyed supper at Red Lobster on the way home. It was nice to have some quiet time with just my hubby and celebrate our 11 year Anniversary a little early.

I know of several friends that have recently or are currently facing a spiritual attack from the enemy thru words. Our words are powerful. A house divided cannot stand and he knows that by dividing the house of The Lord that he wins. We have to be on guard to not let satan use us as his personal vessel to spill venom. I'm reading a book called, "He Loves Me!" And came across this passage this morning that is just very real to me for the very reason it stated.

"A lie Expertly Placed"
"All it took for the enemy to wreak such havoc in God's innocent creation was to use a well-placed lie to drive a wedge between Eve and her Creator. If you've ever been the victim of such a lie, you know how devastating it can be."
"Nothing is more dangerous than taking that which is clearly true to prove a point that is not. Mixing a little lie with a lot of truth is like hiding cyanide in Kool-Aid. You cannot tell it's there until you drink it, but by then it is too late."

Praying that you all are enjoying this busy season and remembering why we are celebrating. Many blessing to each of you this day!

Beauty and the Pig week 6

2009-10-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 3:3-4
“For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil; But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.

What do we know about honeycombs and honey?
They are sweet, sticky, get too much makes you sick, delicious, drips slowly, tempting.

Can the honeycomb hold in the honey?
It can’t help but to drip out.

Try a piece of honeycomb or a spoonful of honey.

What do we know about oil?
It is slick, smooth. Rub a small amount of oil olive on your hands and try to open a door knob. How easy is it to turn the knob with oily hands? How do your hands feel? Smooth?

This is another experiment that you’ll have to check with mom 1st on. Take a small area of the kitchen floor that is clean. Put some oil in a spot and rub it in.
How does it look?
Shinny? Bright? Sprarkling clean?

Be careful, but what happens when you try to walk on it?
What would happen to someone unaware of the oil if they walked across the floor?
How can a strange woman’s mouth be like this slippery floor?
It can appear all shinny and nice, but one can slip and fall and be hurt.

What is wormwood? Look it up in the dictionary, see what you can find out.
It is a plant.

How is it used?
The plant's characteristic odor can make it useful for making a plant spray against pests. In the practice of companion planting, because of the secretions of its roots, it exerts an inhibiting effect on the growth of surrounding plants, thus weeds. It can be useful to repel insect larvae but it need only be planted on the edge of the area of cultivation. It has also been used to repel fleas and moths indoors. It is an ingredient in bitters.

Pure wormwood oil is very poisonous.

The word "wormwood" comes from Middle English "wormwode" or "wermode". The form "wormwood" is influenced by the traditional use as a cure for intestinal worms.

So this plant is so powerful that just associating with it’s roots, can kill other plants, it repels insects and even strong enough to kill worms in our bodies.

How could the results of associating with a strange woman be as “bitter as wormwood?”
Just by associating and rubbing shoulders and roots with a woman such as this, it could inhibit our growth.

What is the purpose of the double edge sword?
Make 2 swords out of cardboard. On one of them, color one edge of the sword red and on the double edged sword, color both edges red. Now invite a daring sibling or parent to a sword fight. Use the singe edge sword 1st and give your opponet the double edged sword. When you have the double edged sword, you can only hit your opponent with the red edge to be effective. Now on the next battle you use the double edged sword. Which sword was easier to fight with? Why?

When we use the double edged sword, you do not have to manuver the hand or concentrate on the edge of the sword but only on striking.

Things I don't like to hear...

2009-10-20T10:01:00.000-07:00

For your listening pleasure: Click Here.

Mom! Wook et me!

Hey, I'm up at the ER......

Hey, I'm up at the Washington County Sheriff's office.....

Mom, the cat pooped on the trampoline.

Mom, here's your hairbrush back, I used it on the cat.

SPIDER!

I went pee without using my hands (so said the boy).

Defense or Offense?

2009-10-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

Thought this was a timely devotional I read this morning. I have been on both sides of this. Enjoy.
_______________________________
In light of Jesus’ piercing words: “Blessed is he who is NOT offended in me.”

Have you been offended by someone recently? Is it over something minor or monumental?

Well, here are a few things to consider:

You are usually offended when you are thinking the worst about someone’s motives and thinking that they were wishing you ill. In other words, you are judging the intents of their heart. Something a believer ought never do. We have not so learned Jesus Christ. “Love hopes for the best” – it doesn’t think the worst about others nor does it judge the motives of another. Whenever we do this, we’re in the flesh. When a Christian is offended with another believer, it is likely they have merely misunderstood their fellow brother or sister in Christ and have read things into what they have said and did that aren’t there.

You have forgotten that everything that comes into your life has passed through God’s hands first, and He works all things together for your good.

You’re too sensitive. The world doesn’t revolve around you and your feelings. This is true for all of us. Remember: To follow Christ is to pick up your cross . . . daily. When we’re easily offended, there’s too much of us that’s alive.

The Lord is teaching you to live above offense. He’s trying to teach you love.

Consider the times you’ve offended others. Then pause and re-consider that thing that you’re so offended about. “In His light we shall see light.”

You serve a Lord who was tortured, beaten, and killed in the most gruesome way known to mankind. Has someone driven nails into your wrists and feet? In light of those questions, do you really have *a right* to be offended by someone?

I have no particular reason for writing this. I simply woke up with it on my heart. So I am believing it’s for someone reading it out there in cyberland. Hope you’re not offended by it (That’s a stab at irony, folks.)

Quote

2009-10-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

I am reading one of those books that is just life changing. In the quotes from what others are saying about this book, I stumbled upon this one:

"It is not about going to church but being the church, and that is to be done everywhere I go and in everything I do."

Beauty and the Pig week 5

2009-10-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

Beauty and the Pig Bible Study

Listed below are descriptive phrases from the book of Proverbs about the strange woman. Meditate on each phrase and answer each question. Ask for your parents’ opinions about each question, too. They may see you differently than you are able to see yourself.

Proverbs 7:5, 21 “flattereth with her words”, “much fair speech”, “flattering of her lips”
i. Am I inappropriately forward with verbal praise or open admiration of others?
ii. Do I insincerely compliment or admire others with the purpose of manipulating them or getting their attention and favor?

Proverbs 7:10 “with the attire of an harlot and subtil of heart”
i. What is my purpose in the way I choose to dress?
ii. Do I dress attractively or do I dress to attract?
iii. Do I seek to serve my Christian brothers and other boys and men by dressing in a manner that does not tempt them to lust?

