Building These Walls

Meet Gadget

2012-02-06T17:35:00.000-08:00

This weekend, we were given a sweet puppy by some friends... of friends... who needed to find homes for the dogs. Hannah has wanted a dog since before she could pronounce the request... and she is absolutely in heaven now (but she still hasn't gotten used to being licked in the face. That's ok with me!)

Gadget's brother... "other puppy"... has been staying with us for a couple of days, while they get used to being away from their mother. Tomorrow he will be going to live with our neighbors, and we are glad the dogs will still get to play together sometimes!

Jacob is very happy about the puppy as well, but his tender heart was in full swing the day the puppy arrived... he wanted to stay near our kitten, "Billy" (who you may be able to see behind Jacob), so the cat wouldn't have his feelings hurt :)

*Side note... you may remember that we had two kittens... ....

We think that Benny tried to play with a coyote and (of course) has not returned. A few little hearts were broken, and Gadget will be kept in his pen or on a rope when we aren't home.

Other side note... my deepest apologies to the parents of all the children who were traumatized when my children reportedly explained the coyote incident to their friends... at church... oops.

We country people now... :)

We are really glad this little buddy has come to stay.

New York

2012-01-30T18:32:00.000-08:00

This weekend, we took a *quick* trip to visit my brother and his family in New York. They are truly some of the most amazing people that I know, and I'm very proud of them.

The girls wanted their picture taken for Grammie in front of the Yarn Shop.

We took a short trip into the city. It was really special for me to watch my kids see Times Square for the first time!

We also stopped by West Point. The kids were thrilled to see this wonderful place where both of their uncles went to school, and where John is now teaching.

I figured I could trust a stranger at West Point who offered to take our picture! Good thing I was right :)

This is the new library (for Michael to see).

Taps started playing just as we were getting in the car to leave, and everyone froze (except of course for me, who started taking pictures...)

I'm so thankful for the way my brother and his wife are so devoted to serving their country, and loving each other. I'm also so thankful for the experiences my kids got to enjoy this weekend! We also got to stop and visit with some more of our favorite people on the trip home.. I wish I'd taken my camera out but I was enjoying catching up and holding a sweet baby :)

Today is also my big brother's birthday! Happy birthday John, love you!

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

2012-01-21T23:58:00.000-08:00

Karate, Blanket, and the Ninja

2012-01-07T07:52:00.000-08:00

Where The Wild Things Are

2012-01-05T03:21:00.000-08:00

Footprints In The Snow

2012-01-03T16:00:00.000-08:00

A little before 10 last night, I walked past the window and saw the ground covered with snow.

I pulled on my boots, and drove our van to the bottom of our long, steep driveway... in case the snow should get too deep during the night.

Armed with my trusty lantern I hiked back up in the dark, through the snow.

It was kinda fun, pretending I was tough enough to hike around alone, in the dark and the snow.

But in the light of day, 3 sets of snow boots marched with mine to get on our way.

And it made my heart really, really full.

I'm so thankful for all of those footprints in the snow.

"Things that matter most, must never be at the mercy of things that matter least." -Goethe

"Just To See You Smile..."

2012-01-02T12:59:00.000-08:00

When Things Get Broken

2012-01-01T17:48:00.000-08:00

Sometimes things get broken.
They just do.

Sometimes objects... sometimes possessions... and sometimes people who are most precious to us.

Was it broken by accident?
Or was something this special to me, broken only to prove a point?
This is a question often asked by those wondering why God would allow their lives to be broken. Have you ever thought through this question, or only asked it? And was the object pictured broken by accident, or to prove a point?

... I'm not telling.

Why?
Maybe because I have something important to tell you and I want you to continue to search for information.
Maybe I'm not telling because this is my blog. Some people read it because they really care. Some read to criticize, snoop, and be cynical... others are just curious, and some are passing the time. For any of these readers, your attention may be grasped far more by what I do, recorded on this blog, than who I am. And I want your attention, I want to tell you something. So why it was broken is not the most relevant point.

However it happened, this broken thing that really mattered to me... has taught me a lesson. And it is one that I do not want to forget. And I think it's worth sharing. It was just something important to me. And now it is really, really broken.

It wasn't a victim to one tragedy, one broken event, or one broken piece. Many breaks and tumbles have rendered this object completely and utterly shattered. Not many things have the power to break themselves willingly. I did not entitle this post "When Things Break", but rather, it When Things Get Broken. The "how" has already happened... so now the next question is.. "So what?"

Does it really matter? It is just one of many. Something else could easily be used to fill it's place.
But it was special to me. And it still is. And so we find the next question that must be asked...
Now what?

I have to admit my first thought is that, sad as it is, it would be easiest to regard it for the broken thing it has become, to let it be identified as something once beautiful that was broken, and to be done with it. After all, touching those broken pieces might only hurt me more.

I could find some friends to feel sorry enough for me... but who didn't see the original form... sit and reconstruct... glue.. refashion, and force together a new form far to fragile to ever be touched... or ever be of use.
But the broken thing would be most prized. I'd have to be so careful with it, I would surely forget why it was precious in the first place.

The thing is, I have no idea how to fix things that get so completely broken.
And I have no desire to make it look like something that simply, no longer is. I know the One who made the broken thing in the first place. And so it is worth the risk of picking up these broken pieces.

I have no idea what to do with them. And I'm realizing that's ok.

I have no idea what it will look like when these pieces have been remade. And I'm reminded that they are in the hands of the One who made it in the first place, and who cares enough to make all things new.
I have lost the ability to make the most important of decisions or to be confident ... it's hard to be confident about so many broken pieces. But oh the JOY in knowing my confidence is unshakable in exactly that: I can't fix this. Thank goodness, I am not meant to fix this!! But I know the One who can! I've watched Him refashion and redeem broken things over, and over again. And He's ready and willing to do it again! This thing was broken and now... there is an opportunity to be made fresh and to be made new!
AND.. I am truly, completely, and honestly thrilled, humbled, and amazed that God sees broken things worth saving. Worth redeeming. Worth using for His glory. "What is man that He is mindful of us?"

Thankfulness is bigger than the brokenness. Joy is bigger than a shattered thing. Choose to take your broken pieces to the capable Daddy God who is Our Redeemer. Why sit around trying to pretend we know how to fix it... or that fixing a fragile monument to all things broken is worthwhile? We can laugh with our Savior about how amazed we will all be to see what He has in mind for those shattered pieces. We can rejoice that it doesn't matter how broken things get... reality with Abba, Daddy God is so much bigger than that... and it's ok that we don't see it all. He has something to new show us. He has something new to tell us. He is making all things new.

there is hope. And He is my Savior.

Maybe we can rejoice in our brokenness. Maybe the pieces can be redeemed and made new! You can't go somewhere you've never gone, if you're not willing to do something you've never done.
I don't want to be fixed. I want to be changed. There is no greater joy than knowing that God is about this business, every single day.

Happy New Year. He is making all things new!

*Two of my favorite songs on this subject:
Beautiful Things by Gungor
Unredeemed by Selah

Cute Cousins at Christmas - 2011

2011-12-29T17:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas So Far: Photo Log

2011-12-26T20:18:00.000-08:00

We have had a wonderful Christmas so far... and we still have more visiting to do! We always spend Christmas Eve with the Childress side of the family. This year, my brothers and their families had not arrived yet, so we made some new plans to enjoy the day with Grammie! We enjoyed Chinese food, a walk through downtown Roanoke, and a Christmas Eve Service.

My Uncle sent these to my mom... they belonged to their mother and my Grandmother Rose. These dolls came from Italy, and I thought they were really neat!

