tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18282053158162994372024-03-05T12:21:21.057-08:00Made in His image mommaBringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-41553544159746188342014-07-15T09:54:00.001-07:002014-07-15T09:54:15.513-07:00How I lost my 'SuperMom' title...A few years back, My hubs and I prayerfully considered Homeschooling.<br />
It was such a great adventure and I enjoyed that time with my kids, watching them grow and learn and being there alongside of them.<br />
Recently, we also, prayerfully decided to send our 3 oldest girls to a private, Christian school here in our town. One my husband and his dad attended growing up.<br />
Although, I know I'll miss my kids beyond belief, I really feel at peace with this decision...well, until I opened my mouth and started telling fellow- home school moms.<br />
Yikes.<br />
I wasn't expecting what I got.<br />
It wasn't just the subtle. Like, when I posted a fb status about our excitement for the following school year and how the girls would be attending school and maybe 1<br />
of my HS Moms could comment with a 'congrats' or even dare hit 'Like'. I got the hint.<br />
I had betrayed EVeRytHiNg we stood for. I really didn't, but hear me out.<br />
It was more of the "Why on earths!" And sheer stunned looks of panic that I was literally throwing my innocent, pure of heart children into the mouths of rabid wolves.<br />
Oh! I know! It kind of reminded me of when we first told people years ago that we were Homeschooling! Ha! Funny how everyone has an opinion, I guess I just didn't expect it from woman who claim encouragement and that their kids are better off in their care, because they can teach them how to be better people.<br />
Of course, part of that is teaching them if you don't HS, you're half a mom as everyone who does. Right?<br />
Thats the vibe a lot of HS Moms are throwing out there.<br />
It doesn't matter if you prayed about it, you really should've considered how this makes other HS Moms look. Of course I'm kidding. But let's be honest, some of you are thinking it.<br />
I just want to clarify, I didn't sign any documents in blood when I started. I didn't barter with the devil over my soul. I did however, realize there are things I can do relatively well, and HS is not one of them, so instead of jipping my kids on education and not being able to help my kid who struggles, because of HS pride, I prayed and Gods guidance helped us with our decisions. I'm not explaining this as a defensive mechanism, because I could seriously care.less. about what people think. I'm explaining it so next time a HS family decides to send their kids, hopefully, some quick to judge comment or causual defriending won't be our knee jerk reaction. Hopefully, encouragement and an extra prayer for that family making tough decisions will go up.<br />
I haven't closed the book on HS. I want to better educate myself on how to teach incase the opportunity arises again, but for now, this is our aWEsoMe decision.<br />
{& p.s. Thanks to the very few HS Moms who have loved me through this decision with prayer and encouragement. May we all be more like you!}<br />
<br />Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-62742135575380860292014-06-10T09:36:00.001-07:002014-06-10T09:36:51.829-07:00My constant, fervent prayer...Dear Jesus, please dont let any unexpected guest stop by right now. Amen.Pick a day.<br />
Any day.<br />
I feel 5 loads of laundry behind!<br />
I am in constant "prayer" ( maybe more like 'pleading'!) With Jesus as I go about my day...<br />
some of them go like this...<br />
" Please help HER to not end up in juvie!"<br />
" Help me not to yell. Help me not to yell. Help me...StOp fIgHtInG gIrLs!!!...please forgive me for yelling."<br />
" I'm just asking you to return in your glory before I have to try to figure out what to make for dinner."<br />
"Help the money to miraculously stretch until next pay day...which is only 9 days from now!"<br />
" Please help HIM not to get sick from licking his fingers after he touched that turtle."<br />
<br />
Please tell me as a mom you've offered some of these classics up?<br />
Please?<br />
I find myself really praying one doozy over and over again.<br />
"Dear Sweet, wonderful, merciful Lord, if you REALLY love me, you will direct Un wanted visitors past my house. It's a disaster. I'll be embarressed. They'll think all kinds of terrible things of me. I haven't even gotten my makeup on yet. The kids hair needs brushed. Please Lord. Hear my cries!"<br />
The other day I was praying this incredibly selfish prayer, maybe even this Baptist girl was praying it in tongues, it was a blurr. I just know there may have been promises being made to the almighty about offering up my first born as a living sacrafice if he kept PeOpLe aWaY!<br />
When it occurred to me how ridiculous I was being,<br />
The verse, " Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest." ( Matt 11:28) if my take on serving others was more like Jesus' I wouldnt be so fReAkeD out about it they seen my house messy, or if I was a MESS. It would only matter how I loved on my company, offering rest, like Jesus.<br />
Now Jesus meant this in a different way. He can carry us. He can give us rest. We can rest in knowing he saved us and is fighting our battles and taking all our needs into his hands.<br />
Wait?<br />
Even the fact that I'm worried someone might stop by and see my messy house?<br />
Yes.<br />
uhm. Thanks God!<br />
I sometimes forget that I have 5 kids living here, and on any given day, extra cuties running around with them. Along with a small farm of critters! There is never a spotless, perfect moment to be at my house! Even though I wish that, so people could stand back, as I conquer the world and be marveled at in my Superwoman Cape and super sexxy tights ( Oh yeah! I have great legs in this vision, too!) And be in awe of my...well, awesomeness.<br />
But, back in reality. I'm a mom. Doing the best I can, praying many prayers, recieving Gods grace in truck loads as I usually don't get it right or Mark my checklist off in a day, but rather a month! And that's ok!<br />
So, stop by anytime!<br />
Messy OR not ( it will be messy, don't worry!) ALL are welcome and gonna get loved on while they are here!Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-84023948698355861832014-02-11T07:55:00.000-08:002014-02-11T07:55:55.636-08:00Lazy Discipline { public humiliation}The latest trend in public humiliation...er, I mean 'discipline' has got to be talked about!<br />
If I see one more child holding a sign on the street corner, or one more video of a loud mouthed mother, chasing her kid through thier junior high, ranting and raving about how "dey be misbehavin', so I'm here to get dem' in check!" As they make more of a disruption and disturbance than all 800 students, I'm going to lose it!!!<br />
Here's the thing, in very rare cases, if the child is disciplined at home, taught respect for others, taught compassion, taught OBEDIANCE, in the HOME, chances are, you won't have to earn your "Mom of the Year" award from your Youtube followers, for humiliating ( disciplining) your kids for the first time in front of thier peers.<br />
I get that you may do all these things, and STILL Have issues and discipline problems.<br />
I get you may need to sit in on a few classes with your kid, or take a bus ride with your kid, but I bet you would have a better impact if it didn't involve you hootin' and hollerin' with a big, old blabber mouth about how "naughty" your child has been!<br />
And I can almost 100% guarantee, if you do choose to humiliate your child infront of thier peers, you're relationship with them is as good as DONE.<br />
Let's put it this way, if when Jesus was dying on the cross, for you're evil, nasty, selfish sins, and he started naming them...loudly... infront of everyone you admired or were a friend with, would you be seeking out a relationship with Him 3 days later when he rose again?<br />
"HEY! Shaylyn! You're so selfish! You should be a better WIFE! I heard you yell at your kids, what a joke!!! And oh man!!! I totally seen your middle finger pop up at that guy who almost ran you off the road the other day!! Haha!!! That reminds me, when you lied to your bestie about looking good in her new jeans, when you were thinking, 'muffin top!!' You're an embarressment!!! I'm so ashamed of you!!!!"<br />
<br />
Yeah. I'm gonna guess the magnitude and love sacrifice would NOT have had such a profound effect on man kind, had Christ screamed our offenses at us.<br />
<br />
Annnnnd, isn't that what you want your kids to know?<br />
The Great depth and unconditional love of Christ?<br />
Hmmmm... aren't you the one God has entrusted with teaching them that?<br />
So, put yourself in your childs shoes, think about the verse, "Love covers a multitude of sins" and cover.<br />
Now, I'm a firm believer in consequences. Sin has them. But, in the HOME.<br />
Not being paraded on a street corner, holding up a sign, while the 'loving' mother figure videos it.<br />
And all the lazy parents cheer her on. Because had you taken an effective role in sin and consequences while they grew up, you would not feel the need to vindicate your parenting skills by smearing them acrossed the Internet, screaming about how naughty they've behaved.<br />
And lest we forget, kids make mistakes. A lot of them. Heck! I do! And I'm a BIG girl now!<br />
Do you think putting it into the forever viral world shows forgiveness?<br />
<br />
" OH, I'll forgive you. After I humiliate you, post it to Facebook, so everyone can see what a big stinking brat you are!!" Uhm. Nope.<br />
<br />
It truly breaks my heart to see these learning, growing kids, that are going to make foolish choices, wrong turns, and BIG mistakes get put in the guillotine, in the town Square for people to throw tomatoes at!<br />
They're kids. Naughty kids, yes. Kids who probably had LAZY parents who didn't discipline them when they were young, and now the easiest way is to embarress them.<br />
Nope.<br />
still LAZY. Yeah, I said it. LAZY.<br />
Make discipline intentional. Make growth intentional. Make your relationship intentional.<br />
<br />
Try a few of those and you probably won't have the urge to cause humiliation submission in your kids.<br />
Because, although it may change the surface behavior, it won't change the heart.<br />
I've been embarrassed by my kids plenty of times in public for bad behavior. It's part of growing and learning.<br />
Deal with it. As privately as you can. Then get over it. Like Jesus did with you!Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-55658172710473839342014-01-03T14:08:00.000-08:002014-01-03T14:08:16.720-08:00My BIGGEST disabilityThis may seem more like a 'tell all' journal entry, but I don't care. ( Have I ever cared?!)<br />
As I watch the serious decline in the preservation of all life, unborn, born, elderly or handicapped, I am reminded that there was a time when all life wasn't so precious to me either.<br />
Growing up, both my parents had many siblings, which led to many cousins and so on!<br />
I was actually blessed with quite a few mentally challenged or disabled family members.<br />
Everyone unique in thier own way, was a special part of our family, but at the time, I think I was a little embarrassed.<br />
I'm so ashamed to admit that now.<br />
I was not viewing Gods creation, the way he wanted me too.<br />
God doesn't make mistakes. We've all heard that. And I think I believed that, for my 'perfect' little self!<br />
Can we all just say, I was a selfish idiot?!<br />
It was easy for ME ( key word here!) To be embarrassed or un comfortable with certain people or situations because it didn't fit my 'normal'. It was easier to make fun of, or avoid someone that might not be up to my standard of perfection.<br />
I don't think I realized it at the time, but BOY! Oh! Boy! I see now.<br />
There is NO one to blame but myself.<br />
A turning point came, when I was about 20 years old.<br />
My mentally impaired Uncle Ricky, was killed in a tragic car accident.<br />
His funeral~<br />
Off the hook!<br />
He was involved in a lot of things, one being the amazing organization of Special Olympics.<br />
So many of his special friends piled in to say Good bye. And they wasted no time telling us stories and memories of my Uncle.<br />
Yes, in high school I helped teach kids with disabilities how to swim and I loved it, and yes, I wouldn't have called myself someone who 'shyed away from the handicap' ( ugh! I hate that word!!) But, at my Uncle Rickys funeral, I realized I never saw him the way his friends did...normal.<br />
I never got to know him the way I should have, or listened to him intently or reached out to him like someone who actually was proud of what he had made of his life.<br />
I was the one who half heartily listened to his 'ramblings', cared more about what was going on in my life to wonder what he had been up too, and who would turn red when he tried to sing a long ( loudly and off tune!!) During church... making a joyful noise to his Creator, his Daddy in heaven, his savior, his ALL.<br />
My sweet Uncle.<br />
If I could do it again, I would.<br />
<br />
Its been almost 13 years since he died, but he still lives in my heart.<br />
I view PEOPLE, not thier handicap, as gifts, thanks to him.<br />
I think, as a parent, if you are chosen by the Almighty, to be blessed with a child who may need you for help, everyday for the rest of your lives, YOU are BLESSED.<br />
Not everyone could handle such a task. But God picked you.<br />
What an amazing GIFT.<br />
Yes, I said GIFT, because ALL good and perfect things come from our father in heaven.<br />
So, whether you are dealing with autism, mentally handicapped, physically handicapped, or anything that our world says, " Toss IT! No one can LOVE that!!!"<br />
YES YOU CAN.<br />
Don't listen.<br />
know, there are mom's like me, who see you struggling in the grocery store, who see you wore out and exhausted, who see you frail under the weight of the confusion and heartache of the 'what ifs' and are screaming from our hearts, " You are amazing!!!! You can do it!!! God be with her!!! God give her mercies new every morning!!!! Bless her, Lord for chosing LIFE!!! Thank you, Jesus for earthly angels in the form of mothers with children with special needs!!!" We are rootin' and praying for you, O' blessed, among woman!<br />
Don't give up.<br />
And thank you.<br />
No body else could do what you're doing, thats why God.picked.you!!!!<br />
These Children are precious and loved and you are an example of selflessness.Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-2571077495243296412013-12-27T13:56:00.000-08:002013-12-27T13:56:15.723-08:00Meet My First Baby Boy { Animal Lovers Only!!}It really does seem like JUST a short time ago, when I was begging my new husband for a puppy. Some friends of ours had an " oopsie" litter of lab pups, but just being married for only a month, in a rental that said NO DOGS, Jared said NO.<br />
So, I did what any Shaylyn would do...I tricked him.<br />
we went out for a 'drive'...right to our friends house with the puppies. And there in a sea of pooch breath, soft fur and pure adorable-ness, was just ONE chocolate lab, with all his black brothers and sisters!<br />
Even Jared couldn't resist.<br />
The plan worked.<br />
We took home our first baby.<br />
Now to name him.<br />
We examined him and decided from his sturdy features and BIG paws he would grow to at least 120 pounds.<br />
Nope. His brother, Buck did. But, he never tipped the scales past 77.<br />
So, a Future - big - dog , needs a BIG name. Kujo.<br />
<br />
You see, Kujo added a lot to our lives.<br />