Proverbs 7:11 “loud”
i. Do I seek attention by making loud and silly remarks in the company of others?
ii. Do I engage in loud and giddy giggling with other girls when in the company of young men?
iii. Am I overly forward with young men, taking too much initiative in relating to them in a way that is too familiar?

Proverbs 7:11 “stubborn”
i. Do I resist the leadership of my parents, teachers, and authorities?
ii. Do I have a quiet and submissive spirit?
iii. Do I insist on having my own way?
iv. Do I choose to sin, going against what I know to be right?

Proverbs 7:11 “her feet abide not in her house”
i. What is my attitude toward home? Do I enjoy being there?
ii. Do I seek ways to avoid being at home?
iii. Am I bored, restless, or discontent when home?
iv. Am I using my time at home in profitable pursuits that serve others and help me mature?

Proverbs 7:13 “an impudent face” Proverbs 6:25 “take thee with her eyelids”
i. Does my countenance reflect a submissive spirit or a stubborn, self-serving spirit?
ii. Do I express my resistance to authority with my countenance?
iii. Do I use my eyes and mouth as a means of flirting with young men?
iv. Am I forward and pushy with young men?

Proverbs 7:16 “decked [her] bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt” and Proverbs 7:17 “perfumed [her] bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon”
i. Do I seek to appeal to the physical senses of young men in ways that do not bring glory to God?
ii. Do I seek to draw the attention of others to myself with an over-emphasis on makeup, perfumes, jewelry, and clothing?

Proverbs 7:19 “For the Goodman is not at home, he is gone a long journey.”
i. What do I do when my parents are not at home?
ii. What do I do when I am not under the direct oversight of my parents or other authority?

Proverbs 7:22 “He goeth after her straightway.”
i. Am I testing my ability to succeed in attracting the attention of men to myself?
ii. Do I make a “game” of conquering young men, gaining their attentions for my own selfish satisfaction?

Proverbs 2:17 “Forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.”
i. Am I stepping out from under the authority of Scripture and my parents?
ii. Am I obeying what I know to betrue and right in all areas of my life, and especially in the area of my relationship to young men?
iii. Am I behaving like a daughter of The KING?

Beauty and the Pig week 4

2009-10-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

“The mouth of strange women is a deep pit; he that is abhorred of the LORD shall fall therin.”
(Proverbs 22:14)

”Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.”
(Proverbs 31:10)

Scripture offers a detailed and colorful picture of two very different sorts of women. While offering wise and godly counsel to young men, the writers of the book of Proverbs praise one kind of woman and warn against the other. The purpose of this study is to examine what God says about both women – the virtuous woman who fears and honors God and the strange woman whose heart is bent on unfaithfulness and adultery.

A truly beautiful young lady will bring her attitudes and actions under the lordship of Jesus Christ. Her clothing, her countenance, her words, and her behavior will exhibit reverence for God, respect for her parents, and sisterly deference to the young men around her. She will be growing in the Lord, becoming the kind of woman whose “worth is far above rubies.”

This study may not be as applicable to young girls as it will be to the older ones. After discussing it with your parents, you might choose to save this particular study until you are older.

Read the following passages and compare the virtuous woman with the strange woman in the categories below.
Proverbs 2:16-19
Proverbs 5:1-6
Proverbs 6:23-29
Proverbs 7
Proverbs 12:4
Proverbs 31:10-31
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
1 Timothy 2:9-10
I Peter 3:3-5
Categories:
Appearance
Clothing
Speech
Actions
Thoughts
Attitude
Her effect on man
Relationship to her home
Her future Reward
To what she is compared

Write a summary comparison of the two types of women.

A Few Recent Comments From the Peanut Gallery

2009-10-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

Brian: I have just 3 words for you, "I LOVE THIS HOUSE!"

So does this fall under math or grammar issues?
________________________________________

Allen de-iced the chest freezer this morning outside and through the chunks of ice out in the yard, Brian just came in yelling "GUYS! YOU HAVE GOT TO SEE THIS! IT HAILED GIANT PIECES OF HAIL JUST IN OUR YARD LAST NIGHT!!!"
____________________________________________

Wyatt gave us a scare by jumping off the top of the bunk bed and was crying. I asked the girls why they didn't stop him.
Makensie: Because it didn't hurt him the 1st time.

____________________________________________

Brian: Mom would you rather risk your life to save me, or dress up fancy and go to a party.
Me: Mmmm, well, I guess risk my life. What about you?
Brian: I'd probably risk my life, because I sure don't want to be an orphan.
__________________________________________________

I was rocking Wyatt and fell asleep. I woke up to him snoring and thought it was so cute and didn't even realize I had fallen asleep. He turns and looks at me and makes the snoring sound again and says, "I funny huh?" The little stinker was making fun of me!

________________________________________________

Makensie: MOM! Brian is blowing popcorn seeds out of his nose at me!!!
Brian: Bahhhhaahha

This Author is Misinformed

2009-10-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

Grass Spider

"Habitat - These spiders are often called grass spiders because they construct their webs in tall grass, heavy ground cover and the branches of thick shrubs. Rarely will a funnel web spider be seen indoors, except for an occasional wandering male. They are found mostly in the Pacific Northwest states. "

I have a bone to pick with this misinformed author. I have found over 15 of these rather large creatures in our home in the last week. I'm sure the rain has something to do with it, but regardless I'm not excited about it. Having one of these jump out and chase you down in the morning is a quicker wake up call than 4 cups of coffee and I'd rather be singing javaluia.

Beauty and the Pig week 3

2009-09-29T19:35:00.000-07:00

Now you are caught up to where the ladies and I are, at least until we meet tomorrow for week 4. This is the week of getting into the "mud" so to speak with the scriptures and the comparisons between the pig and the foolish woman.
_____________________________________________________________

Beauty and the Pig
Week 3

Gold in the Bible

Now that we know what the Bible says about pigs, lets learn more about gold. How is gold used in the bible? What kinds of items were made of gold?

Using your concordance again, study the words gold and golden. There are many, many references to gold in the Bible. You won’t be able need to study every verse in order to see many of the uses of gold. We’re simply trying to get a general idea of how gold was used in Bible times. Skim through the concordance’s brief excerpts for each verse. Many of these will be enough to tell you how the gold is being used.

List all your observations.
Review your observations and summarize what you have found. What general categories of things were made with gold? What did gold symbolize?
Comparing your notes about pigs with your notes about gold, how appropriate is a gold ring in a pig’s nose? Why?
So far we have learned about earrings (or nose rings), beauty, discretion, pigs and gold in the Bible.

In the attached chart in part 1, “The Pig and the Fool.” We will compare a gold ring in a pig’s snout with a beautiful woman who has no discretion.

