Boy Crazy

Do you just love your kids? I mean really!?! Today I was dropping the boy off at school, and when he stepped out of the car, my heart was sad - not like disappointed, but sad to send him into the big world of school. I know he is in second grade - it's not like it was the first time he walked into that school. I just love him so much and I want so very much for him. As I cried and prayed on the way home, I wondered if other mothers feel that same way about their kids. I know you must because - although they may push us to the very edge on some occasions - they are just the greatest gift on Earth. When I was pregnant, an old lady in our church called babies "immigrants from Heaven." Isn't that just sweet?

And wow! Who couldn't love this little bundle of goodness?








Not only is he good looking, but he is fun to be around. I don't think there is any other child out there who can tell you an elaborate story about a kid at school, have you sucked in, then end with, "Well, at least that is how I suspect it happened." Or what 8 year old will stop playing with his friends at recess to chase his 3-year-old sister when her preschool class comes out to the playground? Mine will because that is the kind of kid he is. (Of course, he wouldn't go near her the next day.) Brother is an incredible kid. He is articulate and wise beyond his years. At 8, he shows himself to be an incredible leader, and I pray everyday that he will use that gift for God's glory and not his own. I am so very blessed to be his mother. He is the child for which I prayed, and he is greatly loved.

Thank you for letting a mom share the overflow of her heart. It will happen again - because in all fairness, Sister will have to have her day. Just in case she reads then when she is older. Hug your kiddos!

Guest Post - Mrs. Cranky Pants

It is one of those days. It is 9:30 in the morning, I'm up for the second time - because I went back to bed to try to start over - and I am still cranky. I just don't see any sunshine to my day.

Oh wait, maybe that is because I have gotten up to rain or fog for the past few days. Is the weather affecting my mood, or is my mood affecting the weather?

Or maybe it is the laundry list of other things that just don't seem right/fair/happy.

Maybe it is just the laundry that is never done.

Maybe it is that my house looks like it was hit by an F5 tornado. (You know how it is not easy to clean up the house when the kids are home, undoing everything you've done? Try doing it with a hubby at home.)

Maybe it is that I'm disappointed that my smart son inherited my terrible spelling skills and is now disappointed that he didn't get into the spelling bee.

Maybe it is that I keep getting my high scored beat in bejeweled.

Maybe it is that my lovely dinner last night was eaten with an arguing 8 year old, defending his case of disobedience. (That boy better grow up and become a rich lawyer and take good care of me in my old age.)

Maybe it is the fact that I put my kids to bed at 7:30 last night (30 minutes early because they were so bad) and I still saw Sister up and out of her room until 10:00.

Maybe it is that I am living in a holding pattern, waiting for God to move.

Maybe it is that I'm afraid of where God will move us.

Maybe it is that I was awakened at 2 am by a fit throwing Sister because she was mad that daddy was taking her potty.

Maybe it is that I was awakened at 2:45 by Sister because she wet the bed.

Maybe it is that when I went to the linen closet at 2:50, I discovered that her other set of sheets are still dirty from the last time she wet her bed. More like they are sour in the washer because I forgot all about them.

Maybe it is that I lied (layed - which one is it?) in bed awake for an hour, feeling sorry for yelling at baby girl about the wet sheets.

Maybe it is that the alarm clock went off too early this morning.

Most likely, it is that I haven't made time for God and His Word.

"The Lord God is like the sun that gives us light.
He is like a shield that keeps us safe.
The Lord blesses us with favor and honor.
He doesn't hold back anything good
from those whose lives are without blame.
Lord who rules over all,
blessed is everyone who trusts in you." Psalm 84:11-12

No Place Like Home

We had a fantastic weekend at my parent's house! It was so hard to come back home -- if only Brother didn't have school!!! I tell you what, that schooling is getting in my way. :)

I am tired, so I won't give you a play by play of the weekend, but I have to tell you, it was a weekend full of good eatin'. If I lived near them, I'd be fat(ter) and happy. Friday night, we walked into the house and found my mom frying porkchops. Girls, no one - and I mean NO ONE - makes better white gravy than my mom! I could make a meal of just the gravy, but I made sure to balance my plate with meat, mashed potatoes, broccoli, and fruit salad (yummy, yummy).

