Happy Birthday Brother/Joyful journey! Friends visit

I am belated by accident having planned my words but not publishing them at the right time.

My precious brother was born years later almost on my(and sister) birthday. He has been the one we loved on, smooched on, ruled over, talked with, laughed with and just enjoyed. He can tell stories that have me laughing so hard I cry. He is a strong leader and I have always wished I had his ability to lead and not look back yet he also has a very compassionate heart! As we get older I see more of his sweetness as he dotes on the nieces and nephews and is easy going like my Dad. One of my funny childhood memories are when my brother would spy on me and my date, or come in to get attention with a paper sack on his head and sit between me and friends or when he would ask for ice cream money only to later discover his stash of money in the drawer. He has always been a smart and funny little guy! Happy Birthday Brother! I love you!

My sweet friend Joyful journey has been in my life for many years. We have many memories that we share. She is one that is always interested in what others have to say and she had great input to give. She is loveable, easy going, and just down right sweet! One of my fondest memories with she and her hubby are when they went with us on a youth trip. It was an adventure with many interesting youth issues and singing and driving (wrecking) etc. I also loved our early morning walks and talks and sharing a duplex! I have always enjoyed and will always enjoy her friendship and am so happy we have re-connected in blog world! I look forward to a screamy reunion in person some day in the near future. Happy birthday my sweet friend!

I also forgot to mention that last week the day before my b-day a dear friend that shared the birth of my kids with me came to visit with her family. It was just like home week. I ran to hug her and we were screaming with joy over seeing each other! The kids looked at us like we were crazy. We haven't seen each other in 3 years but it feels like yesterday. I'm sure for kids it is hard to understand our special bond since we are not around each other right now but it is just like picking up where you take off. It really felt like fresh water renourishing you. What a treat!

Again, just sooo thankful for the priceless blessing in my life!

Thankful

I hope that you all had a good thanksgiving! We had a wonderful time at my husband's family. We drove up on Thanksgiving morning and helped with food, visited family, watched the kids play, play games etc. It was a lovely day. That evening we hit the beds pretty early because we were all tired and getting ready for morning shopping on Friday. My sister in law and I met in the hall at 4:15am...yes, you read it right. It is always so exciting to get up and do that. She had her eyes on a t.v. only so we took separate cars. I chatted with my sister and mom throughout the morning of shopping and that was fun and felt like we were still together in the process.

Hubby was given a ticket to the game and he was thrilled! So he and much of the family headed out. My sister in law and I stayed behind with kids. The kids explored the woods, played on hay in the barn, shot bb guns and the boys got to go hunting early in the morning with the men. Hubby and son saw a doe but didn't shoot. They had fun watching her.

Anyway, after the group left for the game and the kids headed to barn with walkie talkie, we got to visit with Memaw R. After she left my sister-n-law layed down for a nap with her girls. I wrapped the presents I had bought. When she got up we watched the end of the game and got to visit! It was great!

HUBBY GOT ON TV!! He landed himself right behind the reporter...we were shrilling with delight...the kids saw it too and it was so funny and fun!

We then fixed enchilada's for dinner and the crew all came home and we ate and relaxed together! Sat. morning we got up leisurely then headed home. Once home we decorated our tree and it is SO pretty!! I love looking at it. We put up decor in the house and then the kids decorated gingerbread houses! They did such a great job!!

Anyway, I am so thankful, for all this family time, for family period, for friends and blogworld! ;)

Yesterday we got together with friends for prayer time in the evening and it was sooooo refreshing!! I hope your holidays were good! Please fill me in!

Nov.21 Birthday Rap

Itttt's Our Birthday and we cannot lie
It didn't even take us by suprise
We're looking forward to a nice big break
We might even eat some yummy cake
Many years that it did begin
Being born with a great big grin
Being first has always been the best
Kicked me out so she could be the last
Sharing presents all throughout our life
Color coated so there is no strife
God's great blessing when life began
A forever perfect special friend

It's my birthday
It's her birthday
It's our birthday
BIRTHDAY!!

Sistor, You are the most special person God could have blessed me with to share so much of life! I love you and hope you have a tremendously wonderful day!! See a previous tribute to my sistor!! http://heartsjoy.blogspot.com/2006/03/sister-hood.html

Ever have one of those days?