Mostly in the form of messes and trouble.<br />
He would cry all night, so I would take him to the couch, read him "101 Dalmatians" until he would fall asleep.<br />
He would poo in his kennel and walk through it. And in our couch cushions.<br />
More than once he chewed through doors and trim and carpet, and toys and shoes. And...and, anything that could be chewed.<br />
He humped more visiting friends legs than I care to recall.<br />
He jumped from the bed of our pick up truck...while Jared was driving.<br />
Must've seen a squirrel.<br />
He was so much bad, it was hard sometimes to see his good...<br />
until last night.<br />
12 and a half years later...<br />
I needed to get into a specific room in our house to do something, and there he lay sleeping, infront of the door.<br />
I asked him to move.<br />
He looked at me.<br />
I encouraged him again.<br />
He shifted his weight.<br />
I looked into His cloudy, old eyes, and surveyed the big patch of white around his muzzle, and it hit me.<br />
Its not that he didn't want to move, it was that my dog, whom we called the 'Energizer Bunny", that never slowed down a minute of his life, couldn't.<br />
I got down next to him, hugged him, told him I loved him and that he was the best dog ever, and that he didnt have to move, because it wasn't important.<br />
<br />
It actually was, but it would wait.<br />
The last couple years, as he's aged, my patience with him, has grown so thin.<br />
He can't hold his bowels and has an accident almost every night in the house.<br />
He can't see or hear well, so he barks at everything...and the neighbors complain.<br />
He panics now when we leave and chews our house to shreds.<br />
<br />
But, in my frusteration, I remembered some amazing things about him.<br />
<br />
He follows my kids outside and keeps a close eye on them and lets me know if anything gets within a 100 yards of them.<br />
He knows his left paw from his right paw, how to dance, crawl and speak!<br />
All those nights he kept me up, all the poo and puke I cleaned up, all the things he ruined, weren't because he needed me.<br />
He never did.<br />
I needed him.<br />
I needed him to teach me some patience. And that nothing here is eternal. You cant take beautifully stained trim work to heaven with you, so dont get mad when a dog chews it off the wall.<br />
He taught me to worry. Because he found himself hurt more times than not, for his mischievous mind would wander him to bad situations.<br />
He told taught me how to love something even when it acted like a hopeless fool.<br />
He visits our neighbors almost everyday.<br />
He actually dives off the dock, grabs the rope swing in the air and swings from it over the water!<br />
He barks ferociously at the UPS man...never has bitten him, but also has never taken his treats.<br />
<br />
He really, truly prepared me to be a mom to my five ( human!!) Kids.<br />
<br />
Without him I would not have had all these, sometimes awful experiences to learn growth from.<br />
He has pushed me to my limits, like kids can.<br />
He follows me around, attached to my heal when hes scared. Like kids can.<br />
He's always happy to see me.<br />
Has a guilty look of wrong doings, before I even know what hes done.<br />
He is obsessed with his tennis ball. A.K.A His Girlfriend.<br />
He hates to be cuddled, but hates to be alone.<br />
Hes a constant fixture in the room, keepin watch over our house and keeping to himself, and suddenly I feel like he might not be there much longer, and it breaks my heart.<br />
<br />
As much trouble as hes caused, I could not imagine the last 12 years without his crazy antics and trouble making.<br />
<br />
<br />
So, to the "Marley & Me" in my life, you're the best, most energetic, nutsiest, craziest, most protective, loyal, sweetest, smartest, naughtiest, cutest dog I could have ever been blessed with.<br />
Thanks for letting me smother you, when I know you hated every human, physical touch we made you endure.<br />
Thank you for peeking in the car seats, ever so gently, everytime we brought a new baby home from the hospital. And thank you for sitting quietly at my feet, while I cried, when our baby didn't make it home from the Hospital.<br />
Thank you for being excited for all the Christmas presents I wrapped for you and made you open.<br />
Thank you for snuggling the cats on cold winter nights...yep, I seen that :)<br />
Thank you for being excited about me bringing home groceries, because you were certain I brought you home a treat too.<br />
Thank you for Pre-wrecking my house, so I wouldn't get mad at my kids for wrecking stuff.<br />
Thank you for being my first baby boy.<br />
You would've been you, no matter what home you ended up in, because you never really needed me.<br />
It was me who needed you.<br />
Never forget that old boy.<br />
So, I'm gonna make sure you get rewarded for all the life you've added to our years, for the rest of your days.<br />
I'm sorry in the chaos, your antics drove me nuts. You did a lot of good that got over looked.<br />
I can't imagine what that day will bring when I kiss you good bye for the last time, so for every moment until then, I'm going to spoil your tail off. Because you deserve it.<br />
<br />
<br />Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-58772497160617649992013-12-04T13:47:00.001-08:002013-12-04T13:51:53.085-08:00How having children SAVED my marriage!<br />
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I am sure NONE of you have picked up on the fact that I am SELFISH.<br />
Stubborn.<br />
Greedy.<br />
Rude.<br />
Human.<br />
SO, when I thought " I'm gonna marry this boy and he will surely CHANGE to better me!" You probably wouldn't have been surprised!<br />
Well, when that plan didn't work, what was I left with?<br />
Sure he's a frickin' stud. But, dang. He is TOTALLY missing the MARK OF PERFECTION, I had expected him to reach by NOW! * StOmPs fEeT!*<br />
What's left to do when you finally wake up and realize this?<br />
( Other than the OBVIOUS ~ I needed to change!)<br />
<br />
Have babies. Right?<br />
<br />
Actually, Right!<br />
<br />
I'm not gonna lie, babies are hard. The hardest.thing.ever.<br />
They push you. They drain you. They scream and POOP a lot! A LOT!<br />
But, they grow you and teach you.<br />
<br />
In our culture, television soley focuses on the fact that kids are what 'causes divorce'. Now, I am sure there are certain situations where this may be true. Very few,I would venture to say.<br />
<br />
Children can add stress. So can a job. or a puppy. Don't go there with me.<br />
<br />
Children can add chaos. But, so can relatives for Christmas. Or driving in Wisconsin snow.<br />
<br />
Children can add challenges. But, so can everyday life. And if you're reading this, you haven't stopped that yet! ( So glad, by the way!) <br />
<br />
But, here is something TV won't tell you when they are complaining that the old 'ball and chain' is too tired for sex and that the kids ruined something, yet again, or that they are sick of changing poopy diapers or that they are broke because Junior needs braces...<br />
<br />
KIDS FREAKING GET IT!<br />
<br />
They are simple. They are amazing. They are what you and Baby Daddy created together, with a big old helping of Jesus Christ making it happen. They won't tell you that when you have your first baby things get different, but thats because you see your husband in a way that causes greater love to grow between you. You feel closer to the heart of God. They are so pure in heart and innocent. You start to see the world through their big blue eyes...forgiving. Kind. Colorblind. Accepting.<br />
<br />
Which in return, helps your marriage.<br />
<br />
There are sacrafices. But, when you make those as a couple, you appreciate, so much more the impromptu date nights and the cuddling on the couch when for one blissful moment they are actually playing peacefully together, or as I like to call it, ' probably doing something they are not supposed too!'<br />
<br />
Not to mention the laughter! Laughing as a couple is awesome, especially at your kids...that doesnt sound nice, but it is! Kids are hysterical! If you don't laugh about the things they say or do in public ( Like the time my daughter so loudly pointed to a man wearing a patch over his eye, in the grocery store and said, " Look Momma! A pirate!" He was not amused!) you will surely go insane. So laugh about these things ~ with your spouse!<br />
<br />
And the nights when they are up sick, be thankful your husband sleeps right through the puking and diareha, as you wage warm against germs and bacteria...wait...just kidding. Poke him in the ribs, get elbow deep in the stuff together! There is no ' I ' in marriage...well, not that kind of I anyway :) (tEaM wOrK)<br />
<br />
If I hadn't had kids, I would never have seen just how horribly selfish ( still working on that!) I was and how amazingly wonderful my husband was. We are BY NO MEANS perfect. We still have arguements and disagree. We still can bother each other, and get on eachothers nerves. But, theres no way he's getting rid of me! I'm in it for the long haul!<br />
<br />
PLUS ~ I could NOT handle these crazy, five monkies on my own !!! Haha!<br />
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p.s. Note how I didn't pick the picture perfect family photos! This is the real deal, folks! Babies crying, middle child making grumpy, disinterested faces, first born lovin' up the camera! Oye! God is so good though! And my husband still has a few hairs left to boot! :) Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-91375448875144001662013-08-18T22:25:00.000-07:002013-08-18T22:25:06.100-07:00Packing the FUN stuff! When you're on your way to have a BABY!<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ah, Baby day!</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial;">What an awesome day!</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial;">You've been waiting to meet little Junior since the moment you peed on the stick and a little PLUS sign appeared! And then peed on another 57 of them...just.to.be.sure.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial;">I see a lot of " What to pack for the hospital" blogs ( usually done by Moms on their second babies. Still aWeSoMe, but let this seasoned birther give you a few extra hints!) and I am surrounded by GLOWING pregnant woman ( a couple happen to be my SISTER IN LOVES!!!)</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial;">I wanted to share with you a few tricks of the trade for NEW mommas!</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">1. BRING SOMETHING FOR YOUR NURSES!</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">It does not matter if you forget EVERYTHING else. These woman may be wiping your rear end as you push, may get YOUR amniotic fluid in their face, may get thier knuckles brooken by you squeezing their hands, may have to smell your pickle relish/ cheese curd/ peopperoni pizza breath and we all know they WILL see you Va- Jay! Jay!</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">So, please, be kind to these woman ( and your DOC, of course!) and bring in donuts, cookies, candy, whatever sweetness deliciousness you can find, BRING IT! </span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;">It will make changing your messy bedding easier for them :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial;">2. Sport a nursing tank!</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial;">When I checked in to deliver numero 6 ~ I asked if I could wear a nursing tank.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial;">The Nurse said, " I think you can wear whatever you want!" JaCkPoT! </span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial;">IT was AWESOME!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33wH7ZGYEnU8PRifob2sEZdM7RYzAYtzx_h9dpFRESBSl5ISRcCum_H3_s9l93tFXqGlbg-RYg5rzUS9HyoOI2rhJ-Fh_Z4B6jVirw7RPldc5CvaYId_wHlGWfy6J-ENH7HuUZMgtzG8h/s1600/December+2012+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ksa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33wH7ZGYEnU8PRifob2sEZdM7RYzAYtzx_h9dpFRESBSl5ISRcCum_H3_s9l93tFXqGlbg-RYg5rzUS9HyoOI2rhJ-Fh_Z4B6jVirw7RPldc5CvaYId_wHlGWfy6J-ENH7HuUZMgtzG8h/s200/December+2012+002.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Arial;">I delivered my chubby, precious, cutest baby boy ever created in that, and started the nursing ASAP! And it was so comfy and great to know that when visitors came, I didn't have to worry about those dang hospital gowns ( which all ready are a fashion NO NO!) slipping open and revealing my beautiful new nursing boobs! </span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial;">3. Bring treats for the LITTLE visitors!</span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial;">In my family, I am BLESSED with 8 nieces and nephews, then throw my 5 munchkins in the mix and you get A LOT of teeny visitors! Plus friends with kids!</span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made this little tootsie pop treat thingy! I just painted up a little flower pot I hand't used in a while and put a styrofoam ball in it and poked tootsies in! It worked great to help subdue little's in a small room!</span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial;">Other times, I have brought in a basket of color books and crayons, small cars, dolls, bubbles, etc! Just go to your Dollar Tree and fill up on those things that keep them pre- occuppied! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial;">4. Bring yourself some snacks!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial;">The cafeteria in our hospital closes and then, no more food. That can seem daunting to you when you are nursing, because after you go through labor, and start nursing you may feel like your appetite increases even more so than when you were pregnant!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial;">So - pack some healthy snacks and some chocolate...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial;">DON'T FORGET THE CHOCOLATE.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Fun Family Picture Stuff!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial;">Before I had my son, I made numbered shirts for the kids to wear to the hospital to meet him for the first time! They turned out cute and made for great memory photos!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. I'm sure there are A LOT of other important things, like camera, toilteries, babys first outfit, babys leaving hospital outfit, nuks, blankies, video camera, your husband ( don't forget him!) but, I'm pretty sure you know all the basic stuff. So, I just wanted you to know the ' other ' stuff that made the stay easier. Oh! Oh! You can bring a CD player, too! I liked listening to music, rather than having the TV for back ground noise while I stayed after the dellivery ( Yes, I need back ground noise! Do you remember how many kids I have?! Its essential!)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Arial;">So, Don't forget the important stuff ~ but remember all the fun memory makers, too! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Arial;">Have fun giving birth :) </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_JOyee5Rf67yY3wv7-9ePULVkgMiJG7Th8Tq0bxen8s-5Bysypu_Bqr8UIcVWKX-MH-qchoNgixaUP8X-F2Y0DrC-H1x4N6vxCzr49vnueI8FYRMPAI3c4FTWbnG69S_fK5_gvYef876/s1600/December+2012+225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ksa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_JOyee5Rf67yY3wv7-9ePULVkgMiJG7Th8Tq0bxen8s-5Bysypu_Bqr8UIcVWKX-MH-qchoNgixaUP8X-F2Y0DrC-H1x4N6vxCzr49vnueI8FYRMPAI3c4FTWbnG69S_fK5_gvYef876/s320/December+2012+225.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BIG BIRTH DAY SMILES!<br />
