Urgent: Your prayers are needed

Please take a moment to read the last few posts from MckMama and pray for Baby Stellan who is currently in the PICU fighting for breathe.

I've been reading her blog for some time now and he is beautiful blessing and miracle from God. MckMama describes seeing her little boy in the hospital and it brings me to tears. Yet her complete faith in God and trust that His will is perfect is humbling.

So, go to her blog, pray, pray, pray and leave her a comment if you feel led. In Christ, we are all one, big family. Please hold them up in prayer!

I'll be back to blogging soon...

...but first, I had to share this.

I wrote this down on December 19th because I didn't want to forget what Caleb said.

Here is the note I jotted down:

Friday, December 19, 2008

Caleb's first words this morning were, "Hot coffee." A boy after my own heart!

I'm not really sure if he smelled it brewing or just smelled my coffee breath! Either way it made me laugh.

Breaking and entering

(To my own blog, of course)

I'm interrupting my blog break to bring you these pictures.

Let this be a lesson to you all. Bag balm, children and kitty's don't mix...ever!

It took several washes for the boy and several for the kitty to be less greasy.
We won't even talk about the clothes, the sheets, the dresser, the bed...the list goes on!

We still didn't get it all out. It took a few days for kitty to be "clean" again and
I'm still finding bag balm in Caleb's room.

I think he learned his lesson and hopefully Max realizes what happens when you're in
the wrong place at the wrong time.

I'm back...kind of

Thanks to the amazing ice storm I've been offline since Friday. I have been able to check in periodically, but nothing permanent. Apparently Comcast is still experiencing some issues which disconnects me. Love it.

All this offline business gave me some time to think. So, I've decided to take a bit of a break. Not long, just a week or two.

With Christmas right around the corner, Afton's play, and numerous family gatherings coming up I figured this would be the perfect time to take a breather.

I may post a funny or cute picture from time to time. Or post something profound and full of wisdom (ha!). Other than that I'll be laying low.

Just don't forget about me. I promise I'll be back.

Until then...

An explanation for my unexplained absence

We're homeless.

At least for a couple more days. So far it's been 44 hours since we lost power and boy did we lose it good! They were saying it would be 3-4 days, at least, before power would be restored.

Half of our little town has power and we (of course) live in the half that does not. Thankfully this happened on Friday at 1:20 in the morning, so the weekend was almost here. That way we didn't have to toss work into an already crazy schedule.

So, for now we're vagabonds, nomads, wanderers...who just happen to sleep at my in-laws place until our house is warmer than 44 degrees in the daytime!

Prayers would be much appreciated since we're anxious to get home. Caleb was telling us tonight it was time to go home and it was really hard having to tell him we couldn't yet. It's so tough for him to understand. Otherwise the kids are doing pretty good, the parents are doing pretty good (Mike's fine...lol) and we are so thankful to his parents for being will to add a little bit of family hecticness to their otherwise quiet and peaceful life.

Thanks Mom and Dad...we love you very much and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We appreciate you giving us a warm place to sleep!

Now I'm off to catch up on a bit of sleep!

Stay warm and thank God for your houses, apartments, condo's or mobile homes!

Ever feel like you need more hours in your day?

I do.

Unfortunately I'll have to settle for an extra second in the year.

Now...what to do with that extra second....I could...

wink at hubby

blow a kiss to my children

blink 6 times (I just tried it and timed myself. It was either 5 or 6, or maybe 7. Hard to tell.)

take a picture

take a deep breath

wave to someone (quickly!)


Those are just a few things off the top of my head.

What can you do in 1 second?

Who let the dogs out? *woof woof woof*

This is an awesome "commercial"!

Click here to watch. Then show the boy in your life!

These morning are right around the corner. I can feel it in my bones...brrr

However, this would be a very nice thing to do for someone. An intentional random act of kindness.

Stay warm!

Why my hubby is perfect for me

Well, it's actually pretty simple. God gave us to each other. Since God is perfect and He never makes mistakes, then my hubby is perfect for me.

I would have to say that one of the most difficult roles a woman must learn is that of being a wife. Being a mom comes naturally to most of us. We may have some learning to do or experience to gain, but, for the most part, we kinda know what we're doing.

A wife, on the other hand...well, that is a whole other story. See, God created husbands to be the provider for the family and head of the household. That means he makes the final decision.

Elisabeth Elliot talks about her fathers role in the home as she was growing up:

"Head of the house' did not mean our father barked out orders, threw his weight around, and demanded submission from his wife. It simply meant that he was the one finally responsible."