Well, here I am writing what seems to be my monthly post. L We had a good weekend dressing up and having some yummy candy. I even dressed up at work as a puppy and you would have thought I actually turned into one. Let me tell you , it is a Very good idea to dress as an endearing animal because everyone just went on and on with the cuteness factor. I wish I could dress up every day! L

Okay, so back to my title, have you ever just had one of those days where you are just irritable and emotional and no reason why? Yes, I was having one of those yesterday. I was overwhelmed by the home, what I need to do and relating to my precious kids. (and no, not that time either....wish I could say it was.)

So, I was thinking why am I being so much this way? My life is good, I have had a fun weekend, nothing is really bad except for not keeping up. So, I did what any girl would do, I sent my kids on an outdoor hike with walkie talkies in hand and called to chat with my best girlfriend (my sister). It was just what the doctor ordered.

Can I just say that after I had some quiet time with them having fun and me doing some planning and strategizing with sister I felt 100% better. Oh yes, and after reading the e-mail that my parents are offering to keep my kids so I can get a date night with hubby....whoopie!!

So, I was just wondering if other Mommy's out there in blog land were having some of those days. Let me know what you do to snap out of it! ;)

Must Admit/Encouragement to you

My blog has been my home page and I must admit that I was sick of the same ole pics, music and entry so I am sure the rest of you are! I finally did some changes, yipee! Wish I knew how to change the color without messing everything else up.We have had a lot going on the last few weeks. We got to take a trip to see hubby's family and grandparents and that was fun. This past weekend we had a birthday party for our little girl. I will try to put more info and maybe some pics on her birthday.

I have realized by being out more how little affirmation a stay at home Mom or homeschooled Mom gets. In fact, instead of affirmation we get criticism. I was thinking how funny or not funny that is because actually investing in our kids is SO important! When we work out of the home there is affirmation in the job or the adult interaction or status but when a woman wants to be at home so many times it is looked down upon. Even among women/moms at home there is the competition factor so many times instead of the encouragement factor.

So, for all of you stay at home ladies I want to encourage you! You are a doing a great thing! Even though you fail as we all do, (and as I believe God knew), we are learning so much through Him. You LOVE your kids, have put them first and sacrificed a lot for them! You feel disheveled, alone at times and unappreciated, however, you are investing in the future of your future generations! You are highly important and beautiful! God made you to lead in this venture because He knew he could work through you to make something beautiful! One of my favorite verses is Eccl. 3:11a "He makes all things beautiful in His time.." This journey is a process, not to be rushed but enjoyed and invested in. You have chosen to do that and you are adored and loved! Thank you for having conversations about imaginations and pottery, playdough, colors and bears. Thank you for learning how to organize the home and meet the needs of so many others. Thank you for the loads and loads of laundry that you eventually get to. Thank you for the food you make three times every day. Thank you for the loving heart that overwhelms you moments of the day and discourages you. Thank you that although you fail you persevere and move forward! Thank you for being that Mom that takes criticism and gets critiqued but doesn't stop. You are running the race and keeping your eyes fixed on Him when you look up! You are learning the most valuable lesson of all, ONLY by His grace can this be made complete! Thank you for the daily training, encouraging, listening, loving and work that you do! I can't help but believe as our Lord looks at and walks through with us in the investment, failure, struggles and victories that He is smiling down upon you! Well Done good and faithful servant! ;)

New horizons

I thought I would share a bit about new situations and things I am seeing God at work in.

B - young girl with really no family support, opening up to me like a sister or mother for no reason, feeling God is allowing me to get to know her.
N - has fiance and baby on the way and so young, opened up to me out of the blue while I was doing what I hate (polishing silverware). I have to admit both big talks came while doing that.
L - gorgeous hispanic young lady with 9 month old boy....soooo sweet, asking me what day I am off, I think she wants to get together. I would love to get to know her more!
T - single businessman who went through a lot already seems like a brother to me.
F - husband and father working two jobs
E - husband and father working two jobs chats with me about son
I had asked God in the beginning why I had to do all that silverware and I think I am seeing a purpose now...if it weren't for that and my back chores I would be out ASAP but it holds me and creates these moments for relationship.