My mom is a maker of beautiful things... and that's one of the things we love about her!

You know... just talking on the phone, playing with a Nook... no big deal...

We enjoyed time with some of our favorite people... including violin lessons Sam style (button on the back... :)

We are so blessed.

We also had a wonderful family lunch... that I forgot to take my camera out for :( In the evening we headed over for Christmas with the Wall side of the family. Between the mountains of presents, wrapping paper, and really bad flash on my camera, I didn't have many photos.

We are so blessed to celebrate the incredible love of our Savior!

If You Give a Boy a Mustache

2011-12-11T17:16:00.000-08:00

If you give a boy a mustache, he might not want to take it off... not ever.

He may suddenly feel empowered to be a better card player...

deeper thinker....

and a more highly-qualified-in-every-way individual.

You may feel the increased need to insert random photos of your sweet girl in order to soften all of the "man cards" being thrown around with this mustache business...

and you may have to remind him to take it off before dinner.

If you give a boy a mustache, you may or may not encounter these fascinating scenarios. I can guarantee however, that you will not stop smiling... all day long.

I Heart NY

2011-11-26T16:11:00.000-08:00

...But not as much as the people who live there... we love them so much!

Sugar and Spice and All Things Nice

2011-11-13T10:37:00.000-08:00

"...That's what little girls are made of."

"Iths a thnake!!!!"

And Then There Were 3

2011-11-09T06:35:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun taking pictures of friends I've known since childhood...(I'm sorry to say theirs, not necessarily mine. I'm getting very, very old.) Disclaimer: I am not pretending to be a pro photog, I'm well aware I don't know what I'm doing! However, we sure did have a good time. Maybe too good a time, I may or may not have ended up yelling at Drew to stop making crazy faces for crying out loud! This was so special because to me, looking through these pictures is the fulfillment of many answered prayers and blessings from the Lord, to see these two best friends who love each other so much, expecting their first little boy. What a blessing.

Wow, God.

2011-11-04T06:37:00.000-07:00

I know He’s here. I know He’s real. I know He’s a redeemer. I know He loves me.

I don’t say I know He’s here because I should. I don’t say I know he’s a Redeemer because that’s one of the names we sing about Him. And I don’t just say He loves me “for the Bible tells me so.”

Why should I? Why repeat things I’ve heard without testing them out for truth?

I can’t believe how many conversations I’ve had in the last few weeks that I’ve dreaded for years, or thought I could never do or could never happen. I’m amazed at how many things He has allowed into our lives that at one time, I didn’t think we could possibly walk through.

I will always cherish the feeling of walking away from those conversations and situations, not knowing that God made everything easy and I didn’t have to do them, but that as I get into my car and strap on my seat belt I always have to sit quietly in amazement and say, “Wow, God. We just did that, together. That’s so cool!” He doesn’t just hide me and allow me to be afraid of things, He overcomes things with me, for me, and before I even get there. I don’t face any situation alone, and I never will. I’ve experienced the sacred reality that your heart can both break, and be utterly filled with joy and peace at the same time… because that which breaks your heart is not the big picture the greater reality, and it will never compromise the One who holds the bigger picture, and who is the bigger picture. It will never compromise His presence with me, or His willingness to lead me from one day to the next.

Wow, God. I don’t have to wake up afraid of the circumstances because we’ve already done so many things I thought were impossible together. Since you let me walk through them I know that I don’t ever have a reason to be afraid. And I will never be alone. Wow, God. You really did what you promised you would, and didn’t send me alone to go through it. You never leave me.

It’s a sacred love story, this one I have between the God who made the world and a weak, unworthy, floundering child… but it’s one that I can’t help but yell out loud about because “He has filled my heart with greater joy.” Nothing is too difficult for Him. It is for me... but not for Him. Wow, God.

I really, really hope that you know Him too.

Little Ladybug We Love

2011-11-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

I Sure Did Like Today.

2011-10-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

Today, as is the norm, I had over-planned and packed our day... even and especially when the kids were off of school. I dragged myself out of bed very early to get ready for a long list of meetings, appointments, job applications, and schooling applications to finalize, and so many other things I should be able to catch up with... but when I checked my e-mail, almost every one of them had been postponed until next week. They are all inevitable next week.

But not today.

Today my kids got to sleep in, and lay in front of the heater to do devotions in their pajamas. Today we took time to all lay on the floor and talk and laugh and read to each other what we were learning in our quiet times. So many times we talk about what we learned when we are in the car on the way to school, but not today.

Today, I made home-made biscuits to go with the apple-butter Jacob and I made last night. And then I made breakfast casserole too because Sam likes it and I usually don't have time to take requests.

But not today.

Today we had a quick visit from dearly loved friends, we usually aren't home enough to have people come by! I got such a laugh out of watching this little one be so thrilled about the kittens. They love to be held and played with... but not today. :)

Today my little friend brought an awesome variety of bugs to visit inside our home. And we loved every minute. Sometimes bugs can survive their admirers. But not today.

Today, we took time to just play. Hannah had some heart to hearts with her animal friends, and helped me bake more requests while I got to stay in my pajamas and snow boots (they're warm... don't judge me...) because normally people are around and think it's odd when you dress like that or have long conversations with animals that don't even belong to you. But not today.

Today, it snowed for the first time this year, an October surprise! Usually we aren't home... usually we are busy with chores when we are home and might not have noticed it as much. But not today. Today we all ran around outside, took pictures, and were far more excited than necessary.

Because today was about nothing.... and everything... all at the same time.

All of those other realities of life will continue and we will continue to hit them head on. And we will do our best. But taking time to enjoy one another and God's creation is certainly another reality of life. And we did our best at it today. And it was so wonderful!

Today we snuggled on the couch, read stories, and made up ~~millions and millions of~~ knock knock jokes. I enjoyed again the fact that Sam says "knock knock" before every joke, whether it's a knock knock joke or not. I joined them in "knocking" with my hand every time we say "knock knock." And probably laughed every single time. Sometimes I can't let them all say as many jokes as they can possibly come up with. But today, we did.

We drew pictures. We played spies.

We celebrated the first snow, today, with hot chocolate and popcorn.

They are growing up so quickly and I am enjoying every minute of it. I am amazed at how they are learning, changing, and just plain blessing my life. I enjoy them so much... they make me laugh. They are my team. They are my people. :) I know they won't be young much longer, but they are, for today.

Jacob is a smart, funny, old soul who loves family, routine, and A-1 :) He loves his brother and sister. He loves to help me and he wants to learn how be a grill master. When you really get him laughing he can make the whole room laugh. He is always listening and doesn't always tell you when he needs to talk. But he is so ready when you ask him and so comforted by that companionship. He loves to read and learn new facts, he loves science, and he loves spys. He is ... a spy. Today.

Hannah is one of the most grace-filled people I have ever met. She literally wakes up smiling no matter how early, and thoroughly enjoys every person she meets. She adores her kittens, and craves the outdoors. Her brothers are her best friends and if you want to see the impossiblity of a truly fiesty Hannah, just try to mess with one of those boys! She is little, sweet, with ears just pierced to celebrate her birthday, and she made me a necklace with a piece of pink string and a silver key-ring to match the one she is wearing, today.

She wants her hair long like mine, but the truth is I want mine cut and she could use a haircut too, but she thinks my messy hair I can't control is beautiful (and it isn't) and she wants hers to be like mine... and so I won't cut it just yet. Not today.