As wives, we want to kind of take that role over. However, we were created to be a helper to our husbands. We are to stand behind him 100% of the time. Support him, love him, stand by him, and let him lead. That doesn't mean we become doormats, but there is a way to lovingly state your thoughts in a way that is honoring and pleasing to both God and our husbands.

In the book I'm reading, A Woman After God's Own Heart, there are several, very interesting statements on marriage. The author, Elizabeth George, was doing some reading and came upon an woman named Anne Ortlund. Anne Ortlund made this statement about marriage and her role, "I have no desire to run parallel to Ray, sprinting down the track in competition. I want to be behind him, encouraging him."

That is the desire of my heart. I don't want to compete with Mike. I strive to continually push him (not literally) forward. By my words and my actions. Being submissive isn't a bad thing and it's not degrading. It's an honor. To be my husbands helper. The world will never see it that way, but that's ok. I'm not concerned with what the world things. The only things I am concerned with is obey my God.

1 Corinthians 11:3
"The head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God."

In keeping with the theme I have a really cool site for all you submissive wives. *wink*

Go check out this site and consider making a purchase. Show the world that you are proud of your hubby and you're not afraid to say it.

On a side note: I am far from perfect. I use the word "strive" because this is something I am working towards. I haven't arrived at perfection. In fact, I'll never arrive until I see my Savior in heaven, face to face. So, until that time, I will continue to work hard, to strive, towards being the wife I am supposed to be. Most importantly I will seek to serve and please God first, then my husband, then my children. Everyone and everything is underneath that.

Better late...

You know what I realized the other day? I realized I forgot to post the trick or treat pictures. Seriously! How rude of me. Please forgive me on that.

So, here are a bunch of really good pictures. In case you didn't know we have the princess (Afton), Superman (Caleb) and a go-go dancer (Miya).

The kiddos had a blast even though it was really chilly that night. The girls lasted the whole time out while Caleb gave up a bit early. It was great though because mama got to go back to a warm house. I wasn't complaining!

Enjoy the photos!

The funny glasses were my "costume", but Caleb wouldn't let me wear them. Every time I put them on he would get scared. Then he would tell me I couldn't put them on anymore. Oh well! The kids got a kick out of using them.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

I pray you have safe travels if you are visiting family. If you are hosting I pray for peace and sense of calm amidst all the preparations.

Most of all I pray you will thank God for all the blessings (and trials) you have in your life!

I.AM.DONE

6 1/2 hours

6 pies

LOTS of ingredients

and

3 loads of laundry later....

I am finally sitting down!

My feet hurt, my legs hurt, my back hurts, my tummy hurts (I forgot to eat!), and my eyes hurt (the apple pies bubbled over and I forgot to put a drip catcher underneath them).

All I can say is that the pies look yummy, my kitchen is finally clean, my laundry is all folded and ready to go into kids rooms, and I'm in PJ's.

Here are the final shots of the night. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!


Me. From Caleb's perspective. Hi.


Caleb taking a shot of my coffee in the microwave


The photographer taking a shot of himself *cheese*


"The Pies"


ahhhhh...my clean kitchen. Love it.
(It's a little on the "smokey" side. Thanks to the spillage. It's
clearing out nicely though.)


The End.

In the middle of it all

Here are some pictures of my pie making endeavor taken about 5 minutes ago!

2 pies in the oven...4 to go...and the house smells so yummy!

More pictures to come a bit later!

Don't worry...I'll take pictures of the final products!

Fun, fun, fun

By now you're all probably scurrying about prepping for Thanksgiving tomorrow. Baking pies, cleaning house, thawing the turkey, putting out your ingredients and most of all....looking forward to spending quality time with family!!!!! That is always the best part!!!!

Hopefully you're not too busy to enjoy the season and find lots of things to be thankful for!

(On a side note)
As I was going through some of my favorite websites I came across a few I thought I would share with you. I hope you have fun with them.

Typoglycemia Translator - like piglatin, but for your eyes!

Birthday Calculator - This one was pretty cool. It gives some interesting facts about the day you were born. It even tells you approximately when you were conceived (which I could have done without!!!)

Smartorstoopid - this one requires some fast thinking, but it was fun! BTW...no one is stupid...lol

So, those are my little gems for today. Don't forget to enjoy the Thanksgiving preparation and not get too stressed! I'll be telling myself that later on as I work with 5 homemade butter pie crusts!!!

Parenting...a delicate balance

I was looking through a stack of recipes that I had cut out, set aside, ripped out, or saved. As I went through each recipe I put them into a pile: have tried, have to try, don't want to try, household cleaning recipes and fun recipes.

