First, I would like to say that most times during the day I would claim that I {we} have the perfect marriage. Our love is something that has always been very natural, and amazingly grows each day.
At the same time, I am always struggling for new ways to make SURE that Justin knows how I feel about him. Sometimes this task is hard because of the way I think.
Lately, I have been flat out overwhelmed.
The end of school for Carys and Sawyer means LOTS of notes to return and five dollars here and there for this and that. I must openly admit that YES, teachers are the WORST parents for other teachers to deal with in regards to these matters because we are so busy keeping our own class in line, we sometimes neglect these tasks for our own children. {It is possible that this is just my own fault and I am trying to bring other teachers down with me, I admit that!} Trying to keep up with their school events is tiring for me.
The end of school for me means LOTS of paperwork. This is my first year to do this paperwork on my own, and it is more than we had last year. That means that I have to juggle lessons and teaching with the paperwork side of my job. I am not complaining, just stating that it takes a lot out of me.
I have also committed to serve in our developing ministry Bibb County Sav-A-Life. This is a ministry I have always felt connected to and had a passion for. It is one of the only missions where you have the potential to save TWO lives at once {the baby and the mother}. But it takes time. I prayed over this decision and proceeded with Justin's blessing but it is another time consumer.
This is my last weekend of Graduate School for this semester. I have devoted a LOT of time this semester to my two classes. I set out to make A's in everything. I truly believe that you should do everything to the Lord so that others can see Him in everything that you do. This kept me going this semester when I had thoughts of just doing things "enough to get by." I have done well and expect good grades. I originally signed up for four classes this summer. My goal was to finish this degree ahead of schedule to save time and money. Upon further reflection, I have decided to cut back and enjoy some time with my family this summer. At this age my kids need me. They want me. And as I understand it, this won't always be the case so I am going taking advantage of them this summer!
I find that I have very little to give to my family. This bring thoughts of sadness, because they are my first and most important mission. These thoughts of sadness lead to negativity and before long I am not far from full out depression. I have thought things like, "I have so many things going on and I am not good at any of them." I began to worry if I was doing all that I could should for Justin. I have become very worried about my appearance and the thought of being attractive to my husband. I started to worry about all of the bad behaviors/habits of my kids {which to be honest are few and far between.} I began to take every negative comment that Justin made as a personal attack {which they were NOT.}
I read this post over At the Well. Once again God prepared in the heart of someone else the words I needed to hear. I was so humbled at this thought. Even though the author of this post was a Titus 2 Woman, I felt God speaking these words to my heart.
I realized the power I was giving these thoughts. None of these are true. It took a moment of confession for me to get over the fact that I had allowed satan to use my nasty flesh-drive mind to plant seeds of sadness. More guilt came as all of the blessings of God began to roll across my mind. I mean lets face it people, for whatever reason, I am one BLESSED gal! The guilt did not last long because God in His mercy took it from me the moment I asked. He came in and "renewed a right spirit in me" {Psalm 51:10}
So today, I am re focused on becoming more of a Titus 2 Woman :
3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
I must get back to the place where my thoughts are such that I can be the help mate to Justin that I KNOW I was created to be. The one who he KNOWS he can count on to help him when he feels down or negative. The one who is not only the keeper of his heart, but the encourager to his spirit. Back to the place where I am the solid place of rest and comfort for my children. This is where my thoughts are headed today!
This post was for myself, or at least I think so. It was highly personal and telling. I cannot help but think that maybe someone needed these words, this scripture.
Is there any thoughts that you are letting rule your life that are dragging you down rather than lifting up your spirit. Things that are preventing you from being all God has for you? Trust me when I say, you can doing something about these. All you have to do is PRAY!
Praying for my friends who I might not even know are dealing with this, I pray for you.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Post of a Lifetime...
This is gonna be tough to write.
Not because it is sad, or difficult, but because I cannot stop crying long enough to type a complete word.