On Saturday, she cooked us a "country breakfast" when we got up. For those who don't know, that consists of scrambled eggs, hash browns, sausage, bacon, and biscuits. I totally forgot about the leftover gravy, or I would have slathered some of that goodness on my biscuit. Oh well - I guess I saved some calories. Then for dinner that evening, daddy grilled us some good, Texas-sized steaks. YUM-O!

So, we are home, and we are back to the low-fat lifestyle. I'm glad I don't have to get my cholesterol checked this week. Sometimes it is just good to indulge.

Other highlights from the trip: Hannah Montana movie, swimming, church, sleeping in. It was all good!

TGIF

It's Friday!! I'm so excited! Friday is always a great day at my house because it is the end of another school week and that much closer to the end of school. I think I am counting down the days to summer vacation even more than Brother - only 28 more days if you wanted to know. Fridays are my day to drive Brother to school because I let my love sleep in on his day off. I know that technically everyday is a day off for now, but this little agreement was started waaay back in Kindergarten.

So, on Fridays, Brother and I get up, get ready, and head out to door for breakfast. For the first 2 years, we were totally loyal to Sonic. So much so, that Sherri, the Sonic girl knew us and would say, "You want the usual." Now THAT is a serious Sonic addiction. This year, we have branched out a bit, and added Chick-fil-a to our breakfast options. Now, I prefer Sonic because they are cheaper, but sometimes, you need to support the Christian chicken place - and really their food is better and I can get a fruit cup and feel less guilty. I still feel a bit of guilt because I know that Sherri is missing us that morning.

The other great thing about Fridays is that Brother buys his lunch at school. Woot! Woot! I don't have to pack a lunch - and we all know how I feel about that burden. Friday is the only day they have "buy all the junk you want" instead of the "healthy meal plan" that they offer Monday - Thursday. How dare they serve vegetables at school!! On Fridays, Brother chooses to spend his money on chips, pizza, and ice cream. No drink because he learned that if he drank water from the water fountain, he could get the ice cream - and mama ain't giving him more money.

This Friday is especially grand because when we pick Brother up from school, we are going to my parents' for the weekend. It has been a while since I have had the luxury of hanging out at my childhood home, watching my children get everything they want from two people who love them bunches! What is even better is that this weekend we don't have to rush back on Saturday evening so we can work on Sunday. We actually get to go to church with my parents. This is the church I was raised in; the church we were married in; the church full of people who have prayed for us and our sweet kiddos. I'm just so excited to get to fellowship and worship with them this weekend. So, have a good weekend and enjoy your Friday!

WEEKEND WARRIORS
I only have one new child for you to add to your prayer list.

Gavin Smith was diagnosed with a brain tumor the size of an orange. Please pray for his continued healing and God's protection of this family.

Stop the Madness

Today I offer the following PSA to those readers who have only one child: Stop while you are ahead!! I was a better mom when I only had one. I was fun. I was full of energy. I was productive. Now, as a mother of two, I am constantly tired and seems to have a to-do list that never gets shorter. While I am tempted to curl up in a little ball and feel defeated, I have come to realize the WHY to my condition - and I will win!

You see, while Sister may be cute, charming, and girly, she is also the embodiment of all those prayers my mother offered to God while I was a child. You know those prayers: "Lord, may she have one of these of her own someday!" I am convinced that she was sent to this earth to break me down! I am also convinced that she got extra credit in creation school for attending extra sessions in "How to Pester your Brother" and "How to be the Perfect Baby Sister." Either that, or she has some extra spiritual giftedness from God in those areas. I spend so many countless hours refereeing between the two kids, and while I know Brother isn't an angel, I am wise enough to see that the little person is really the most trouble. (and I was the baby of the family, so I know how those baby sisters act!) It just wears me down and wears me out.