A - came strong to me at first but realized I backed off. Later asked me what religion was I? ...christian

Cooks, hostesses, servers, managers, bartenders - creating relationships with them and having moments of talk time and questions about my life and thoughts as well.

I also have been blessed with words and notes of affirmation, I must admit it feels good.

Concerns/challenges - I have had instances where I am being friendly and then somewhere it turns and I begin to feel uncomfortable with the direction(males). I would ask for prayer in discernment on being friendly but not where they are thinking anything. One example, I was even Asked for a hug and a kiss, I quickly piped..."I'm a married woman!" He replied, "I'm not asking for a date!" I just laughed and walked off. (Quickly YIKES!) You know it just makes men look desparate and gross when they take it to a level like that, knowing I'm madly in love with my hubby and kids. I know I am a little naive in this area and don't want to be.

Listening to the language is also a little hard because I hear a lot and I don't want to have it in my head. I know many people don't have issues with this but I do, it pulls me down.

Well, that's it for updates of praise and challenges as far as the out of the home work goes. I have plenty more where that came from! :) hee hee. Thank you so much for your prayers. I pray before I go to work for the situations and the people etc because I am scared. God is truly the strength and anything good that comes is obviously Him!

P.S. Last night I was off and had date night with my man! That was so great!!

Awwww!

I have noticed since I started working part time out of the home that I cherish even more the time I am in the home with hubby and kids. I miss them. However, the job is going good and feeling like the Lord is really helping me get a flow with it and just with the whole schedule. Thank you for your prayers!

Anyway, I was with my kids today swimming. We were doing races across the pool, pony rides, spins, hand stands etc. I have done that the last few days with them because the pool is about to close. I have so enjoyed our time there as well as Bible and table time! They are such amazing blessings!

My mom commented on how my son is seeming older. I have been emotional about that lately anyway (well about everything really because it is probably that...well, ladies you know) and last night while driving I was listening to Dobson talk about boys having to distance themselves from their moms (teenage years). This is so hard for me to think about. I love my kids and can't stand the thought of ever being distant from them. However, I can see even in the last couple of years how that has happened a little but still lots of closeness. I get teared up anytime I think of it. Also, a man spoke a few weeks ago about missing hearing his kids call "Daddy" . My husband eyeballed me and chuckled cause he knew I was crying .Okay, am I making you cry yet? I haven't even gotten to the good stuff yet!

So, last night my daughter fell asleep and hubby was already in bed and my son said "Mom, can we just cuddle and talk?" (like I'm saying no to that request on my night off!). So, we cuddle up and he just begins asking questions and we have such great talk! He asks me what I think he would be good at....everything! He wants specific ideas. He then says to me (on a different thought), Mom, I am thinking that I ought to memorize the whole Bible so if I went to a country that didn't have one I could tell them about God. (tears coming and smile beaming...could it get any better?) We chatted about many things eye ball to eye ball and it was one of those very special moments. He asked me, "Mom, do you think you will always love me?" Yes honey!...I will forever love you!! (he beamed with wide smile) We talked about how boys go through different stages growing up. He later said "Mommy I hope we are always close!" WHHHHaaaaaa, bwaaaaa....mee tooo baby! Can I get that in writing? And he closed with "I love you mommy!" in his sweet 9 year old voice. I love you too sweetie!!!! Okay, I'm crying again...did I mention that I have been a tad bit emotional lately. L

My baby girl has also been so cuddly lately and I love it. She still likes to pretend to be a baby and she is really funny. The other day we were reading about Abraham and Sarah and when she died. They decided to act it out and it was so funny. I know that sounds weird but they were what made it funny. Her standing up and then flopping on the couch when I got to the dead part. She was just telling me the other day that she wanted to do more cooking and sewing in productive play time. Yesterday I decided to fix eggs and pancakes and she went to get started. It was so cute. I would just tell her what to do and she did great. I stepped out of the room for a minute and came back and she was almost in tears. I asked what was wrong and she pointed...cracked egg on floor...told her not to worry, it happens to all of us. She didn't want to do the stirring or stuff by the stove cause it scarred her that she would get burned. We finally got a stool to lift her higher and she felt more safe but I was there close helping. It was fun. She also has wanted me to sit and just hold her. I LOVE that! Lots of smooches to those little cheeks.