They are tears of joy.
God's Word says, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
We know this, we believe this, we trust this.
Many times over the past few years I have asked you to be in prayer for my children. For lots of different reasons, but most importantly for their salvation. I prayed that the very day they realized that they were in fact sinners in need of grace, they would accept Christ's free gift of the most amazing grace ever known.
I have also mentioned to you many times that I felt the time for Carys and Sawyer to understand and seek God's forgiveness would come sooner, rather than later.
I was right.
I will try and recall the events of Wednesday, April 21, 2010 as clearly as I can remember them. But just know that as in Luke 19:9...
Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.
After church Wednesday night we were rushed {as we are all Wed nights} to get baths and get off to bed. I helped the kids bathe and get into pj's and off to bed I sent them. I hugged and kissed each one, and told them their daddy would be in there soon to to the same and say prayers with them {we rotate each night to say prayers with them at bedtime.}
As Justin was praying, Sawyer began to talk. Justin paused his prayer and corrected Sawyer saying, "Son, you know that you are not supposed to talk during our prayer."
Sawyer looked up at Justin and said, "Sorry Daddy, I was just trying to as Jesus to come into my heart."
At which point I was summoned into the room. We talked for a few minutes about what sin was {Sawyer said anything the Bible tells you to do but you don't or anything the Bible tells you not to do, but you do it anyway is sin}, and why each of us need a savior {Sawyer said that we are all sinners because Adam and Eve disobeyed God, and now we are born sinners too}. Then we talked about what it means to ask Jesus to save you.
Sawyer prayed, from my prompt, a very simple prayer... and asked God to save him based upon what Jesus did for us on the cross. After the prayer, Sawyer was on cloud nine! He was excited saying "I'm a Christian!" and "Jesus is in my heart!"
How could this night get any better?!?
I was so wrapped up in explaining that now, Sawyer had an important job of learning all the wonderful things in the Bible and sharing them with others, that I did not notice Carys.
I looked up at her and she was almost in tears. She said," Momma, will you help me say that prayer so that I can be a Christian too? I want to go to heaven with you and daddy and Sawyer."
So we repeated the above process all over again.
It was most undeniable, the BEST night of my life, of OUR lives.
Since then, we have been having the best time being a Christian family. The next morning when we got in the car for school, Carys announced that there were now THREE Christians in the car. Now, when we get in I say, are all my Christians in the car?? They just laugh and laugh.
Sawyer could not wait to go to school and tell EVERYONE!! Carys is very excited, and has been asking even more questions about the Bible than normal {which was already a lot.} We have been reading about John baptizing Jesus. They are a little unsure of that whole process, but we are taking it slow. I want them to FULLY understand WHY baptism is important and want them to WANT to do this to SHOW their obedience to God, publicly.
I want to tell YOU thank you. For all of the prayers that went up for my kids. I know that they are very young and Lord willing they have long lives ahead of them. Please pray that our lives will play out in such a way that this will be the beginning of fruitful Christian lives for the both of them.
There are NO WORDS to describe how Justin and I feel. I must remind you all of this verse,
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Amen and Amen!!
I my heart is so full of JOY right now that there is no room for any other desires!!
God Bless you All!!
Not because it is sad, or difficult, but because I cannot stop crying long enough to type a complete word.
They are tears of joy.
God's Word says, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12
We know this, we believe this, we trust this.
Many times over the past few years I have asked you to be in prayer for my children. For lots of different reasons, but most importantly for their salvation. I prayed that the very day they realized that they were in fact sinners in need of grace, they would accept Christ's free gift of the most amazing grace ever known.
I have also mentioned to you many times that I felt the time for Carys and Sawyer to understand and seek God's forgiveness would come sooner, rather than later.
I was right.
I will try and recall the events of Wednesday, April 21, 2010 as clearly as I can remember them. But just know that as in Luke 19:9...
Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.