So, here is the story: Yesterday the family - all 4 of us - went to run some errands after picking Brother up from school. On our way home, Sister started whining. When I looked in the back seat and asked what was wrong, she said, "Brother smiled at me." I told her if his smiled bothered her, she needed to either close her eyes or look out her window and not look at him. So, she rolled her eyes and turned toward the window. Not a minute later, I heard her calling Brother's name, but he would not turn and look at her. (What a good boy - avoiding the evil snare of the woman at such a young age.) I then asked her what she needed. She said, "I want him to look at me." I then told her, "Okay, but I don't want to hear any complaining when he smiles at you." She then smiled her mischievous smile and said, "But I like complaining." At this point, I was done. Hubby just looked at me and asked, "What do you do with that?" I simply replied, "Blog about it!"

Oh, the little girl will make me old beyond my years! (but she is still my special blessing from God!)

Our Nursery Rhyme Life

Some people dream of a happy ending. Others live a fairy tale life. But our family has them all beat. We live a nursery rhyme life. Now, I know you are mentally running through all the Mother Goose you know trying to figure out which one is our family. Maybe Old Mother Hubbard since our cupboards are bare? Nope. How about Jack and Jill since we are accident prone? Nope. Definitely not the Old Woman who Lived in the Shoe, either. No, at our household, we are living Jack Sprat. Are you familiar with that one?

Jack Sprat could eat no fat,
His wife could eat no lean,
And so betwixt the two of them
They licked the platter clean.

You see, I have two children who could not be any more opposite in their eating habits. Brother is a typical child. He HATES anything vegetable. Now, we don't use the word hate in our household very much, but it truly is the only word that adequately describes his feelings toward anything that grows up from the ground. It's not just green vegetables, but the child doesn't like orange vegetables (carrots and sweet potatoes), yellow vegetables (corn and squash), purple vegetables (eggplant), or red vegetables (tomatoes and bell peppers). He doesn't even like potatoes! Every meal is a battle with him to eat a few bites of veggies -- because that is the rule in our house. He proudly tells anyone that he is a "meat-etarian." The boy could eat his weight in steak - which is a trait he gets from his mother.
On the other hand, sweet little girl hates anything meat. If given the choice, she would gladly choose to only eat fruits and vegetables. I am quite certain that she is the only child in her MDO class who brings cherry tomatoes in her lunch box. And I know from her teachers that she will choose to eat those said tomatoes before she eats anything else in her lunch. If I ask Sister where she would like to go out to eat, her answer will most likely be Souper Salad -- an all you-can-eat salad bar place. And when we go to Souper Salad, she will beg for me to load her plate with things that I don't even like to eat! Unfortunately, every meal is a battle with her to eat a few bites of meat -- because that is the rule in our house.
So, imagine my frustration the other night when I had both children crying at the table because they couldn't have dessert until they ate their designated bites. I should just give up and fix one plate for them to share. It would be less battles and less dishes to wash.

PRAISE THE LORD!

Three posts in one day! WOW! I just couldn't wait to share the great news with all my prayer warriors. Hubby just received the following update about his seminary friend:

Dear Prayer Partners,
We have received word that God has answered prayer in a mighty way. Lynn is now awake, and eating regular food. The doctors are in the process of analyzing any possible damage and have noticed some weakness on the right side. Discussions are now focused on rehab programs. His wife, Debbie, rejoices in the movement of God in their lives and her heart rejoices in “knowing” the power of prayer.

God is so good! This is the family who was researching long-term care facilities on the advice of doctors because the tests showed no neurological functioning. He has truly done a miracle in this man's life. Thank you for praying -- you got to be a part of God's work!

Simply Put - Thankful!

When I was in high school, this book came out.

It isn't all that fancy, it is just a list. The author describes it as "A quirky, compulsive, irresistible list of all the little things that make us happy." But, you know what? I like lists, and I like many of the fun things that she listed, so I bought it and committed to read a page or two a day. I even began to write my own list of things that make me happy.