Well, I have much more to write about but need to stop. Thanks for letting me share my heart about my little treasures. Hope you are having a great week! Hold those you love a little closer!
BTW, you guys are amazing encouragers! I have been so encouraged by your sweet comments! You're the best!

Survived Server Boot Camp

Well last week was the beginning of my new job. I had to study like a lunatic and work like crazy. My days started around 6am studying then going in to work around 12 or 1 and ended around 11:30-midnight. Usually not having any breaks or eating in between while at work until the end of the night. I had some not so good trainers and then some that were out of this world. My kids were visiting cousins for the week so they were having fun and I didn't have to worry with their adjustment or well-being just yet. THANK YOU SISTER (Literature lover)!!!!

They told us before we took the test that only 1 in 100 passed it the first time. I was so nervous but knew I had done all I could to know it. I PASSED 1st time!!! :) Thank you so much for your prayers. It really got me through the week. In the middle of the week due to emotional and physical exhaustion I was about ready to throw in the towell but that night was one of my most fun. Last night was the first night on the floor on my own. It went really good! Again thanks for the prayer support!! I have my kids back Yea! and we had school and fun during the day and then my hours were much shorter for my real shift so all in all it felt so good to come together. I still covet your prayers for the coming weeks and months but thanks so much for all the encouragement!

New Job/New language

For those who don't know, long story short, I am starting a new job part time. I am going to be a server at a nice italian restuarant. I have gone through many emotions but am not almost looking forward to it now. I have to go through training and tests so I am not so looking forward to that part. Which brings me to my news, learning a new language. I have to memorize the menu and the ingredients in the menu items.....Ack. Can someone say not good memory due to hypothyroid..yes, but I have so many prayers going up on my behalf and you know what? I am almost done with the appetizers and I just got the book last night!! Yippe! Still have MUCH to go, however, I see that it can be done.

So, my question, why do words look so different than how they actually say them? I have to see the phonetic spelling to get it right but have to know how to say it. Like Bruschette....broo ske ta or Cozze .... Kot ze where did that t sound come from. Okay, I know you don't care but I'm just saying. While I am studying I might as well learn more than just the names. ;) Getting hungry yet? How about some Mozzerella Marinara or Bruschette of the day or Calamari? All right, I'll stop.

Shocking!

I came by this by chance and was floored. It is a segment from the view where Elizabeth takes and strong and passionate stance about the morning after pill taking away life. She is quickly argued with but then sortof told she is out of control . The media labels this clip as "Elizabeth is loosing her mind". It is so amazing, they are trying to do damage control and don't want pro-life heard. I have not heard such a heartfelt stance for life in a while. I am not to shocked by Barbara bringing up the worst case senerio and putting it all on the line for that. E- tries to talk as if that were the only case...she is not advocating that only but saying from that argument. Thought you would be interested to note how shocking everyone makes her passion. Scary stuff. http://youtube.com/watch?v=1QI6QhyW_9g

Ready, Set, Don't go

Sometimes I think I can be such home body. I used to love to go almost daily but finally began to really enjoy home and a more peaceful lifestyle. I still like to go but I find that me and a good budget means me staying home more . I am weak when it comes to my children asking for things. I don't even feel that they are really bad about this but I know what they like and what they would want and I want to give it to them. However, I have seen grown children who had that life and gratefulness was not their forte. So, sometimes it is just better to stay home away from spending temptation.

Yesterday I had great plans. We got all ready and I was planning in my head to take them to the library and for some ice cream and play at their favorite play place. Just as I was about to declare my thoughts they came in and just asked if we could all cuddle. I love it. They are not toddlers so it is nice that it still gets asked for. Usually this entails me snuggling kissing and stroking their arms or cheeks while they begin to chat with me. :) (just for the record so I don't sound like perfect listening mommy, there are also times they ask to cuddle where I am in the middle of something and say no or not right now, but it is never with guilt, why do we mom's carry such guilt all the time? now that would have been a good blog)

So, anyway, they ended up getting good reading material and us sitting together on the couch reading and learning. I figured I liked our library better and they were completely content. (never having heard my other plans.) I haven't been going much since surgery except to some family deals. I may make today the outing....or not. LOL

Another weird thing with me is calling people back. By this, I mean people I love and really Do want to talk to! I get so perfectionistic about it. I want it to be the best time when I don't need to be giving attention somewhere else and where I can have uninterupted time with them. Isn't that silly? In the meantime, I hurt peoples feelings or they think I have phone issues. Do I? Does anyone else feel like this?