And Sammy... you can make Sam laugh even when he's weeping. He loves to be tough and brave, and he still loves his blanket when nobody is around. He keeps me on my toes, his personality craves action, adventure, and just plain enthusiasm... and it gets him in trouble. (Alot.) It also makes him a fun and love-able, interesting person He made incredible grades on his first report card and I'll never forget his smile when he saw them. He has a tender, kind heart. He LOVES maps, legos, and running laps :)

We have been hard pressed these last few weeks to overcome things, prepare for others, and do the day to day things. I have been reminded, again, that God is our Abba, our "Daddy God" and HE is the One who helps us overcome things, HE prepares us for things, and HE IS the strength and wisdom for our day-to-day... and I am truly thankful for every difficulty that has brought us to a greater awareness of His REALITY, His love that is more than I can understand, and His presence that never leaves.

These are ALL the days that the Lord has made! I will rejoice and be glad in them!

... Because HE has made me glad. On the good days and on the bad days, He has truly, truly made me glad. Glad to know that each day is not an end in and of itself. It is one day, leading to the next, as He works ALL THINGS together for good. What a wonderful Savior!

To my own fault, and in trying to "fix things" I don't think I could have cleared the day like this out of guilt and desire to resolve some of the things that I need to do to take care of my family, but I absolutely believe the Lord cleared them for me, just for today. And I think we are all, so much more ready now, for tomorrow.

Today I put my kids to bed feeling like we had used up every inch of our day, together, we thanked the Lord and turned off the lights.

But I hadn't had enough... so I got them back up and we piled every blanket and pillow we could find on the floor to watch "Tangled" ~~again~~ together because today we could stay up late and not have to rush off in the morning the moment the alarm sounds.

Thank you, Daddy God for today.

I sure did like today.

I Do Not Like Cats.

2011-10-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

But it does need to be noted (because history suggests there is no way that my approval of cats will last) that at the moment... these two little kittens absolutely melt me. They are little brothers who never leave each others side, are mischevious but not at all brave, and my daughters happy place. As I rule I still do not like cats... but Benny and Billy are welcome any time :)

Here We Go Again...

2011-09-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

Parenting Link

2011-08-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

I thought this link was excellent... and much in line with some lessons God has been teaching me through a variety of means lately :) Please check it out, I know you'll be encouraged. http://resolved2worship.xanga.com/754466629/do-a-b--c---your-children-will-look-like-this/

I also recommend this blog any day... an amazing family who love the Lord... and who's photography is like the best kind of dessert..

The First Day of School

2011-08-23T15:04:00.000-07:00

You'll be pleased to know that I don't have much to say right now, except that I am enjoying these faces that I am so blessed to know.

Thank you Lord for bringing us here, and for going before us.

Just Some Niece Braggin

2011-08-04T18:08:00.000-07:00

That's right. You heard me. Braggin'.

Didn't even get any great pictures... but she doesn't need great pictures to be AMAZING.

I mean seriously. You'd brag too.

Little Maddie... and our Anna.. and our new Elizabeth Jane.. (who I can't wait to see again and take more braggin pictures....) 3 Precious girls I adore. And you should see my nephews. We're blessed. Just so blessed!

Elephants on the Beach

2011-08-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

Walking across the beach one day:
Sam: "Mommy! A peanut shell!!! Maybe there are elephants at the beach today!!!"
Hannah: "Saaaaam. Of course there are no elephants on the beach. You know how I can know?"
Mommy: (*Thinking quietly to myself so as not to be so terribly rude...out loud...) Ummm because of the lack of huge elephants... on the beach?!?)

Hannah: "There are no elephants on the beach because look at the footprints! Let's see if we can find any elephant footprints! I don't see any near the peanut shell..."

I thought it was so sweet how fully invested she was in such a ridiculous statement. It may sound silly, but before this conversation took place I had been convicted and thinking about how I trust what my eyes can see... and how I just assume, and expect the reality to be defined as I've always known it to be. How often I am reminded by these sweet children... through their faith... that God is the One who can and will chose to define our wonderful reality however He sees fit... and He has wonderful plans in store... as we look forward and explore in the eager expectation of faith.

I want to daily know God's definition of my reality, and follow my Savior with an abandon that supercedes my "knowledge", my image, and my expectations...

because I want to live in HIS reality, so much more than in mine.

Thru Hannah's Lens

2011-07-31T19:22:00.000-07:00

For Christmas this year Hannah received a really fun camera from Fisher Price. She can take pictures and then add graphics to them. I downloaded a ton of her pictures to the computer but hadn't really looked through them until recently... but they sure do make me smile. Thought they might make you smile too. :)

...If only I could include a sound clip of her laughing her head off at her own pictures... now that, by far, is my very very favorite part.

Minions

2011-07-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

I actually really appreciate advice, but I think minions would be really cool :)

Nothing

2011-07-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

"My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do."

Nothing.

Jesus Loves Me

2011-07-23T17:04:00.000-07:00

Last week as we hiked the trails on our camping trip, I heard Hannah gasp and turned around to see her hunched down over a tiny little whitish leaf, upside-down and hardly noticeable to me. The boys were forging ahead and I couldn't tell what she was looking at so I called, "Come on Hannah! There's nothing there, we have to get going and catch up!" But I was wrong. She picked up the little leaf like it was a precious treasure and whispered, "Mommy, it's a heart!"

It stopped me immediately to see this sweet girl bent over a little leaf no one else had noticed, as we rushed forward to conquer a mountain.

We commented that there were no other red leaves to be seen, it was somewhat bizarre to see this little "heart-shaped" leaf laying all alone in the woods. I said "Hannah, that must be a love note to you from Jesus. He knew His little Hannah would stop and notice a little leaf like that and know that He loves you."

She answered, still in an awed whisper, "I know!"

As we walked forward together with her treasure in hand I thought "Should I really be making such a big deal out of things like that? Would God really send a little red leaf to fall and catch Hannah's attention?" And then I thought, "Well, how I do know what He would or wouldn't do?" He answers our prayers daily. He provides for us. He is the author of love. He made my little girl to be just the way she is... and to see just the way she does. And clearly sometimes my eyes are too much on conquering big mountains to see the little details of provision and the foundation He's given us to walk on.

Should we stop our important mountain-conquering quest to assume God would drop a leaf for us to see?

Maybe. Maybe this mountain was only a means to see the leaf. Maybe the leaf WAS the big deal.

So why wouldn't He send a little heart fluttering down to a little girl who wasn't so busy conquering a mountain she'd take time to notice? He is so, so kind. So maybe He did, maybe He didn't, but there's not a doubt in my mind that's what kind of a God we serve. He knew she would notice, and that she would take the time to show it to other tired hikers, trying to conquer mountains.

And because Hannah took time to delight in the love of God, we all learned and enjoyed our time so much more, we remembered who made the mountain and took time to see and to stop and thank Him for His handiwork, and we conquered the mountain.

This God is our God, and He will be our guide, even until the end.

Psalm 48:14

Away to the Woods!

2011-07-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

So many wonderful memories this summer...

The kids discovered Eeyore's house while we were hiking (appropriately at the start of a thunderstorm...)

We had enough rain for some cozy down time...

and enough sunshine to really play hard!

These are my people.

I sure do love 'em.

Jacob heard a Hoo!

And Sammy picked me daisies because I love 'em... until we remembered we weren't supposed to pick them... oops.

I can never get enough of a good campfire!!!

The only downside is our friend hanging over the cabin fireplace. In Sam's words "That's one creepy guy."

That's right. Who could possibly have bad dreams with this fella looking at you all night?

We covered his eyes for awhile. And all was well :)

Sometimes I Laugh When I Shouldn't, and Then I Blog About It.

2011-07-21T18:02:00.000-07:00

...but before you judge me... imagine this...

