Baskets? Touching Squirrels?

Last week I was able to "help" in the middle kids Sunday School class. My friend was telling the story of when Jesus feed the 5,000 with a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish.

As she finished the story Chris had a question for her,"Did Jesus make more baskets, too? Because in the story there was just one basket in the beginning but there were 12 baskets at the end?"

During an opening of one of our devotion times I asked (because it was a conversation starter), "Why do you think we are born young children and we have to "grow up" before we are adults? Why can't we all just start as adults?"

The lesson was about learning patience as a child.

But my Chris... always on top of everything... he says," It's probably because an adult can come out of a Mommy tummy!" LOL!! Of course!

LOL!!! The kid is ALWAYS thinking!!

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This week I was working orally with Anna's Grammar practice. Since it was picking out verbs in sentences I thought I'd include Chris and Lydia:)

The sentence was "The grey squirrel was fast." or something like that.

The kids should have called out WAS :)

But instead they called out "squirrel":( So I responded back,"Verbs you do but can't touch. We can touch a squirrel."

Lydia jumped up and shouted, "WHat?! You can touch a squirrel, I've never touched a squirrel before."

Thankfully we have a few more months of schooling left and plenty of years... to possibly touch a squriell!

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And my Nate that can say anything:/ Due to potty training we've had to talk to him about potty words used inappropriately through the day:(

His cute phrase is "Thank you , me."

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And this isn't exactly "talking".... but it does show where Jack finds the most comfort when I am cooking dinner;)

• 

Funny thing was I hadn't noticed I had a tag-a-long piece of tape on my house Crocs until I saw the picture the following day.... and the tape was still there:/


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And now it's turn!! What have your kids been saying?

The Joy of Christmas & Our Christmas Picture

Did you sign up for the 25 Free Shutterfly cards giveaway??? 
I have 3 sets to giveaway!! Ends Friday:)

Well this was my favorite card this year!

5x7 Folded Card

View the entire collection of cards.

I just like big pictures right now;) But the JOY in the corner captured my heart!!

Oh ...
how I desire our home to be one of joy
not joy in perfection...

but true joy overflowing from the love of Christ that each of us shares with one another.

We're totally NOT there yet!
We have squabbles daily. Bad attitudes come out. Complaining... you name it... we see it. We're human.

But that's the beauty of Christmas, in the midst of all the real messy stuff of life, we can focus on the joy of this little babe who came and was the longed for Savior, the Redeemer! The One who provides hope, joy, peace and salvation.

I just LOVE this song from SEEDS Family Worship...

The JOY of Christmas!

More Wordless Wednesday at  NapTime MomTog, 5 Minutes for Mom,  Mama to 4 Blessings, Go Graham Go

and any other linkys I find !!!

Mom, I Don't Want You to be a Snake

We walked by a little, swampy stream after soccer practice last week. And Chris asked,"Mom, do you think there are snakes in there?"

It was a chilly night, so as we walked by I answered," Yep. But if I was a snake, I'd be looking for a place to hibernate!"

And then the conversation was quiet for a moment.

Chris answers back, "Mom, I don't want you be a snake... your a good mom!... I mean you do stuff that is mean sometimes, but I don't care. You're still a good mom!!"

The conversation was very sweet, revealing and convicting. I had just written about how I long to be a joyful, loving mother that week and then earlier in the day I had "lost it"... finding fault with everything and really showing an ugly attitude.

Sure, my simple requests of the children had been disregarded. Messes left in every room. Chores left undone. Whining instead of obedience. And a busier schedule due to soccer practice.

Not to mention... a meal to prepare and have ready when we returned from soccer practice. A van left half cleaned (because the little helpers got bored of the job!). A project that the kids had gotten into and I had to fix before I could complete it!!

But those are all excuses...

I have the ability (only through the Holy Spirit) to choose to be loving, gentle, kind and longsuffering.

I choose...  and too often I choose wrongly! And my kids know!!

I am thankful they know. They know I love the Lord and want to serve Him in every moment. And they know how often I fail.