xoxoxo Shaylyn<br />
( and Baby Michael, without whom, this blog would not be possible!)</td></tr>
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P.S. Sorry about all the spelling errors! This Blogger is NOT letting me go back and correct for some reason...reaon may be that I'm computer illiterate and am probably just not doing it right, but, I'd like to think it was the bloggers fault :)</div>
Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-28428538396829952372012-08-18T15:49:00.000-07:002012-08-18T15:49:00.355-07:0050 Shades of Red!!!<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After hearing the title, I'll be honest "Fifty Shades of Grey" sounded like a decorating book! I thought, " Awesome! Gray is my favorite!" But, to my disappointment, after doing a lot of research, guess what...it's anything but decorating!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">With the release of 'Fifty Shades' and 'Magic Mike' my heart has been deeply saddened by the state of our christian woman. If our 'Men of God' ( as we claim to be 'woman of God') where reading something like 'FS' we would be quick to call alarm and slap 'Porn- O' on it, and if they where to attend a movie like 'MM' ( only for MEN about WOMAN) we would throw a fit and tell them they where filling their minds with filth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">But, then...why is it ok for us ladies to indulge?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Truth is...it's not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Now, what I'm about to write comes with a ( few!) warnings! I write this to woman of the Church, who claim Christ as their savior. To any one else, they do not know better, but a Christian woman who has shielded her heart with the bible, studies its words and holds close Christ virtues, DOES know better. I'm not trying to step on toes and I do this in love, to refocus us, and am NOT pointing fingers at anyone</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I've been thinking about this blog for awhile with the release of these two particular media drenched, over publicized, WAY over hyped 'entertainment' pieces.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And it really hit me as I was reading my bible one night and came across this verse, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">( For the easily convicted...TURN AWAY!)</span><br />
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2 Timothy 3:1 <br />
" But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents <u><span style="color: red;">( Must be the last days at my house!).</span> </u>ungrateful <span style="color: red;"><u>( Yep!!!)</u></span> , unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self control, brutal, not lovers of good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness, but denying it's power. Have nothing to do with them. <span style="color: red;"><u>( Here comes the STINGER!)</u></span> <span style="color: #e69138;">They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over <u>weak</u> <u>willed</u> <u>woman</u></span> <span style="color: red;">( oUcH! I'm hardly what I'd call 'Strong!')</span> , <span style="color: orange;">who are loaded down by sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.</span> <span style="color: red;">( Double OuCh!)</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are we gaining by watching MM or reading FS? Does it grow you spiritually? Did it help you to be a light to the lost? Did it further your testimony? Did it give you patience and encouragement doses that brought you through another day? Did it bring you closer to your creator?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Over and OVER AND <span style="font-size: large;">OVER </span>again in the bible, it talks about restraining from sexual impurities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1Thes 4: 3 "..you should avoid sexual immorality".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Eph 5:3 "...But among you there must not even be a hint of sexual immorality or of any kind of </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> impurity.."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Galatians 5: 19 "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: Sexual immorality...impurity...orgies...( I forgot to tell you this verse was RATED! Hehe!) .."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">There are two many verses to sight. Yet, I hear the argument from woman, ' I don't get turned on by watching Magic Mike." Really? You went for the great acting and the amazing story line? ( sarcasm!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Or.." Fifty Shades is just a book, fiction...there's nothing wrong with reading it."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hmmm... There are a lot of other fiction books out that I am pretty sure would be more </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">safe to read than this one. Chose carefully. Infact the bible ( Which isn't even fiction! )</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">say's in Hebrews 4: 12 That Gods word is <span style="color: #741b47;">ALIVE</span> and <span style="color: #4c1130;">ACTIVE</span>. Sharper than a two edged SWORD and penetrates to even dividing the soul and the spirit! <span style="color: #0b5394;">WOWZA!</span> Thats a book I wanna read! Something ALIVE! Not something that's going to make me blush 50 shades of <span style="color: #cc0000;">RED!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Some have even claimed that FS is riddled with pedophilia. I haven't read the book. Just reviews and blogs and commentaries on it, so I couldn't claim that, but here is an interesting link to an article that might make you think twice before you decide its 'O.K.'</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.theulstermanreport/fiftyshadesofgrey.com">www.theulstermanreport/fiftyshadesofgrey.com</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not your Holy Spirit. Just a sister in Christ who wants you to know you where made for more than this ( <span style="color: #cc0000;">smut!</span> ) and your heart is the wellspring of <span style="background-color: yellow;">life</span>. What <span style="background-color: yellow;">life</span> is it giving out, if it's giving out the darkness the Bible warns us about?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here's a CLUE if it's not heart worthy:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Phil 4: 8 " Finally brethren, whatever is <em><span style="color: #3d85c6;">true</span></em>, whatever is <em><span style="color: cyan;">noble</span></em>, whatever is <em><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">right</span></em>, whatever is <em><span style="color: #0b5394;">pure</span>,</em> whatever is<em><span style="color: #073763;"> lovely</span></em>, whatever is <em><span style="color: #45818e;">admirable</span></em> - if anything is <em><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">excellent </span></em>or <em><span style="color: #20124d;">praiseworthy </span></em>- think about such things." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Colossians 3: 1 "...Set your <span style="color: #e06666;">hearts</span> on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your <span style="color: #bf9000;">minds</span> on things above, not on earthly things."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Lead the next generation of Christian woman by being the example, who PUTS OFF the worlds desires and lust and PUTS on all things excellent and praiseworthy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Love ya sisters!</span><br />
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Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-85457696469313686502012-08-01T22:04:00.001-07:002012-08-01T22:04:24.103-07:00SInner? Guilty AS charged!<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Recently I have caught a little slack from some friends about an event I planned. I won't go into details. For the most part I understand where they are coming from and I appreciate the accountability, but then there are those who have been bible thumping me in the head till I can't see all the fallen angels spinning around it clearly! I have prayed, prayed and prayed about this & I can't shake the feeling that God is awesome and will finish the good things he starts in us.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Tonight when I was reading with our girls before bed, we read the story of Zacchaeus. And let me tell, God spoke volumes to this heart!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For those of you who are unfamiliar with the story, you can read it in <span style="color: red;">Luke 19:1-10. </span>I'll try to break it down for ya!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector. Not a popular gig and the way he went about it, made him the little bitty bully no one liked! Being that he was the Chief tax collector, he was wealthy...taking money and keepin' some. Maybe some extra than he ought.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Zacch heard Jesus was coming through Jericho, and he wanted to see Jesus. But since he was too short to see over the crowd, he ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore fig tree. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When Jesus came to the tree, he looked up and said, " Zacchaeus, come down from that tree, for I must stay at your house today!" ZAcch was SO happy, he welcomed Jesus gladly! But...this is where we come in ( christians)...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Everyone following Jesus seen this and they started to mutter and say, " He is gone to be the guest of a sinner!" </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">OH! The humanity! A...a...sinner?!! Well, thank heavens I can read this and know I am NOT a sinner and I am PERFECT! ( *insert sarcasm*) Dirty little Zacchaeus! What with all his sins! Jesus could have went to any of those perfect, wonderful, apple pie in the oven, macaroni casserole on the table, button up - turtle neck, bible totin' christians houses! But to chose a sinner! Come on, Jesus! Really?!?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yes. Really.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There are so many amazing things in just these TEN verses, I can't even write a short blog! SO bear with me!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Zacch was a sinner...and believe it or not, no matter how hard you try and 'pretend' to be flawless...you too are a sinner ( hopefully saved by grace!).</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Zacch, not knowing Jesus, was EAGER to see him. He ran ahead and climbed a tree just to get a glimpse of Jesus Christ. Love.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And in walks our savior. He lovingly chose a sinner. Not just Zacch, but all of us. He longs to come into our hearts and homes and be a guest. Not for us to be perfect, but for us to be eager to see him and gladly welcome him in.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jesus didn't just sit in the temple, doors locked, in his weekly bible study, worrying about the next church activity, or what color to paint the walls. Jesus went out. He walked among us. Yes...sinners. He didn't shy away from those he died to save. He walked with them, showing love and teaching about his Father. He did so in a way that even a ruthless man, like Zacch would seek him out.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Who's seeking you out?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Have you been Jesus in how you love others?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Have you popped your christian bubble and stepped out into the world to be that love to someone? The love that could lead them to Jesus?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Or are we too afraid to get 'sinner' on us?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After Zacch heard what everyone was saying about Jesus going to a sinners house, he proclaimed he would give half his possessions to the poor and if he cheated anyone, he would give back FOUR TIMES the amount he took!!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Zacch was so thrilled and fired up about the thought of Jesus coming to his house, he stopped doing evil and made right what he had done wrong!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I love that passion! How many times does Jesus knock at our doors heart and we say, " Not now Lord...I'm in the middle of a good sin right now!" </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Zacch was an example. He stopped immediatley and turned from that which was wrong. I LOVE THIS GUY! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jesus reached out to his heart and Zacch saw that. Jesus didn't slam the door in his face and mock him with the word 'sinner'. Jesus asked to be his guest!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Am I being Jesus? Am I staying away from people that just want to be invited in? Am I getting out of my box labeled " Sunday School Only" and going to where the people are? Am I being Jesus to someone who would do anything just to know God is head over heels - madly in love with them?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Simple fact ( I made up!) : Probably about 98 % of the lost will not walk into your church, come up to you and say, " Hey! How do I have a relationship with Jesus?" </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That's why you have to be Jesus to all the Zacchs. </span></span></span>Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-20027998563168981062011-05-13T11:50:00.001-07:002012-08-01T20:45:55.247-07:00I'm Leaving My Husband & Children...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahxstkEZ2f2FBrifjef4AoW4oby87EbsO0CNR6HsBY_jn3a3DKq8meDOaO2r5BUO47z-4IzJfNeU3HV4aUE3mrrF3AWSznlZTz_FJWWpG_9B3SxZ3OixxFVBd0PJtiiBbUKvOEQ1B9hC5/s1600/May+2011+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahxstkEZ2f2FBrifjef4AoW4oby87EbsO0CNR6HsBY_jn3a3DKq8meDOaO2r5BUO47z-4IzJfNeU3HV4aUE3mrrF3AWSznlZTz_FJWWpG_9B3SxZ3OixxFVBd0PJtiiBbUKvOEQ1B9hC5/s200/May+2011+010.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>WHAT?!?!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">You heard me! That's right! Don't TRY to talk me out of it! I'm outta here...</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Ever have one of those nights?...days....hour! Haha! </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">By leaving...I mean, leaving to just get the heck outta dodge for a run, walk, shopping spree ( with all the coins you dug out of the washer for the last two years and any un-expired coupons!)</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">I have heard more than ONE gasp, when I freely share with other mothers that I leave once in awhile! The look of stunned emotions, and sheer disbelief that I would leave my children, fruit of my womb, bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh and go OUT and DO something! </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes it sounds like this, " YIPPEE!" or the squealing of the tires and stray cats dodging for cover as I nearly miss them with my Bridgestones going full speed down the road. Or it can sound like sobbing children, begging me to stay because, they LOVE me so much. Either way, it sounds like, FREEDOM to me. Yep, I said it. Don't judge me. You know if you had a chance and could shake the 'mom guilt' feeling that sweeps over you like a Nebraskan wind on an open plane, you would do it too. </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">If you are a 'Stay at Home ' mother and have literally taken that title to the extreme measure that your children will immediately die of starvation if you even walk to the mailboxes, let me encourage you...THEY WON'T! And you will be better for getting out.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">And if you're really lucky...take that man you married ( you remember him, right? The guy who helped make Junior and Sally...) out on a date. Shave your legs ( FOR GOSH SAKES!) put down the seats in the minivan and hang a little sign on the door..."<span style="color: red;"> If the Vans a rockin', don't come a knockin'..."</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoy a night out once in awhile :) It truly makes you a better mom, gives you that extra splash of patience and you really, truly do remember that you miss that little crusty- boogered face, with dirt smears and ketchup in the corner of his mouth baby, that you thought surely would never survive for ten minutes without you.</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Over the next few blogs, I want to dig into Proverbs 31 and really see what God's word is calling us to do as woman who follow and serve him. I'll be doing this in chunks. So, follow along as I too, learn more about what God created us to be as moms, wives, sisters, daughters and HIS creation! </span> </b></span><br />