How are the pig and the woman alike?
Read the descriptions and verses indicated on the chart, and note, in the right hand column, how each relates to the beautiful woman without discretion.
Part 2 of the chart will help you compare the traits that pigs and foolish women share. The top half of the chart examines Biblical passages about pigs and compares those with scripture’s description of the fool.
Part 3 of the chart deals with commonly recognized characteristics of pigs, and compares those with the Bible’s description of the fool.
After completing the chart, summarize your observations.
Review what you have learned in this study, and write a brief summary below. How is a beautiful woman without discretion like a gold ring in a pig’s snout?
Examine your own life. Are there ways in which you are behaving like a pig?
In what ways are you demonstrating a lack of discretion?
List specific areas in which you need to change, share this list with your parents, pray for God’s help, and commit to actions that will help you grow in wisdom.
Pick out a few Bible verses that focus on the areas you need to change and commit to memorizing 1 new verse each week.
If you want to do additional studying, study the word fool. What is he? How does he act? What are the results of his foolishness? How, specifically, does the foolish woman behave? List the ways in which you are acting like the fool, and resolve to engage in activities that will help you become a woman of wisdom and discretion.

(And because I have no idea how to add an excel spreadsheet, pretend the following is)
Part 1
Gold Ring in Pig's Nose/ Reference/ Beautiful Woman Without Discretion
Out of place, inappropriate/ Ezekiel 28:17 /(Fill in your observation)
On animal that is heading for death /Proverbs 21:16 /"
Wasted; ring could be of value to someone else/ Proverbs 12:15/ "
Of no value to pig/ Proverbs 21:20/ "
Doesn't improve the appeal of the pig /1 Peter 3:3-4 /"
Doesn't disguise the pig's "pigness"/ Proverbs 27:22 and 12:23 /"
Covered with mud and filth /Proverbs 26:11/ "
Pig cannot earn or purchase the ring /Psalm 100:3 /"
Only an outward ornament /Proverbs 31:30 /"
Anyone trying to gain the ring will have to join the pig in the mire /Proverbs 2:18-19 and 13:20 /"

The Pig and the Foolish Woman
Part 2
(Pig /Reference)/ (Reference /Foolish Woman )
(list your observations)/Leviticus 11:7 & Deut 14:8 / Proverbs 5:8 /(List your observations)
" /Matthew 7:6 /Proverbs 5:3-6/ "
" /Psalms 80:8-13/ Proverbs 14:1 and 31:3/ "
Eats a lot/ XXXXX /Proverbs 15:14/ "
Not selective in what it eats/ XXXXX /Proverbs 9:14-18/ "
Knows nothing/ XXXXX /Proverbs 9:13/ "
Never satisfied /XXXXX/ Proverbs 17:24/ "
Noisy /XXXXX /Proverbs 18:2/ "
Content in mire/ XXXXX/ Proverbs 15:21/ "
Destructive in its rooting/ XXXXX/ Proverbs 12:4 and 23:28/ "

Beauty and the Pig week 2

2009-09-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

Beauty and the Pig
Week 2

“As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.”
Proverbs 11:22

What does the Bible say about pigs? How are gold rings like beautiful women, and how are gold rings in pigs’ snouts like beautiful women without discretion? To better understand the meaning of Proverbs 11:22, we need to do some more studying.

You will need a concordance for this type of study. If you have an exhaustive concordance, such as Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, you will be using it throughout the book of studies. Or you may go online to http://www.eliyah.com/lexicon.html. If you have a concordance in the back of your Bible, it may list some of the verses we are seeking, but may not list them all.

Pigs in the Bible

Use your concordance to look up the word swine. Under the word swine, you will see a listing that looks like the one below.

Lev 11:7 the s, though he divide the hoof 2386
Matt 7:6 neither cast ye….pearls before s 5519
Etc

The abbreviation and numbers at the beginning of each line indicate the reference of each verse in which the word swine is used. The words in the center of each line quote the portion of the verse that contains the word swine. The “s” in each quote stands for the word swine. If you are unfamiliar with standard abbreviations for the books of the Bible, refer to the list of abbreviations provided at the beginning of the concordance.
2. What is the first reference listed?
3. Read this verse. What does it say about swine?
4. To fully understand this verse, you should also read the verses that precede it in the chapter, and the verses that follow it. These verses are called the context.

If you were to overhear only one sentence in a conversation between two people, you might very well misunderstand what they were talking about. In the same way, if you only read one Bible verse by itself, out of its context, you may misunderstand what the passage is actually saying. Read the other verses around this verse. Then note anything else you have learned about swine from the passage.
5. Look again at the concordance listing. What is the next verse that is listed?
6. Read this verse and it’s context. What does it say about swine?
7. Repeat numbers 5 & 6 for all the verses listed. (Continue to examine the context of each verse you look up as you do this study). Note that if the listing does not include an abbreviated name of a book of the Bible. This means that the verse is found in the same book of the Bible as the previous listing. If the previous verse was found in Matthew, so this next verse is also found in Matthew.
8. When you get to the listings for Matthew 8, read the entire account given. (Matthew 8:28-34) Note what you learn about the swine.
9. Did you notice anything new about the same story of the swine in Matthew, when you read it in Mark?
10. What do you notice about the verses from the Gospel of Luke?
11. Now that you have learned how to use the concordance and read its listings, look up the word swine’s in your concordance. List the references for verses that include this word.
12. Read each of these verses, with their context, and record your observations below.
13. Another word used in Scripture for a pig is the word boar. Locate this word in your concordance. List the reference of the verse that includes this word.
14. Read the verse and record your observations.
15. One more word that the King James Bible uses for the pig is sow. Look this word up in your concordance, record the verse’s reference, and note your observations.
16. Review the notes you have taken on all the verses that speak of pigs. Summarize your finding. What does the Bible say about pigs?

Beauty and the Pig

2009-09-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Our homeschool group is in their 1st year of the Co-op. I think I heard there were 70? students participating just this 1st year. The kids are all enjoying it. I am teaching a girls bible study for ages 8-13. There are 14 young ladies in the class and I'm just falling in love with these gals. The study we are doing is called Beauty and the Pig. We are studying on what does God find beautiful and at the same time learning how to study the bible. So far we are on week 3 and still on one verse. I hope they are not getting too bored, I think as long as I keep bringing goodies each time that will help:) This is a very timely study for me. I have looked at the ladies in my life and see such wonderful characteristics and a love for the Lord about them. Honestly, I'm humbled just being in their company. I'm truly the blessed one. I pray that as these young ladies go through this study that they will not only seek to put on the beautiful traits, but will also be able to identify the traits in others and use that as a guide for friendships.

