tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88144810441515109532024-03-05T22:51:43.452-05:00The good lifeThis blog is going to be a constant reminder of the good life God has given me. It will be a way for me to remember all of His blessings and keep my perspective on life clear and to hopefully encourage others along the way.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-68373624070369590362013-07-15T03:36:00.000-04:002013-07-15T03:36:16.059-04:00New Passion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have received so much encouragement from everyone since starting this blog this past January. With nothing but God, this little blog of mine has started to grow. What started out as a online journal of my life has now turned into a God given vision to encourage wives and mommas.<br />
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I want to thank you all for your support and I would love for you to join me at my new blog <a href="http://sweetcountryroots.com/">sweetcountryroots.com</a>. This new blog is a place where I want to further share the things God has put on my heart. I want to encourage, inspire, and bring laughter. I want to share my victories, failures, and convictions; as well as hear all about yours. I am so excited about where God is taking me and my hope is that you will come along.<br />
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Love, Brittany </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-5811086578291084892013-07-14T08:05:00.000-04:002013-07-14T08:05:02.764-04:00Sweet Emma!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qBjJIKU1DIakpX0KctebE6MUzMbwqrKgBb_dPcIwAT8xYHvhoPI-fgkkbZ3X8afG593zFuNhqUxpiNGoKQv97-WYwJW4-uHBGWzyfcbMaszVNczWU2wsDERgOVgHnIdQvkp6hyPNLLfU/s640/blogger-image--416728771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qBjJIKU1DIakpX0KctebE6MUzMbwqrKgBb_dPcIwAT8xYHvhoPI-fgkkbZ3X8afG593zFuNhqUxpiNGoKQv97-WYwJW4-uHBGWzyfcbMaszVNczWU2wsDERgOVgHnIdQvkp6hyPNLLfU/s640/blogger-image--416728771.jpg" /></a></div>
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Tonight we had my sweet little sister Emma's 13th birthday party. The kids had fun running all through the backyard, eating pizza, and devouring their cake. They were most excited about the fact of it being aunt Emma's birthday. They look up to her so much. Even Ty puts his arms up to be held by her. </div>
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This girl is a free spirit who loves like no other. She is ALWAYS so much fun to be around because she can create fun and excitement out of just about any circumstance. She is a true people pleaser, not for selfish reasons, but only to put smiles on other people's faces. She is a lover of organization, new ideas, and her family. </div>
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Emma, I know your sweetness and passions will carry you far. Keep being different because I LOVE that about YOU! Thanks for being somebody so great for my kids to look up to. God is going to use you in amazing ways, and I cant wait to watch it all unfold!</div>
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P.S. Thanks for the quilt;)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-38756111748568975302013-07-12T06:17:00.000-04:002013-07-12T06:56:58.332-04:00Healthy habits or going through the motions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bgsVqfn8lVXbTNXBz2GZwbYVObQtJBRC-NacxynblFTqzSdD-l-v3HQoM2EI9lnzpHafz1nIzkjHutEQ00PhDooWXOp78DxKpJpsW2MkDuU8pA-4IYMbTF6n9jZON4KAJRifZneefuJO/s640/blogger-image--1974094757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bgsVqfn8lVXbTNXBz2GZwbYVObQtJBRC-NacxynblFTqzSdD-l-v3HQoM2EI9lnzpHafz1nIzkjHutEQ00PhDooWXOp78DxKpJpsW2MkDuU8pA-4IYMbTF6n9jZON4KAJRifZneefuJO/s640/blogger-image--1974094757.jpg" /></a></div>
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As I sit on the couch this morning, coffee in hand, Bible on my lap, my mind wanders. I'm thinking of the needs for the day. My mind quickly shifts as to what to feed the kids for breakfast once I hear the pitter pat of their feet upstairs. I immediately feel aggravated and think to myself that this time alone with God is pointless because my heart isn't there. I read the same stuff every morning... God doesn't ONLY speak in Proverbs:) I have been doing this wonderful habit of reading my Bible every morning for many months now. My fire has slowly grown dim. My healthy habit has turned into just that.. A HABIT. I feel like I don't really choose at that time, I'm running on autopilot. I read, pray, then start the day as if I hadn't read anything. What has God been trying to tell me? How long has He been whispering all the wisdoms in my ear of a fulfilling, joyful life?<br />
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I do Bible time with the kids, read stories, color pictures, and play outside. This all sounds like great mom stuff but if I'm absent in heart and mind am I really there? I can tell ya now, they aren't getting my best. I have had many times where I'm staring off in space and they are asking me the same questions over and over again till I snap out of my trance. I wonder how many opportunities I have missed to share with them the beauty outside our windows simply because I never looked out? When have I lost teachable moments because I was following MY routine instead of God's lead?<br />