But there is forgiveness.... forgiveness from the Lord and from each other!

And a chance to choose joy, gentleness, love and longsuffering the next time!!

It totally figures that these are part of the verses we are working on memorizing together... funny how that always works out :)

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud  or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.                                                                 1Corinthians 13: 4-7

Momentary Pains

We see these a lot during the summer...

And we've had plenty of summer "pains" this summer... skinned knees, itchy spageeto (aka....mosquito) bites, poison ivy, chiggers and now summer colds :(

Really the last weeks has seemed like week after week one of us (usually ME!!) is dealing with some summer ailment :(

I"m soo thankful that they all have been minor and momentary!!! And it encourages me to pray for those with much BIGGER concerns.

During a recent trip we got caught in a torrential downpour.... cars were pulling over on the sides everywhere... yikes!! We slowed down and put on our hazard lights. The rain was soo loud the kids immediately were more concerned about the rain than their video.

And then I hear in the back, "Dear God, please help make this bad rain storm go away so we can be safe. Amen." And Chris raises his head expectantly waiting for the storm to dissipate.

In time it did. We saw the clouds breaking ahead of us and soon the bad rainstorm was a memory. But I was left with my son's immediate response of calling out to God even in the minor momentary "pain" we were in.

May I learn from him and call out to God during momentary pain/sadness/grief/discomfort instead of complaining or becoming discouraged!!

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Are We Having Any More???

A question I hear OFTEN!!


Sometimes from family members, from random strangers at the grocery store (as my kids are licking sugar off the shelves as I chat with another mom or read ingredient labels in search of "safe" mix), some times from people who are disgusted I have 4 kids (I can hear it in their tone!) and sometimes from friends who are asking or wondering themselves.

Right now I'm not sure what the answer is!! And I'm not convinced this is the right time to make that decision!

• I have a hip baby that is carried for 80%+ when he's awake!
• I sleep in 4 or 5 hours blocks at night!!
• My house is in constant need of attention!!!
• My older kids are needing some attention as well.
• Brian is still vacuuming the house some days!
• Many meals I eat after the family to tend to/feed Nate!
• And our homeschooling prep has begun (I'm starting to feel a little overwhelmed at the thought of schooling 3 kids and keeping Nate.... sounds impossible right now!)

As crazy, loud, and cluttered my house is...

I know I am blessed!!

I am soo thankful for each child and they bring soo much life and giggles to our home!

And I've really attempted to ENJOY these days.... even when everything seems soo demanding. I actually haved enjoyed caring for Nate late at night - listening to his contentment nursing, hearing his breathing next to me and waking to his smiles!

So for now that is my focus! While I know we need to have a plan...

right now I need to enjoy (and survive) the day-to-day.

Matthew 6:34 (Contemporary English Version)
Don't worry about tomorrow.
It will take care of itself.
You have enough to worry about today.

WOW... 39 weeks & the plan

Our appt yesterday went well... as usual Nate and I are doing well on the medical side of things!!!!

I was checked to see if I was making progress towards labor and I am.... we are 2-3cm dilated and 70% effaced! My midwife was amazed that I wasn't in labor yet and emphasized that it could be really ANY TIME!!! which is encouraging :)

The last two days and then when I got home, I have been really crampy and sore. Tonight was the worst so Brian sent me to bed after dinner tonight ( I "snuck" my laptop in with me.... to UPDATE you, of course... LOL!!). And honestly, laying down I feel sooo much better!!! Standing or sitting up I have a TON of pelvic pressure, like Nate is going to fall out:)

I don't remember having this much pressure with Lydia or Chris.... with Chris I had NO clue he was coming!!! Brian and I enjoyed 2 date-meals after I was 40 weeks when we were waiting around for Lydia!!!!

Because I have made some progress towards labor and because of Nate's size, scheduling an induction was discussed. I'll be honest that I really, really didn't want to go this route just because it's nice to know that Baby is ready and Chris' labor IV, tube-free was wonderful!!