After church Wednesday night we were rushed {as we are all Wed nights} to get baths and get off to bed. I helped the kids bathe and get into pj's and off to bed I sent them. I hugged and kissed each one, and told them their daddy would be in there soon to to the same and say prayers with them {we rotate each night to say prayers with them at bedtime.}
As Justin was praying, Sawyer began to talk. Justin paused his prayer and corrected Sawyer saying, "Son, you know that you are not supposed to talk during our prayer."
Sawyer looked up at Justin and said, "Sorry Daddy, I was just trying to as Jesus to come into my heart."
At which point I was summoned into the room. We talked for a few minutes about what sin was {Sawyer said anything the Bible tells you to do but you don't or anything the Bible tells you not to do, but you do it anyway is sin}, and why each of us need a savior {Sawyer said that we are all sinners because Adam and Eve disobeyed God, and now we are born sinners too}. Then we talked about what it means to ask Jesus to save you.
Sawyer prayed, from my prompt, a very simple prayer... and asked God to save him based upon what Jesus did for us on the cross. After the prayer, Sawyer was on cloud nine! He was excited saying "I'm a Christian!" and "Jesus is in my heart!"
How could this night get any better?!?
I was so wrapped up in explaining that now, Sawyer had an important job of learning all the wonderful things in the Bible and sharing them with others, that I did not notice Carys.
I looked up at her and she was almost in tears. She said," Momma, will you help me say that prayer so that I can be a Christian too? I want to go to heaven with you and daddy and Sawyer."
So we repeated the above process all over again.
It was most undeniable, the BEST night of my life, of OUR lives.
Since then, we have been having the best time being a Christian family. The next morning when we got in the car for school, Carys announced that there were now THREE Christians in the car. Now, when we get in I say, are all my Christians in the car?? They just laugh and laugh.
Sawyer could not wait to go to school and tell EVERYONE!! Carys is very excited, and has been asking even more questions about the Bible than normal {which was already a lot.} We have been reading about John baptizing Jesus. They are a little unsure of that whole process, but we are taking it slow. I want them to FULLY understand WHY baptism is important and want them to WANT to do this to SHOW their obedience to God, publicly.
I want to tell YOU thank you. For all of the prayers that went up for my kids. I know that they are very young and Lord willing they have long lives ahead of them. Please pray that our lives will play out in such a way that this will be the beginning of fruitful Christian lives for the both of them.
There are NO WORDS to describe how Justin and I feel. I must remind you all of this verse,
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Amen and Amen!!
I my heart is so full of JOY right now that there is no room for any other desires!!
God Bless you All!!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Show Me Your Weekend!
We had a VERY full weekend. Although there are LOTS of pictures here, there are other activities that I was unable to capture. Besides all this, we were able to get our yard nearly perfect for Spring/Summer. We still have not planted the garden, but that will be done this week.
Saturday morning, I took the kids to see/ride Thomas the Train.
They had lots of activities for the kids to enjoy. My kids favorite was the "petting zoo" {naturally}! Sawyer's first comment was, "Look momma, they have all the same animals as us!"They had ducks.
This is Carys enumerating her qualifications for holding a baby duck!
I guess she gets an "A" for her negotiating skills!
Okay people, I know I am a push over. I paid ONE DOLLAR for my kids to feed, well KIDS! Never mind they have 4 goats of their OWN!!!!!
There was sand...
and trains...
and mini golf {please don't tell Coach Mike. He specifically said NO golf until AFTER t-ball season! oops!}
Music {he really was quite good and the kids liked him}
Oh, and our first visit to a Port-O-Potty.
We were super blessed to be the first ones to use it that day!!
and trains...
and mini golf {please don't tell Coach Mike. He specifically said NO golf until AFTER t-ball season! oops!}
Music {he really was quite good and the kids liked him}
Oh, and our first visit to a Port-O-Potty.
We were super blessed to be the first ones to use it that day!!