"Hey Mommy! Take my picture doing my awesome dives in the water!" "Ok Sammy!"

but then he got so excited with the attention he kinda forgot to actually dive .. in the... water...

but oh my goodness the cuteness of the dive just kills me, and can only be trumped by...
the landing....

the dazed stagger...

...and the completely appropriate reaction to a mother sitting alone on a beach full of polite, quiet families, laughing hysterically (and much louder than I realized until I noticed there were stares...) when she shouldn't and snapping pictures....

thankfully this kiddo has a great sense of humor and finds himself very funny as well... and he ate up the chance for another photo op...

and took advantage of his mother finding him cute... and terrorized his big brother...

who then ran to me yelling "HELP!!!" .... while I bah-hahahha-haad and took more pictures. Poor, poor children.

*While no children were harmed in the taking of these pictures, I cannot comment on the condition of the new crater in the lake of Hungry Mother State Park. I'm guessing the face print might give him away. sorry.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

2011-07-17T19:29:00.001-07:00

Recently, we packed up our things and got in the car with my mom, and took off for Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Every year of our lives growing up, my family spent a week here with our extended family as well. It would be impossible to put into words the wonderful memories I have of this place... I still think of it hands down as one of my favorite places in the world, and to return there with my mom and watch my own children enjoy it was a wonderful blessing that I'll never forget.

On Frog Bogs and Pigs

2011-07-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

*Back-story: These kids love their uncles. Love and admire in every way.

*Back-story #2: There once was a little boy named Michael who even signed cards to his own mother as "Mike C." (Yes. I still get a kick out of that.) That little crazy haired kid who is now known as the greatly respected "Uncle Mike" was very fond of the Frog Bog at Fun Land, in Rehoboth Beach Delaware. He may have even won once or twice. As soon as I told the kids, Jacob made it his own personal project to conquer the Frog Bog like his beloved uncle.

Every day he tried. And tried. And tried some more. (While the smiley college kids in red shirts stuffed my dollar bills into their handy-dandy Funland aprons) but every day the frogs ended up... well...

you get the idea.
By the time our last night arrived, all family history, heritage, and tradition were thrown to the wind (Hey! Just like my dollars!) and the object became coming home with SOME kind of prize. And so the gaming continued...

... and Jacob won. After a week of losing he finally won a game... and was handed
a cuddly, pink, stuffed pig.
And there was much laughter.

Some day we hope to conquer the Frog Bog with the great conquering Uncle Michael. (And maybe his dollars. :)

And Jacob and the pig lived happily ever after. The end.

Personality Photographed

2011-07-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

I had to share this picture. It so perfectly-in-every-way describes the personalities and reactions of each of my children when I say "Please try to only get your feet wet!" *sigh*

A Smile For The Days...

2011-07-15T05:19:00.000-07:00

When you get on the teacups lookin' for a good time and get the tarnation scared out of you while happy music and smiling children spin circles around you...

When you're playing in the ocean pretending you can swim with dolphins and get bowled over by a killer wave the size of ~~a small watermelon~~ a tidal wave,

When you get so excited about the amazing new apparel you've found that you can't figure out how to put it on...

Don't worry. It happens all of us.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

I hope you have a wonderful day :)

I Got You, Babe!

2011-07-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

[Untitled]

2011-07-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

The Serious Business of Joy

2011-07-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

"JOY is the serious business of heaven." - C. S. Lewis

I do believe he was right.

I was recently approached by a group asking that I teach on the subject of joy, whether I could explain why I "always seem happy"... and "Why in the world I say God is so nice to me." This is an attempt to respond.

Before you are tricked into believing that I think I have something noble or wise to say... or that I am never upset, I'll go ahead and burst that bubble for you. That's not true.

There are also other flaws I own that can certainly contribute to a goofy grin at the most inappropriate of moments. These things may include a freakishly short attention span, the occasional lack of understanding (or willingness to understand) the gravity of a situation, or yes, it may be to some extent a learned way of life. But for the most part it is a choice that is worked hard for.

I do not however believe that we need to be taught how to be happy, or how we can know that God is nice.

We can. And He is. Both have been proven for centuries.

The lesson should perhaps rather be a reminder in opening our eyes,

and in learning how to focus.

The choice for joy requires focus, determination, and practice. I have fought to learn the meaning of "taking your thoughts captive"... and have never found another pursuit more "worth it."

"...since what may be known about God is plain to them because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." Romans 1:19-20

There is information given. There is also afforded opportunity to choose how to handle that information. It is that choice which will dictate whether or not you live a life of joy.

It is not often within our right or ability to change a circumstance. It is always however, within our right and ability to asses the situation, dig our feet in, and look forward with thanksgiving to the One who has promised to lead us through. It is always within our right and our responsibility to bring our circumstance under submission to the Lord of circumstance. It is always within our right and responsibility to decide whether we are worshipers of the Lord, or the circumstance (*Those who worship the created things rather than the creator...)

I believe that true joy is natural overflow to the decision to celebrate redemption because joy is a direct result of the character of the Redeemer.

I love things like music, art, and photography. I see them as a method to accept from God's hand a gift He has given, and to receive it with gratitude as something of value. It is worth practicing, it is worth celebrating, it is worth remembering, it is worth working for, it is worth enjoying.

I make no claims to be a photographer. (*Pausing to say she hates it when I link or praise her and that makes me giggle. And so I link. :) But I am so deeply fascinated by the fact that we can only capture images given by the Creator. I believe that the best photographers have the greatest appreciation for their subjects. The greatest art is a picture of something God has actually made. Those who capture it best are those who care most about knowing the personalities and stories of those having their pictures taken, and respond accordingly. I love that the gift of music is given by Him, and we can choose to practice it and enjoy it only because it was given.

It is a celebration.

I blog because I do not want to forget what God has done in our family. I want to celebrate it somehow.

I have been convicted and learning to blog even uncomfortable things, because I believe it is an act of worship, and allows the Redeemer to do what He does. When I have written things I didn't want to, God has opened doors for me to share more about what He's done. This amazes me. And it is never my story that is of interest, it is the God who is the hero of my love story. My writing about anything is mere acceptance and acknowledgement that we do have a story to tell of a God, far greater than the aged box of religion. We have a Redeemer for today.... and sometimes we forget just where to look for Him. So please share what you know about Him. I want to know Him more!

Philemon 6 says "you should be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of the hope you profess."

Isn't that awesome? The more you share, yes the more others will know, but at the same time the more you will understand.

It's undeniable that sharing requires deeper thought, greater accountability, and certainly a fuller awareness of the story that you have to tell. And it is thrilling.

The more you sing a song the more you know the words. The more you laugh the better you feel, The more you take pictures, the more you will appreciate the lines of the faces smiling back at you. And most of all, the more time you invest in prayer and study of Jesus, the more you will recognize His handiwork, see His sense of humor, be aware of His voice and His presence, and the more stories you will have to tell of the miracles He will do when you worship Him as Lord of the circumstance, rather than worshiping your circumstance.

[Insert Random Thought Here:]Voltaire said "I have decided to be happy... because it is so good for my health."

Whatever floats your boat Voltaire.

Under no circumstances do I mean to imply that there is not a time and place for sadness and for tears. In fact I have come to believe that sometimes it takes more strength to acknowledge something and to be sad about it than it does to move on and pretend it didn't happen. Jesus cried. He created tears as an outlet. We cannot love the way He wants us to without making the heart vulnerable to breaking. Anything to do with love, joy, and passion can open you up to great risk and great fear because you cannot ignore your emotions in these matters, or the intensity of hurt. He made us unable to go without sleep, in order to acknowledge our weakness and need for rest. Our tears can be rest from what our hands cannot fix or are unable to hold. They are an acknowledgement that we need the Lord of the circumstance, and that we need to be held by Him. They cannot however be a way of life, but a channel to surrender those things to the hands that are big enough to handle all things. Joy does not always mean happiness. It means assurance of safety hope, even when we are sad.