But I was informed that I'd have to have an IV anyway to administer the antibiotics regardless if I was induced or not..... WHY!!????!!! Group Strep B??? Never had it before, didn't even know what it was or knew I had it until our final conversation at this last appt!!

So one of my MAIN reasons for not being induced was gone!! My body has been fine with induction before. I am about to DROP this baby out now. And we could pick who delivers Nate and make arrangements for the kids if we had a particular date....

so we scheduled the induction!

Bright and early Tuesday morning, May 4th.... which seems like forever right now:)

Honestly, my midwife thinks I'll be at the hospital before then anyway!!! I like that it's enough time for my body and Nate to act if they are going to. And I may not even need pitocin if I continue to dilate (whoo -hooo!!!). And we think it will keep Nate from getting too big (although it's only days from my actual due date which is May 7th!).

I read this set of verses weeks ago and they have stuck with me.... they are kind of a stretch to fit my (tough end of preggo) situation since it's talking about a much bigger "trial" - persecution of believers and looking ahead to eternal rest and glory....

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

2 Corinthians 4:17,18

But it's still a challenge to me !!! NOT to dwell on the "little" troubles that cause discomfort right now... I need to have the bigger picture in my view...

which is soon to hold a new, sweet, amazing blessing that we have been given to nurture & care for!!!

*** I also need to thank our community and church members for their willingness to be called to come sit with the kids when we do go into labor. I'm thankful at how many have volunteered!! They have also been a blessing to us this week with revival meals, leftovers and help with the kids so I could enjoy the services myself!!! Oh, and gotta love those guys running to the carpet place to plead with the installation people to finish the job before Nate arrives... LOL!!!

I told you....

A couple of days ago I mentioned that the kids had enjoyed listening to a reading Luke 2 from a CD that Brian had picked up FREE somewhere. Everytime we have been in the car the last 2 weeks they have asked to listen to it numerous times... over and over.

I have to admit that I am a little surprised that they request and listen to it soo much. And it has sparked some conversations about Jesus' birth which have been fun and natural teaching moments.... ahh, don't you love those:)

Anyway, on Christmas morning as we were traveling to see my siblings, the kids requested to listen to the Christmas Story. In the back I heard Chris reciting some of the passage....

The video is a just a piece of the recording. It's hard to hear and he was doing it quietly with the CD! But even for him to mouthing part of the verses of Luke 2 was very, very SWEET to hear:)

Oh and I love his expressions afterward, when he realizes I was recording him:)

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

This CD was definitely a great find!! And has been a wonderful way to keep our Christmas season focused on our Savior coming as a baby!!

Saturday Sentences - Teach your babies

Last night Lydia carried around Anna's baby all night:) As we were cleaning up for bed, she picks up a pocket Bible. She put the Bible and the baby on the bed and told me, "I goin' to read this and tell me baby about baby Jesus. 'dis Bible has Jesus in it."

Awe... my sweet angel trying to teach her baby:) I was soo touched!

Then Chris jumps into the conversation. "Oh, your baby will be too scared. That Bible had Goliath it in, too!"

LOL... my all-boy boy!! He loves the giant Goliath... and he's sensitive to scary things, at least enough to warn Lydia:)

Reminded me of these verses:

Deuteronomy 11:18-21 (New Living Translation)

“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors.

Dear Lord, help me follow Your (and Lydia's) example to teach the kids at all times of the day about You. They are listening and their little hearts are ready.

Throwback Thursday verse and AWANA-lovers

Anna's AWANA verse last week and this week was John 3:16.... I remember teaching that verse to her and making a video of her reciting it....

This was from Feb '08... Anna was 3 months shy of her 4th birthday:) She sounds sooo little:)

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

And then we make a video of her reciting/practicing it again before AWANA last night!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I am just amazed at the little difference. How she pronounces words, how young she looks, sweet memories:)

BTW.... Anna is my AWANA- girl!!! She LOVES AWANA and loves to tell people she is in AWANA!! Everytime we're in the car she wants to practice her AWANA club song, she wrote out her verse to give to her teacher (cute!) and we practiced her verse at least EVERYDAY this last week (sometimes a couple of different times throughout the day). She loves her teacher and is looking forward this week to inviting another neighborhood friend!