And the train ride. The kids really enjoyed the ride! We rode in the "open-air" section.
It was worth the $18 bucks per ticket. If the weather is nice, I suggest the open air cars because you are more engaged in the ride and closer to Thomas. Also, be sure to bring extra cash. Several things are free {bouncy jump, tattoos, games to play, mini-golf} but they have lots of extras :)
The kids could stand and move about freely. They liked this!
God had a wonderful surprise for us! Our friends Nikki and Scott {and there two sweethearts} had tickets for the SAME time and SAME section of the train as us. We were able to ride with them and catch up on things. I told Nikki, if we had tried to plan this it would have never worked out!
Here is darling Quinn!
Remember the "extra" cash I told you to bring? Balloon- $9 Yes, I bought it :(
I spent most of the weekend like this, camera-to-face!
God is SO Good!!!!!!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Fingerprint Friday
So, I stumbled upon a blog The Rusted Chain as I was blog jumping this afternoon. Even though this is my first time on the blog, I felt the Spirit move in me as I read her challenge for today.
She was inspired by the Steven Curtis Chapman song that says:
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprint of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God.
She challenged everyone to look around them and find places where each of us sees such fingerprints.
Because I am always behind the camera, I don't have many photos of my whole family. I certainly see God there.
Both of my kids I know were knitted together perfectly by God as well.
But I made a promise long ago that I would NEVER pass up an opportunity to remind people of the might work that God did in Carys Jo's little body!! So without further adieu...
"The Fingerprint"
She was inspired by the Steven Curtis Chapman song that says:
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprint of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God.
She challenged everyone to look around them and find places where each of us sees such fingerprints.
Because I am always behind the camera, I don't have many photos of my whole family. I certainly see God there.
Both of my kids I know were knitted together perfectly by God as well.
But I made a promise long ago that I would NEVER pass up an opportunity to remind people of the might work that God did in Carys Jo's little body!! So without further adieu...
"The Fingerprint"
Mark 5:34"He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be healed from your suffering.'"
Please understand this, cancer did something to Carys' body that we could see outwardly.
Sin is very much like Cancer. It eats away at us until we barely resemble the people God created us to be. And sometimes, despite our best efforts, it keeps coming back.
BUT,
Jesus can take care of that! The same way he touched Carys physically, He can touch YOUR heart and take away the unwanted burden and restore you to a place of acceptance, love, happiness and peace!
Please, NEVER forget what God did for Carys and what He wants to do for you!
Gnats, sun, and all things spring
Have I mentioned that I LOVE spring. I also love the fact that I can capture images like this!
We serve such an AWESOME GOD!
Isaiah 40:20
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tried or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom."
We serve such an AWESOME GOD!
Isaiah 40:20
"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tried or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom."
Another of God's BEAUTIFUL creations!
Isaiah 64:8
"Yet, O LORD, You are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand.
Here is what happens when you attempt to take pictures when there are lots of gnats around!
Look at this little beauty. She is a few weeks away from being a BIG sister!!
"The Spot"
That is what I call this shot. As a child I loved to play here. I still do. But now, it is one of my favorite spots to shoot pictures.
See why?
Flowers from around the home. My second favorite thing to shoot {besides the kids} in nature. MUCH easier to get these to be still!
I hope you all have a WONDERFULLY blessed weekend!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
"Child Training"
With all of the recent debates about parenting methods and advice, I was thankful to read today's post over At The Well.
"And I’m realizing that “child training” has been equated with spanking or the use of “the rod”–and that is quite unfortunate. Instead, child training should be understood as the process by which we impart to our children not only the practical skills they will need upon emancipation, but the spiritual as well. As Christian parents, we want our children to embrace the truth of the Gospel and grow in a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. “Child training” is just a small (but vital) part of that equation."
This is only a small excerpt from the post. I hope you will jump over to The Well and check out the whole thing.