Then, I grew up and didn't have so much free time to read lists and write lists that didn't involve "to do" or "to get". Then, I came across this blog. I don't know this lady. I don't even know her name. But she caught my attention because I realized that I need to spend more time being thankful for the many blessings in my life. Shortly after that, I came across Gretchen's blog. She does a post every Monday - just like the other lady (I really need to learn her name) - that list things good things in her life. So, I figure that's enough to convict me into gratitude. So, I'm not committing to every Monday, but I will start with my list of what I am thankful for today:

• I'm so very thankful for God's provision and protection during this time of unemployment. I'm thankful for other's generosity through monetary gifts, gift cards, and food items. I thankful for tax refunds. I'm thankful for budget numbers that don't work out on paper, but work out in "real life."
• I'm thankful that my hubby cooked dinner twice this weekend when I was feeling sick. It was so great to know that my household was cared for.
• I'm thankful for springtime and the beautiful things it has brought to our yard - wildflowers, bunnies, squirrels, tulips.
• I'm thankful that our family got to witness the wonder of God through the metamorphosis of Brother's mail-order caterpillars into beautiful butterflies. Our God is so great to create such an amazing process. And, I'm so thankful that the butterflies "hatched" Easter weekend, because what great timing to talk about new life.
• I'm thankful that I got to hear Sister "read" her fortune cookie at lunch. I can't tell you what it really said, but she read, "You are a beautiful and happy girl."
• I'm thankful for rainy days that cancelled the soccer games this weekend. We needed some time family time at home.
• I'm thankful that my daughter is still young enough to think I look like a "rock-star" in my sunglasses.

My heart overflows! I am so blessed! What are you thankful for today?

A post by Sister

jllkiiiiiiiiijhkh gmxccxxxxxxx,,,,,,,,,,,////////////...cxzzzzzzzzzzzpoiuytrewqppooyrwq1248 bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbhvf ft

This is what happens when a mom attempts to take a shower while the child is still up and moving.

Friday Hodgepodge

Okay, I have crawled out of by dark hole. I wasn't accomplishing much in there. Just making myself and my family more tired and anxious. Plus, I realize that if I am going to trust God, I am going to have to trust Him COMPLETELY! It isn't enough for me to pray about the situation and talk about following God's leading, if I then sit back and worry about it. God wants my complete obedience during this time of uncertainty. Complete obedience involves words, thoughts, and actions. Complete obedience is not just a matter of the mind, but a matter of the heart. I have said with full confidence, and I fully believe it: God has brought hubby and I to this place. He is with us in this place, and He will lead us out of this place. If I believe it, then why do I worry? Why can't I just rest in that knowledge? So, I will live out my faith and my actions (lack of worry) will show my complete trust in God. Moving on ...

WEEKEND WARRIORS
I have 2 more people for you to pray for this week. These are personal friends of our family, and they don't have websites, but I know you will lift them up.

• My friend, Melissa, is struggling with infertility. She and her hubby want to have a baby so badly. They are preparing for their first AI treatment in May. So, if you will please pray that God will bless them with the baby they desperately want. I know she will make a GREAT mom!
• My hubby has a friend, Lynn, who is a pastor in Arkansas. Lynn got some kind of infection and it attacked his brain. He has been in a coma for a week. The prognosis doesn't look too good. The doctors aren't sure if he will ever wake up. (He was air-lifted to Vandy Medical) Please pray for a miracle in this man's life. He is a man of God and has a sweet family, including children who are still at home. I know God is able to do something miraculous in this situation.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

Final Thought

I have to give a shout out to my fellow blogger Whimzie because I found out yesterday that she lives in a place that doesn't have Sonic. Although I knew that such places existed, I didn't know that people actually lived there. So, while I tell God "wherever He leads, I'll go," in my heart of hearts I pray that it will be a place with a Sonic. Because I just don't know what I would do if I couldn't celebrate Happy Hour on an all too frequent basis.

Wake up Call

I guess it happens to the best of us. I should set down the laptop, throw away the takeout containers, and get myself to the gym. If this could happen to her, I can only guess what could happen to me. I bet it was too many bad carbs. Just goes to show that dream homes and sporty cars don't fix everything.

I'll Make it Brief

Welcome to another installment of Wednesday's Rant. I'm trying not to be so negative, but girls, somethings just need to be said. So, here is my list of gripes for today:

1. Facebook - Okay, so not only is it a total time-sucker, it is getting totally ridiculous. Does God really need a fan page? I have no desire to become a friend or a fan of God. I like God. I really love God. I completely follow God. But, do I have to become His facebook friend to feel secure in my relationship with Him? Is God really into facebook? Come on, now!