I have made two mistakes in particular lately, and each led to discouragement and dead ends. The first was to get so busy doing God's job, I didn't take time to do mine. I wanted so badly to please Him and felt that I should go about it by making sure I'd be able to provide, making sure I was doing a good job at work, making sure that I could give my children the best future possible, never saying no to any opportunity. Yes God wants me to work for all of these things. But ONLY under submission to the knowledge that HE IS GOD. Feet on the water, eyes on the Savior. The truth is, I needed a little sleep, to let my house get messy and build a fort in the backyard, and even to say no to some worthy projects in order to allow time to play with my children instead. I was trying to work in partnership and dare I say equality with God rather than as His servant, and as His child. I needed to trust every step to Him, and live in JOY that He is able to lead us forward! The second mistake was to live my life to give others joy (aka to keep them happy). The bottom line is, we are to live IN the joy of following a Savior every step of the way.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith who for the joy set before Him endured the cross... Hebrews 12:1-2a

I challenge you today to keep your feet firmly in the place God has you. It is so true as I was recently reminded (thanks Nathaniel!) that "it is possible for Christians to be so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good." Don't leave your circumstances and don't leave thankfulness. Rather, surround your circumstances with thankfulness. You might not immediately find happiness and laughter, but you will most certainly be reminded of joy. Enjoy creation today. Enjoy your family. Don't just say you do it, do with the physical response of one who worships a redeemer.

Feet on the ground, eyes on the Savior... and that's how we walk on the water.

Joy is the serious business of heaven because it is the outcome of redemption. Joy itself is not something we create, it is something we accept, that we rejoice in, and that we enjoy. Joy is the direct result of what the character of God is. Joy is not something we can reproduce, imitate, and recreate. It is what we will experience as we get to know the One who made it, and gives it. And that is why we can rejoice always, "and again I say, rejoice!"

"Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, “Do it again”; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, “Do it again” to the sun; and every evening, “Do it again” to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we. The repetition in Nature may not be a mere recurrence; it may be a theatrical ENCORE."
— G.K. Chesterton (Orthodoxy)

You Make Me Sing

2011-07-05T20:01:00.000-07:00

"You're a fallin star. You're the getaway car, you're the line in the sand - when I go too far. You're the swimming pool, on an August day. And you're the perfect thing to say.

Well you play it cool, and it's kinda cute! And when you smile at me you know exactly what you do. Baby don't pretend you don't know it's true. Cuz I can see it when I look at you.

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times it's you, it's you, you make me sing, you're every line, you're every word, you're everything.

You're a carousel, you're a wishing well, and you light me up when you ring my bell.

You're a mystery. You're from outer space. You're every minute of my every day.

And I can't believe that I'm your [Mom]! and I get to kiss you baby just because I can

Whatever comes our way we'll see it through.

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times it's you, it's you, you make me sing. You're every line, you're every word, you're everything!

And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times it's you, it's you, you make me sing, you're every line, you're every word, you're everything!

You're every song...

and I sing along...

cuz you're my everything."

(Everything - by, Michael Buble')

On Superman and Heroes.

2011-07-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

Young Clark Kent: "Who am I?"

Jor-El: "Your name is KAl-El. You are the only survivor of the planet Krytpon. Even though you have been raised as a human, you are not one of them. You have great powers, only some of which you have, as yet, discovered."

Young Clark Kent: " All those things I can do. All those powers. And I couldn't even save him."

Dear Sammy,

'The greatest of hero's are not perfect people with perfect answers and perfect lives. The greatest hero's however are those who keep trying. Who pursue what is good and what is right at all costs. A hero is the man fully entrenched in the nitty gritty of life, while the philosopher rambles on as to how it should have been done, or could have been done, rather than getting on with the doing, and working to learn as they go. The greatest hero's will risk losing the perfect image and persona to struggle, to wrestle, and to fight ugly, dirty battles. Hero's rarely walk away without stains and wounds. No, Hero's are the the ones who get up and keep on limping forward. Because they have a purpose, because they have power to do so, and because they know what (or who) truth is."

The more I try to learn to be a hero for you, the more I realize that I focus on the wrong things, and that I don't know what I'm doing... I don't have the power. That truth is becoming more and more of a relief to me... because I know my Daddy God who has never claimed that I was perfect, powerful, or knew the answers. He's there to offer His power. HE is the perfect Hero.

My hero is Jesus. Creator. King. Warrior God. Lion of Judah. Sovereign. True.

The creator of laughter.

The author of joy, and of peace.

The One who gave everything to save us, and still pursues us and leads us every day.

The One who looks at us wearing tattered "blankies" on our backs, showing off our best skins and going home worn out and at the end of our strength, the One who delights in our exploration of the power He's promised, and the only One who unleashes His power with incredible force to rescue us. He's the One who doesn't put a limit on how far He's willing to go... and how far He's willing to let us learn to go in HIS mighty power. He's the One who convicts me through difficult times and promises to change me. He's the One who loves me too much to leave me as I am, and who is patient and gracious enough to help me learn.

He's incredible. He's saved me! He's my hero. Everyday.

He's the One who loves and will continue to help my children and those around me everyday as well. He's the hero. I am charged with the responsibility and great privilege of getting to know Him better every day. Of being brave enough to step into the power He surrounds me with, and to bring others with me. He'll be the hero. He knows I can't. And He loves me anyway.

What a wonderful God.

My Sparkler

2011-07-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th Of July!

2011-07-03T19:33:00.001-07:00

I am so thankful for heros, of all kinds.

I am so thankful for freedom.

I am so thankful for a God who is the hero, who is teaching me more about what that means and what freedom looks like.

He paid a high price for us... I can't believe He's still fighting for us every day.

I am so thankful.

Thankful for Sunny Days, Laughter, and Pirates.

2011-05-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

Journal of Thanks (Cont.)

2011-05-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

33. I am thankful for this beautiful phase in life for my kids who are too young to be reserved... and who really make me laugh. Alot. I am thankful for laughter. I am thoroughly convinced that God enjoys it too :)34. I am so thankful for Spring Break. I am SO thankful for a couple of day trips to enjoy laughter and company of the best of friends.... and ice cream.
35. I'm amazed and oh so thankful for Sam's return of and growth in confidence in who the Lord made Him and how the Lord loves him. When I remember this time last year how he cried and was terrified of leaving my side... and the days and nights in prayer.. and the step by step way I've watched the Lord shepherd my children through what I could not, I am amazed and so, so thankful!
36. For Spring Break. Yes. I think I should get to say it again :) And also for a yard. (yep. Said that again too.) I am thankful for a day to play... in the yard.. and the sprinkler.. with my 3 favorite people.
37. I'm thankful for my beautiful mom.
38. For big eyes and the feeling of big hands holding mine, it's a strange thing that I always cherish... it's a strange thing and wonderful thing to realize how they are growing up.

39. For my wonderful sister in law and the celebration of her... ___ birthday where she turned... older.... ... ...
40. For the simple beautiful joy of being outside in God's creation. For watching Hannah be brave and also watching her freak out when slimy the fish got feisty. For first time experiences, and for friends.
41. I am thankful for the boy who I sometimes call "biggest"... or "George"... and I occasionally use his real name... who has been reading "Winnie the Pooh" to his siblings a chapter at a time of his own accord, who left a pink starburst under my pillow because they're my favorite, and who is so full of joy and contentment.