While dropping them off last night, I was really questioning my decision to participate (I left BOTH younger kids in their classes fussing and screaming)! But I was soo thankful to be greeted with happy, AWANA-loving little kids.....

I think it's a great and safe opportunity for my kiddies to be exposed to other children and teachers that they can learn from. I appreciate the teachers and leadership that really try to keep discipline positive and help the kids to understand more about God and His Word:)

It is Better....

It is better to live in a corner of the roof
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Proverbs 25:24 (New American Standard Bible)

I didn't realize that these words are actually in two separate Proverbs... check Prov 21:9!! We women must be pretty awful to get along with when we're "quarrelsome" :)

I found Chris on top of the playhouse the other day.... and I just chuckled because I immediately thought of those verses! LOL I guess every guy needs a place to "hide-out"... especially this little guy with two sisters and a momma to deal with everyday:) He loves nights and weekends because he has another male to "watch his back"! LOL

Our Patience Verse

Although I thought I'm a very PATIENT person... I am NOT!

I was thankful that I learned this BEFORE I had kids.... where did I learn my fault??? When I was a substitute teacher. Each day I would walk into a class that was not my own, look at a bunch of kids that I did NOT know and attempt to teach them something:) I'm not sure how many classrooms I was in but more often then not... I found many rotten kids that tested my patience BIG time!!!

And now as a mom my patience is tested daily!! But I have a choice to make in my parenting and walk with Christ. Am I going to be patient and reflect Christ or am I going to get upset and loose it???

Unfortunately, many times I have made the wrong choice and I've had to apologize to my kids !! In fact, Anna now knows that I DON'T want to yell so she'll say to me, "Mommy, you need to say sorry to me because you used a mean voice." Ahhh, the corrections of a child... so needed and hard to take sometimes:)

The kids and I have been discussing and memorizing verses corresponding with the "fruit of the spirit" listed in Galations 5:22!! Last week our topic was patience. The verse I finally chose for us to memorize has really encouraged me this week.....

"Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's
faults because of your love." Eph 4:2b (Living Bible translation)

WOW! I need to be patient NOT because my kids are perfect but because they are imperfect and are going to do wrong and behave badly sometimes. I need to be patient because I LOVE them and others!

I hopes this helps you as much as it encourages me!

Our Valentine Morning

With Valentines Day quickly approaching I thought it would be fun to use our morning to talk a little about Valentines Day (via books) and then make Valentines:) WOW... I pulled out all sort of stickers, paper, etc that we have in various places around the house!! And the kiddies got to work:)


In searching for a versus or saying for our church sign I was brought to a verse in 1Corinthians! It states, "Let all that you do be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14 I think it will be another "love" verse for us to memorize this week:)

Having all three kids with their little paws in all the supplies was a little CRAZY... but even this simple verse reminded me of the reason I was making the cards with the kids: to be active with them, encourage their creativity and hopefully be a blessing to others during this holiday as we hope to share some with others:)


These were two of favorites:
Christopher's :)

Anna's:)


I finally had to give Lydia scraps of paper to glue together and she was happy:) But was quickly bored and entertained herself in her room for the rest of our craft time. (ohhh... her room!!! Just think DISASTER!!!)

And my little Anna found herself a Valentine Sweetheart... LOL!!

I asked Anna just a second ago what she a thought "a sweetheart" was. Her answer was "sweetheart means when you are being kind to someone else." Ohhh... she is soo sweet! And I'm soo thankful for her friendship with Caleb... they are like family to us:)

Bringing Home the BACON...LOL

This morning I set off with Christopher for my monthly (it seems) piligrimage to the "big" town to participate in TRIPLE coupons at Harris Teeter!! The plan was for ALL of us to go, but with one child throwing up we decided against ALL of us going... so it was just Chris and I!!