2. Customer Service - I'm not talking about the "push 1 for English" people - although that can join this list. I'm talking about the people who wait on you and me at restaurants. Twice this week, I experienced wait staff who began clearing the table -- taking away food -- before I was done with my meal. One guy actually took my water glass off the table and back to the kitchen. Really!?! Can you not leave the water glass until I have left the restaurant? It wasn't even empty. What's with that?


3. School Lunch - Before I was a mom of a grade-schooler, I had grand visions of packing healthy lunches and tucking wonderful notes of encouragement in to the lunch box. I even thought how wonderful it would be to make the lunches each night before bed, so they would be ready to go in the morning. Then, reality hit. By nightfall, I'm too exhausted to even think about the next morning. Then morning comes and I am slapping PB&J together through my half-opened eyes while practicing spelling words, reading the notes from yesterday's folders, and signing permission slips. Has Brother gotten any love-filled notes? Not from me. Why am I so defeated over packing a lunch? Why do I look forward to summer vacation so I don't have to make a lunch at 7:00 a.m.? Am I alone in this?

Okay ladies, I guess that is all I have for today. I'm off to Bible Study, where I know I will be encouraged and strengthened by God's word. I hope you have a GREAT day!

******************************************************************************

P.S. It is April 15th. Have you hugged your favorite CPA?

We're discouraged...

Hubby has been talking with a church about a new ministry opportunity. Well, they said they would contact us, and they haven't yet. It is very discouraging. I am trying to remain positive and trust that the Lord is in control of all of this. However, I really want to just curl into a ball and sleep until all this stress has past. So, say a prayer for our family.

In the meantime, here is my new theme song:

"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD."

Psalm 27:13-14

Happy Easter

The Easter adventures continue at our fun-filled abode. Last night, we finally got it all together to dye eggs. I don't know why we always wait until the very last day for eggs. This year, we remembered the not so good results we got last year when we used washable crayons on the eggs. So, we hunted (so punny) for the permanent crayons so we wouldn't have little crayola flecks floating in our egg dye. Brother was so intent on "making a special one for the Easter Bunny." He thought we would set one out for the Easter Bunny like we leave cookies for Santa.

Isn't that such a happy box of eggs? Egg dying is a total different art in our home, but always a fun time. Now we will gobble them up - one by one.

So, I know that the day is about the resurrection of Jesus. And I know that Easter truly is the basis for our family's belief. Without Easter, we would not have a relationship with God and eternal security with Him. So, I feel that I should be a bit holy in my discussion about today. But the truth is, our family is just so humorous. I have to pass along the highlight of my Easter Sunday:

Because we are currently between ministry jobs, we are taking the opportunity to visit other churches in the area. Today, we worshipped at a large contemporary church for Easter Sunday. As we settled into the comfortable theater-style seats and watched the pre-service videos, our precious 3-yr-old leaned over and said to me, "I think I'm hungry for popcorn." I guess it didn't register to her about church since we weren't in the usual hard, wooden pews. Kids really do say the darnedest things!

I pray you had a blessed Holy week and Easter celebration! Christ is risen ... He is risen indeed!

Family Weekend FUN!

We are fortunate to have a 4 day weekend because Brother is out of school both Friday and Monday. (You've gotta love Christian school!) So, we have plans to spend some fun time as a family. This is the first Easter holiday in EONS where we haven't had responsibilities at the church. (See, there is a bright side to everything - even unemployment.) This time last year, I was rushing around, stuffing THOUSANDS of plastic eggs for the community egg hunt, walking neighborhoods to distribute promotional flyers for the Sunday service, memorizing lines for the Children's puppet show, etc. It is so nice to be able to spend the weekend focusing on my family and to get to sit and enjoy the Sunday service, focusing on the Lord! It is a good change of pace and a great time of restoration for our family.