I guess I get the love of home from my grandmother who said "Honey, sometimes I get sad just pulling out of the driveway." We both laughed but in a way I see what she means. I enjoy having people over to our home and entertaining but some how when you are at home you can visit so much better than a noisy food place. (always had issues with spelling rest...you know, food places L) BTW, I have realized quite a few spelling errors in my last posts and none of you even corrected me...you really are great friends! ;) Okay, can you tell I still didn't have much to blog about?

Good Recovery!

Thank you to all who lifted up prayers on my behalf! My surgery went perfectly. I was able to have laproscoptic and go home three hours later. The doctor said I had a non-functioning gall bladder. It had a big stone blocking the canal and it did not have the normal fluids in it. It had a milky white substance around it and they are sending it to the lab.

My sister and hubby took me to the hospital and prayed with me before going in. My sis went to get the kids and take care of them after I was in surgery. My parents came but they had gotten me in so quickly that I didn't get to see them until after surgery but they were a welcome site. I rested there for a while and then felt good enough to head home.

My sister babied me completely and I had no cares in the world while healing. I don't know what I would have done during the day without her! She and my hubby took care of everything. I had wonderful friends who brought meals for the week so that was a welcome relief as well. My first day after surgery I felt really good and got up and around but over did it a little. The second day was a setback and I was in bed most of the day. However, since that day I have felt better and better with each day that comes. I am so excited because I am already starting to feel energy come back and that is a welcome feeling! I am so thankful to the Lord for His kindness and mercy! Thank you for your loving words and prayerful support!

Having Surgery

I went to the doctor last week to have some things I have been neglecting checked. I found out that I have hypothyroid so I will be taking meds that I am hoping will help me feel better and loose some weight. :) I also have had gall attacks over the years and wanted to get it checked. They had me come in on Thurs for a radioactive test.

I went in for the test but the first time through the gall didn't show up...they gave me morphine to send it back up again. It still didn't show. The doctor said it was an abnormal scan. He said "Usually what that means is you will be going to surgery today." My eyes were like saucers worried. He then went on saying, "However, since you are not in pain right now we can wait until you see the surgeon" So, they scheduled my surgery for Monday. I go in at 10:30 am and the surgery is at 12:00. It is suppose to be the laparoscopic (sp?) kind which would have faster recovery and I should go home the same day. There is only a 5% chance of having to have the cut you open kind....hoping I am not the 5%.

My parents and hubby are taking the day off and my sister is coming over. Sis has graciously decided to come stay with me to help me and the kids! I would really appreciate your prayers. I know this is a pretty routine surgery but it is not routine for me! :0 I am not real good with these things but I know I am at a bigger risk if I don't have it done. The doc. also said if I have any pain or fever I have to go to ER to have it done immediately. YIKES! So, that is what is going on here. Thankfully our insurance went through really quick. Again, I would appreciate your prayers!!

The one thing I am looking forward to is having energy again. I have heard from people with hypothyroid as well as gall bladder romoval and both have said about both things that after they got on meds or had it taken out they felt so much better!! I am really looking forward to having energy again! Tired of being tired. L

Love Em!!!

Today has just been one of the days where I realize once again how much I love my family!!! It has been a time of working on notebooks together and reading and cuddling. (If you get queezy with the mushy you may not want to read. :)

My dear son is so thought provoking and seeks so many wonderful answers. He is a strong leader yet very sensitive and kind. The other day when I felt bad he told me to lay back and rest and covered me up and gave me what I needed. It was so sweeet and was just what I wanted. I love seeing his tender heart in moments like that. I love talking with him, snuggling and listening to his ideas. I know God has terrific plans for Him now and in the future. I look forward to watching their relationship grow. He has a heart to tell others of God's love and he really cares about others knowing the loving God he already knows.

My precious daughter is a server and a giver. She has acts of service down and can see things how they need to be done. She also loves to give to others...money, cards, her stuff, gifts etc. She likes sports but is very feminine and girly. I love to sit and snuggle with her or play babies. She has such an imagination. Tonight she just showered me with kisses and it was soooo precious! (usually it is me showering her and brother with slobbery smooches) She loves God and doesn't understand why anyone wouldn't choose to follow Him. I look forward to seeing her relationship with the Lord grow and seeing what wonderful ways He will use her life.