Here is Week 1. Maybe someone else would like to follow along with us.

Beauty and the Pig Bible Study

“As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.”
(Proverbs 11:22)

God paints a detailed picture of the beautiful woman who has no discretion! What could be more out of place than a costly gold ring adorning the snout of a pig? What could fall shorter of its purpose than that golden band as it is shoved through the mud and mire of the pigpen? Scripture tells us that beauty in the hands of a foolish woman is just as disgusting.

In this study we will examine the main words in Proverbs 11:22, seeking to gain a better understanding of the verse’s meaning. Later, in Study Number 4, “Beauty and the drip.” We will conduct a word study, learning to use the concordance to locate words, and the concordance’s dictionaries to understand the words’ meanings. For this first study, the appropriate verses and dictionary definitions will be provided for you.

The Hebrew word which is translated, jewel of gold in Proverbs 11:22 is often translated as “earring” in the King James Version. The literal translation from the Hebrew, however, is “nose ring.” The nose ring had a different meaning in the Old Testament, culture than it does in our own culture.

Each of the following verses uses the exact same Hebrew word that is used in Proverbs 11:22. Read each verse carefully and note what each one says about “earrings.”
Genesis 24:22
Job 42:11
Proverbs 25:12
Isaiah 3:21

What do you learn about “earrings” from these passages?
The word that is translated as fair in English is the Hebrew word “yapheh.” It comes from the root word, “yaphah” which means “to be bright.” “Yapheh” is also translated as “beautiful,” “comely,” “goodly,” “pleasant,” and “well” (as in well-favored). The word “yophiy” is translated as “beauty” and also comes from the same root word “yaphah.” Read each verse listed below and note how the word is used. Also list the names of all the people, places or things that are described as beautiful, fair, handsome, goodly in the verses.

Genesis 12:11, 14
Genesis 29:17
Genesis 39:6
Genesis 41:2, 4, 18
1 Samuel 16:12
a Samuel 17:42
1 Samuel 25:3
2 Samuel 13:1
2 Samuel 14:25, 27
1 Kings 1:3-4
Esther 2:7
Job 42:15
Proverbs 6:25
Proverbs 31:30
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Ezekiel 16:14
Ezekiel 28:17

Review your notes from Question 3 and summarize what you have learned about beauty.
In what ways do you think a gold earring and beauty are like?
For what purposes does the jeweler fashion the earring?
For what purposes does God grant physical beauty?
What responsibilities does the wearer of the gold ring have?
What responsibilities go with the physical beauty?
The word that is translated discretion in Proverbs 11:22 is the Hebrew word “taam.” It comes from a root verb that means “to taste,” or “to perceive.” The word is most often translated as “taste,” but it is also translated “advice,” “behavior,” “decree,” “judgment,” “reason,” and “understanding.”

Read each verse listed below and note how the word is used. You will need to read the verses before and after the listed passage to understand it’s context.
Exodus 16:31
Numbers 11:8
1 Samuel 21:13
1 Samuel 25:33
Job 6:6
Job 12:20
Psalms 119:66
Proverbs 11:22
Proverbs 26:16
Jonah 3:7

Review your notes. What common factors do you see in how the word “taam” is used?
Read the following definition of discretion as it is defined in Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language:

“Prudence, or knowledge and prudence; that discernment which enables a person to judge critically of what is correct and proper, united with caution; nice discernment and judgment; directed by circumspection, and primarily regarding one’s own conduct.”
How does this definition apply to the word discretion as it is used in Proverbs 11:22?
Read Webster’s definition of taste:

“To perceive by means of the tongue; to have a certain sensation in consequence of something applied to the tongue, the organ of taste; as, to taste bread; to taste wine; to taste a sweet or an acid.”
How does this definition apply to the word discretion as it is used in Proverbs 11:22?
As we learned in Question 3, the Bible uses a word for beautiful that means “to be bright,” Read Ecclesiastes 8:1. What does is say about wisdom and physical beauty?
*Read Proverbs 1:1-9. What is the purpose of the Book of Proverbs? How does this relate to the discretion that young ladies should possess?
Outline a specific plan that will help you grow in your ability to make wise judgments. How will you know how to behave in a proper way? How will you choose the correct way to respond to different situations throughout the day? Will you choose to read God’s Word for a specific amount of time each day? Will you study a particular topic in the Bible that could lead you to greater wisdom? Will you ask your parents for more guidance? Will you listen to authorities more carefully and obey them more diligently? Share your plan with someone that will help hold you accountable.

*Indicates a good scripture and discussion for young men to participate in.

For further study:
* Study the story of Rebekah in Genesis 24. Rebekah was a beautiful woman (Genesis 29:17) whose actions reflected her discreet and humble spirit. She was also given the same kind of gold ring that the pig in Proverbs 11:22 wears. What can you learn about beauty and discretion from Rebekah’s example?

2009-09-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

I Peter 3:14-17

Lord sustain me so that my life and words will never be about me, but only for your glory.

Moonlight Magic

2009-09-23T05:10:00.000-07:00

Brian: Mom, what does making magic in the moonlight mean?
Me: What? Use it in a sentence.
Brian: I want to kiss a girl. I want to hold her tight. I wanna make a little magic in the moonlight.
Me: It means you probably won't be going back to work with daddy for a while.

See Here.

May You Be Inscribed In The Book of Life

2009-09-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

September 18th was the start of Rosh Hashana. I posted earlier about the spiritual battle we are in. Today as I sat talking with a wise godly women who always just helps me rise to the next level of the spiritual thinking, I realized that while we are celebrating and studying this Jewish Holiday, satan had gotten me off track Thursday night. The night before the Jewish New Year. The 1st day of the 10 High Holy Days. My heart was frozen in time in the temporal with man versus preparing for remembering and "soakin' in" the Lord.

Am I a Jew? Not by birth. But I am adopted into a Jewish family so it seems to make sense to know of HIS heritage.

"May you be inscribed in The Book of Life" was a common greeting during this event.

So for these 10 days we will be incorporating it into our lives and school.

Today for vocabulary: inscribed, Book of Life, Shofar, Rosh Hashana

Geography: Isreal

Art: Made The Book of Life

Spelling: Wrote names in the book of life.

History: Read about the traditions

Narration: Informed Daddy about Rosh Hashana

Food: Had Fruit Cocktail Cake (Sweet foods were a staple during these 10 days to remind the Jews of the sweetness of God)

Develop Unity by Being Yoked!