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DISCLAIMER:<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: small;">*</span><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">No children where hurt in the making of this blog. Children and their parents are encourage to have many family fun nights together and</span> </span></span><span style="color: orange; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Parents are encouraged to love them whole heartidley.If you leave for the evening and your child suddenly becomes sick and throws up, please do your babysitter a favor and return home. If you expierence any weakness and abdominal pain upon leaving the house and dining out, please do not try the Chinease place again. If these symptons persist it is likely you will not get 'lucky' on date night and therefore you may want to seek an additional date night, for the following week. Please consult someone fun, before going out so you can be assured you have a great night. If your fun last more than 4 hours, pay the sitter extra.</span>Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-43416330161852487952011-05-05T21:38:00.000-07:002011-05-05T21:41:08.434-07:00Happy Mother's Day, Mom! Now here's your complimentary stretch marks, saggy boobs and 'Wide load rear end'!<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">Mother's day is upon us!</span></b></span><br />
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I think us mother's should be kept in a category quite close to Jesus Christ himself. We are selfless, sacrificial and our body has been crucified ( i.e. post pregnancy). We are spit on, sneezed on, puked on and peed on. We are not found humorous, when we do our goofy dances, but found hilarious when trip with arms full of grocery bags and spill them across the drive way. We are car pools, and fishing turds- out- of- the kiddie pool moms. We are wearing our shirts backwards sometimes, because we have so many little people to get ready, we forget to get ourselves ready. We are showing up late moms, because newborn decided to test ( and win) the 'Leakguard protection' GUARANTEE on the package of diapers we bought. We are hiding while we eat a piece ( or in my case...BAG) of chocolate, from our tiny chocolate radar detecting munchkins, just so we don't have to share with 4 - 5 other chirping mouths! We are moms, who once where against it, would do anything to be able to afford a boob job! Because honey, this MOM would love a bra that lifts and separates, NOT sorts and fold!<br />
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We are moms, we<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> rock! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Oh, yes. We do</span>.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, here's to all the moms that have rocked my 'Mommy - world' just by being in it! Have a great mother's Day and remember, you inspire, create, love and encourage all of us to be better!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to the mom who cleans up blueberry puke on white carpet at 1 a.m.-<span style="color: red;">Heidi Z.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to all the working moms, that work all day, come home and still find time to love and cherish their kids, make dinner and maybe sweet lovin' to their husbands!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">-<span style="color: lime;">Kary J. Jenny O. Katie D.Kim S. Ali S. </span>Kaylie<span style="color: lime;"> S. Heather Z. Heidi </span>Zi<span style="color: lime;">. Elisabeth D.Nicole M.Teri T. Shannon G.Tanya B.Karie G.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to the moms who crack me up and keep my light hearted! - <span style="color: #cc0000;">Lisa R. </span>Lovie B. Ann R. Rochelle V. Melissa H. Diana N.Mary A. Jenny E</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to the mom, who someday, if her house isn't flooded first, and the ceilings DON'T cave in from water damage, will have a plumber son, who will get paid good money to play with toilets!- <span style="color: #e06666;">Tara C.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to the mom who's adorable, blond headed boy, threw a smoothie in my house, and she stayed so calm and cool as her and her hubby cleaned a purple mix of fruity goodness off my walls, and continues to grow in patience and kindness as a mom - <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Lindsey Z.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to all the moms, that thought 'outside of the box' and went beyond their families and children to bring love to orphans, and care for them and raise them with the same love that our father in heaven loves us with! - <span style="color: #741b47;">Sarah M. Christine N. Jodi M. Michelle W. Brandi G.Stephanie S. </span>Steph<span style="color: #741b47;"> Z.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to the moms, who encourage me to eat more chocolate and take it easy when life gets too tough! - <span style="color: #45818e;">Trina T. Jessica T.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to the (almost new moms) or just became new mommies! I love watching you bloom into this beautiful creation, called 'Momma' - <span style="color: #741b47;">Abigale M. Savanna D. Valerie R. Sarah K. Jennifer B. Charity B. </span>Fritzi<span style="color: #741b47;"> M. Stephanie C. Ashley K. Anne N.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to the moms, that have brought a step child under their wings and guidance and treated them no less, than a perfect match and fit in that family - <span style="color: #38761d;">Joni G. Jodie H</span>.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to the mom, who sold all her baby stuff, swore there would be NO more and found out she was 3 months pregnant with number 4! Addy has been the biggest blessing to her momma's heart and changed that family only for the better! <span style="color: magenta;">Lisa G</span>.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to all the homeschooling moms, who put their heart into all they do, even when it's tough and the world is throwing stones, you stick to your beliefs and the love of your kids, and do what so many of us couldn't! <span style="color: #38761d;">Deni Y. Gretchen I.Heather H.Gina C. Kara L. </span>Rebeckah<span style="color: #38761d;"> K. Becky R. </span>Janyl<span style="color: #38761d;"> A.Ruth J. Heidi Z.April T. Tricia S. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to all the single moms, who do it all! Wipe butts and take names! <span style="color: #674ea7;">Lisa M. Dawn S. Kayla S. Tami S.</span>Ricarda<span style="color: #674ea7;"> B.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to all the Pastor's wives, that show me that God has called us to more than macaroni, but to train up our children and foster that love for Jesus! <span style="color: #cc0000;">Jen B Jen J. Sue A. Rachel L.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to some of the smartest moms I know. They could change a diaper and give you a scientific name for the 'stuff'. I usually can't keep up with you when you talk, but you are some smart ladies and I am too blond! - Rychel<span style="color: #741b47;"> W. Gina H.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to the mom, whose kids are grown, but she takes on the grandbaby, because no matter what season of life you are in, love is always blooming! - <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Marie M.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to a mom, who has more babies in heaven to hold, than here on earth, but continues to touch the hearts of so many because of her losses. - <span style="color: #e69138;">Shelly A.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to the mom, who does it alone, because her husband is serving our country and she supports our freedom, and does not selfishly hold him back, but encourages him and is proud of the man that he is!- <span style="color: red;">Shannon C</span>.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to the moms that could come over, when I'm in my p.j.'s, folding laundry, sink full of dishes and still have morning breath, and they would not judge me, but laugh with me about the pig sty I live in! - <span style="color: #073763;">Kerry H. Brittany I.</span></span></span></span><br />
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</div><span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: blue;">And here's to the moms, who inspire me by the way they love on their babies and are always encouraging me!</span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"> <span style="color: red;">Marie M. Melissa F. </span><span style="color: red;">Kathlyn</span><span style="color: red;"> G. </span><span style="color: red;">Bekah</span><span style="color: red;"> B. Jenny F. Heather J. Susie W. Jessica H.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: magenta;">I hope I didn't forget anyone...If I did, 'Mommy brain' can be blamed!</span> </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Here's to me...a mom... up past bedtime ;) Good night lovely mothers! You done dang good! Happy Mother's Day! I love you !</span></span></span><br />
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</div>Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-88134860289369000272011-05-03T13:25:00.000-07:002011-05-03T13:25:45.560-07:00The Tragedy of a BIG FAMILY...<span style="font-size: small;">Growing up, I dreamed of having several children, and a big barn to keep my husband in...( I was 7 , sheesh! Things have changed!) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I had 'real' babies, and played 'babies' all the time, because if you called my babies, 'dolls', you would get the stone cold silent treatment, followed up with tears and a sassy lecture! Which would end with you apologizing to make things right and never, ever calling my babies, dolls again!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Over the years, I have noticed my 'opinion' on BIG families has changed quite a bit. And although, at times I can't handle the four I have, ( admit it! Even if you have JUST ONE, it can be hard to handle!) the thought of a big family hasn't left my heart.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">With five pregnancies and 4 live births in 6 years, my husband and I have started praying about if God would allow us the blessing of another child. If it was His will and not just us wanting another baby.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Our reasons for NOT wanting more, where simple...selfishness;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1. We all ready have our hands full with 4</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">2. We'll have to get a bigger vehicle.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">3. The girls are getting bigger, where we can just up and leave and not be so tied down...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">4. Less FREE time with another baby, attached to my boob.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">5. Big families seem to get wildly out of control.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">6. The messes....hair & clothes! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I had observed 'Big' families and saw a lot of them that I really admired...and then those that I did not.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I am not a 'Where's my kid? Oh well..." kind of a mother. Who would rather let other people deal with the discipline of my children, because they are running wild and I have NO idea where they are.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Or the 'rolling of the eyes' mother...who gets the 'rolls' when her kids are making such a clatter and being such a disturbance, that everyone is HOPING you'll decide to get your tubes tied before your next ovulation!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Although, I am sure my 4 have caused the above, I probably just haven't realized it! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I really , really struggled with this decision...should we or shouldn't we?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I prayed and we prayed and he prayed...nothing. We gave ourselves time limits and basically gave God time limits. And the more we prayed the harder it was to parent the 4 we had. Everything kept coming up! Puking kids, everyone waking up all night, disobedience at it's worst, sassiness, in general, all the bad and none of the good in child rearing!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">But, we handled it. Even if I wasn't perfect, even if he wasn't perfect, we still handled it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