Good Friday was a bit different. Hubby was actually out of town - exploring a new ministry possibility. So, the kids and I spent the day around the house. Like a good Southern Baptist family, we made sure we had fish on Good Friday -- lunch at Long John Silver's. Yeah, that grease was enough to last me until NEXT Easter. They enjoyed it, though, and that was the point.

This morning, the kids and I took a trip to the most wonderful place on earth - TARGET! I love, love target. Hubby has limited my visits to this place because I always spend too much. He tells me, "You're the only person I know who can go in for Tide and come out $100 later." Um-no, other people do that, too. That is the beauty of Target. But, I digress ... So, I went today to get Sister a white sweater to wear over her Easter dress, because the weather is not going to be spring-like tomorrow. I don't know why I bought a sundress for Easter. We always get a cold snap for Easter. I don't know how the date for Easter can change every year, yet the weather always seems to know just went to come out with a late frost. CRAZY! (I digress, again...)

Anyway, Target was out of white sweaters. Seems that everyone was in the same dilemma. So, I pondered going to another store. But then, I saw this:

How cute is that!?! It is a child-size trench coat! Another shopper assured me that I couldn't leave without it. Sister looked too cute with it on. AND, it was on sale and is a size larger, so we can wear it until next spring. So, I snatched it up. She will be perfect in her trench-coat for a cold, rainy Easter Sunday. I can hardly wait!

The kids had money that my mom sent them for Easter. Brother also had a Target gift card and some money leftover from his birthday. So, I agreed to let them peruse the toy department. Brother knew exactly what he wanted to buy. He came home with this:

The Nerf N-Strike Vulcan EBF-25 Blaster. I don't know much about it, but the review is that it is THE BEST NERF GUN EVER!! (According to Brother). Now some of you may be against guns, and I respect that. I tried to be that kind of mom. But, my sweet son has an Uncle who serves as a state trooper and is into anything "law enforcement." So, we allow Nerf Guns in our home. This machine gun will hopefully be the end of our arsenal. Don't you think it says, "HAPPY EASTER!"? Sweet baby girl picked out a Disney princess coloring set. A nice, calm, quiet toy.

Our fun continues. I'll keep you posted.

Weekend Warriors

On Sunday, I had the opportunity to share with you about the Powell family and the privilege I had to pray for them. I cannot begin to explain the impact their family had on my own spiritual life. The most important lesson I learned by following their story was how one could pray for others and make a difference even if the people are complete strangers. As I mentioned in my previous post, I have never meet Ben or Becky Powell, but I feel a connection with them because of the countless hours I have spent in intercession for their family.

So, as I remembered Ethan and his journey on Sunday, I came to realize that I want to have that praying experience again, and I want others to experience it as well. Therefore, I came up with a plan. Every few Fridays, I will post 2 or 3 links to other families who are struggling and need the prayers of other believers. I realize that there are so many people out there who can benefit from the prayers of God's people. So many have sick children, struggle with infertility, or suffer from a chronic illness. I believe that we can use this great tool called the Internet to bring their stories to others attentions, so they can be lifted up to heaven. My prayer is that you will be diligent to pray for one or two of these families as I post them. And, if one should full capture your heart - as Ethan did mine - I pray that you will continue to pray for that family and follow their journey. I know that God will bless the families, and that He will also bless the people who are praying. I hope that you will let me know of your celebrations and the blessings you receive as you intercede for those you may never meet.

So, for today, I have

• Margaret Romph and her parents Sherline and Eric Margaret (age 5) was in a terrible car accident in January and suffered a spinal cord injury. You can read more of her story and get details on how to pray for her by visiting her caring bridge site. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/margaretromph
• Tucker Beam and his parents Courtney and Jason Tucker was diagnosed with Rhabdomyo sarcoma in 2001 - shortly before his first birthday. God healed him after a year of chemo, radiation, and surgery. He was cancer free for 6 years. In February 2008, they discovered that Tuck had a second cancer, ostoegenic sarcoma. In March of 2009, they also diagnosed him with AML, a form of leukemia. You can read more of his story and get details on how to pray by visiting his caring bridge site. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/tuckerbeam

Thanks for your prayers for these families! I know their struggles make me so thankful for my healthy family!