2009-09-21T04:47:00.000-07:00

This was in my inbox this morning for Command 25, Day 174 with the devotions from IBLS. It just reminded me again of God's perfect timing. We are in a time that there is a spiritual battle front and present. I pray that we all protect ourselves and not let our tongues be used to do satan's work. Protect yourself against being an open vessel. We know that in the end times family and close friends and the "church" being the entire body of believers will fall into pharisee like characteristics. Satan wants to divide and conquer, but we have a power bigger than that available to us. Stay in the word, stay in Christ, fight the good fight. Feel the burning in your muscles as you push through to that finish line. The closer we get to the end times, we will see good people fall and mislead and become false teachers. This is the time to know the scriptures, to know Jesus. So that you can separate the truth. This is the time when the emptiness of the non-believers will be searching and they will either find HIM through us or find reason to not want to know Him. Let us not be the reason another falters. II Tim 3:12 "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Be prepared. Be joyful that we are in the midst of His plan this very second.

________________________________________________________________

Develop Unity by Being Yoked!

As believers we are all members of the same Body “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ” (I Corinthians 12:12). Paul reminds believers that because we are yoked together with Christ, we must learn how to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

Putting on Christ’s yoke means our love should be evidenced by our words and actions. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another, because “by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).
Conflicts with fellow believers may reveal that we are out of step with Christ and are acting on the carnal impulses of our own wills.

The purpose of yoking oxen together is not to restrict their freedom, but rather to increase the potential of what they can accomplish. When two oxen are yoked together, they can pull with greater strength than either one could pull individually. The same principle is true for spiritual labors. Scripture states, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow … . And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12).

In the church of Philippi, believers were not getting along with each other. Not only were their conflicts damaging their fellowship with one another, but their conflicts were also hindering the spread of the Gospel. Therefore, Paul reminded them that they were yoked to Christ: “I entreat thee also, true yoke-fellows, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel” (Philippians 4:3).

Lack of harmony between believers encourages the world to reject the truth that Christ came to save them. (See John 17:21.)

The tendency among believers today is to be bound together by some minor doctrinal distinction rather than the bonds of Christ’s love and truth. Fellowship among ourselves then becomes a primary goal rather than being a natural by-product of teamwork in the Gospel. The result is that we miss the wonderful potential of walking with Jesus and the lasting fruit that comes from His work in our lives.

We are told to live “with all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). This tremendous love and unity was demonstrated in the first century, as multitudes of believers were added to the Church daily. They were united in their love for the Lord and their desire to grow spiritually. They made sure that no one lacked daily provision as they sold their possessions and had all things in common. Rich fellowship and oneness of spirit were the results of this unity. (See Acts 2:41–47.) Let’s evaluate how we treat our fellow believers and purpose to show Christ’s love to one another.

Through Christ our Lord,
Bill Gothard

Potpourri

2009-09-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

As I was studying this week I read Proverbs 20:1 and it just stood out to me. How you do view this verse? About social drinking? Occasional drinking?

Here is an article that is pretty much no holds bar on a pastor's thoughts on home school and the health care proposal.

We started school Tuesday and are still in the adjusting phase. Or...is it that you never leave that phase? Here is my response as to why we choose to home school.

And finally here is a devotional that seems very fitting for today for many of us as Christians, as women and as God fearing citizens.

May you all have a blessed day.

Walking on the Water

2009-09-02T05:17:00.000-07:00

I posted on Monday about Peter sending out a "Popcorn Prayer" to Jesus as he was started to walk on the water. I found several things interesting about this short interaction. 1st while Peter kept his focus on Jesus, he was walking on water. Then as he turned his focus to the huge rolling waves around him, he started to sink. 2nd, Jesus was standing right there, he could see that Peter was sinking, but didn't reach out to save him until Peter cried out for help. 3rd, as Jesus saved Peter he accused him of having little faith. And here was a boat full of men and Peter was the only one brave enough to even get out. So I can't imagine what Christ thought of the rest of the guys.

I couldn't help but think of my own life. How many times have I told my Lord to lead and I will follow and then when the storms arise I start drowning in my fears that I physically see around me. I know the one to call on and I strive to keep my focus on him, but I'm sure that my failures along the path would cause him to say the same thing to me. "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

Lord give me the wisdom to jump when I here you call me, the faith to follow and the strength to focus only on you.

Popcorn Prayer

2009-08-31T08:16:00.000-07:00

Have you heard this expression? I don't remember where my kids heard it but it's great. A Popcorn Prayer is a prayer that just pops to mind and you explode it up to God. Someone comes to mind, "God give them peace through this ordeal." Or when conflicts arise, "God please give me wisdom with this child."

In Psalms 70 David starts with "MAKE HASTE O GOD!" This Psalm is short and to the point. David was in need and didn't have time to say much.

In Matthew 14:30 Peter cries out the shortest prayer in the Bible, "Lord save me!" And Jesus immediately reached out a hand and saved him.

There are several prayers in the Bible that teach us how to pray and why. The prayer of Jabez, The Lord's Prayer, A.C.T.S. and several of these little Popcorn Prayers. So if a need arises quickly know that you can send it on just a quickly, it doesn't always have to be formal, it just always has to be heartfelt.

That's My Boy

2009-08-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

Brian is a constant source of entertainment for us.When we were at my folks for the 4th of the July, this kid wore me out. My mom had given him a can of red spray paint to paint a chair outside. Red looks like blood so since it was the 4th, and his friend Manix was over, he sprayed Manix's tummy to look like they got hurt. These two boys together were just a stew of trouble waiting to be discovered. Brian would hand Manix a firecracker and light it and Manix would throw it. Then the other boys uncle came and picked them up and said he heard something in the back seat and turned around in time to catch Manix and Brian trying to light a fire cracker in the back seat of the pickup. They were going to through it out the window. Thank you LORD for protecting those two.

One day my dad watched Brian for me, for just a little while for me to run to the store. When I got home my dad asked, "Did you get any green paint?" I told him, "No. Was I suppose to?" Then it hit me, "Whyyyyy? What happened?" My dad informed me, "Brian came and asked me if he could trick out my tractor and he had a small wretch in his hand and figured he couldn't do anything too bad, then all of a sudden I smelled something funny and I go over to check on him and he spray painted red flames on my John Deere."

In Brian's defense, he did ask and he told papa he wanted to "trick it out."

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We had a puppy show up Tuesday that we would have kept if she didn't run away on Thursday. She must not have liked her food or pan I bought her. But Brian brings her inside and tells me, "Mom, look how good a dog she is, you can pull her tail and she won't even bite you or bark."

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"Mommmmmm! Wyatt's jumping on the trampoline. Naked. With the dog.