And no joke, one day a peace came over me and it was as clear as day, " Yes, we should have more!"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Why? Because there is blessings in our children! The bible Say's so! Doesn't mean they can't cause pain and trials, but the bible promises that they are a blessing!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">As my awesome cousin Kerry Horn's Pastor said, " If God gave you a financial blessing, would you say, 'no thanks God.?" Absolutely NOT! You would empty your purse of any tampons, lipsticks, loose change, stamps and expired coupons and say, "<b style="color: red;"> MORE PLEASE!!!</b>"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Well, children are MORE of a blessing from God than any amount of money.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">And I am pleased to announce, that about a week later, Jared got the same peace from God.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I didn't push it or beg, because I knew if what I was feeling was from God, that he would feel it too. In fact when he told me that he wanted more, I really questioned him and threw out all the 'worst case scenario's!' He did not care. He was ready to receive that blessing that we have had before and continues on with our children now. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Now, this being said, we are NOT pregnant, but we will try. God may have other plans for us, I do not know. I am just letting God know that we are willing to go there again, if he chooses to use us that way.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I hesitate to share this news because I know 'everyone has an opinion' and if you compare us to the Duggars, I will have to hurt you. Please keep your nasty opinions to yourself. What's right for us, may not be what God has called from you. Big families are NOT for everyone and Rude comments are NOT for me!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The 'Tragedy of a Big Family' is mostly the greed that is deep seeded in our hearts, the want for more...more money, more time, more me! I don't judge people for small families, that may be where God has placed that family. But, If you're only reason for having 1.5 kids is because you can't go out an buy a new snowmobile every year and you want to retire at age 50 with a nice condo up north, then I would really, really check what your idea of a blessing is.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Following God and abiding in His word is the best blessing! Listening to the heart of God when he calls to us, is the best blessing! If you have children, they too, are the BEST blessing! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">p.s. I really like the Duggars :)</span>Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-71081653781548425002011-04-15T15:35:00.000-07:002011-04-15T15:35:12.354-07:00All the Pretty Little Christians...<span style="font-size: large;">Lined up in a row. Wearing our Sunday Best. Smiling. Laughing. Trying to impress...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">It has become very apparent to me in today's society and in Christianity alike, ONE thing goes Hand in hand</span>...<span style="font-size: small;">the popularity contest we are all out to win. Don't step on toes, don't make me uncomfortable and whatever you do, don't scare the 'HELL' out of me...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">When we step out of our homes and into our Church, what is the goal?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">To make as many friends as possible? To impress Leaders, Pastors and Deacons? To be known as the ' Spiritual one'? Or is our goal to be the ear that listens, the smile that invites the new person in or the heart that beats like Jesus'.</span></span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pew warming </span></span>is out of style</b></u>!<br />
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I challenge you, Sisters in Christ, to break out of your comfort zone and take your church, town, state...heck! Go BIG! Your WORLD, by storm for Jesus!<br />
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I know life gets busy, I know seasons in our life make it perfectly easy to sit back and say, " I can't right now..." but, you CAN! The smallest acts of kindness can bring the lost soul to Jesus, if you are a willing vessel.<br />
Days when you know you'll be stuck home. PRAY! Ask God to send you a single mom who needs a sitter. Make a batch of cookies for a shut in. Email a friend some encouragement. DO SOMETHING with this life God has given you to glorify HIM! No more excuses! He didn't BLESS you with a husband so you could use him as an excuse to stay home and never reach out. He didn't BLESS you with children, so you could use them as an excuse to piddle away your days! He blessed you above and beyond, be a blessing!<br />
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God has <b>BIG</b>, <b><span style="font-size: large;">HUGE</span></b>, <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">GIANT</span></b> things for your life- when are you going to strap on the safety belt, throw your arms up in the air and enjoy the ride?! Now is the time!<br />
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" The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few."<br />
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Reap the harvest! Go out and change your world! Even if it's the small 'world' around you! And next time I see you, I'll be asking, " <u>How have you changed your world, for Jesus today?" </u><br />
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Don't waste another second twiddling your thumbs and being bored. God is busy kickin' butt and saving this world from the evil sin that ensnares us. Saddle up, get ready and kick butt, too!Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-60265099862213830532011-04-07T20:41:00.000-07:002011-04-07T20:41:08.119-07:00My Kid's have been...(gULp!) ...FRAMED!!!<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's true. I am ONE proud momma of my little 'framed' babies! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;">One thing when you have kid's that you will learn is; Paper, paper and more paper! You will get more paper than you knew there where tree's to produce it! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;">I really, really love my kid's art work! I am not claiming that they are the next Van Gogh, I would actually compare some to Picasso...it's slightly abstract...but, as a mom, I love watching there different art ( can we call it that?!) styles, but finding a way to display them has been a chore. My mom used to joke that she would display ours, "Nicely behind the couch! Where the sun can't fade it!" Thanks mom, for the good - old fashioned self- esteem booster!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;">I seen this idea at a friends house and swooped in like a seagull spying on box of spilled fries in an Arby's parking Lot!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finding random and unique frames in my basement or at garage sales, I popped the backing and the glass off and spray painted the desired color. The glass removal makes it super easy peasy to remove art work when you want to display the latest best seller!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Behold...the '<u style="color: orange;"><b>Hall of Fame</b></u>' as I would like to call it!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">( I have this in our hallway, so I couldn't get a good camera view of the whole thing, but basically randomly placed picture frames and other art/crafts adorn this wall, here's just a few individually)</span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1Qz3nP2Q8PLw5wui5JbfHa5guSymqlDACUOB8e5CdC1-KO5iGrQE-znZSWsSqsyDHG6MW2nJ0umPe_w2xWzvpc0s2OK1aFocvr1reXU692sv_73ZQnzF7b6-zzEugnKEtSMhKQ09_gri/s1600/2011+127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1Qz3nP2Q8PLw5wui5JbfHa5guSymqlDACUOB8e5CdC1-KO5iGrQE-znZSWsSqsyDHG6MW2nJ0umPe_w2xWzvpc0s2OK1aFocvr1reXU692sv_73ZQnzF7b6-zzEugnKEtSMhKQ09_gri/s320/2011+127.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="background-color: red;"></span> <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">My kid's LOVE showing off the 'Hall of Fame!' They are as proud as a peacock to show off all their 'cool' art and crafts! I'm pretty proud, too...so, if you come over...HUMOR ME! Haha!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIXWksf9mW-2h8CxA9llYZj7Y6v0USy1jyoaui-t12S2KWhjQGZqF0CNZjXoLKC0eLp6STbwIeEO6ZccEaEBqjm8WlM8Veem39TT1IjMyWnk8dHd30lcPBj-ebVcSHTzTy9HJZXPAbkOV/s1600/2011+128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIXWksf9mW-2h8CxA9llYZj7Y6v0USy1jyoaui-t12S2KWhjQGZqF0CNZjXoLKC0eLp6STbwIeEO6ZccEaEBqjm8WlM8Veem39TT1IjMyWnk8dHd30lcPBj-ebVcSHTzTy9HJZXPAbkOV/s320/2011+128.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEWIaFF7lgabG0ypu1jvQVIMoE9uj3gIGER7mKiAhRVILpXnkHo5POpuIGNMUi90tfb-SbWtvJfWjPyJhTiWEcRkHl0-iBrXOVTcsj2PdoC8KEAL9cEWNkKtFPxQxDUvQ-d4qql_S99ax/s1600/2011+129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEWIaFF7lgabG0ypu1jvQVIMoE9uj3gIGER7mKiAhRVILpXnkHo5POpuIGNMUi90tfb-SbWtvJfWjPyJhTiWEcRkHl0-iBrXOVTcsj2PdoC8KEAL9cEWNkKtFPxQxDUvQ-d4qql_S99ax/s320/2011+129.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">This frame was for sale for 2.50 at a garage sale and after I practically died laughing at the guy and his piece of junk, started to walk away, he changed his tune to .50 cents! </span></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I would like to add, the TOP picture in that frame is 'Yours Truly' by the talented hand of Halle girl...Aren't I a sexxy beast?! ;)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HVHzV9AFz7L1z1Zmr8oNgNbi2b8TRVz6EZjawzkRyKU7kSlG920sUKfWVrfzs-rDsIfq7rxIyb_V44ydHH76ujlz1N2XmDMSFS_cm1uqiby3-Ut3PE3PRVS2ylf64BBRUMj0TvcSmV42/s1600/2011+130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HVHzV9AFz7L1z1Zmr8oNgNbi2b8TRVz6EZjawzkRyKU7kSlG920sUKfWVrfzs-rDsIfq7rxIyb_V44ydHH76ujlz1N2XmDMSFS_cm1uqiby3-Ut3PE3PRVS2ylf64BBRUMj0TvcSmV42/s320/2011+130.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBWdeOSdRRqUEGcstjQYOjjBrNC17Qk3Zc2fLVL7FyiR_XQ16jxYGegthTxw9t1RQXEjG6sp0XPdV3HeQfEfytrkGYS7gbjjJ1Mfx8QKUV7f06hQGHE510LjusY3d3-tgf0v3zEcYLNdu/s1600/2011+131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBWdeOSdRRqUEGcstjQYOjjBrNC17Qk3Zc2fLVL7FyiR_XQ16jxYGegthTxw9t1RQXEjG6sp0XPdV3HeQfEfytrkGYS7gbjjJ1Mfx8QKUV7f06hQGHE510LjusY3d3-tgf0v3zEcYLNdu/s320/2011+131.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Noodles!</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">You seriously don't want to know how many times my kids asked to eat this! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLc0qS70P16rTKo5b2Rd-2WmbXaMwIoFFp9900DTGBiFtboxm2A9ymWGhjXY3yz99P4FlrLVdM52r0UsmDGRVeJ9P0dOOVdvlUV_J1Ey1L1Igc_Tv6IFDWb6o6DwPi9MyerK8YYitb8w9/s1600/2011+132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLc0qS70P16rTKo5b2Rd-2WmbXaMwIoFFp9900DTGBiFtboxm2A9ymWGhjXY3yz99P4FlrLVdM52r0UsmDGRVeJ9P0dOOVdvlUV_J1Ey1L1Igc_Tv6IFDWb6o6DwPi9MyerK8YYitb8w9/s320/2011+132.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;">This frame rocks my brains out! Found it at Goodwilliam ( that's long for 'Good Will') and I LOVE the shelf on it! Perfect for displaying dinosaurs (obviously!)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;">You may not want an entire hallway to dedicate to your blooming artist, but for real folks, rejoicing over their little awards, ribbons and scribbled pictures makes a teeny heart burst with joy!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #e06666;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">p.s. our fridge and dishwasher are also covered! What?! We have super talented kids! Hahahah!</span></span></span><br />
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</span></span>Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-41570616932628628862011-04-04T20:59:00.000-07:002011-04-04T20:59:53.812-07:00Housewife FairyTales....<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shhhhh! Don't tell my hubby, but I've been dating! It's not what I expected it to be. Not as much fun as I once thought it was when I was a girl. Well, here's the scOoP!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">I made a date with the duster...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">But, was less than impressed! And for some strange reason I kept sneezing! I must have been allergic to something he was wearing!</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">I made a date with the Dishes...</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">But, Boy O' boy! What a greasy mess! I had to always clean up after him, and he was always," Too Hot!" or "Too Cold!" Never happy and no matter how hard I tried, so spotty!</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">I made a date with the laundry...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was exhausting keeping up with mis-matched emotions and sorting things out! Under pressure, he folded. He was so frumpy when we went out, and all ready had wrinkles! I was glad I quit him, it really took a load off!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">I made a date with the toilets...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">But, I couldn't stand the crappy language and potty mouth! And the stench! I flushed that dream real quick!</span> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">I made a date with the vacuum...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finally, I thought I found TRUE LOVE! But, turns out he sucked just like everyone else!</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">I made a date with a dark, smooth stranger...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was BLISS at first! I loved his KISSES and felt every time we where together we where flying off to MARS or the MILKYWAY! But that relationship was bringing me down with baggage and heavy feelings, so I stopped seeing him and got a membership to the gym.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">I think I may go make a date with a warm bath...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcEv-Dqnw9XsYOR6fWJmDaHNxjgvzjupQfVrLNTHlBSMijDeshXGfJJmBodWfV8MidoL5h0zvTQIkvWGKdAu18tHhu6fgjatyx2SxP2PRq89hyGDp5MCMhuh9QbhofXkjmlFUUrUe6wIB/s1600/2011+121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcEv-Dqnw9XsYOR6fWJmDaHNxjgvzjupQfVrLNTHlBSMijDeshXGfJJmBodWfV8MidoL5h0zvTQIkvWGKdAu18tHhu6fgjatyx2SxP2PRq89hyGDp5MCMhuh9QbhofXkjmlFUUrUe6wIB/s320/2011+121.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">P.S. dark, smooth stranger is chocolate! Just verifying!</span> </span> </span> </span> </span> </span> </span> </span> </span> </span> </span></span>Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-52786117423702107312011-04-03T20:51:00.000-07:002011-04-03T20:51:24.800-07:00But, why does it have to hurt so bad...?<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Sometimes things happen. You run out of gas. You stub your toe...really hard!(What?! We've all done it!) You lose your job, money get's tight, you have a bought with sickness, your heart gets broken, your child dies...wait...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Yeah, bad things happen. Horrible things. Things that you don't want to ever imagine, things that make it hard to get out of bed and face another day, things that make you feel like you can't get your head above water, things that make you wonder, '<b> Is there even a God?! And if there is, WHY is He letting these bad things happen?!"</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I can write this with tears streaming down my face because I know loss. In just a short few years we lost my husbands Grandpa, Aunt & Grandma. We lost 2 of my Uncles, Grandpa and Grandma, and we lost our baby. (explained in my blog titled, <span style="color: #ea9999;">'</span><u style="color: #ea9999;">He knows your Name, He sees each tear that falls'/October 2010) </u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">We where good people! We loved each other! We went to church and served! We where trying to raise our kids right! Why? We never hurt anyone...we don't deserve this...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I can assure you, nobody does. I recently heard a well known minister speaking on this subject, "<b><u>Why Does God allow suffering</u></b>" <a href="http://www.harvest.org/">www.harvest.org</a> and he said three very powerful words that I think sometimes us religious uppety uppers, don't want to say. He said, "<b> I don't know!</b>"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">WHAT!?!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">You mean God isn't punishing you for being a bad, bad person?! Don't act as if you've never kicked the dog! And He knows what you where thinking when your covetous heart lusted after your neighbors stainless steal appliances( Were all woman here! You know you want some!;)</span> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">But I do know, God has a plan.