10 on the 10th

Meredith over at lifeat7000feet started 10 on the Tenth last month and it's all about making a list of 10 things about anything. Since I'm new to all this blogging stuff, I thought I'd play along. So, here are my 10 favorite things to do to treat myself.

1. Sleep -- I mean really, what mom doesn't want/need more sleep. Hubby and I had a discussion this week about sleep. While he would prefer to sleep in, I would prefer to get up, do something, then have a long nap. Maybe we are compatible, after all. Of course, that discussion is based on the assumption that you cannot have both.
2. Eat out -- now I must admit that our family consumes too many meals away from our home. While not every meal out is a treat, it is nice to have the occasional trip to the "fancy" restaurant that brings refills, has more than one fork, and doesn't have a play area.
3. Take a Bath - A good, long soak in the tub - with the door locked - can wash away more than the day's grime. Anyone remember "Calgon, take me away!"?
4. Pedicure - If I cannot have the long tub soak, I'd settle for the pedicure. Nothing fancy - just $15 at the local strip mall salon. Then I have good sandal feet, too.
5. Catch a movie - I am a movie fanatic. I LOVE to go to the movie theater. One of my favorite feelings is going to a summer show - because I usually need a sweatshirt to keep warm from the A/C - and then walking out of a cool, dark theater into the warm bright sunshine. Ahhhh! Unfortunately, I don't get to go to the movies so much because of the cost and the quality of the movies that are out there.
6. Read a book - I love to read, but I have to be careful about when I choose to pick-up a good book. I am not capable of reading a chapter a day. I'm one of those who cannot stop reading until I've finished the book. So, to read a book means to forgo the our household things until the book is complete - a total indulgence.
7. Sew - My sewing habits are a lot like my reading habits - not to mention that my sewing room is also our dining room. So, my sewing days are few and far between (although Sister is in need of some new spring outfits, so I will be breaking out the machine in a few weeks.)
8. Go shopping without kids - I think this one is self-explanatory. Isn't it a treat to be anywhere alone?
9. Go to the gym - Okay, I may not have many nods for this one, but it truly is a time when I can focus on myself and not on my roll as wife or mother. I cannot tell you the great times of worship and prayer I've had on the treadmill. If I could only remember that it is a treat, when I'm trying to talk myself out of going, I would be doing good. Maybe I should move it up from #9 of my choices of treats, too.
10. Shop online - I'm not a big shopper. I don't like the pressure of trying on stuff in the dressing room, and I become increasingly frustrated by clothes that do not fit. So, when I have extra money, or I deserve a treat, I shop online. Then I have the freedom to try on whenever I feel skinny. ;)

Wednesday's Rant ... Because sometimes a girl just needs to vent

I've faced some (okay a lot) of frustration the past few months. Some of the frustration is understandable, but for the sake of personal mental health, I feel the need to list some grievances:

1. Why do grocery stores (and more importantly, Wal-Mart) feel the need to re-arrange? Do they not know that I have everything that I need mapped out in my mind so I can quickly enter, grab, and go? It is not fun to wander from one side of the store to another in search of items.


2. Why, oh why, can my dear hubby not understand that toilet tissue is made for wiping bottoms, and Kleenex tissues are made for noses? I know that both can do the job, but I cannot begin to tell you how many times this woman goes to the restroom only to discover that the end of the TP has been used on someone's nose. If you are unable to change your tissue habits, at least replace the empty roll for the next person who may be caught with her pants down. :o)


3. Why is it that the woman who has the most kids -- all of them difficult -- is always "sick" on the day it is her turn to help in the church nursery? Isn't it an understanding that she has experience with kids since she has so many? I know she has her hands full all week long, but the church nursery isn't meant to be her life-long respite. Everyone else has to fill in their time, why can't she? And why can't we refuse to keep her kids until she serves her time? (Okay, that one got me worked up.)