I had a friend the other night at the pool watching them and said "They really are great friends aren't they." Yes, I hope they will always keep that special friendship bond. I love tucking them in at night with prayers, songs and some nights getting great chats.

My amazing husband, working so hard each day for our family. Coming home and working here too withOut cross words. He is loving with all his acts of kindness. His children adore him and he them. He makes us all laugh and brings more joy in the home. He is our leader and we all know it and respect his place. He inspires us with his leadership to be better. He is a lover of God and seeks to follow Him even when it doesn't make sense. He is Not a worrier, complainer or whiner. He is upbeat and looking forward in faith. I always look forward to seeing how God will continue to work in His life!

My sister, parents, brother, in-laws, dear friends...I could go on and on.

Yes, I know times change and things don't stay the same but I am so happy and humbled to be able to love and be loved by my precious family. Thank you sweetums!

Is Listening An Aquired Art?

I have been in quite a few situations in the last month where I needed to be silent and listen. I enjoy listening while I also get to give my own input. However, I am talking about the kind where you SHUT the mouth and really pay attention only to what they are saying. Putting aside your goals, intents, to do list etc...

I have a dear family member whom I love who is lonely and needs to be listened too. At first, when I was hearing stories two and three times, I began to feel a sortof frustration and wanting to yeah yeah the story up. However, through many different avenues the Lord guided me to calm down and enjoy the ride. I mean, just listen. You know, even when stories are the same there is usually one thing different. Or, even if it is the same story you can still take joy in it thinking of that person in that time.

I was invited to lunch at a Crumpet Tea Room with my Mom and her buddies. I ended up going to the wrong one so I was pretty late getting there. They had all finished eating and my food was waiting on me so I started to eat. Right off the cuff they wanted my opinion on some marriage things. The conversation later turned into parents with grown children. They were talking about trying to help their kids but how that seems to make the kids mad. We ended up sharing some about how my Mom handled this. She'll admit that in the beginning she didn't handle it right. She suggested, encouraged, expected etc while I heard in my mind not good enough, criticism, failure. It goes along with a quote from a devotion she studied that really stayed with me. "Unsolicited advice is criticism". Whoa. Now, I know with young children it is a little different but we are talking adults. Anyhoo, chatting with those ladies and hearing my Mom say that the very Best lesson she finally learned was to "Keep your mouth Shut!" It kindof hit me that I need to be practicing this lesson now on insignificant things like the color of my kids shorts not matching or the way They fold the napkins. Some things are important but the most important thing is them knowing God's love through me!

Anyhow, back to case in point. Art of listening. Listening to friends, family, God. I believe it is an aquired art! As I heard it said to me "Love, Is, Something, That, Everyone, Needs = LISTEN.

Inadequate

Have you ever felt this way? It seems that this feeling of inadequacy peeps it ugly head quite often with me. I can feel happy and joyful about life but then it seems I realize once again how I fail or come short on so many levels.

My husband sent me an article by a man who was highly involved in marketing. He is out of marketing now and telling people the truth about the marketers and how they work...it is very eye opening. Their goal is to keep us feeling inadequate so we buy all their products to make us feel better.http://www.sixwise.com Lies. Deception. Sound like someone I have read about before. I realized that once again the father of lies wants me stuck in my inadequate mode because there it goes to self-focus and a downward spiral.

It is amazing to me how opposite God's message is....hope, peace, worth. I realize that I have been allowing myself to listen to many avenues that provide lies. I am feeling convicted but still allowing it to be in my life. Why?

I heard a pastor talking about how we are in good company if we do the things we don't want to do and don't do what we want to do. Paul. He was so passionate for the Lord. David. A man after God's own heart. And yet, obvious downfalls and sin in their lives. Did that stop their journey? No. How encouraging. We are a work in process.

I saw a passage that I have seen many times before, however, it had new meaning for me as far as our home and school wise.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is inspired by God and is
profitable for teaching,
for rebuking,
for correcting,
for training in righteousness,
so that the man of God may be COMPLETE,
Equipped for EVERY Good work.