42. I'm so thankful for the joy and contentment that is the evidence of God.

43. I'm thankful that we're safe. No matter what. All the time. No matter the circumstance. That I serve a God who is always about the business of working all things together for the good. I'm thankful for each leg of our journey because I know who's leading us there. I'm thankful for what lies ahead. I'm just thankful. :)

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream...

2011-04-27T05:34:00.000-07:00

for ice cream! (and also for napkins.)

Eucharisteo

2011-04-17T15:06:00.000-07:00

Just a few things I am thankful for today are...

16. Sweet hearts and hands expressing themselves to the very grateful recipient :)

17. "One Thousand Gifts" meets "Vintage Pearl." I am thankful for a deeper study and understanding of "eucharisteo" and what it has meant to my life. I am thankful to have realized that it characterizes a circle of unending love and joy... from my Savior to me... and me back to Him.
18. For an amazing time in life that I haven't experienced very often... in which my kids want to eat, and eat, and eat some more... :)
19. Experiencing the fact that even at ages 6,7, and 8 as the kids read God's Word they learn... and it changes them... and they can share it with others.
20. For my little boy who is growing bigger and bigger every day. For his fascination for learning everything, for his sense of humor, for the way he looks after his younger siblings, for the way he so frequently says "Is there anything I can help you with Mommy?" without prompting, for his big ol' smile, and that when he gets laughing really really hard, he can hardly stay standing up straight ;)
21. That he's not too big to be a spy! (all.the.time.)
22. For Sammy's (serious) injury-free streak of at least a few weeks now. (just sayin.)
23. For the sun. For the fact that even if I only step outside to walk between buildings at work, the fresh air is great medicine for the next few hours indoors!
24. For my silly little boy who's expressions always make me laugh (even when I shouldn't), for his compassionate heart and love for others, for his sense of humor, for his love for God and his family, for his learning to read so well, and for a couple of weeks of finally receiving those stars for good behavior at school :) And on that note I am also thankful for ice cream.
25. I am thankful for a little girl who's middle name is Grace... who's personality defines it so well. I am thankful for her sweet heart and her love of encouraging others. I'm thankful for her giggles with friends, hearing her read out loud to her stuffed animals for hours, the way she helps Sammy read, the way she likes to help me in the kitchen and playing the piano, and for her cute little face :)

26. The grill. Enough said.
27. For notes I find on my desk at work from sneaky little people I love :)
28. For a yard.

29. For kids who are the best of friends and love to play together.
30. For watching them grow and learn new things.
31. Above I showed a picture of the ring I ordered. For a year I've literally dreaded the thought of not wearing my wedding ring, not seeing it there. I haven't taken it off for almost 11 years... at all. I knew I needed to get a new ring, one that would stand for something, that would mean something... to fill that empty place. Finally I ordered the ring above (which I do really love) as a reminder of so many things. I love that it's a spinner ring (the middle part spins around) and gives me something to play with :) I discovered a problem when it arrived though... it's too big. And you know what I'm thankful for? That I'm totally and completely ok with that. It was such a relief to just not mind being... me... right where the Lord has me. That yes I will still wear my reminder of thanksgiving, grace, and love that always surrounds us, but I don't have to try to make my situation look different to others than it is. Because I'm following Jesus and because I'm His.
32. For the awareness that I'm surrounded by so many things to give thanks for I may never get it all done. No Greater Joy.

Lost and Found

2011-04-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

"Lost and Found"... is no longer a simple children's game for me.

It is a difficult... terrible... beautiful... and all-important foundation of my life.

For sure this year I've spiraled into a pattern of losing pom-poms, hair-ribbons and such :)

But I've lost some other things too.

The things lost cannot be recovered.

The things lost, I could not have handed over willingly by myself.

But the things found are foundations that cannot be lost, and treasures beyond compare.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

"The Lord is my portion and my cup. He has made my lot secure. Surely the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places. I have a delightful inheritance." Psalm 16

Not only has the Lord provided above and beyond all we could ask or imagine with our home, with the things we need, with a brand new bright red lawn mower :), with a wonderful yard complete with swings and a fence... and just beyond that fence a job that I love and have watched the Lord lead me through day by day...

He has brought us through a year of lessons, of growing, of changing, and most of all of peace and joy that goes far beyond the physical boundaries He has surrounded us with. Don't get me wrong, the miracles and the provision have been wonderful. But what we have learned about the Savior, as a result of the miracles... is the greatest treasure, and the greatest love story I've found.

I always feel strange and debate constantly posting things like this one... sometimes it seems easier to keep it to yourself than risk being misunderstood or to draw attention to the wrong things... but then I hear so many people say they don't believe there is a God. And there is. And then I think... shame on me. I've seen Him in undeniable reality that I should be able to tell everyone... He is. And He's wonderful, and more powerful than we can comprehend. The question of His existence shouldn't be an option.

I have a hard time letting go of things myself. But when I lost my dad, I gained a lifetime of proof and realization that Jesus is truly the greatest Father... Abba God... of all.

When I lost my marriage, I found that God is a Redeemer. That His ways are higher, farther, and bigger than I can see or understand. I found that He is good. And I found that He is trustworthy. I found that He uses the saddest of times and the saddest of losses to help us find the depths of His love and His peace. I've lost a ring, and found that while things just don't look the same, I'm loved and God still wants to use my hands.

I've lost control of my circumstances... and found a deeper feeling of safety beyond circumstances.

I've lost the confidence that I know how to be a parent... that I don't know all of the answers... and I've found that my God is my children's God too... that He shepherds all of us together. That He's bigger than me and loves them even more than I do!

I've lost confidence that I could be tough and do whatever I set my mind to, I've lost confidence in all of who I am... and I've found that God has never given up on me, that He loves me despite my faults, and that He's leading me along to finding more of Himself!!!

Maybe we can't so easily find things like that... until we've lost (*and/or laid down)the things that we're holding so tightly.

I'm so thankful for all things lost and found... and for every part of those journeys.

I've found that I don't know anything... but that I'm loved by the One who knows every detail. And I sure do love Him back.

A year later... while I'd be lying to say that I don't ache for what was lost... I can say that I'm amazed, excited... and confident in what has been found. The greatest treasure is in knowing that the God who transformed a year that could have been characterized by loss with an abundance of findings... is leading us forward into the next day, and the next. What a wonderful Savior. I truly believe that we have more to be thankful for this year as a result of what has been found, than ever before.

"I won't live my life for what was taken for me rather than what was given." - C.S. Lewis (From the Voyage of the Dawn Treader)

"I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind but now I see."

Jesus, Thank You

2011-04-12T18:07:00.001-07:00

Madilyn

2011-04-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

After my long absence from blogging, allow me to introduce a little girl who we are all head over heels in love with. This is my beautiful niece Madeline... of course she's beautiful like her mommy! I love seeing this little face... I love seeing Elizabeth as the wonderful mommy we knew she'd be, and the kids to hold their little cousin.. and I'm so blessed to get to be her Aunt :) I am amazed every time I see a brand new little baby... straight from the Lord to us. What a blessing! Makes me even more excited to meet my new niece on the way... and another little one on the way who hasn't shared their gender just yet! :) So blessed. For more photos of Maddie check out Beth's blog!

Going Somewhere

2011-04-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

We've been doing some learnin' lately.

Thought I'd journal a few reminders. It's not so much lately about what we've been learning... as it is about the sheer beauty that we can learn... that we can make choices... and that *when we are following the Lord* God puts us exactly where we are because it's the path to get us to where He wants us to go... and to be who He wants us to be.