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"Mommmmm! Wyatt's naked peeing on the kitchen floor! (I think we have a streaker)

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Brian wiped out on some wet floor in the kitchen (not pee). "Brian, you OK? Are you suppose to be running in the house?" He corrects me, "I wasn't running, I was jogging."

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And my favorite. Last night we had fish for supper and Allen was looking in the frig and asked, "Do we have any tartar sauce?" And without missing a beat Brian pipes up, "Nope, but we have some retarter sauce for you."

To Be or Not To Be, That Is The Question.

2009-08-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

All the crazy dreams I had last night might be contributed to the fact that I stayed up til almost 2am then was up again with the little man at 4am and spent the rest of the night in the recliner. Allen left early this morning so when I awoke confused by the sound of a lawn mower in our yard, I assumed our neighbors were fed up with our lack of mowing skills. But as my eyes focused I glanced out the window and then to the clock. It was 8:47am. It was not our neighbors, but rather a friend. A blessing. Our lawn mower has been broke for a couple of weeks, more like several, and Allen without complaining has been weed eating the entire yard.

Right before I was awoken, in my dream, I was having a discussion with some lady that was being extremely rude (don't know where this came from ) but I said, "We are Christians." And to my surprise to replied, "So am I." I remember feeling angered and told her that just believing in God and being a Christian, I believe, are 2 different things. That if she is going to wear the title of "Christian" than she needs to be clothed in the character of Christ, and that mercy and kindness were just some of those. I also informed her that she may be the only Jesus that some people ever see and I had yet to see those qualities in her. This is how you know I was dreaming because I'm not that bold.

But I thought it was amazing that in the very moment that I was telling her these things, Joel was putting aside his own time and to-do list to serve our family. He is not a Christian by profession only but by the works of his hands.

I looked up in the dictionary this morning and found a couple of definitions for a Christian:
Manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus; Christlike.
Christian - Noun
1. a person who believes in and follows Jesus Christ
2. Informal a person who displays the virtues of kindness and mercy encouraged in the teachings of Jesus Christ

I am a far cry from perfect and there are probably others who at times wished I wasn't proclaiming that I was a Christian. I think it just goes along the same lines of: just because you are in a locker room, doesn't necessarily make you a player. May we all put our actions were are words are. Lord allow my life to speak of you even for those who never hear me. Help me to remember that by proclaiming my association with you that there are others watching at all times. Help me to live in a way that will not make others stumble. Thank you for a gift this morning. May you return multiple blessings to this man and his family.

Opposites Attract

2009-08-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

With all the recent tabloids and news coverage of Michael Jackson, we watched part of a documentary on him recently. We saw part of the funeral and discussed about him. I'll save my soapbox and our devotions with the kids over this until later.

But Gabby asked, "How did he go from being a black man to a white woman?"

Beauty From the Inside Out

2009-08-16T17:23:00.000-07:00

"Would you rather be pasty white and thin, or chunky and tan?" Was the question proposed. Um, what if you are neither combination but rather a mix of the two less desirable? Pasty white and chunky. That's me. So does that mean I'm not beautiful? Guess it depends on who is doing the judging.

I'm speaking tomorrow night for the MUMS ministry and finding myself confused over wording and decided to type it out here. I'm a much better writer than speaker. They should have wrote on the flier, "Suzanne is speaking, come at your own risk." But oh no, there is a nice little resume sorts of my past events. Oh the pressure is on. This is the 1st meeting of the year. I pray that I set a fun tone for the meetings for the rest of the year rather than me being the only one there from now on.

I also pray that beyond my own fears of making a fool or nuisance out of myself that I'll keep the goal in mind before me and that the women that come will leave changed in knowing that they are not just some planned or accidental byproduct of the parents DNA, but that God formed, designed, created them individually with all their strengths and weakness alike.

So who is it we are trying to impress with our beauty? Are we trying to land that modeling job? Magazine ad? Win a man's heart? Or please our Lord?

I'm telling you right now that I do not foresee me landing a modeling job or an advertisement unless it's for representing women on the verge of insanity. Even then I would hate to put my picture out into the hands of millions to critic my every flaw, including the ones I'm not even yet been made aware of.

What if we are trying to win a man's heart? Do we want to be loved for physical attributes that may never be the same over childbirth? From the time I met my husband he was very complimentary on my looks, which made it hard to not worry that I had disappointed him when the face and body of the 20 year he fell in love took on the face of a tired mom and the body of "heavy girl" as my OB nurse so graciously pointed out.

What if we are trying to please the Lord? From everything in the scripture anytime the Lord has spoken of outward beauty He has coupled it with instruction for inward beauty. God is focused on what is inside, man is concerned with what is outside.

So how can we please the Lord with our inside beauty? By filling ourselves with Him so he can fill us in return with the fruits of the spirit. By studying His word so we have wisdom, understanding, discretion and behavior that is honoring to Him. By being set apart and shining brightly in this dark world.

2 Corinthians 4:16 tells us "Therefore, do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day."

I challenge you as your lives are busy with school, children, meals, housework that you make the effort to find time with God daily, whether that be 10 minutes or a power hour. Become new woman who is clothed with mercy, meekness, humbleness, gentleness and a quiet spirit. It is really hard to pour grace and love into other's lives if we are empty ourselves. Remember that the beautiful woman wears Christ above all else.

In the story of Esther we see a young woman that is beautiful on the inside and out by God's and the world's standards. It reminds me of the cleaner version of Pretty Woman. An outcast young girl, just shows up out of nowhere, wins the heart of the King, triumphs over the enemy, is loved by all and lives happily ever after in the palace. Esther showed us wisdom and patience in a terrible situation, all the while dealing with a difficult husband. Maybe that's why I like Esther, we have at least something in common. :)

So what about the outside? We are woman, this is a concern of ours. Is it wrong to beautify ourselves? Is it wrong to want to be pretty?

I do not believe that is what the scriptures tell us. The 1st verse of opposition I'll rope right out of the gate is 1 Peter 3:3-4 "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair, wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." On many occasions as I've been studying I found myself confused as to why something so seemingly innocent could be wrong. Much as with this verse. It is not saying that braided hair is wrong, or that jewelry or nice clothes are wrong. During the time of this statement women wore their wealth. They dressed excessively to show everyone they were of value. They wanted to stand out and be set apart as more important. This verse was stating the heart issues were wrong. It was wrong to think they were beautiful because of their outward attention. It was wrong to that they were being prideful. Proverbs 27:19 "As water reflects a man's face, so a man's heart reflects the man."