I had planned for hours what coupons to use and made two lists... one for Brian and one for me.... even with the last-minute changes it was NICE to have it all planned out:)

I am pleased to announce it was WORTH it!!!! NOT only did I save over $100 dollars in groceries, I also brought home the bacon... LOL

I DO have to keep couponing from being obsessive, but a lot of my motivation comes from using our money wisely. My husband works hard and we budget frugally so that we can keep me at home with the kids, meet our needs and save for our future.

Couponing is my way of being the Proverbs 31 Woman....LOL!

"She is like the merchant ships; She brings her food from afar."(Prov 31:14) Kelly's 2009 version : she goes to the "big" town and gets the best deals for her money and then STOCKS up:)

"She senses her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night." (Prov 31:18) Kelly's 2009 version: it takes TIME to make the trip to town worth it for her family, so some nights she has to stay up LATE to get her items in order.

I think it's great that I when I plan effectively, I can use a little piece of paper cut out of a newspaper to purchase one Lb of Bacon for 85 cents each instead of $5 each!! And my husband is always pleased when there is yummy food on the table and money still in his wallet:) LOL

I want to thank my hubby for the "morning out". He stayed home with the sick little girl and did 3 loads of laundry to clean up after her... WHAT A GOOD DADDY!!! BTW... it was a quick recovery when I got home Anna was back to normal. Now we need to hope none of us get it! And the rest of us get over our headcolds :(

And I want to thank the ladies at SavvyDollar who post all the good deals and make couponing a little easier for the rest of us:) Sometimes they even give us the links for Internet printable coupons:)

Cheerful look, girls' night!

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health"

Proverbs 15: 30

** This was one of my all time favorite pics from the early fall....

When I think of a cheerful look... I immediately think of one of my precious kids smiling!! And it definitely brings JOY to my heart:)

I'm off tonight having a ladies night with some girls. One is expecting VERY, VERY soon.... in fact she's already dilated 3 cm and we're bringing her out....LOL... she and her husband have already discussed what will happen if she goes into labor with us:)

The ladies decided to get pedicures which sounds great for our pregnant friend:) I always want my toes painted when I'm HUGE:) But to go somewhere to get it done is a little out of my comfort zone...LOL ... maybe we'll get some pics:)

Like the Father

I read this last night from a "prayer for my children" book:

"You must be holy because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:16

Am I actively and intentionally teaching my children about their Heavenly Father? They can't learn to be holy (like their Heavnely Father) if they don't know about Him? KNow what He likes? Know what He desires from them? And know His LOVE for them?

More Food Problems... again

So this evening we did leftovers... all our company left :( And so we decided to take it easy, go on a family bike ride and enjoy our evening with no one stuck in the kitchen :)

So the kids wanted the leftover pasta and sauce from dinner last night.... my pasta lovers;)

They all ate pretty well but Christopher started acting fussy toward the end and we looked at his face.... sure he has some sauce on it. But clearly underneath the sauce was the "red face". And he had itched his eye and so he said he was fussy because his eye hurt...

Hmmm..... tomatoes. Makes sense... fruit with seeds. But it was canned sauce, no cheese and obviously had to be cooked and processed!

But this little man LOVES tomatoes!! He will lick "check up" (AKA ketchup) out of the little cups at Wendys!! You would be amazed at his love for salsa.... LOVES it... will eat it with just a spoon!!

We have a friend who has a pretty serious tomato allergy and the previous pastor at our church had severe allergies to pitted fruits.... so I know these types of allergies exist!! But all in one little guy??? Especially one that is soo happy-go-lucky!!

I've been motivated before to find another allergist or get to a center that is doing allergy research. We actually have a center less than 3 hours away.... might be worth it for us to take a trip and get the answers! Especially if it's just a couple times a year!

Anyway, it's just hard to take in right now. It's overwhelming to think of all the different foods this guy might have issues with.... but I have to be careful not to get overwhelmed when I really don't know what is going on!!