It's for a purpose. Seems like something should be done with that. :)

I'm excited and thankful that when He puts us somewhere.. He's also got a way for us to do it... and that He's the One (not us) who accomplishes great and mighty things that we get to witness and share.

I'm thankful that we can change and we can grow... and that we're all in this thing together.

I'm SO excited that wherever we go, whatever we learn and however we change... He's leading us. He's in the details.

I read this just this morning and thought it was very worth sharing:

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. John 20:29

How important it is for God to keep us focused on things that are unseen, for we are so easily snared by the things we can see! If Peter was ever going to walk on the water, he had to walk, but if he was going to swim to Jesus, he had to swim. He could not do both. If a bird is going to fly, it must stay away from fences and trees, trusting the buoyancy of its wings. And if it tries to stay within easy reach of the ground, it will never fly very well. God had to bring Abraham to the end of his own strength and let him see that with his own body he could do nothing. He had to consider his own body “as good as dead” (Heb. 11:12) and then trust God to do all the work. When he looked away from himself and trusted only God, he became “fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised” (Romans 4:21). This is what God is teaching us, and He has to keep results that are encouraging away from us until we learn to trust Him without them. Then He loves to make His Word as real to us in actuality as it is in our faith. – A.B. Simpson (From: Streams In The Desert – August 31)

I guess the bottom line is...

If we want to go somewhere we've never been, we've got to be willing to do things we've never done.

God urges us to learn the secret of contentment. I'm pretty sure that doesn't mean that He wants us to seek desperately to find contentment in our circumstances. He wants us to find contentment in Him... the One who is Lord of the Circumstance...in His character... in the knowledge of who HE is ... and by extension to be content in following Him.

And He sure doesn't sit still.

So even when I'd like to sit still... I'm so glad I don't serve a King who's not taking us somewhere... that He's always working things together for good and leading us forward. He's a Warrior King... He's a Savior. That's who He is and that's what He does. Our command to be still - is in KNOWING HE IS GOD. And responding accordingly. Sometimes that means waiting in quiet stillness, other times it means immediate action. I'm so thankful that He invites us to follow!

I'm a Joiner!

2011-04-10T19:23:00.003-07:00

I started... though have not yet completed reading this well known book by Ann Voskamp last week. It starts out as a really hard read... as far as digging right down to the core of the reasons we learn to live lives without thankfulness. It is an excellent read though as a result, as the author describes her own personal struggle... and the life changing results. She beautifully explores the word eucharisteo ... known as the cornerstone of Christianity and all that it entails. As I have mentioned so many times before on this blog, I am a firm believer that the Lord DOES inhabit the praises of His people. That the more we thank Him for who He is, the more we invite Him to do what He wants to do! On her blog, Ann invites other bloggers to list reasons why we are thankful on Mondays... and I'm joining :) I love the way she explained that the acknowledgement of the things God has given us, great and small, are in effect a way of accepting and claiming gifts that are from Him , rather than taking them for granted and becoming desensitized to them. We sure do have so much to be thankful for, and the more I see the things He does, the more I have fallen in love with who He is.. and although it's just a list on a blog I sure don't want to leave one stone unturned or miss one opportunity to praise the Lord for His goodness, and in turn ask for more of His presence in our lives!!! So here's just a few of the multitude of things I am thankful for today... (in only the order of randomness)

- The weekend. For time to play games with my kids, to watch them play without deadlines, to cook for them, and to be a family. For time to catch up on so many errands, and the wonderful feeling of knowing we got them done, even and especially the ones we didn't want to do!

- For my church. For a pastor I love and respect who teaches the truth, and lives by it. For a church full of people who love the Lord and love each other.

- For three little people fast asleep in their beds upstairs. For hearing them pray, for seeing them grow, hearing them laugh, watching them love on each other.

- For grace. For knowing I'm loved by the God of the universe just because He does. For knowing I'm forgiven for the sinful person I am. For knowing He sees my very often frantic, illegible efforts to live a life that's pleasing to Him and assuming He probably gets a good chuckle out of it and keeps on leading me along in peace and joy... because He's got somewhere for us to go.

- For watching my kids run around in the grass without a purpose but to enjoy the feeling of springtime.

- For grilled hot dogs... Dr. Pepper... and of course donuts.

- My piano.

- A house with a yard. And a fence :)

- For friends who are family. Who you can laugh and be yourself with, ask the hard questions too, and who stick around even thru the hard stuff. For the man who gets down on his knees to hug and talk to my kids, and his wife who's taught us a whole lot about love!

- That Sammy got his stars at school 3 out of 5 times this week... learned some lessons and is determined to get them every day this week :)

- Again... for grace. And for kindergarten teachers full of grace :)

- For a job I love and am blessed to have.

- For an insurance policy that seemed impossible to get for the insurance salesman... therefore allowing me to share about the God of the impossible when it came through!!! As a result I'm giddy with thankfulness at the prospect of some summer days at home with my kids!

- For laundry caught up, lunches packed in the fridge, and my bed upstairs :)

- For the warm weather forecasted tomorrow!!!

- A trip to Luray last week, the people there and the work God is doing!

- The assurance that "He who began a good work in me will be faithful to carry it on to completion." (Phil 1:6). That the Lord is my portion and my cup... He has made my lot secure. No. Matter. What. (Psalm 16). That He never leaves, never stops loving, and is so very kind and good.

- Hearing a friend in Sunday School this morning who has been homeless for years and considered unreachable and unchangeable by many... tell the whole class on the verge of tears how God has been breaking her down for the last couple of weeks... and she's been to church her whole life but is just starting to understand that He loves her... not contingent on what He does or doesn't do... but just because... that He's "never given up on her" and that He has a plan for her!!! Praise the Lord... I'm thankful for the reminder that no one is beyond His reach!

and for so. much. more.

What If Blessings Come Through Raindrops

2011-03-24T17:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Valentines Day to YOU!

2011-02-12T20:21:00.000-08:00

Aviator Attitude

2011-02-08T19:34:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: This little "tude" is shocking and not at all normal for Hannah, which is why I have to admit I found it absolutely hilarious. Don't judge me.

Also. Can some kind soul explain how to make pictures bigger on blogger?

I'm not gonna lie. I like their faces.

I've selected the largest option on my layout screen. I've tried messing with individual numbers in html which frankly, is a pain, and I can't get them to look right...

any thoughts?

Hope you have a wonderful day!!!

To: Anonymous

2011-02-08T16:48:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning, without my knowing, asking, or knowing their identity... someone helped me.

It might not have been a big deal to them, but it sure was to me.

A really, really big deal.