What about the women of all women, THE Proverbs 31 woman? vs 22 tells us "She was dressed in fine linen and purple." This statement didn't show any condemnation over the fact that she dressed nicely and purple was the most expensive of garments at that time. Then in verse 30 the scripture states, "Charm is deceptive and beauty if fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

Esther spent a year of her life at the palace spa. Can you imagine?! Esther 2:12, "For the days of their beautification were completed as follows; six months with oil and myrrh and six months with spices and cosmetics." I could go for that!

God is the master artist of beauty. I believe He appreciates and loves beauty more than anyone. He could have made only a few of each tree, flower, insect,...women. But just as each sunrise and sunset is filled with amazing detail and so are we. God is the creator of feminine beauty. Most times in the scriptures, only when someone had established themselves in spiritual truth in relation to God does its beauty become meaningful. Something is beautiful because it is pure and not praised because it is beautiful.

But it is all in how and why we use our beauty that can make it a blessing or a sin. If we are using our beauty to entice someone or manipulate, than we have crossed the line. 1 Corinthians 10:32, "Do not cause anyone to stumble, for I am not seeking my own good but the good of many so that they may be saved." And 1 Tim 2:9-10 "I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety." There is a place for dressing provocatively and that place is behind closed doors.

As in any area of our life, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. 1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Do you spend as much time in the Word as you do on your appearance each day?

In my LBK (Life before kids) one of my most rewarding careers, was working with women. I had acquired my certification in wardrobe, beauty and makeup consultation. I have since sold makeup for 3 different companies, just because I honestly thrived on helping women see themselves as beautiful. But I'm not a good sales person and did not like having to keep up my quotas when all I really wanted was to change these ladies lives. I used to shop just for the fun of it and teach other ladies how to also.

In my LAK (Life after kids) I am just pleased to get a shower daily and have a bra on before someone drops by unexpectedly. Now my clothes shopping is often completed at the same time as the grocery shopping.

I don't know if you remember the show The Swan. But they took woman who viewed themselves as sadly disgusting, even they they weren't, and spent thousands of dollars many surgery and procedures to change their looks which in turn was going to change their lives. And yes the instant and amazing change on the outside will boost their confidence and allow for changes in their lives that may never have happened otherwise. However, what happens when this new beauty fades? When they gain some weight? When the wrinkles appear? Does the onset of depression set it again? When what we chase is temporal, it will never be enough.

Psalms 139:14 expresses a thought that we women often forget, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Do we know that in our hearts of hearts? Do we honestly believe that God made us wonderfully? Ephesians tells us, "For we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." We don't critique some one's workmanship that they are proud of, yet how often do we critique God's workmanship on making us?

Jot down 5 things you like about yourself. Now jot down 5 things you don't like about yourself. Which list was easier to make? Do you ever wish you were like someone else? Funnier, more outgoing? More organized? A better house keeper? Do you ever wish you looked like someone else? Wish you were shorter? Taller? Not so slim? Not so heavy?

1 Tim 6:6 tells us that, "godliness with contentment is great gain." When we make peace with how God designed us, we can look beautiful on the outside because we are happy on the inside.

During the years that I worked with women, I had my thought process much like The Swam producers. I thought if I could change the outside the inside would follow. But I had it all backwards, when we change the inside first, it shines through to change what the other person sees on the outside.

My other case for outward beauty is for our husbands.

Esther 5:1-"On the 3rd day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king's hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her." Esther operated within God's will in the situations and used every gift God had given her...even her outward beauty. She chose to dress up for her husband and honor him as her King even if she was not finding a love for him. Our husbands are the king of our homes. So a harder question for many of us moms is: Do you spend as much time on your appearance when expecting company as you do for your husband? God is concerned with inward beauty, but God made man, and man is visual and man is concerned with outward beauty. And just in case anyone forgot, our husbands are men. We can't all be Cindy Crawfords, but we can try to be pleasing to our husbands. And the only way to know what is physically appealing to your husband is to ask your husband. Not the consult the main stream media.

I have to admit that at this point in my life getting gussied sometime feels like wasted time when I do not keep in mind the why of what I'm doing. But I also know that my husband sees dozens of women daily, most looking all dressed up, putting their best foot forward, hiding any personality flaws behind a great hair do and a sweet smelling perfume. Proverbs 23:28 warns us, "like a bandit she lies in wait and multiplies the unfaithful among men." The time to impress and fight for our husbands is before we have to because there is always someone else out there who will. Many men have fallen not because their wives were terrible but because another woman showed interest.

Do I have a clean shirt on, a fresh spritz of perfume, a clean front room, with the smell of dinner wafting to the front door every day when Allen comes home? No. But I do try to honor him as King in our home according to the priorities that he shared as important to him.

We have all taken tests that tell of our personality traits. Tests that tell of our spiritual gifts. Tests that tell us our best learning styles. All of which are great, but they are blind to our physical appearance. What if we have a terrific personality but are so self consciousness of our physical beauty that we avoid ever living up to our God given potential? You do not have to look like the hunchback of Notre Dame to condemn yourself to hiding because of some flaw you see in yourself. Wondering if God possibly fell asleep just for a split second and had a slight of hand. Kind of like what happened when he made the hammerhead shark or the platypus. We all have something that bothers us about ourselves to some degree, whether it be physical or other. We are going to go one step further today. We are going to take a test based entirely on our physical attributes and see the personalities that it matches us to. For me, once I learned of this I knew without any further doubt that I was a complete package fashioned by my Father. This is the message I want to share with every woman in the world. That you are complete.

I'm not going to get into details beyond just placements to see the body styles and personalities that match, but with a more setting for consultations, this information allows for you to look the complete package. From hairstyle, clothing, fabrics, prints, accessories. Everything we choose can fall in a category that balances our bodies and reflects our inside out.

It is always better to be a first class you than a second class knock off of someone else. Do not forfeit who you are in pursuit of playing a role that was never designed for you.

Shameless Advertising

2009-08-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

Doing a little shameless advertising here. I have taken the 1st 2 courses of the Wilton Cake Decorating Classes at Hobby Lobby. I'm very glad I got this opportunity. I have really enjoyed myself. I took the classes because I have quite a few cakes to make over the course of time with 4 kids and I love the flavor of homemade cakes. I'm looking forward to starting course 3 in September. Since this is something that I seem to be somewhat OK at and thoroughly enjoy, I thought I would throw it out there that I am open for business, unofficially of course. This is for friends and family and just word of mouth recommendations. I DO NOT have a kitchen license and really do not know the rules and regulations for this yet.