While I was sorting I picked up an oddly shaped, pink piece of paper. As I read the two blurbs on it I realized this was definitely something I needed to hear today. Once again, I was thankful that God has a way of putting things right in front of us when we least expect it. Sorting recipes...who would have thought I would have had my inspiration for the day doing that?! Pretty cool.

So, here is what was written on the oddly shaped piece of magazine paper I had picked up:

Stop and Reflect - Nicole Maki (Draper, Utah)

The best advice I received from another mom was to imagine that each of my boys has a mirror on his forehead so that I'll always be mindful of what he is seeing. Times that I'm frustrated by the thousandth request for fight, I remind myself of that little morror and check to make sure that my sons are seeing a face of patience and love.

Let Your Home Be a Haven - Julie Kreuscher (Kansasville, Wisconsin)

My children always seem well behaved when they are anywhere but home. My mother reminded me that everyone needs a place to fall apart, even adults, and if that place isn't your own home, where would it be? As always, she was right - we all need a place where we're comfortable enough to have a bad day and know that the people around us will love us no matter what.

I thought those were pretty good reminders, at least for me. I think about the first one more often though. When I'm speaking firmly to one of the love bugs I try to remember that I look kind of "large" to them. They are shorter, and if I am talking over them in a louder voice that is very intimidating and can see mean. It's always better to get down on their level, speak in a calmer (but firm) tone of voice and deal with the issue that way.

Obviously everyone has their own method of teaching, training and discipline, but I pray I am showing my children that I love them no matter what. Even when they are in trouble.

It's all about learning

Wanna see how well you know parts of the world?

Yes?

Cool...go here and give this a try. It'll make you want to break out a map and brush up on your geography.

Or it could be a great tool to use with your kiddos in learning parts of our world...and it's fun!

Titled: The best prank ever...

I thought it was a pretty novel idea! So, I thought I would share.










I was trying to imagine what I would be thinking if I saw this!

When you think you know...

Have you ever had that feeling in the pit of your stomach that you know something to be true you just don't have "proof"? You just have that intuition...that instinct. I've felt that one too many times. It's not really a relief when you find out, but it's just confirmation of what you already knew.

I must admit I haven't handled "the truth" too well in the past, but I've really been praying for a peace and an understanding in those types of situations. God has been faithful and He prepares my heart by giving me that intuition.

I know that the reason I didn't handle it well was because I was trying to be the one in control. Instead of letting God do the work I was trying to make sure everything was "right". I was the one in the way of what God was trying to do. That is a hard thing to realize, but once I did I was able to take myself out of the pilot's seat and let God do His job. It had to start with me giving up my will and trusting in His perfect plan.

How many times do we try to control a situation so the outcome is one we desire? How many times do we plan things so perfectly for us that we forget it isn't about us? We could be hindering God's work in our lives or someone else's life because we want the control that belongs to God.

I've realized that I cannot control a situation or a person. My responsibility is to trust that God has a plan in every situation and PRAY! I have learned (and am still learning!) to go to God with my feelings of frustration, anger, disappointment, fear, hurt, and betrayal. Who better to turn to than the One who has been through it all and has felt every emotion I will ever feel?

So, today, if you're struggling with control or the feeling of being let down by those you love the most I urge you to get on your knees and seek God's will in this situation. Pray for wisdom, peace and understanding. Ask Him to help you let it go and relax.

Philipians 4: 6 & 7
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

I can honestly say that I've never felt so at peace after finding something out that I "knew". However, just be careful not to believe everything you hear unless it comes from that person or you have spoken with them directly.

Those are my words of wisdom for today. Born from personal experience & jotted down really quickly because it was heavy on my heart and felt God was leading me to share it with you.

All purpose "green" cleaner

I found this in a recent issue of Good Housekeeping. I already have one that I make myself, but I like the added ingredients in this one. I just have to pick up castile soap because I ran out. If you try it, let me know what you think and if you did anything different than what the "recipe" says.

Gorgeously Green All-Purpose Spray

Fill a 32-ouce plastic spray bottle with the following:

2 cups water
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon pure castile soap (such as peppermint)
3/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
20 drops tea tree oil
20 drops lavender or lemongrass essential oil
(In summer months, add 10 drops citronella essential oil as an insect repellent.)

This cleaner is suitable for acrylic, ceramic tile, wood, marble, and granite.

Funny Friday

Happy Friday everyone!

I think this describes every families yard!

I remember watching the 3 Stooges when I was younger!
We loved them!

If this hasn't happned to you yet...it will!

I saw this picture ealier in the week and I think some of us can relate to this poor creature.

and finally...

Amen? You bet...

Have a great weekend!

Our new favorite show

We found a new show on the Disney channel recently called Imagination Movers.