I am a spanker. It is an approach that has worked with my children. They know what "spank-able" offenses are {them being ages 4 and 5.5} As they have grown over the past two years or so, spankings have become less and less. Now, my children know that certain behaviors toward myself, each other, our home {like Sawyer writing on the dinning room wall}, or to others will bring spankings. Often, if I see these behaviors starting, I can remind the children that would be a choice that would result in a spanking and that THEY are in charge of (1) making the choice and (2) obtaining the reward/consequence that follows.
That being said, we do not spank for everything! Sometimes setting in silence or doing someone else's chore works better. For us, "training up our children in the way they should go is so much bigger than spanking...even than behavior. What I know is that I must help them to become people who (1) God is pleased with (2) who can function to the height of their ability in society and (3) can be happy and healthy adults.
Anyway, this post just struck a cord with me. I don't care if people spank their kids or not, really. I do not think they are lazy, loose, or uncaring parents if they do not. But I have been told one two many times that I am hard, or unrealistic with the expectations I set for my kids. Can't we just all respect each other!?!? Right Kimberly:)
"And I’m realizing that “child training” has been equated with spanking or the use of “the rod”–and that is quite unfortunate. Instead, child training should be understood as the process by which we impart to our children not only the practical skills they will need upon emancipation, but the spiritual as well. As Christian parents, we want our children to embrace the truth of the Gospel and grow in a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. “Child training” is just a small (but vital) part of that equation."
This is only a small excerpt from the post. I hope you will jump over to The Well and check out the whole thing.
I am a spanker. It is an approach that has worked with my children. They know what "spank-able" offenses are {them being ages 4 and 5.5} As they have grown over the past two years or so, spankings have become less and less. Now, my children know that certain behaviors toward myself, each other, our home {like Sawyer writing on the dinning room wall}, or to others will bring spankings. Often, if I see these behaviors starting, I can remind the children that would be a choice that would result in a spanking and that THEY are in charge of (1) making the choice and (2) obtaining the reward/consequence that follows.
That being said, we do not spank for everything! Sometimes setting in silence or doing someone else's chore works better. For us, "training up our children in the way they should go is so much bigger than spanking...even than behavior. What I know is that I must help them to become people who (1) God is pleased with (2) who can function to the height of their ability in society and (3) can be happy and healthy adults.
Anyway, this post just struck a cord with me. I don't care if people spank their kids or not, really. I do not think they are lazy, loose, or uncaring parents if they do not. But I have been told one two many times that I am hard, or unrealistic with the expectations I set for my kids. Can't we just all respect each other!?!? Right Kimberly:)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Reality
Ever have one of those moments when reality hits you in the face?
That happened to me yesterday when I had my taxes done. Let me preface by saying that I am not against the idea of taxation. If you don't know I am {and always have been} a civics junkie. Like my Dad got me a copy of The O'Riley Factor book for a Christmas present when I was still in high school. I took extra history classes in HS {just for fun} and majored in History the first time in college {political science was always my fav!}
With all that said, I am completely astounded at the changes that have taken place in our country over the past few years. I am a good example of how our country encourages folks to better themselves, go to college, move up in the world - and then penalize them for doing so.
I don't even care about that. I want good roads, schools, protection, infrastructure in general and I don't mind pitching in my fair share. I made "slightly" more money this year than I did last year while Justin remained about the same. However, when I had our taxes filled-out, we got less back from the FED and had to pay MORE to the silly State of Alabama. I was a bit puzzled. Again, this is NOT about the fact that we have to pay taxes, it is the stupidity and level at which we are taxed.
Did you know that due to recent changes from the federal government that employers may NOT be deducting the maximum amount from your pay check even though you may have marked for them to at an earlier date. The lady who filled out my taxes told me to check on this. When I looked on my W2 I could tell that there was not as much deducted as I was used to.