"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life - what you will eat, drink
and wear. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing?...... So don't
worry about having enough food or drink or clothing.... Your heavenly Father
already knows all your needs and He will give you all you need day to day if you
live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern." (NLT, Matt 6:25, 31,32b,33)

BTW... We did have a good time with our company!! Thanks guys for coming to visit. This afternoon we went to an Airport Open House and saw tons of airplanes and firetrucks. I did get some fun pics of our adventurous afternoon...so maybe I'll be able to share them soon:)

Discipline,Training and the Rewards

We're in one of those seasons again.... you know... when it feels like all your attempts at disciplining have gone out the window. It hasn't been awful but it's been pretty draining on the parents:)

We were trying to encourage one another in this task called parenting the other day. And the conversation came to the point where we both agreed that we are in a "season of training" with our children right now.... and it's tough. At home it can feel like it's constant correction and refereeing, time outs, "pops" and fussing.

I notice my choices of reading material during these times are titles like To TrainUp a Child , Peacemaking for Families or Bringing Up Boys... hahaha.

Finally after "school time" and in the midst of bickering I decided to retreat outside... they all find their own things to do; usually (some time-outs were served outside as well). And I opened my Bible and found this in Proverbs for today (the 29th):

15 To discipline and reprimand a child produces wisdom,
but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.
17 Discipline your children, and they will give you happiness and peace of
mind. (NLT)

ahhhh... sounds good.... but I know it's going to take many "seasons of training" and times of discipline and correction! Which means HARD WORK!!

Before you think that we can't see rewards now.....

Christopher used the potty and was given a pack of Smarties with 3 in it. He received his "encouragement" and immediately torn into it and offered one to Anna and one to Lydia leaving one for himself. The girls were thankful by his gift and he was tickled for the praise he received for sharing.

I have another story to share tomorrow about the importance of "first time obedience"!

Good, Frustrating and Loved

Well today we had a good day... the kids and I tried to stay on some kind of laid back schedule which included reading, coloring, cleaning up, playing outside,etc!! It was a good day, although I'm quickly seeing and learning that I have A LOT of training to do....

Anna said tonight," Did you put Christopher's shirt on?" "Yes", I responded. "Mommy, Christopher is a big boy and we need to train him how to put his own shirt on now."

It's been a frustrating day as well..... I've really been wanting to put together a blog for our church.... just to have the activities and possibly Brian's sermons available. Also as an outreach... maybe someone would be willing to get aquanited with our church first online before actually stepping through the door and for information regarding some of the outreach activities we have going on.....

...anyway, a SIMPLE task of making a workable blog has left me frustrated.... and even more frustrating is that I can see some of my dad in my attitude....

I remember as a highschool/college student spending the weekend with my Dad. He had just bought a gaming joystick (is that what they're called) so him and my stepmom (and maybe my brother) could play some games. Anywho... he just could not get the thing to work... out of sheer frustration he picked up the joystick, walked outside and down the pier and threw it in the water..... HA HAHAA...

Who knows what the problem was... I wonder if he had it loaded correctly... but sometimes working on something that just WON'T WORK, I feel like doing the same thing. But I feel like I have a little "gentler" way... I usually just sit the computer down and do something different....

...and hopefully not steam about how much time I wasted....I could have been doing laundry, fixing dinner, reading to the kids...you get the point....

But I did get a refreshed at church... Miss Sue-Sue kept the kids in the nursery for me while I attended service.... THANK YOU!!

But now it's late and I'm tired... I have a little sense of energy knowing that tomorrow is a new day, my camera should be arriving(according to FedEx)and I will have some sweet bright-eyed little kids waiting at my bed in the morning (hopefully after the sunrise) :)

My late night inspiritation for the NEW DAY tomorrow:

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Great is His faithfulness; his lovingkindness begins afresh each day. My soul claims the Lord as my inheritance; therefore I will hope in Him. The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for Him, to those who seek for Him."
Lamentations 3:22 (NIV), 23,24,25(Living Bible)

Thank you for holding me up Lord, even on days when I'm distracted and frustrated over silly things. Help me not wander too far from those things that are more important. And thank you for showing your lovingkindness to me. Help me to seek you more and give me patience to wait on You for all things.