Complete. Wow! That is where I need to be in Him, His words. I want that for me and my family, my kids.

What is the Purpose Again?/Routine schedule

Do you ever do this? Wonder about the purpose of different things going on in life. I was asking myself why I do certain things certain ways. I mean, I LOVE paper plates that you can throw away instead of washing a dish just to make it dirty again. I do find joy though in having pretty dishes and a nice dinner and I don't want to support cutting down All the trees with my lack of desire for washing.

So, anyway, back to the point....purpose...what was the purpose of this blog...oh yea, I was thinking of this in relation to my kiddos and our agendas. I have been accused of being a fun mom which I love. However, I have begun to see kinks in that wonderful plan. You know, kids require more fun times, expectations are up, gratefulness is down etc etc... I want my kids to have a fun life and then thought why exactly? I mean, I guess it is because I want to have fun in life. I believe our heavenly father created us to have those fun moments and to find joy in the midst of life....however, I don't read where he says our life is about fun only. He talks of persecution and sacrifice....things I cringe at. Hmmm, not fun. However, in the martyrs I have read about, they have such peace and contentment in Him alone. There are stories I read that one would think they would chuck it and get out of that mission field but they stay. For what purpose. Their desire to be Holy not just Happy.

So, in light of that...realizing I may be sending my kids the wrong message with only fun times in mind. We will continue to have them but I want them to also understand sacrifice and perseverance, putting others first and discipline. I have always hated that word....discipline...maybe because I feel like a failure there. I don't want my kids concerned with failure but rather focusing on the goal. Not focused in a Me mentality but Him mentality. We all have ups and downs but you know what I mean? What is the purpose of all we do? Is it really for the higher purpose or are we only focused on Me and My stuff. Life is so fast and I don't like how fast it is going but now I realize more than ever that my purpose is to guide my treasures to be ready for battle, be ready for defeat, be ready to be focused, disciplined, self-sacrificing. True contentment, peace and joy will be found in Him.

Sometimes in homeschooling I have put our table work or reading/knowledge work before the heart work. When I do that things get out of wack. Usually when I do that it is representative of my own heart issues. So, striving forward. I love to read other peoples schedules so I will list some of our own routine for now. You will find not perfection here but what we strive for Enjoy.

Sortof Early Morning :)
*Breakfast
*Morning routine and daily chore
*Bike riding (for kids)

Mid Morning
*Table time - this focuses on whatever season the kids are working on. Usually always involves copywork of things I choose or they choose. They usually like to accompany copywork with artwork. Alternate days of math, Language arts/phonics, geography (however, as you know this is always going on anyway).
*Prayer/Bible - we move to living room, have globe/dictionary handy. We sit around coffee table, talk about what we want to pray for, look at past requests and see what has been answered then we all pick some to pray for and pray. When we begin the Bible reading,I read and answer questions while they draw whatever they want from the story. BTW, they are wiggly, moving and drawing etc. However, they listen very well even wiggly. I ask them to tell me about the story...youngest first....older always seem to get more.
*Free play

Lunch

Early Afternoon
*Reading
*Outside activities...for summer often swimming

Mid-Afternoon
*Productive Play - This is their special interest times or things I encourage them to do to see if there is any interest there. I let them help me in this to develop their special bents and gifts.
{Some examples:
**Son age 9 - movie making(illustrating, filming, editing), building(with wood, invention creation, legos), reading, playing learning board games, nature study.
**Daughter age 6- drawing, sewing, knitting, board games, puzzles, playdough, nature study.}
**Me - designing regency/modern dresses, sewing, songwriting, knitting, researching interests, writing about findings.

Supper

Evening Family activities and free time.


This is our routine that we try to live out. There will defininetly be God interuptions. However, I don't stress if something gets left out. We are striving to do this routine and always willing to tweak it when needed. :) I would love to hear your routines as well!

Happy 14th Anniversary!!

Happy Anniversary to Us!! Wow! 14 years! I can't believe it!