Here are some pictures of some of my cakes and my new little venture: Sugar and Spice

My Hubby

2009-08-11T04:03:00.000-07:00

I know I pick on Allen quite a bit, but trust me when I say he can take it and it's all in good spirit. We have always had fun in the bantering back and forth between us. He is such a good man in heart. Yesterday in the busyiness of the day I forgot to order a quarter panel glass for a vehicle. I hadn't made this mistake yet. I really couldn't believe I did it. It was a big deal with the order to begin with. The family called, it was their primary vehicle, he was a pastor, we were trying to be accommodating to get it done today so Allen was even going to go do the work at 7am. It ended up being an insurance job and I had all the paperwork in order but at 7 o'clock last night I realized that there would be no panel showing up on the truck last night. I was sick. I felt like I had let the family down, they could have went somewhere else and gotten it done today. But Allen without criticizing or even a hint of condemnation, spoke with our glass driver at midnight and had me print off directions to the warehouse in Tulsa...an hour and a half away. They open at 7am so Allen left at 5:30am this morning to go pick up the piece.

I'm so thankful that while there are times when he gets frustrated at me, he is for the most part very understanding when I make mistakes. I don't know if I would have reacted the same. I offered to load the kids up and go myself this morning, but he wouldn't even consider having me do it. Had the entire situation been the other way around, I am almost sure I would have been irritated that I lost the sale because of someone else's irresponsibility or if I did drive over to pick up so I could fix the problem, I am sad to say I probably would have felt irritated with the lost 3 hours of driving and felt justified with my lack of sleep to be a little grumpy and made it known. Lord forgive me for my past wrongs, give me grace and allow me to continue to grow in the areas of humbleness and love for others. Help me to give as much understanding to others especially my family as I would hope to receive myself. Thank you for a husband who is so giving in so many ways.

Kid Funnies

2009-08-09T18:10:00.001-07:00

Makensie: Mom, what's the other name for Bigfoot that sounds like a fruit?

Me: A Sasquatch?

Makensie: Ya.

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Brian and his friend were having a serious conversation

Brian: When I grow up I'm going to be Batman.
Matthew: What?! Batman isn't real!
Brian: Oh. So what are you going to be?
Matthew: A Pirate.

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A couple of weeks ago I was driving by the Fayetteville Mall. We don't go to the mall, not because we are boycotting or anything, it just doesn't happen. I said, "There's the Mall." I was looking out the left window and I heard the girls in the back, "oh...clothes...shoes...purses...yeah, the MALL" and as I looked into the rear view mirror, I realized they were gazing out the right window oogling the large dentist office.

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Gabby: Some day if I ever have to live in a van...

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While we haven't been to the Mall, I did take the girls to Old Navy recently.

Makensie: Oh my gosh! They spent so much money on buying all these clothes for this place, they didn't have enough money left to finish the floor. It's just concrete!

I don't have a title

2009-08-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

I have not written for a while. Just from lack of time and trying to organize my thoughts. I have a lot to share, but couldn't figure out how to say it without it sounding like a "look at me" post. So I'll start with the denial from the publication. Although they were very kind and encouraging, this one is not a go.

I am filling the Elementary Coordinator for the next two years, unless I get impeached before then, for our homeschool group. I'm really enjoying this so far. I like event planning. When I worked at the state headquarters for Kansas Farm Bureau, it was one event after the other. Then when I worked for LaZBoy it was a lot of the same. This stuff comes easily for me. People. Get togethers. Parties. It is good timing. I will have 3 in elementary this year. We have 30 new families that joined CHESS this year. I am guessing we will have around 120 families total, maybe more. My heart is to welcome these new families in and hopefully for them to feel that they are not an island by themselves but that especially in the community we live in that there are plenty of others out there that can offer wisdom, advise and most of all compassion and understanding.

I've been working on putting together some things for the fall and are praying they will not only be learning opportunities but ones to build relationships and memories. So far, there is a tour and game planned for The Naturals and a tour of Prairie Grove Battlefield that I've been working on. There is a lot of interest in the Keepers of the Faith program this year. I would like to start with something I feel comfortable teaching on and pray that other families will volunteer and follow suit. I think I'll start with a cake decorating class since this has been my latest skill I've learned. And it's fun.

Speaking of cakes. I've had orders for 4 cakes now. What a blessing!

I am going to be speaking at the first MUMS meeting of the year. (This is our group of homeschool moms that get together monthly.) I've tried not to think about it too much yet, as I know what I'm sharing and feel good about that. It's just a lot of responsibility to share with ladies anytime. I want my message to be uplifting and encouraging in all ways. It is also a little unnerving because it seems like there is a larger crowd the first couple of meetings. Hopefully I won't go blank or worse black out!

Other than that, life as normal as you can get with 4 kids and a business in your home and trying to homeschool continues. I'm still striving to make noticable progress on that list of things I want to see improved upon. :)

I'm a dork

2009-07-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

So I set my blog to privacy, because, well, not to brag, but I have an article being considered for publication and it was suggested to have it private for possible rights concerns??? However, I'm such a dork, I realized that it was on facebook too, so it's really not private and it's that's ok, as I am trusting the Lord with this. It's fun and exciting, but humbling as I'm sure I'm one in many that they are reviewing and it may never be published.

Privacy

2009-07-21T08:28:00.001-07:00

I'm putting my blog on Private viewing only for the time being. Nothing bad. Actually just the opposite. However, I'll let you know more asap.

Finally. Photos!

2009-07-16T21:04:00.000-07:00

I found my camera cord. Yeah! Under the pile of papers on my desk. Ugh. I'm truely not talented at taking pictures and quite technologically challenged, so grant me grace.

Here is a picture of the gold fish we bought on Sunday and it died on Wednesday. Gabby brought it to me asking to dissect it.

Here is a photo of brave Gabby and her friend riding the Octopus at The Good Ol' Days. You can't see their heads because as soon as the ride started her and her friend were all tucked down screaming for dear life. The ride was stopped and while many of the onlookers found it hysterical with a pinch of great compassion. The carny was not amused.

Here is a picture of Makensie and Brian playing it safe on the "baby" ride as Gabby referred to it, before she rode the death trap.

Here is Wyatt with his new haircut.

This is what those black snake fireworks look like after a couple of hours of fun.

This is what boys look like after playing with black snake fireworks. Thank you Grandpa John for suggesting the idea to them.

This is the cannon that Grandpa John built for the 4th of July.

I do not have any photos of the problems we had with trajectory, or the sheriff that stopped by. Part of the success with fireworks is from the power of the blow pushing the ball of fire high into the sky. If the tube is say, oh, I don't know, much larger than the firework, rather than the ball of flames exploding a hundred feet up in the air, it will explode at 20 feet sending scalding shrapnal your way. Those fireworks are even prettier up close! The bombs last year and the cannon this year. What ever will Grandpa John make with acetylene gas next year?