<span style="color: red;">*</span> He has a plan to use your sufferings if you will allow him. He can make all things beautiful in his time.<span style="color: magenta;">*</span> He can take your broken heart and piece it back together, ever so gently, making sure he gets every tiny, broken piece and use your once broken heart to change a life. He breathes life into what feels like your heart that has stopped beating. He can hold you in<span style="color: purple;"> *</span><span style="background-color: #741b47; color: purple;"></span>perfect peace and give you just the strength you need to calm your <span style="color: #e06666;">*</span>anxieties and shush your fears. He can. And He will.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beautiful Sister, there is a love that reaches down, past our filthy hearts, into our souls, that's says, <span style="color: #a64d79;">*</span>" Quiet. Know me." He's there. Even if the pain and questions are overwhelming you to the point where you can't even see through your tears.He's there. He still loves you when your empty words are screaming, "Why?!" And you wish you could just see the answers and know there is a reason. He knows.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">He's there and He knows. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lay it at the foot of the cross. Come to Jesus. Feel His peace and be wrapped up in His everlasting love and give the pain that is crippling you and the hurt that you are suffering through to him.<span style="color: #351c75;">*</span> He will carry your burden and make your load light.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;">* "The Lord keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore" Psalm 121:7-8</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;">* "...So also through Christ our comfort overflows..." 2 Corinthians 1: 6</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;">* " You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the rock eternal." Isaiah 26:3-4</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">* " Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #c27ba0;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">* "Cast all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #351c75;">* " Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest in your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11: 28-30</span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #e06666;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdZvSBxlZaOKj6_vuH3qwpHpvfVV-8mIvshGGfAz_WqiIwI6SYUCqkqAeJ1N6T6_Hj6hSd1p4SsgXoTPeUDg7iev791OOlzQBF2kwK3DzUCFJx6wwDtJlL2h9RPGDDmRWS2rXheA1LJ6L/s1600/Florida+2011+318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdZvSBxlZaOKj6_vuH3qwpHpvfVV-8mIvshGGfAz_WqiIwI6SYUCqkqAeJ1N6T6_Hj6hSd1p4SsgXoTPeUDg7iev791OOlzQBF2kwK3DzUCFJx6wwDtJlL2h9RPGDDmRWS2rXheA1LJ6L/s400/Florida+2011+318.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #e06666;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><u><span style="background-color: red;"></span> </u><b> </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span>Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-32811929757704630152011-04-01T21:33:00.000-07:002011-04-01T21:33:27.512-07:00Breakfast at Tiffany's...or My house!<span style="color: purple;">I used to sleep until the last minute, drag my buns outta bed, when the first little peeper started yelling, begrudgingly moan that I need, TEN MORE MINUTES ( ok! I still moan about that!) and plop some sugar flakes with red dye #5 and high fructose corn syrup things called marsh mellows, into a bowl, let the kids eat infront of morning cartoons(maybe that's why I was crabby, Barney at 7:30 a.m. just ain't happenin'!) and wondering why they became so hyper after breakfast! Hmmmm....I wonder?!?! </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Since my oldest started full days at school, my time with her has become very thought out and precious! I have really wondered how I can make sure she starts her day out right, here's what I came up with;</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">1. A good breakfast!</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Some people may say it's spoiling them, but I want my kids to eat good, so for breakfast, I become a Restaurant! I know! I know! Bad mommy!!! But, I love it , so judge me! </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">I ask the girls the night before what they would like for breakfast, and mark it down on a little chart I have. The options are magnetic and stick to the fridge, so they can be easily changed daily.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyhPvQ2TacZebj0lRiWPQXB2k0sICxZ6VhLA5P9RUXDkDJax_TZcSUG33rjCTJeI2YwBWoJzYBC5Jb6YxrC0DXZt_X8INQDcOd5NnMzZTdIH4KFr0PYOXAH8ZnWQPltsd4kaMCOKl2k9T/s1600/2010+fishing+331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyhPvQ2TacZebj0lRiWPQXB2k0sICxZ6VhLA5P9RUXDkDJax_TZcSUG33rjCTJeI2YwBWoJzYBC5Jb6YxrC0DXZt_X8INQDcOd5NnMzZTdIH4KFr0PYOXAH8ZnWQPltsd4kaMCOKl2k9T/s320/2010+fishing+331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="color: #38761d;">Here's the chart.</span><br />
<div style="color: #38761d;"> The different breakfast magnets are super easy to take off and put on! And that way , I remember in the morning what they wanted! </div><br />
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<span style="background-color: blue; color: white;"> I made this chart awhile back, I have added and taken away some things. No more pop tarts. The eggo's are home made , whole grain waffles, and sometimes I don't let them pick, I just make a batch of muffin's or a bunch of cheesy scrambled eggs!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is the shopping bag! When I run out of a certain item, I put that magnet into the bag, so next time I run to the store, I can see what I need to grab quickly, without digging through the freezer or cupboards!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"> </span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">This is the back and the little piece of magnet I used to keep it easy to replace!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love knowing that I sent her off for a long day of school with a healthy breakfast! I also cook ahead if I have time. Pancakes/waffles freeze really well! I will also prep eggs at night or bake muffin's once the kids go to sleep! That way, I may, if God's smiles down on me, get that extra TEN MINUTES!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;">2. Time at the table...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;">I challenge the kids everyday with simple questions like, " How can you be a blessing today?" " Who can you show God's love,too?" " Tell me one friend that you want to be extra kind, too?" "How can I pray for you today?" Things like that get their mind going and they LOVE to share how they are going to let God use them that day and how I can pray for them! And then at night time, I ask them if they did what they said they where going to do! And surprisingly they DO!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;">3. Read God's word...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;">I keep a little devotional Bible for "God's Little Princesses." by the table and read a page or two out of that at breakfast and dinner. Again, it keeps us at the table longer and gets them thinking about things other than themselves. And we all need that little reminder,to think of others and not ourselves! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;">4. RUSH! RUSH! RUSH!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;">I'm not joking...sadly!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;">Then we usually quickly get ready and leave! That is why you will see me, driving like Cruella De Ville, but less puppies and more babies, swerving into the school parking lot, watching mothers grab their children and run for safety. Jump out in pajama bottoms and messed up hair, maybe matching shoes? If you're lucky! And drop my full bellied and hopefully full spirited child off for a day in the world!</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ND1w1W4cC7VRelF9IWtfHfOW8g6jZpEq5e0ZYcSAUfAVV9tFyAkJDgOGeKwEf2nPeBPhB0pLLVsUb9zYBgDvo-h_cglQEgvQkdqQ0XCFQUX_OL2VvNbRUBtUuOm7DRea8gSfVS0KM97E/s1600/2010+300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ND1w1W4cC7VRelF9IWtfHfOW8g6jZpEq5e0ZYcSAUfAVV9tFyAkJDgOGeKwEf2nPeBPhB0pLLVsUb9zYBgDvo-h_cglQEgvQkdqQ0XCFQUX_OL2VvNbRUBtUuOm7DRea8gSfVS0KM97E/s640/2010+300.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple;">* SIDE NOTE: Sunday mornings ALWAYS DONUTS! Nothin' say's, " Can't wait to get up for church!" Like knowing there is a big box of favorite donuts waiting in the kitchen for my kid's! Easiest way to get them moving on a cold, Sunday morning! PLUS- I get to send them to Sunday school and let the teachers deal with them! Mu Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!! </span> </span></span>Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-8194510879457342392011-03-29T14:30:00.000-07:002011-03-29T14:30:29.066-07:00Train them in the way they should go...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSAakLz1TJ67qhcNrzwqfR_Vddrh5udzL1S2ukIpqNRGn0Mof2o_KdX5j3BBIExvcGN8q8wMUNBAG8x9cRymOfNvVCe6JdnO3kf7VLnGsOlyRreDmEgMZJeXg03v_Sz8jqHz0VYrIO2ly/s1600/2011+071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSAakLz1TJ67qhcNrzwqfR_Vddrh5udzL1S2ukIpqNRGn0Mof2o_KdX5j3BBIExvcGN8q8wMUNBAG8x9cRymOfNvVCe6JdnO3kf7VLnGsOlyRreDmEgMZJeXg03v_Sz8jqHz0VYrIO2ly/s320/2011+071.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">As a mom who loves the Lord, I also want my children to grow up in the knowledge and grace of him, as well.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am not a trained child-hood expert, rearing,bible study leading professional, so by trial and error, I have thought of a few different ways to make learning about Jesus exciting! And why shouldn't it be? He healed the sick, raised the dead and best of all gave us the free gift of <span style="color: blue;">*</span> eternal life if we believe on Him! I'm so excited, just from writing that sentence!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">Many of us relate church and Jesus to boring rituals, sitting for too long and being jabbed in the ribs by mother if we start to doze off...Let's show our kids just how powerful God is, by making His word more understandable to little ears.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Aside from dinner time, family devotions, I try to incorporate Jesus into all we do. Even craft time!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I wracked my brain, trying to figure out how best my kids would learn the Bible and enjoy it; I came up with this idea. I thought I would share it with you. And I know some of you probably allready have done this, but forgive me, I'm a slow learner :)</span></span><br />
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<u><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Bible History Books:</span> </span></span></b></u><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">I say 'History' because the words 'bible story', don't sound factual to me! Gods word is our History! Be glad about that with your kids.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">We created a History book about 'Noah's Ark.' We read the story together, then each of us set out to color a picture of the story. It was just me and 2 of our girls working on this, so I got assigned with a few more pages, because they are little and it takes a bit longer for them to complete one of their masterpieces! So, ignore my child like drawings! Haha! Here's how the finished product turned out! The girls are so proud of it and read it over and over again!</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhAtwDVT8R1nBCMa9PBeQ3G8j0te_pSQYc0kNSzKLJV3gT5hsmue67xxDCPbe-NrqTt_Z8Qe5PZJDwDnFH38HSLvgjFqBepalc18GdzsM7cS8a8mmDC271P4Wi-nQfRcGhgcGtip8do44/s1600/2011+080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmhAtwDVT8R1nBCMa9PBeQ3G8j0te_pSQYc0kNSzKLJV3gT5hsmue67xxDCPbe-NrqTt_Z8Qe5PZJDwDnFH38HSLvgjFqBepalc18GdzsM7cS8a8mmDC271P4Wi-nQfRcGhgcGtip8do44/s320/2011+080.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This last page breelia added as an extra! But, I thought it drove home a good point! Gotta love that child like faith:)</span></span></span> </span> </span><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: lime;">*</span>Romans 3:23 " For all have <b style="color: black;">sinned</b> and fall short of the </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #f1c232;">glory</b> of God, and are justified <b><u>freely</u></b> by his <b style="color: purple;"><u>grace</u></b> through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ..."</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">I have more bible time crafts and idea's I will share with you all occasionally, so stay tuned for more easy idea's that you can do with your kiddo's!</span><br />
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Share with me your idea's! I would love to learn what your family does to build up little Soldiers for Christ! And if you are just starting out, Don't worry! God can use whatever we give! Your kid's are never too young ( or old) to learn about Jesus.Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-82726365075091371182011-03-28T20:27:00.000-07:002011-03-28T20:27:01.561-07:00Perfectionist...I am NOT.<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For those of you who have stopped by unannounced ( It's okay - I still love you!) you can find my house in 1 of 3 states;</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. Disaster.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2.Messy</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3.Messy, but trying to get clean!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With 4 kid's under 1000 square feet, messes are just going to happen! I have tried to learn a few tricks (still learning!) and although I am farrrr from an organizational guru, or anyone for that matter that should be even talking about this, I know I always appreciate when I learn new things that help our family function, so I thought I would share what I have implemented in our house.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My dear friend, Tara ( Dubbed 'Queen Organization' by me!) has great tips at her blog <a href="http://www.coleplace.blogspot.com/">www.coleplace.blogspot.com</a> under tidie whities. I have stolen a few tricks of the trade from her as well! Hey! Who says you can't teach an unhouse broke, messy old dog new tricks?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cupboards: Not enough cupboards for how much I need to cram into them!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In my pantry I found stacking my cans for cooking/ veggies/ fruit was getting me no where, as our pantry was deep, but not wide. I was always re-buying things that I still had, hidden behind the can of tomato soup no one ever wants to eat! So, at a garage sale, I picked up a few lazy suzannes( I feel bad calling her that! :) and VOILA! I can stack a couple high, and spin to see what we have on the shelf! I would recommend grabbing a few lazy's. I also have used them in our cabinet that keeps our medicines, vitamins and spices! Makes finding things much, much easier!</span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfuwZfeEj9K6hmnM07k6vr1D137El_9WOSAQAehraC-zgFji9ThNikh86nRrCPdoSoiclQxOMvZzY1areIqOrGhL0BTJ5F-EafK2k9oOgaSQJeC8aA0D_6dokT8spJJUR-BXQcrW4-IxS/s1600/2010+fishing+274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfuwZfeEj9K6hmnM07k6vr1D137El_9WOSAQAehraC-zgFji9ThNikh86nRrCPdoSoiclQxOMvZzY1areIqOrGhL0BTJ5F-EafK2k9oOgaSQJeC8aA0D_6dokT8spJJUR-BXQcrW4-IxS/s320/2010+fishing+274.