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The cooking and cleaning can also be effected by so called healthy habits. Yeah, I do most of the, "Good momma stuff." I try to cook meals from scratch to keep us away from the doctor. I keep the house looking decent with toys picked up off the floor. When was the last time I've tried a new recipe to really WOW my family? When have I pulled up my sleeves and deep cleaned in the back of a closet to further organize our home life? <br />
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I want to live this life not merely going through the motions anymore. God calls us out of comfort zones, to shake things up a bit and see what all He has to offer.<br />
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I pray Lord to keep my heart and eyes open to your world. To see your opportunities to advance your WORD and wonder. I thank you for my wake up call this morning and for speaking even when I'm not listening for you. Let me minister to my family and those around me and <b>give you all I've got</b>.<br />
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Linking up to: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://happyandblessedhome.com%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://happyandblessedhome.com/150H&BHButton.jpg%22%20alt=%22HappyandBlessedHome.com%22%20width=%22150%22%20height=%22150%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Happy and Blessed Home </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://womanhoodwithpurpose.com%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20alt=%22Womanhoodwithpurpose%22%20src=%22http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o622/angieb50/rsz_64186_472678172811092_1070274398_n_zps4f6a3693.jpg%22/%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Womanhood with purpose</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-62809688301447815862013-07-10T07:24:00.003-04:002013-07-10T07:24:36.943-04:00Bowling<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We had an awesome day of Tim being on vacation. I was able to go for a run by myself this morning. It felt amazing when I started. Once I finished I was leaning over the counter top out of breath, in pain, and wondering why in the world I thought that would be refreshing!<br />
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Once my heart rate settled down we went to the front yard to try to teach willow how to ride her bike without training wheels. She did pretty good and looked adorable with the oversized helmet on her head. Towards the end she was getting a bit aggregated, but was quickly forgotten when I came out with popsicles.<br />
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I came inside and started making lunch and some healthy snacks for the week while they all played in the baby pool on the deck. Poor Ty ended up swimming in his pajamas. Didn't bother him at all.<br />
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That wore them all out pretty quickly. We finished up lunch then got everyone down for naps. Tim and I headed for the basement to start painting the girls bunk bed set for the big move to the country house. Zoe has been asking me everyday, "Momma how many minutes till we get to the country house?" I told her it takes A LOT of minutes to make a month:) definitely warms my heart to know she is excited.<br />
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This evening we decided to go an adventure and take them bowling for the first time. They were so stinking cute in their little bowling shoes.(of course that was there favorite part) After every turn they would shrill and jump up and down. Ty loved the spot on the back of the machine where the bowling balls came up, it blew out air and he kept putting his face in it. That kept him pretty content. Just as I thought, the girls wanted to take the shoes with them. Thankfully there were no meltdowns when we gave them back.<br />
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We went to dinner at one of Tim's favorites, Texas Roadhouse. Although we look like a circus act in there, the food was great as usual. I became very thankful for my run this morning as I was eating my second hot buttered roll.<br />
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We made some great memories today...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-91905557314586373262013-07-08T08:55:00.000-04:002013-07-11T07:22:38.867-04:00Childhood possibilities<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrtlAR7S6dDPZEIDieVC6v0Wtop1uw2LX4xK44xyhqsrUVbl9xy77v7KL5NF6jwGFH1yqroxEz7P3lfwUFWeGbc4Kj3iI90wIWRAJLRpu1pPlo6Z303YIrZT4ZYiHcx9Ng-6wBfxClUwI/s640/blogger-image--140378600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrtlAR7S6dDPZEIDieVC6v0Wtop1uw2LX4xK44xyhqsrUVbl9xy77v7KL5NF6jwGFH1yqroxEz7P3lfwUFWeGbc4Kj3iI90wIWRAJLRpu1pPlo6Z303YIrZT4ZYiHcx9Ng-6wBfxClUwI/s640/blogger-image--140378600.jpg" /></a></div>