The kids absolutely love it and I have to admit it captures my attention too! They're funny, colorful, musical, imaginative (of course)... and Afton loves Scott!

After reading who they are and how they started I like them even more. I'm thinking I'll have to go pick up some of their DVD's or CD's.

Go check them out on ABC...here is the link...you can watch the videos of their interview and the songs they perform.

Do you know what I am so excited for?

The Christmas season!!

I love celebrating Jesus' birth, telling my children about the meaning of Christmas, decorating, being with family...everything!!

I just started listening to some of the Christmas music and boy does that get me ready for the season!

So, I thought I would share a few with you! I love the classic, Christmas music by Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Nat King Cole along with newer songs by Harry Connick Jr. I'm also completely in love with Manheim Steamroller and Trans Siberian Orchestra! Love them....

Enjoy

My absolute favorite Christmas song is "O Holy Night" and I love the way Celine Dion sings it!

So, those are a few of my favorite Christmas songs. I'm thinking I'll add a few more favorites as I come up with stuff.

Aware

God has blessed me with an amazing opportunity to be a mother to the most beautiful children (I may be slightly partial). I am humbled and awed at the responsibility I've been given. I do not take it lightly nor do I go into it blindly. I am always striving to know more, learn more, be a better mom and wife, and study His word on all of these things.

Part of my responsibility, I feel, is to know what is going on in the world. I may not be up to date on the latest oil prices, know what the stock market is doing or have an idea of what the latest fashions are, but I do try my hardest to know what is happening to influence families. I feel this is my area to know because I've been entrusted with raising children and teaching them about God and how to love and serve Him with their whole hearts.

Lately I've been reminded of the need to be prepared. With a new president there will be many changes in our country and we need to be well informed and equipped to handle the changes. We know that God puts leaders into power and He removes them. I know my responsibility as a Christian is to support my president through prayer and respect the authority God has bestowed upon him/her. However, I know that doesn't mean I have to agree with everything or support the decisions that directly go against what God says.

I also know that being prepared (and at times concerned) doesn't mean we need to live in fear of what's to come.

II Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self discipline."

See, we know what is to come. We know the end of the story. We know what to expect and what will happen. None of this should take us by surprise. Read what Paul said to Timothy in the following verses:

II Timothy 3:1-9

¹ You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.

² For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.

³ They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.

⁴ They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.

⁵ They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

⁶ They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires.

⁷ (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.)

⁸ These teachers oppose the trugh just as jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and counterfeit faith.

⁹ But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.

Does any of that sound familiar? I know I see this every day. All I have to do is turn on the evening news. Which, by the way, is why I don't watch the news.

I received this article in my inbox several days ago and it was a reminder to me of my need to be praying for our my children and teaching them to live a holy and upright life. I pray they will grow up and be blessed enough to have a husband/wife and children of their own. If they do have children they will be raising them in times that could be more difficult spiritually than these times right now. I only pray that God gives me the wisdom to teach them those things He wants them to know in order that they would be prepared for the trials they may face as parents.

(for more research on the above link I went to here, here and here)

So my prayer(s) for today are as follows:

To be watchful & aware
1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a
roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Protected

Ephesians 6:10-20
"10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all
strategies of the devil.
12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers
and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.
14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.
15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.
16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.
20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should."

Filled with the fruits of the Spirit

Galations 5:22-23a"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

Live wisely

Ephesians 5:15-16 "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Teach our children wisely

Deuteronomy 4:9 "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."

11/11 ~ Veterans Day

They Did Their Share

On Veteran’s Day we honor
Soldiers who protect our nation.
For their service as our warriors,
They deserve our admiration.

Some of them were drafted;
Some were volunteers;
For some it was just yesterday;
For some it’s been many years;

In the jungle or the desert,
On land or on the sea,
They did whatever was assigned
To produce a victory.

Some came back; some didn’t.
They defended us everywhere.
Some saw combat; some rode a desk;
All of them did their share.

No matter what the duty,
For low pay and little glory,
These soldiers gave up normal lives,
For duties mundane and gory.

Let every veteran be honored;
Don’t let politics get in the way.
Without them, freedom would have died;
What they did, we can’t repay.

We owe so much to them,
Who kept us safe from terror,
So when we see a uniform,
Let’s say "thank you" to every wearer.

By Joanna Fuchs
www.poemsource.com

Anyone need a good laugh?

Yes?

Good.

Check out a few pictures according to Afton.

You never know what you'll find on the camera after she's used it.

She provides hours of comic relief.

I'm thinking theater or comedy is in her future.

With her, even a foot is funny...up close and personal, of course.

Are you laughing yet?

I can't stop laughing!!

The End.