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Next, I too, enjoy clear plastic storage containers, labeled, so my kids can see what snacks are available. I also have an old fruit basket, I set boxes and such things that I haven't got any storage containers left for, in the basket, that way, in the deep pantry, I can reach in and slide out the bin and see whats back there!</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8cJeLihjxuGMEQwbKStIrd7pZ-SAu5wamSGwIlT3c4JB7x_04iGW86rXxZT9X2zbuj_UpQATXeCaQc2gU3wBxCDArxGy05Jn8rWJ1sjU3JMt1DZwbuPn82PKZXnGuSgr3vBgeQoZwUpl/s1600/2010+fishing+270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8cJeLihjxuGMEQwbKStIrd7pZ-SAu5wamSGwIlT3c4JB7x_04iGW86rXxZT9X2zbuj_UpQATXeCaQc2gU3wBxCDArxGy05Jn8rWJ1sjU3JMt1DZwbuPn82PKZXnGuSgr3vBgeQoZwUpl/s320/2010+fishing+270.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> You can see, I use 'Hello My Name Is..." labels. My sister in law, Abigale gave me that idea and I LOVE IT! It's very easy to just slap another sticker over top of the old ones when changing out snacks, plus they are about .97 cents at walmart, much cheaper than any other label you can find!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1ekURKGXoRIE35B4GXcEhelYyDyu-wWlILgW66ezDdzxOaIs1o8F7JjAOPw4Nxb4W2dNI5G3WZaDzMvgr8PL_K8R86lGvha6wWJazvgSj7OHoZ7K5tp0uFpiZCsJfqOUt7cfflK_5hcd/s1600/2010+fishing+271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1ekURKGXoRIE35B4GXcEhelYyDyu-wWlILgW66ezDdzxOaIs1o8F7JjAOPw4Nxb4W2dNI5G3WZaDzMvgr8PL_K8R86lGvha6wWJazvgSj7OHoZ7K5tp0uFpiZCsJfqOUt7cfflK_5hcd/s320/2010+fishing+271.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">this is the fruit basket, pulled out, that you can see in the above picture, to the right.</span></span><span style="background-color: black;"></span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWM8seP16V8nYfdBHMUKF26-vTAnHxE97YBvCcyF7XPTQNY1nvZJa6aHz5Y2tzS6bPloz5bUF5ANaXMuj4V28hMTSWkcWctQTdUlPm_aeiVv7LMe46fefYLM0Ah6S-qNbpSOyHsJDCSj3/s1600/2010+fishing+276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWM8seP16V8nYfdBHMUKF26-vTAnHxE97YBvCcyF7XPTQNY1nvZJa6aHz5Y2tzS6bPloz5bUF5ANaXMuj4V28hMTSWkcWctQTdUlPm_aeiVv7LMe46fefYLM0Ah6S-qNbpSOyHsJDCSj3/s200/2010+fishing+276.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"> O</span></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">ur hallway acts as a storage space, with a small shelf that stores some of the kid's fun stuff. Mr & Mrs. Potato head neatly stashed in a clear container, nail polishes and play dough! Since our bathroom has no linen closet, a basket of pull ups and some t.p dawn the bottom shelf! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgRVpiEvTZI2zL6RrLsq_YdNXeDZDv_bdMWHNW4LHjSrznbvj_eicewqHMj1WLsAUD3sFoQmU9V2vNtxOs8oTJjcjnyPTTAw9NNfViVjhcTDd_56oi0YNXz8SMIBYO0i-P4olG5Rx_ecz/s1600/2010+fishing+277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgRVpiEvTZI2zL6RrLsq_YdNXeDZDv_bdMWHNW4LHjSrznbvj_eicewqHMj1WLsAUD3sFoQmU9V2vNtxOs8oTJjcjnyPTTAw9NNfViVjhcTDd_56oi0YNXz8SMIBYO0i-P4olG5Rx_ecz/s200/2010+fishing+277.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;">The girls bedroom is very, very small and with three of them sharing a room,</span> <span style="color: #741b47;">we lack space and organization! These little pink tote store different play.</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">I was sO pumped to find this 'horsie bin' at Fleet Farm last Christmas,<span style="color: #d5a6bd;"> to pile all </span></span><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">their barbie horses in!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEVwJIJcenZX4I7J6jncurFRByEIATOH8f_TVTefI5yrLvb_Xnd-_bqwifTyCLq_f3wS4g_44RxnsNkDDzOCcexbByiW50h2mjBTlPr8b2oMCoke-KdiqoWr5FU060KSuidi9ODbpeJWp/s1600/2010+fishing+279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEVwJIJcenZX4I7J6jncurFRByEIATOH8f_TVTefI5yrLvb_Xnd-_bqwifTyCLq_f3wS4g_44RxnsNkDDzOCcexbByiW50h2mjBTlPr8b2oMCoke-KdiqoWr5FU060KSuidi9ODbpeJWp/s200/2010+fishing+279.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="color: #4c1130;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I label ( and attempt ) a drawing on the tote. That way if they are unable to read, they can see by the picture, what goes in the tote. This works great and provides 'No excuse's' for the lazy gal, who would love to claim," I didn't know dress up and my lil' ponies didn't go in the same spot!"</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Hx8SZjx62qDnhxLhRjjulU0kDpcU8Ieu-SLefrorgXL0ADWR8GnxBWQPaiVE8aEHlzgVKBbxEIZeswvUNKovptFgXBu6AkxVUz6xHcihNL3XVp2o3p0Kl0Dvy-cdtOGVYo6BCx8yCd5V/s1600/2010+fishing+281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Hx8SZjx62qDnhxLhRjjulU0kDpcU8Ieu-SLefrorgXL0ADWR8GnxBWQPaiVE8aEHlzgVKBbxEIZeswvUNKovptFgXBu6AkxVUz6xHcihNL3XVp2o3p0Kl0Dvy-cdtOGVYo6BCx8yCd5V/s200/2010+fishing+281.jpg" width="200" /></a></div> <span style="color: cyan;">I</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: cyan;">f you have a sticker with what is in the box, I would recommend that as well- Dollar Tree has just about any sticker for any character known to man ( and some that are not! Gotta love Dollar Tree!)</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisz92-RZb7iXoAGFEfHPlllrrPIBs0w5AeSp0soQ_sEOznTbE3TzYf-QJj_z_aTMPBp3-NIlCLvm5iPKD7DcqSizE-wJBx-6OzKLw4Q5rlCBGZfqVy7QRTTJXiqhcHsr4rUgERM59uyPdj/s1600/2010+fishing+280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisz92-RZb7iXoAGFEfHPlllrrPIBs0w5AeSp0soQ_sEOznTbE3TzYf-QJj_z_aTMPBp3-NIlCLvm5iPKD7DcqSizE-wJBx-6OzKLw4Q5rlCBGZfqVy7QRTTJXiqhcHsr4rUgERM59uyPdj/s320/2010+fishing+280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">The top box is all their small Disney Princesses, and even tho it is not labeled this, they know because of the sticker :)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9alGX8pSsoKucnlgKQ-ttMuAoph2qIhCYrpNlDNN7PQjf8XJqoroUztQWiGnsIRu-I8phvDt7A8CjefCQfB8nfQK3npBwDsHpbG-oO2JhuVysSUsxdwrI_tvZ5WIA96nxLVof4xRXXHFr/s1600/2010+fishing+282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9alGX8pSsoKucnlgKQ-ttMuAoph2qIhCYrpNlDNN7PQjf8XJqoroUztQWiGnsIRu-I8phvDt7A8CjefCQfB8nfQK3npBwDsHpbG-oO2JhuVysSUsxdwrI_tvZ5WIA96nxLVof4xRXXHFr/s320/2010+fishing+282.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: large;">I LOVE THESE!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Hobby Lobby, will be the death of me, but I could not resist these <u><b><span style="color: magenta;">HOT PINK</span></b></u> trunks on clearance! They work great for storing the girls' fake food and dishes and grocery store stuff!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgSc7qvCzklP19zWmjYETM2PMsyqb5PoJh0ZoECWhlRZji2Uf89vokGPlU97N-TjhidlTt9eEjq_oOTWx42bMuJ5BYr-mYSJuDdoQXXS2GK1PhuQ0tzlw0I1L-pSG6K-apXlApkQEb4ct/s1600/2010+fishing+283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgSc7qvCzklP19zWmjYETM2PMsyqb5PoJh0ZoECWhlRZji2Uf89vokGPlU97N-TjhidlTt9eEjq_oOTWx42bMuJ5BYr-mYSJuDdoQXXS2GK1PhuQ0tzlw0I1L-pSG6K-apXlApkQEb4ct/s320/2010+fishing+283.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;">It's SO much more fun to play when the toys are right there, and you don't have to dig for hours to find all the pieces! Makes clean up so simple too. If ( IF! I mean, it always is!!) the room get's really bad, being that sometimes all 3 girls take a different tote out, I set the totes out on the floor, open the lids and they run around, dropping toys into whichever tote that toy belongs too! Has cut cleaning room time from about an hour to maybe ten minutes! Hope you can use some of these tips and I would LOVE to hear your tips as well!!!</span></span>Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-88309986049198436542011-03-23T20:16:00.000-07:002011-03-23T20:16:19.251-07:00I Don't Feel Pretty Today...<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">Do you ever have one of those days? You know, the one where you stay in your yoga stretchy pants, a frumpy sweater with snot smears from your baby dried on it and some drops of lunch splattered along the sleeve? When your eyebrows look like a leaf from some wild amazon jungle & your armpits are starting to look like a CHIA pet experiment gone wrong? When you go to shave your legs and a ladies razor won't do the job, but maybe a machete or hacksaw? When the make up hasn't left its case and your face is proof that you can make small children frightened without it? Yeah, one of those days...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">I have to admit, I was having one of those days...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">I hate that!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">I have been home bound for 4 days with a very sick nine month old. I love the time with my kid's and thank God no one else is sick, but I think we all had a touch of cabin fever.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">You see every time I get dressed, I get puked on. After awhile you learn, no nice clothes! Every time I put the baby down, she cries...no nice hair or make up! And every time I want to pout and say ' Poor! Poor! Pitiful me!' my children take up that attitude as well, and then things get really ugly!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">What made me the ugliest today...easy...my attitude! I tried to stay thankful and grateful, but some times a girl can break! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">Tonight as I tucked the babies in, after a long, rough day, my three year old who has been a source of aggravation today, climbed on my lap, hugged and kissed me and said, " Momma, I love you. And I will be better tomorrow."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">Awwwh.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">I promised I would be, too.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">Kid's have a way of revealing our ugliest deciever. Our hearts.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">So, beyond the messy hair and deodorant- less pits, the unbrushed teeth and the breath that resembled that of a basset hounds, I realized the worst part of me was my attitude and my heart. I apologized and made things right. I prayed and asked God for a new perspective. I am thankful his word says, 'His mercies are new every morning!'</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">So, tomorrow, whether or not I get all dolled up, I will be beautiful, it just may be from the INSIDE out! </span></span>Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-12267308274089772872011-03-21T13:09:00.000-07:002011-03-21T13:09:59.964-07:00Just a Simple Plan...<span style="color: #4c1130;">"Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not get bent out of shape!" A saying that pops into my mind as I get 'bent out of shape'.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">Having kids has taught me many, many things. Like, clothes right side in-way overrated! Eating when your food is hot! Who needs it! Dried snot on your sleeve is actually a 'mom accessories!' Who knew all these things AND more could be 'socially' acceptable in my mom mind! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">One of the best things having kids has taught me, is roll with the punches! Punches in the feel of 3:30 a.m. wake up calls, " Mom! I need you to rub my back!" Wish I could get a free massage at 3:30 a.m.! And big, poopy blow out diapers, right as you leave the house! Ah, a Simple plan is a distant memory!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">When your kids watch you go through the ups & downs of life, and NOT get bent out of shape and still *'rejoice in the Lord always' ( 'and again, I say rejoice!' Do you think there was a reason it was repeated?) It will impact how they handle life's struggles. Not just the bumps in the roads or the crying over spilled milk, but the hard stuff; death, lies and failures.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">I always put in the back of my mind, whatever I have planned for the day, it is very possible it could change!</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"> Because it happens...almost everyday.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">Laundry was suppose to get done - but a friend you haven't seen stops over and you have a great time chatting! An afternoon planned for housekeeping, gets interrupted by a cuddly 3 year old, with her favorite book, and you get a few precious moments together. A gourmet meal ( this includes anything NOT Hamburger Helper!!) gets burnt and a family fun night, eating Pizza Hut on the living room floor, makes memories that are locked in the deepest part of your heart.</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">So, next time plans get changed, stop & think, " Ok! Cool! I can do this! How can you use me, Lord, in this new plan?" I admit, as a woman this can be really, really ( did I mention, <b><u>ReAlLy</u></b>?!!!) hard to do, but next time I'm hit with an unplanned situation, I'm gonna sit back, relax and go with it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">* Philippians 4:4 " Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a mans heart, but it is the Lords purpose that prevails."</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;">Psalms 20:4 " May the Lord give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed."</span><br />