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A child's possible solutions to find fun are endless. They can take nothing and turn it into an adventure within seconds. With overfilled imaginations and popsicle grins it would do us all some good to visit their world every now and then. </div>
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To experience the thrill of staying up past bedtime, or to fight with every ounce you have to keep that soft whisper when you have beat the sun up in the early morning. THIS is where I want to be. Caught in the right here, right now moments. </div>
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I want to love with everything I've got. To hold on tighter and longer...like they do.</div>
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To have no concept of time or space and let them play outside at 7am and have lunch at 10am.</div>
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I want to throw my head back when I laugh and let the tears go ahead and fall when things aren't right.</div>
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These precious children are my sweet reminders of LIFE and how to do it right.</div>
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Linked up at: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj500/naomifuentes/wisewomanbutton.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Wise-Woman-Builds%20%22/%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">A wise Woman Builds Her Home</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ccenter%3E%3Ca%20href=%22www.deeprootsathome.com/%22%3E%3Cimg%20border=%220%22%20src=%22http://www.deeprootsathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Munier+may_i_have_one_too-220-px.jpg%22/%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/center%3E" target="_blank">Deep Roots at Home</a>, <a href="http://tobucket.com/albums/z439/shockfamilyfarm/farmgirl12.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Photobucket%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%22/%3E%3C/div%3E" target="_blank">Our Simple Farm</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://raisinghomemakers.com/%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://raisinghomemakers.com/images/RHbutton.jpg%22%20border=%220px%22%20alt=%22Raising%20Homemakers%22%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">raising Homemaker</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20border=%220%22%20href=%22http://walkingredeemed.org/%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.walkingredeemed.org/wp-content/themes/vintage/images/Button.png%22/%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">walking redeemed, </a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-47103739500778170472013-07-05T06:50:00.000-04:002013-07-05T06:50:17.044-04:00Awesome 4th<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I will admit that I was not really looking all that forward to all of the Independence Day festivities today. I knew Tim would be at the fire station and I was predicting a long day of running around trying to make it from one family celebration to another. I completely understand that none of this is even close to the reason why we celebrate 4th of July, but when your a momma of three little ones it is your reality:)<br />
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The day took me by surprise. I took the kids along with my sister Emma to watch the parade in downtown Waxhaw with the grandparents. God worked things out perfectly. I was able to get there just in time to get a great parking spot. My mother n law just happened to be close to help me get all the kiddos across the street. They all had a blast. I was very thankful that I didn't go with that part of my brain telling me to stay home.</div>
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This afternoon we went to Granny and Pop's for a good old fashioned cookout. Ty managed to find his way to the mud puddle and loved every minute. The girls ran around playing hide and go seek, and riding little scooters around the backyard. I would have missed these sweet moments if I would have thought too much about the effort it took to get everyone out the door. I've learned today that sometimes you just have to do it and make some memories. Life is too short!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-3128380707259379682013-07-03T07:39:00.000-04:002013-07-09T07:50:03.375-04:00Questioning myself<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I find myself these days questioning my attitude of MODESTY. Even saying that word makes me feel like an old fashioned frump, but nonetheless my views on the entire issue are slowly starting to shift. I think the definition of modesty for most people is very different. I'm trying to only focus on my convictions and not put those on other people.<br />
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However, my mind has been opened a little further since I now have a son. I am seeing more and more everyday how impossible it is to shield his eyes from all of the images that are thrown in his face on a daily basis. My daughters are also going to constantly see images and feel as though they never measure up. Don't even get me started on what my husband sees, the mama bear comes out! I have a lot of eyes to protect, including my own.<br />