Honey, thank you for all the wonderful moments of much laughter
You truly have a gift of making me laugh everyday!
Thank you for taking out the trash without being asked.
Thank you for looking me in the eye's and telling me you love me before you head out the door (because you know I am obsessive and need this in case something ever happened to you)
Thank you that you accept me for who I am, appreciating the good, looking past the bad
Thank you for being an amazing father who puts our family first, when you love on our kids it is as if you are just pouring that love on me too!
Thank you for mowing the grass, taking care of the lawn, house and us!
Thank you for being a loving provider! Who would do anything to make things work for us!
(even if you had to be a heart technition again....lol)
Thank you for being a compassionate, steady, strong, to the point, leader!
Thank you for loving God and following His leading even when you don't understand it and even when you might be ridiculed for it!
In the song I sang at our wedding it said "I have chosen the one to love, now I will love the one I've chosen!" Thank you for choosing me and making my choice of a mate a pleasure!
You are my dear heart and soul mate and I love you and cherish every moment I get with you!

Happy Anniversary sweet hubby!
(verse sent by sister)
Remember His wonderful deeds which He has done…..I Chronicles 16:12

Grace at 5:00

We have been visiting some different churches lately. Got some really great insight revealed that I have to share! Yesterday the man who spoke talked of the story in the Bible where a man who owned vinyards went out and got day workers to help him harvest. This owner made an agreement on payment with the workers from the very beginning. He hired some at 6am, 9am, 12, 3pm and then, almost at the end of the day, he hired some at 5pm who he found had been waiting for work all day. As the day ended he instructed them to be paid last to first. What he pointed out next is what struck me.

The ones who were there at the beginning of the day got discontent....they wanted more than the ones who got there at the end. I could totally relate....I would probably be one of those irritated workers. Then he brought out that it was because of their wanting MORE. They had been fine all day. They were okay with working first and agreeing to the pay. They were okay with other workers being hired throughout the day and being paid something. However, when they were paid and thought they Deserved More is when the discontment happened. They were not treated unfairly and the vinyard owner pointed that out. He had in fact given grace by hiring them in the first place. He had just extended grace to the late workers. Whoa. That hit me. How many times have I begrudged someone a pleasure or grace because I felt it unfair. Really hit me and I took it home. Time to get more in tune with the grace I have already been given and be happy and content even when others get more.

Flowing moments/What did he just say to me!

Our Father's day had interesting happenings. We had my husbands family in Sat. night and it was so good. We headed to church to sit with my Memaw since it would probably be a tough day. It was. However, the whole song service was on God's faithfulness....how loving and encouraging!

So, afterwards I said goodbye to all except my kids and we headed to the airport to pick up my parents from mission trip to Brazil. My husband was going to head to the resteraunt to save us seats. I got there all excited. No plane...delays...hmmm, what to do. I quickly feed the troops some junk food that they split (being the airport food is a rip-off!) . After I realize that we are going to be here a while I decide to take them outside. There is some hills of grass that they want to play on. As I sit in the car (in front of them) I watch as they run and play. I had let them take off shoes and socks so they were barefoot and looking like a movie moment. I watched as my daughter danced and twirled and ran. Brother chased after her. He then used a hand that pointed at sister, she acted like she was choking.....she brought out shield and sword and fought back he acted like he was choking.....ahhhhh, star wars moments.

We eventually headed back inside to explore and play. As we heard the plane had finally landed (almost 1 1/2 hour late), we headed over to the escalater to watch for Meme and Poppa. I caught eyes with a man and his wife. They said "Ohhh Hi!! How are you doing? What are you doing here?" Trying to think how I knew them, "Hiii, doing good, here to pick up my parents." Bit of confused look from them. Found out they were from our church we had been at here. We chatted as I shortly brought them up to date. THEN, the man says to me out of the blue, "So, now this means you'll be able to get out there and get a real job to...help make a living"

My thoughts...."WHAT? did he just say to me?!!!" From the bottom of my feet to my head feel the blood boiling, heart begins to pound really hard and almost anger sets in. I smile and say "I do have a job (point to kids), Two little jobs right over there that keep me pretty busy!" The wife possibly picking up that I might slug her hubby or wanting to slug him herself steps in and sweetly says "Sure you do, that is a big job."

I got to thinking:

1. It is not good to blab your judgment on others. (especially when you don't even really know them!)

2. What other job is More important that investing in the lives and future of my own kids?!! Nope, nothing else in my noggin!

3. Do I forgive him? Of course I do, I make many mistakes and word mishaps myself.

4. I will close with a couple of verses.

Deu 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

3Jo 1:4

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.