<span style="color: #4c1130;"> </span>Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-78211186121743350922011-03-19T19:41:00.000-07:002011-03-19T19:42:30.771-07:00What makes my house a home...<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This week has been trying for me in some sense of the words...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You see, I come equipped ( and you probably do too) with a little thing called a 'discontentment' factor. I know! I know! Shameful to think a christian woman who really does pursue Christ & want to be more like him, being something as sinful as discontent! Bare with me, here...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our house is TINY ( we are talking 2 bedrooms for 6 people! And if you count the 2 cats and 1 dog that think they are human, well, that's 9!!) So, my awesome husband and I are adding on. I love this idea, but would rather build. Every time I see one of my friends NeW houses, I have to wipe the drool that has inevitably trickled down my chin, as I stand in awe, at a finished house ( TRIMMED UP & EVERYTHING!) where children don't have to be triple stacked and cupboards are organized because, well, they have more than 5! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Living in such a teeny, tiny house has made me resent it more than anything. I get angry that the closets can't fit all our clothes and the bathroom has no linen closet and our entry room consist of a flight of stairs straight down to the basement, so NO room for coats and shoes! I get frustrated when my husband doesn't understand that a woman's house is her HOME & she puts alot of energy and work into it, and that's hard to do when the kids have to play in the living room for space, because the bedroom has 3 beds in it, so I am forever cleaning up toys out of the living room and kitchen! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mainly, I get frustrated because deeply rooted in my heart is an 'I deserve better' attitude that is creeping out and making me resent my precious home.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">God called me out on that one,when he poked at my heart, as I begrudgingly thought about a great idea for us to build and my sensible husband hasn't jumped for joy, telling me " Best Idea EVER!" and started drawing up plans for a house that at least had a laundry room on the main floor, not tucked down in the basement, where cobwebs and angry spiders lurk!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And let me share, I am so thankful He did poke at my heart.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In my quiet anger about the less than brand new vehicale I drive and the 'cramped- for -space house fit' I was having, I felt God challenging me to embrace what He has so graciously blessed me with.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, I am thankful for the hallway that displays my children's art work and painted birdhouses and noodle necklaces. I am thankful that even though we have 6 and our kitchen table only fits 4, so we drag a chair to dinner every time we eat, that we sit and eat as a family, pray and laugh together, and talk about our Lord. I am thankful that the smears from the dogs nose on the sliding glass door, begging to come in and the hand prints from a little crawling baby, that sits on the other side of the door, pounding away at the dog, are there. I am thankful that instead of bar stools under our island/counter we have three big ponies that the girls ride around the house. I am thankful that the corners of our walls are chipped up, from long winters when I let them bring in their bikes and ride around the house and they take a corner too quick!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am thankful for the closet door, that doubles as a growth chart and how I have watched them grow over the last 3 years at this house, and how it breaks my heart at the same time, to know, someday they'll be grown...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am so thankful for everything, but so thankful when I trick myself into thinking how little I have, God opens my eyes ( and mostly my heart) and reminds me of just how MUCH I have been blessed...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Be thankful, too.</span></span>Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-78057248067980344102011-03-17T21:44:00.000-07:002011-03-17T21:44:30.787-07:00Well, My Son.....<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">I often find my self comparing my kids. Sometimes at how much better they are than other kid's and sometimes at how much I wish they could be as good as other kids.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">I know that is wrong, I'm not stupid. But, I think as parents we have these great expectations sometimes that even our kids can't meet and we lose sight of the important things when they fail at our measuring stick.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I read in Luke Chapter 1 the other day, and marveled at the story of John and his coming about, I thought , " Wow! How Cool!" </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">How cool would it be to have an angel show up, when you are 'well in years' & having a barren wife( verse7)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">and tell you, basically, You're Kids gonna be the best kid on the block!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">I know when I was pregnant an angel never appeared to me saying all the great things that good ol' Gabe told Old Man, Zacky. No one promised me a 'child that would bring joy & delight' (vs.14) and that ' MANY ( not a few family & friends....but MANY!) 'Would rejoice over his birth', and that he would be 'Great in the sight of the Lord'. The kicker for me was, ' He will never take wine or fermented drink.'(vs.15) Well, that little bit of info would save alot of parents ALOT of worrying throughout the teenage years! Man, if at least 1 in 10 babies came with that extra PLUS, how great would that be?! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Chapter goes on to say He will be filed with the Holy Spirit even from birth! And he will turn many hearts of the people of Israel back to the Lord, and he will go before the Lord to change hearts!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wow...If I was Sweet old Elizabeth, I would have kicked up my heals and maybe not have cared so much if I was going to badly screw up my kid, well, because he came with a PROMISE!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">The part that got me was when Zechariah questioned Gabriel, " How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." ( vs. 18)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">First off, lets break this down:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">A: Way to go, Zack, for NOT saying your wife was an OLD lady, but taking the gentle route 'well in years' and not re hashing the whole 'barren' thing,which we know she felt was a disgrace (vs.25)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">B: You can never judge someone for not having kids, or only a few. It may not be a 'selfish' decision, it may be the path God has allowed in their life, for whatever reason.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">C: Gabriel didn't like that Zacky boy doubted what he was telling him and caused Zechariah to be mute ( without speech) until Johns birth, because AN ANGEL OF THE LORD APPEARED TO YOU - SENT FROM GOD - WITH THIS GOOD NEWS - AND YOU STILL QUESTION IF I'M LEGIT? Boy- that was some stupid stuff comin' outta your mouth - shut up for, let's say...9 months!(vs.19-20)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">D: I'm Zack....</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">You see, the thing is, our kids are a joy & delight. God can use them in amazing ways we can't even imagine, he can use them to bring many to his saving grace and love and yet we still question, " Are you for real God? You can't possibly use my lil' Junior who wets the bed every night and still sucks his thumb and is missing his front tooth....really Lord? Maybe you should check the neighbors kid's, they are really good Christians and I'm pretty sure their little Sally got baptized last month..."</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh, be amazed Parent's...for God can & will use our children, despite our downfall's and in spite of how much we love them and believe in them and teach them about our loving master...</span></span><br />
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</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thankfully, God hasn't seen fit to press the 'MUTE' button on my yapper for all the doubting I do. So, let the words of my mouth be pleasing to you, O' Lord. Let the Love for my children believe all things and hope all things, because with You, all things ( not some or just a few) are possible.</span></span><br />
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</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, go hug your kid and tell them, In Christ Alone, they can be world changers :)</span></span><br />
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</span></span>Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-52998517098429585622011-03-09T09:34:00.000-08:002011-03-09T09:34:20.853-08:00READ THIS FOR THE WORLDS EASIEST PARENTING!!!!!<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HA! Gotcha!</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">World's easiest parenting?!? </span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">No such thing!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">I am often taken back at just how BIG of a failure at parenting I am. Don't feel sorry for me. It's truth. I put others, myself and many things that are time wasters before my kids. Why? Well, they adapt to what I do and they are fine. For now.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">God has really impressed on my heart what 'good' parenting is, lately. I want that. I don't want to HOPE my kids make it out alive and leave here only in the 'Scratch & Dent' box. I want them leaving here fully clothed in the armour of God, to be able to fend off the fiery darts of the devil and stand strong against the world.Too be a light, not a glow worm!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">I would challenge you to take a look at whats going on in your house. ChAoS? Frustrations.ANGER! Disobedience? No RESPECT?! ...no love?</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">Our homes will occasionally have these things, because, well, let's face it...we are all sinners! But, if this is an everyday, every hour, every minute occurrence, maybe what you're doing isn't quite working :(</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">Just my last two trips to the store I have seen this first hand. Walking down the aisle and mothers just snapping at their kids for simple questions, like, " Can we get this cereal?"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">Really? A Holy war being raged over this?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">The old Golden rule still applies, "Treat others...." You know the rest.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">I am also amazed at the level of control children are given.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">You don't want to share? Ok.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">You don't want to use the potty? That's fine.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">You don't want to eat you dinner? Sure.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">Chocolate for breakfast? Sounds fair.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">Hitting mommy? Not nice, but I'm a doormat, go ahead.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">Jumping on the furniture?Climbing the counters? Breaking our decorations? Coloring on the walls? Smashing your toys into your sisters head? Runnnnnning our house with an iron fist?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">Not OK! No! No! And NO!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">Don't forget when God blessed you with that baby, YOU WHERE THE PARENT! He gives you power to be that parent. Enjoy every second of it, not hate the second you hear their little feet hit the floor in the morning and you know you're in for another beating! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">Everyday with your children will present new challenges, it's how you handle them and help your child grow. You don't let them take the reins and run, you guide with loving hands and gentle hearts. Don't let this time be wasted on letting them call the shots, use this time to help them grow up to be amazing little people that God can use!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">Great book rescourses:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">"Dare to Discipline" Dr. James Dobson</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">"Shepherding a Child's Heart" Tedd Tripp</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">"Raising Godly Children in an ungodly world." Ken & Steve Ham</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial;">Also, online or the radio : "Family Life Today" & "Focus on the Family".</span>Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828205315816299437.post-34844135131943160662011-03-06T20:50:00.000-08:002011-03-06T20:50:32.306-08:00Skinny Jeans...I hate you.<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, I did it! At 30 years old, I submitted to the fashion gods and broke down and bought the cheapest pair of skinny jeans I could find ( $5 @ Wal - mart!)</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana;">I don't know if I should be bragging about that, being that I am, like I said, 30...my hips have been stretched from 5 pregnancies and...ok, ok..so, basically I should just splurge and go get a back tatoo that says, " Big Momma runs this trailer park!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana;">You may wonder why I fear these pants of deception and fill with rage at thier sight. Don't get me wrong, I used to ROCK the skinny jeans ( when I was 13 and they actually weren't in style...whole 'nother story!) First off, the name...SkInNy? I checked my body over and over and honey child, they're ain't alot of skinny left! Plus, I hate crap that SCREAMS, "HEY! You're SKINNY, but NOT quite SKINNY enough! BUY us SKINNY jeans and be SO SKINNY, you'll look like you SPRAY PAINTED these bad boys on!" </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana;">I didn't tell my husband, (well...I didn't want him to fall off the couch laughing and break an arm...I might need those arms to save my from a life and death situation once I squeezed those skinny jeans ON!) and I snuck into the bathroom.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana;">It was alot like labor and delivery...pushing, pulling, heavy breathing, sweating, swearing and screams of pain & that was just getting them on...Jaws of life had to come and get them off of me ;)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana;">But, I was determined...I had recently bought a cute pair of boots that would look SO cute with a pair of skinny jeans on! So, no matter how many veins I would pop in my neck, or how many butt cramps I would get, those jeans and I would wrestle it out till I was crowned VICTOR!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana;">Does victory mean when you finally get them over your hips and barely ( and believe me when I say...BARELY!) zipped, almost buttoned and almost pass out from lack of oxegyn flowing to your 'lower level' on, that you have conquered the skinny jeans? Oh my friend, it does...and I know, because I almost seen the light :) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana;">I would like to blame the skinny Jeans co. whom shall remain nameless, because they really should be called, " Leg squeezing, butt cruncher pants!" and I would also like to thank the herniated belly button my chubby baby left behind as a souvenior of her 9 month stay ( KIDS! Never cleaning up after themselves!) OR well, maybe I'm just retaining water tonight ( like the Biron dam!) I would hate to think, maybe my motherly hips and my winter layers ( a.k.a 'extra pounds') had anything to do with it!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana;">I have to say, I like my hips. Reminds me of the times I felt closest to my husband, as he held all 5 of our baby girls and tears filled his eyes, and he would kiss me and tell me what a great job I did and how he loved me so much. And how everyone of them coming into the world was such an amazing and different expierence, so much better than trying to expierence life from a pair of cute jeans.</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana;">All is well in my heart. I actually do know, I will fit into those jeans...someday. And it wont be by starving myself and beating myself up, letting satan lie to me that I'm just NOT skinny enough. It will come from wanting to be a healthy mom for my baby girls and my amazing husband ( who I know is gonna LOVE them! Whit! Whew! Make us some more babies in them skinny jeans;). </span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana;">What are you trying to squeeze into, taht makes you uncomfortable or feel less beautiful. Know this, to Jesus, there is none more perfect or beautiful than you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana;">SO CHEW ON THAT SKINNY JEANS!!! :0)</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana;">Good News! In this process my belly button hernia is gone! Once I buttoned those pants, it launched back to my spine! That's ok, right?!?</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana;">God bless!</span>Bringing up babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07883750334777738279noreply@blogger.com3