Also, if you live in Alabama, the states with a Constitution containing 1000 amendments, you had to count your 2008 return as income. Again, I knew this, but the more I think about it, the MADDER I get!!! Think about it... I got a return because I OVERPAID my taxes in the first place. Now, call me crazy, but if I underpaid the IRS or decided not to pay on time, they would lock me up {or slap me with bigger fines!!} I think that the IRS should pay me INTEREST on the OVERPAYMENT that spent without my permission. What kinda crazies do we have in Montgomery/DC anyway?!?!?!?
Anyway, I decided to be raw and honest this this post. You may not care. That is fine. You may think I am WRONG. That is fine too. I just had to get this off my chest!
That happened to me yesterday when I had my taxes done. Let me preface by saying that I am not against the idea of taxation. If you don't know I am {and always have been} a civics junkie. Like my Dad got me a copy of The O'Riley Factor book for a Christmas present when I was still in high school. I took extra history classes in HS {just for fun} and majored in History the first time in college {political science was always my fav!}
With all that said, I am completely astounded at the changes that have taken place in our country over the past few years. I am a good example of how our country encourages folks to better themselves, go to college, move up in the world - and then penalize them for doing so.
I don't even care about that. I want good roads, schools, protection, infrastructure in general and I don't mind pitching in my fair share. I made "slightly" more money this year than I did last year while Justin remained about the same. However, when I had our taxes filled-out, we got less back from the FED and had to pay MORE to the silly State of Alabama. I was a bit puzzled. Again, this is NOT about the fact that we have to pay taxes, it is the stupidity and level at which we are taxed.
Did you know that due to recent changes from the federal government that employers may NOT be deducting the maximum amount from your pay check even though you may have marked for them to at an earlier date. The lady who filled out my taxes told me to check on this. When I looked on my W2 I could tell that there was not as much deducted as I was used to.
Also, if you live in Alabama, the states with a Constitution containing 1000 amendments, you had to count your 2008 return as income. Again, I knew this, but the more I think about it, the MADDER I get!!! Think about it... I got a return because I OVERPAID my taxes in the first place. Now, call me crazy, but if I underpaid the IRS or decided not to pay on time, they would lock me up {or slap me with bigger fines!!} I think that the IRS should pay me INTEREST on the OVERPAYMENT that spent without my permission. What kinda crazies do we have in Montgomery/DC anyway?!?!?!?
Anyway, I decided to be raw and honest this this post. You may not care. That is fine. You may think I am WRONG. That is fine too. I just had to get this off my chest!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
My Children...
I realized that I have been more photos and less talk lately. You may not care. In fact, might prefer that I hush and give you some cutie pie kids {and animals} to look at.
But, this blog is for me. My therapy as an overworked, under-appreciated, well loved, BLESSED, and happy woman. So here goes...an update {probably too long} of my life.
My husband is the bomb!! Have I told you lately? He has always been awesome, but over the last few years he has really grown into the type of hubby that the Bible describes. Never taking me for granted {and apologizing when he does:} He has stopped complaining about the house being a mess, and instead decided to support me either by helping or keeping his mouth shut! :) He is a wonderful father who is very active in the lives of our kids. I don't just mean like stealing Sawyer away for an afternoon of exploration at the creek {yesterday afternoon} but more important things like listening to the kids, praying with them, lots of praise and lots of loving! He is my MAN :)
Then there are my kids. Amazing. That is the word that describes them. I have been thinking a lot about why they act the way they do {both good and bad.} I always get so many comments of "they are so smart" or " they are so well behaved." I began to reflect on just why it was this way. They are smart, maybe too smart. For example,
Carys had 50 million {no exaggeration here} questions about the "Easter Bunny." From "how does he open the door?" to "If he is real, they how does he carry the baskets?" I mean come on kid. Can't you just "believe" something?