Wounded and Tenderhearted

What a day....where to start.....

This is our memory verse for the week:

Be kind to eachother,
tenderhearted,

forgiving one another,

just as God through Christ has forgiven you

Ephesians 4:32

So yesterday in nursery when I introduced the verse to the kids....they struggled to know what tenderhearted meant. I tried my heardest to explain and give examples. I think they walked out with a practical meaning!! But since yesterday, I've been trying to figure out how to better explain it....how do you teach a 4-yr old compassion? I think it is to demonstrate it or point to examples when we see other demonstrating it.

Well back to today, Christopher has had a hard day.... he's compaining, not obeying, chasing his sisters with recorders and other long objects like swords, not listening and his blanket had to be washed..... too much for a 2.5 yr old to bear in one day!!!

Finally about 10:00am or so the kids disappeared into their bedrooms and played (AKA destroyed their rooms). But they played nicely with one another and were very content to let me tend the house without many interruptions.

Lunch passed without too much drama and we we're just tidying the kitchen and talking of what books to read before naptime when we heard it....... the END to our "perfectly planned" quiet and uneventful afternoon. BANG!!!! And then we heard the cries.....Christopher running as fast as he can with his head down (like a defensive football player) hit a corner of the wall . When we got to him (milli-seconds later) he had blood streaming down his face. In the kitchen he had blood all over his arms, face,etc.....

So this is where being tenderhearted comes in...... Anna was in the kitchen just watching as Brian and I tended to Christopher....holding cloths to his head, cleaning him up a bit, arranging schedules that would allow Brian to take him to the hospital (if he needed to go). I think seeing all the bloood made her worry even more, but she was just in tears as the boys climbed into the van. She was just soo worried about Christopher and that he was going to have to go to the doctor (something she dreads).

After they left and I got Lydia down for her nap, I was just struck with how tender Anna's little heart is, especially concerning her younger brother and sister. She was worried for him and wanted him to be well. I finally got her to smile a bit when I told her that Daddy had to go to the doctor as a boy and has a scar in his forehead from hitting a pole....

I'll try to get a picture of the "battle wound" this evening. For those interested the wall is fine....not even a dent.
And I'm guessing this will affect his swimming tomorrow with Grammie and Pey :(

*** 1st picture was from the mall playground on Thursday. 2nd picture was last night after church:)

Potty Training- disappointment and success

Well if you've read our blog that last few days you'll remember the "Dry Through the Night" deal we've had with Anna. Last night was the final night that she had to remain dry so she could get her "prize". Well in the morning ANna and Grandma told us that she had wet (just a tiny bit) in her pants...it warranted a change of pants, but no bedding..... I think Brian and I were more disappointed than Anna because we looked forward to giving her the gift.

Reminds me of the verses:

"If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father
give good gifts to those who ask Him." Matt 7:11

Anyway, it's a reminder to me that just as we would like to shower gifts on our children how much the Lord wants that for us. But it's also a reminder to ask God for those things we need, knowing that He wants us to have what we need (not always what we want).

We've thought about letting her pick out the gift while we're out tonight. She wouldn't get to use/play with the gift until she completed one more night..... we're just so proud of her, we wouldn't want her to be discouraged, but she needs to know that she has to complete the task:)

Our Success: As I was putting Lydia in the bathtub this afternoon, she said "I stinky" and so I took her out of the tub and put her on the baby potty...... not minutes later she stood up pointing to her little stinky:) The kids and I were soo excited.... they hugged her and congratulated her... ha ahhaa.

After Canada, I have a "new" method to potty train Christopher and hopefully Lydia. I'm excited to be trying it out and I'm sure you'll hear more as that time approaches:) Until then any little stinky in the potty is one less diaper and closer to potty training:)