I have no idea who this person is, but I sure hope they (and others who have done the same) are reading this blog. I wish I could hug your neck :)

I might have a problem with being a smidge too independent sometimes... and I don't take for one second, one thing for granted... that so many people have done to try to smooth out the path before us this year... especially when I've tried so hard to forge on and do it on my own. You are a big deal to me. It's hard for me to believe that you'd think of us or want to love on us like that. I'm amazed at the patience people have had with my mistakes, the consistency in friendship when I have been afraid to take you seriously :) and the safety of knowing we're not alone. For example, it's amazing when some of the people I look up most in the world tried to leave us an anonymous stash on the front porch, but the kids knew who it was from because they knew our favorite foods and called them out on it!!! We adore these people... way beyond what they wanted to do for us, and they didn't have to. It's a crazy thing when the people you look up to most seem to like you too :) I can say with full confidence that God has shown Himself to be so big, and so real, and so nice... that I'd be ok with Him not helping us like He does!!! In fact, so many times I don't even ask... because I'm just so thankful to know He's watching over us. He has made me feel like a spoiled kid this year in what He has convicted me of, changed me in, taught me through, provided for... and just plain been my companion, friend, shown me the bigger picture and always been my Savior. I want to do hard things... I want to show Him I love Him back... and as the kids would say, He just keeps loving me bigger! :) He's given us encouragement when I needed it most and wouldn't in a million years have wanted anyone to know it. He's provided for needs that I never would have mentioned... and done it immediately like this example this weekend. I'd found out about a great big unexpected need... I don't think I even asked Him for help (and hadn't mentioned it to anyone) I just thanked Him that He always takes care of us and started looking for what I could do to take care of it... and He provided immediately... through you, my anonymous friend meeting a need so that I could take care of this one. He didn't have to do that. And neither did you. We are already so blessed and yet you still wanted to bless us, and it blows me away.

I'm amazed this year at the love story between the Creator and His children. His pursuit of us, His mercy, and His kindness. I'm blown away by friends who are willing to treat us like family, especially when I feel the most unloveable. I honestly have no idea who in particular I'm thanking for this particular situation... and I'm completely amazed by the people God has surrounded us with every single day. Not because of what you do... but because of what it shows of who you are. We are so. so. blessed. And I'm so thankful.

Happy Birthday Big Brother!!!!

2011-01-30T17:25:00.000-08:00

Today is my big (a.k.a. old... :)) brother's birthday!!!

He's also Captain John Childress... teacher at West Point... and doing all kinds of crazy things far to big for me to understand and that he's too humble to bring up...

My brothers are my real life heros... I look up to, respect, and enjoy them in a really special way.

I'm thankful my kids have Uncles like this one..

and that he's my big brother and my friend :)

Happy birthday!! We love you!

To Answer Your Question...

2011-01-23T18:46:00.000-08:00

To answer your question...

Nope.

No hair bow. No stinkin pom poms.

BIG heart. BIG smiles... BIG games.

(NEW pom poms and hair bows ordered...)

And we're thoroughly enjoying eating all of the snacks that we brought to share with the teams but... didn't...share with the teams.

(sigh. again.) :)

I used to be such an organized person! Yes. I really did. Good thing Upwards is so much fun! :)

Pom Poms Are Not My Friend.

2011-01-21T20:30:00.000-08:00

As previously mentioned, last week was our great debut into Upwards Basketball and Cheerleading... and we had a blast.

The only near catastrophe came on my part as my three super-cute-decked-out- athletes went running into the gym before their games with a crazy mother covered in their winter coats, camera bag, two sets of juice boxes and granola bars for game snacks came tripping over her shoe laces behind them...

heard Hannah say... "Uh oh... Mommy do you have my pom poms?!?"

Oh. Good. Grief. First game. I mean, really??! I forgot the pom poms on the first game. (I still had to smile out of sheer delight that I DID remember to change out of my pajamas and the kids were in uniform. I mean really, give credit where credit is due.) Thankfully... Hannah didn't seem terribly concerned and went running into the gym. We were able to borrow some pom poms (which I guarded within an inch of my life until we returned... just sayin...) and no permanent damage was done :)

Side note: Hannah was a champ. All the cheerleaders were lined up waving their pom poms in the air and she just shook her little fists in the air and cheered louder than anyone. I love that kid :)

After the game we walked in the door and ... you guessed it... pretty much tripped over...

And now ladies and gentlemen. Coming up on midnite before big game TWO. I've packed the snacks for their teams. I've cleaned up the house. I finished 3 loads of laundry and noticed that Sam had put a chocolate chip granola bar in the pocket of his ... you guessed it... basketball clothes.. presents are wrapped for a birthday party tomorrow afternoon, and as I was heading to bed with the satisfaction of listening to the dryer clear away all uniform malfunctions for game two it occurred to me... "Hey self! I'll be awesome mom this time and put the pom poms by the door!"

And they are no where to be found.

I repeat. No. where.

And I have decided that we are not friends. May never be friends with the stinkin pom poms.

You see, I have a habit of finding "really great I'll never forget this places" to put things after I mess up and lose them once. That "special place" is what we also like to call the pit of no return.

It'll be ok right?

Maybe we'll find them in the morning.

Or maybe she won't notice that her pom poms are missing when I tell her I also cant' find her one of a kind special order Upwards Hair Ribbons.

sigh.

"I Miss Mayberry"

2011-01-18T18:11:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been caught up in looking at old pictures?!?

and missed those days...

and enjoyed the memories?

yep. Me too. They still make me smile. :)

The kids and I were looking through some of these old pictures and getting some good laughs... and they asked to put them in our family journal about what God does in our lives... and I thought that was awesome!

and as I reminisced through the wonderfully blessed life He's given us...

not without difficulty... but in spite of it...

I'm so thankful, amazed, and excited that the same God who created all of these memories in the first place...

gave them to us as just the beginning.... and He's going before us every day. That's just plain amazing.

I thought the blogging journal would be just plain easier than printing them and putting them in our journal... but I guess I should do that too :)

(yes they still make the same faces... :)

They asked me to write down how cool it is that God has given them "such a happy life full of fun things"

(I've paused here but cant think of anything sentimental or remotely sweet to say about the cat... but... moving on...)

God knew then where we'd be now... and He's filled our lives up with not only provision... but even and ESPECIALLY... laughter, joy, and peace!!! What a wonderful Savior.

God is so good. He's bigger than the stuff we worry about or can control.

This God is my God. And He will be my guide... even until the end. Psalm 48:14

So maybe sometimes "I miss Mayberry..." AND I'm so thankful for the wonderful memories being made now... and excited to see what God has in store for each new day!

Reminder of EVERYTHING you need to know.

2011-01-18T05:10:00.000-08:00

you're welcome. :)

(That's Psalm 16 by the way... I hope you'll take the time to read it and to really know it today! God is so good, so big... and so much more than everything we need!)

"Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine with then thousand beside.

Great is thy faithfulness...."

FIRST GAME!

2011-01-15T17:14:00.000-08:00

TODAY... we woke up with eager anticipation for our FIRST... that's right. [FIRST]. ever basketball/cheerleading games.

It's an awful cryin shame that blogger won't let me upload many of my photos at all right now... only a few before we left. You know, where they've just woken up... all have terrible colds... but are crazy hyper with excitement for their FIRST. GAME. :)

I wanted to go ahead and throw up a few pics for the grandparents who might be checking... guess I'll have to wait to tell you about their awesome performance... Hannah's amazing grace... Sam's moves... why Jacob needs new shoes...

and why THIS is the only picture of Hannah's pom poms because her mommy forgot to bring them to her (that's right... cringe with me...) first. game. (sigh.)

All dramatic stories aside, we had a wonderful time. I'm SO PROUD of my big kids :)

A Happy Friday Gift

2011-01-14T06:37:00.000-08:00

We're Still Here!!!

2011-01-11T19:10:00.001-08:00

Loving snow days

Having fun

Crackin' ourselves up..

Growing up waaay too fast..

and thankful :)

Hope you are too!!!

Hannah Is Seven

2010-10-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my babydoll is seven years old.

Hannah has a quiet joy, peace, and light about her that is amazing, and her laugh always makes me smile. She loves God so much, and simply adores her brothers :) I can't believe I get to be her mommy. It's an amazing thing to know we're "the girls" together.

The boys also had birthdays in the last few weeks and I'll try to post photos soon. Slowly but surely I'm trying to get back on the blogging bandwagon!

Have a wonderful week!