I thought about just telling her the "truth." I mean, that has been my philosophy with her all along. But I knew that with their lovely {truly} inductive reasoning abilities {the ability to grasp a general concept from a specific set of facts, i.e. there is no Easter Bunny therefore Santa and the Tooth Fairy must not be real either.} would come back to bite me. I mean, she has fun with those and is that not the whole point!
So, Justin and I talked and decided to tell the kids that this would probably be the last year the Easter Bunny would visit them since they were growing up to be such big kids and all. We told them and paused and waited for the fall-out...would their be tears? wailing? But no.
Sawyer proudly said, "That is okay, Easter is not about all that candy stuff anyway and you and Daddy can still get us something. Right?"
Then came the tears, but not from the kids; from ME! I knew in this moment how truly blessed I was. We followed up with a discussion about how incredibly special the holidays of Christmas and Easter were to us as Believers. They were cool with it, and so was I.
Whoa these kids....I LOVE them truly!!
But, this blog is for me. My therapy as an overworked, under-appreciated, well loved, BLESSED, and happy woman. So here goes...an update {probably too long} of my life.
My husband is the bomb!! Have I told you lately? He has always been awesome, but over the last few years he has really grown into the type of hubby that the Bible describes. Never taking me for granted {and apologizing when he does:} He has stopped complaining about the house being a mess, and instead decided to support me either by helping or keeping his mouth shut! :) He is a wonderful father who is very active in the lives of our kids. I don't just mean like stealing Sawyer away for an afternoon of exploration at the creek {yesterday afternoon} but more important things like listening to the kids, praying with them, lots of praise and lots of loving! He is my MAN :)
Then there are my kids. Amazing. That is the word that describes them. I have been thinking a lot about why they act the way they do {both good and bad.} I always get so many comments of "they are so smart" or " they are so well behaved." I began to reflect on just why it was this way. They are smart, maybe too smart. For example,
Carys had 50 million {no exaggeration here} questions about the "Easter Bunny." From "how does he open the door?" to "If he is real, they how does he carry the baskets?" I mean come on kid. Can't you just "believe" something?
I thought about just telling her the "truth." I mean, that has been my philosophy with her all along. But I knew that with their lovely {truly} inductive reasoning abilities {the ability to grasp a general concept from a specific set of facts, i.e. there is no Easter Bunny therefore Santa and the Tooth Fairy must not be real either.} would come back to bite me. I mean, she has fun with those and is that not the whole point!
So, Justin and I talked and decided to tell the kids that this would probably be the last year the Easter Bunny would visit them since they were growing up to be such big kids and all. We told them and paused and waited for the fall-out...would their be tears? wailing? But no.
Sawyer proudly said, "That is okay, Easter is not about all that candy stuff anyway and you and Daddy can still get us something. Right?"
Then came the tears, but not from the kids; from ME! I knew in this moment how truly blessed I was. We followed up with a discussion about how incredibly special the holidays of Christmas and Easter were to us as Believers. They were cool with it, and so was I.
Whoa these kids....I LOVE them truly!!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Resurrection Celebration! {lots of detailes}
What a wonderful occasion Easter is. We had a wonderful weekend.
Friday night, we went to Tuscaloosa in search for some last minute items. My kids had out-grown every single pair of shoes they owned. I knew Sawyer had a growth spurt but he and Carys needed new kick. The mall {as you might imagine} was pretty packed.
But the kids were well behaved and we made it out the doors of the mall BEFORE they locked us in:) Carys found the "perfect" dress. She impressed many onlookers with her shopping skills. When she saw the dress she gasped and exclaimed "It is everything I was looking for in my dress!" I needed help getting up off the floor of The Children's Place I was laughing so hard!
Saturday morning we boiled and dyed our eggs. We decided to try out our own {brown} eggs this year. I am SO glad we did. I was charging my camera so I used Justin's for the egg dying. I have to find his cord to download the pics but you guys MUST see these eggs. I like to use the little cups that you add a tablet, water, and vinegar to. They are less messy and a breeze to clean up. I only bought one pack this year. So the kids had to share and take turns WAITING for the other one's eggs to be removed. So, I decided to implement a system.