4. Why is it that I always leave a cell phone store and feel like I just got taken? Why can't they make cell phone plans easy? Any why are there always hidden charges on my bill? Okay, so they aren't really hidden charges, just things that they added on for a free trial - without my permission - then charge me an arm and a leg when I don't remove them from my plan. I would have removed them had I known they were there. Nothing can make me feel more dumb than dealing with a cell phone company. I just smile, nod, and leave the store with whatever they have given me. Then, I drive away knowing I got ripped off.

WHEW! I guess that is enough ranting for the day. I do feel better now that I got some of that said. I will save up more for next week. Do you have any to share??? Let me know because I hate to get all upset alone.

Our TRASHY family

Well, we have lived through the first week of unemployment. I have to say is isn't all that bad -- except for the no money thing. I like having Hubby around the house, and we are really getting some projects completed in anticipation of a move. I figure that we have the time to get organized now, so we won't be moving stuff we no longer want or need.

One thing we have discovered is that our family has a serious trash problem. I would love to blame this on the kids, or even on the husband, but the truth is that our whole family has trouble throwing stuff away. I'm not talking about purging out the stuff you are saving for a rainy day. I'm talking trash. We had to have a family discussion at the dinner table the other night about throwing away your trash. I cannot tell you how many times I walk through the kitchen only to find the counters covered with drink cups, candy wrappers, empty chip bags, etc. We do not have a large house, so the trashcan is only steps away. Why can't the items make it to the proper receptacle? When we cleaned out the garage, we filled up 4 black trash bags of garbage. Some of it was broken toys, some was old magazines and receipts, but some was also drink cups, boxes from Christmas toys, etc. Why have we kept on to this stuff?

Now, before you judge me and my family, I must clarify that I am a self-proclaimed neat freak. I love for EVERYTHING to have its home and be in its place. So, that is why the garage was such a source of depression and angst to me. I would pass through all the junk in the garage into my nice, mostly orderly (I do have 2 kids, you know) home and close the door on the ugliness. Only when I forced myself to face the clutter and clear the way, did I realize that there is an issue that needed to be addressed. Not only did the trash need to be thrown out, but the old, useless stuff needed to be disposed of, too.

How often are we like that with our spiritual lives? How often do we have so much that is neat and in proper order, but then have one area of clutter that we keep behind a facade? It is hard work to clean out the dirty places. It is sometimes difficult to throw away those old "treasures." But the reward is far greater than we can imagine. In both the physical and the spiritual sense, getting rid of the clutter allows us to move on with greater ease.

"Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

Remembering Ethan

Over the past few years, I've had the privilege of praying for the Powell family - Ben, Becky, and Ethan Isaiah Powell. Ethan was just 2 months old when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Almost immediately, the word traveled through the Internet, and millions of people joined in prayer for precious little E. Through my year of praying for Ethan, I learned many things about God. I got to see first hand that there is great power in prayer. I saw the unsurpassing peace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. And I got to witness the goodness of God and His people. Unfortunately, Ethan lost his 14 month battle with this terrible disease on April 5, 2008 - a year ago, today.

"PRAYeR WORKS" was Ben's "battle cry" through their 14 month journey. And, while I know the prayer for Ethan's miraculous healing wasn't answered as we wanted, I know that God still heard each and every prayer and answered them in His way. I see how God gave Ethan a first birthday - which wasn't expected. I remember how God raised and lowered lab counts in ways that could only be attributed to Him. And, most importantly, I see how God used Ethan and his story to change people's hearts. Ethan was a mighty warrior in his battle against cancer, and a mighty warrior for the LORD. I know that his ultimate healing occurred when he was carried into Jesus' arms.

I've never met Ben and Becky. I became familiar with their story through a friend. However, I have grown a connection with them through my deep prayers for them and their family. They are spoken of around our home by first names. And they are still prayed for - today. I pray that God has surrounded their lives with His presence and they have been able to move through the unthinkable grief. I pray that God blesses Becky's studies at school. I pray that God blesses Ben's work. I pray that God continues to use them and their story to raise money for cancer research. I pray that Ethan's legacy will continue on and that more people will come to know God through the Powells.

Because of my experience of praying for the Powell family, I want to be used to minister to more families who are struggling. So, on Friday I will post more details of my plan. Until then, please be in prayer for the Powells as they travel this difficult journey.