First, we talked at length about Easter. Thankfully, the kids have a pretty good grip on Easter and the reason why we celebrate. As I got the dye ready, I had the kids smell of the vinegar. We talked about how when Jesus was suffering on the cross the soldiers offered this as a drink to Him. This really affected Sawyer. Carys asked if she could taste it so I let her stick her finger in it. She thought it was yuck.
Then Sawyer had a T-Ball game on Saturday afternoon. It was a beautiful afternoon and all the little ones had a great time. We spent Saturday night in Pratville shopping. I still did not have a dress and I really needed one! I shopped at Belk and where do you think Justin was?!?!? Bass Pro of course. Sawyer and Carys love that store as much as their Daddy!
Sunday morning was good. Everyone got up and dresses as we were starting Sunday School at 9am. I got the kids ready and we were outside making pictures when I heard a loud THUD in the house and then Justin scream for me to come in. He was getting dressed when his back went out. I found him on the bedroom floor crying. I have only seen him in pain like that one other time {toothache} and it was scary. For me and the kids. We got him settled on the couch and off to church we went. It was hard for us all to not have Daddy at church with us. He is some better today, but still hurting and moving very slowly.
So, my well planned photo shoot was cut short. I don't mind because I still have the kids, the clothes, and the yard will only get prettier as Spring goes along.
Here is what I have. I am proud of what photo's I managed.
Friday night, we went to Tuscaloosa in search for some last minute items. My kids had out-grown every single pair of shoes they owned. I knew Sawyer had a growth spurt but he and Carys needed new kick. The mall {as you might imagine} was pretty packed.
But the kids were well behaved and we made it out the doors of the mall BEFORE they locked us in:) Carys found the "perfect" dress. She impressed many onlookers with her shopping skills. When she saw the dress she gasped and exclaimed "It is everything I was looking for in my dress!" I needed help getting up off the floor of The Children's Place I was laughing so hard!
Saturday morning we boiled and dyed our eggs. We decided to try out our own {brown} eggs this year. I am SO glad we did. I was charging my camera so I used Justin's for the egg dying. I have to find his cord to download the pics but you guys MUST see these eggs. I like to use the little cups that you add a tablet, water, and vinegar to. They are less messy and a breeze to clean up. I only bought one pack this year. So the kids had to share and take turns WAITING for the other one's eggs to be removed. So, I decided to implement a system.
First, we talked at length about Easter. Thankfully, the kids have a pretty good grip on Easter and the reason why we celebrate. As I got the dye ready, I had the kids smell of the vinegar. We talked about how when Jesus was suffering on the cross the soldiers offered this as a drink to Him. This really affected Sawyer. Carys asked if she could taste it so I let her stick her finger in it. She thought it was yuck.
Then Sawyer had a T-Ball game on Saturday afternoon. It was a beautiful afternoon and all the little ones had a great time. We spent Saturday night in Pratville shopping. I still did not have a dress and I really needed one! I shopped at Belk and where do you think Justin was?!?!? Bass Pro of course. Sawyer and Carys love that store as much as their Daddy!
Sunday morning was good. Everyone got up and dresses as we were starting Sunday School at 9am. I got the kids ready and we were outside making pictures when I heard a loud THUD in the house and then Justin scream for me to come in. He was getting dressed when his back went out. I found him on the bedroom floor crying. I have only seen him in pain like that one other time {toothache} and it was scary. For me and the kids. We got him settled on the couch and off to church we went. It was hard for us all to not have Daddy at church with us. He is some better today, but still hurting and moving very slowly.
So, my well planned photo shoot was cut short. I don't mind because I still have the kids, the clothes, and the yard will only get prettier as Spring goes along.
Here is what I have. I am proud of what photo's I managed.
Hope you all had a blessed Resurrection Celebration!
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