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As I type out this post I realize how deep this issue really is.When did things change? When did we start accepting half dressed women on advertisements at the mall where I take my children? I need to do some praying on the right standards to set for myself and my girls. It all starts with me and my attitude. I can't let them see me cast judgment, yet I have to exemplify a true woman's beauty.<br />
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I'm thinking this is going to be tough. I am up for the challenge. I want to show my family what beautiful really is.<br />
Beauty is respectable to my husband and those around me.<br />
Beauty is a smile that lights up a room with a contagious laugh.<br />
Beauty is accepting others as they are, yet staying true to your convictions.<br />
Beauty is the stretched skin where a baby used to be.<br />
Beauty is the farmer's tan from swinging your kids on the swing set.<br />
Beauty is confidence to know who you are in Christ.<br />
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Here is an awesome, thought provoking speech on the evolution of the bikini. It only takes one person for you to say hmm.. I think she's on to something! <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WJVHRJbgLz8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>I am linking up with <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20%20href=%22http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/%22%3E%3Cimg%20%20src=%22http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj500/naomifuentes/wisewomanbutton.jpg%22%20%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Wise-Woman-Builds%20%22/%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">A Wise Woman Builds Her Home</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ccenter%3E%3Ca%20href=%22www.deeprootsathome.com/%22%3E%3Cimg%20border=%220%22%20src=%22http://www.deeprootsathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Munier+may_i_have_one_too-220-px.jpg%22/%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/center%3E" target="_blank">Deep Roots at Home</a>, and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://raisinghomemakers.com/%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://raisinghomemakers.com/images/RHbutton.jpg%22%20border=%220px%22%20alt=%22Raising%20Homemakers%22%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Raising Homemakers. </a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://happyandblessedhome.com%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://happyandblessedhome.com/150H&BHButton.jpg%22%20alt=%22HappyandBlessedHome.com%22%20width=%22150%22%20height=%22150%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Happy and Blessed home, </a><br />
and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ccenter%3E%3Ca%20href=%22%20http://www.myjoyfilledlife.com/%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Photobucket%22%20src=%22http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn99/slavila/Babiesandbeyondbuttonbutterflies_zps35a1eabf.jpg%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/center%3E" target="_blank">My Joy Filled Life</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20border=%220%22%20href=%22http://www." target="_blank">A Mamas Story </a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://thebettermom.com%22%20target=%22_blank%22%20%3E%3Cimg%20class=%22aligncenter%22%20src=%22http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gXfoBvdTPFE/Tvqb_nORFGI/AAAAAAAACpg/FW-NrERTgpc/s1600/BetterMondaysLinkup.jpg%22%20alt=%22TheBetterMom.com%22%20height=%22125%22%20width=%22125%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">The Better Mom</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ccenter%3E%3Ca%20href=%22%20http://www.themodestmomblog.com%20%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.themodestmomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Modest-Mom-blog-button-copy.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Photobucket%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%3Ccenter%3E%3C/center%3E%3C/center%3E" target="_blank">The Modest Mom</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ccenter%3E%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.whatjoyismine.net%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20alt=%22What%20Joy%20Is%20Mine%22%20src=%22%20http://i1190.photobucket.com/albums/z458/Normsgal91/IMG_2675BB.jpg%20%20%22/%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/center%3E%20%3C/%20textarea%3E%3C/form%3E%20%3C/div%3E%20%3Cbr%3E" target="_blank">What Joy is Mine</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20border=%220%22%20href=%22http://growinghomeblog.com/%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BDpZZI6hcNI/URxLn7EdJ-I/AAAAAAAAGx4/QkRYhzhlzHY/s1600/Button4.png%22/%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Growing Home </a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cdiv%20align=%22center%22%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.heavenlyhomemakers.com%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/HHMbutton1112.jpg%22%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Heavenly Homemakers</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://mamaldiane.com/%22%20target=%22blank%22%3E%20%3Cimg%20src=%22http://i1051.photobucket.com/albums/s439/mamaldiane/200x200.jpg%22/%3E%20%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Mamal Diane</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com%22%20%3E%3Cimg%20border=%220%22%20src=%22http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGyY85-GxCs/T4DLIqzQ-gI/AAAAAAAADJ0/XVDO55MJ484/s1600/BlueButton.jpg%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Time Warp Wife</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-46650133064196506432013-07-01T07:22:00.001-04:002013-07-04T13:51:47.930-04:00Much needed family time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterday was such a blessing from God. We were finally able to spend the entire day as a family. Tim didn't have to rush off to do a job for someone, and I didn't have to leave after supper to go into the hospital. I had been hoping all week that Sunday was going to turn out that way. Usually when I plan it doesn't go the way I want it, but this time it did!<br />
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Tim arrived home from the fire station just in time for us to make it to the early service at church. Thank God He did. We both needed to hear the sermon. I was having a hard time worshipping during the songs and concentrating on God. No lie, the very first words the pastor said was, "If you are having a hard time worshipping then you need to stop focusing on yourself." WOW! Ok God, hearing you loud and clear! For the rest of the service I knew God was telling me something so I paid extra special attention:)</div>
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When we got back home we spent time in the living room watching the kids play and run their laps around the staircase. After lunch everyone napped, including Tim and I. What??? Yes! This was a good day indeed!</div>
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Throughout the evening there was more fun of laughing, playing chase, and dancing. We ended with Tim reading them stories in our room. I am so thankful for God's provision and giving us a day like that. Not all of them turn out to be sweet memories, but He is ALWAYS in the midst. My prayer is that when the next tough day comes along that I will remember God is always there walking along side of me, not just when things are going my way.<br />
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This post was linked to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20border=%220%22%20href=%22http://www.amamasstory.com/search/label/Mama%20Moments%20Mondays%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jZSfm8xYL3k/UQxNFqPnO0I/AAAAAAAAGkg/4IRxsYlonJ0/s1600/MMMFeaturedButton.png%22/%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">A Mama's story </a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://thebettermom.com%22%20target=%22_blank%22%20%3E%3Cimg%20class=%22aligncenter%22%20src=%22http://www.thebettermom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Better-Mom-Button-125.png%22%20alt=%22TheBetterMom.com%22%20height=%22125%22%20width=%22125%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">The Better Mom</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ccenter%3E%3Ca%20href=%22%20http://www.themodestmomblog.com%20%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.themodestmomblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Modest-Mom-blog-button-copy.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Photobucket%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%3Ccenter%3E%3C/center%3E%3C/center%3E" target="_blank">The Modest Mom</a>, What Joy is Mine, Growing home, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cdiv%20align=%22center%22%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.heavenlyhomemakers.com%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/HHMbutton1112.jpg%22%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Heavenly Homemakers</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ccenter%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://teachingwhatisgood.com/%22%3E%3Cimg%20border=%220%22%20src=%22http://teachingwhatisgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/women-helping-women1.png%22/%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/center%3E" target="_blank">teaching what is good</a>, and<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com%22%20%3E%3Cimg%20border=%220%22%20src=%22http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGyY85-GxCs/T4DLIqzQ-gI/AAAAAAAADJ0/XVDO55MJ484/s1600/BlueButton.jpg%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank"> Time Warp Wife</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-81018994156712248672013-06-29T08:44:00.003-04:002013-06-29T14:14:00.568-04:00Teaching respect<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wiMkoE1jU4C4O-G4nnYdAPNEg2DjeBC5qxnRg48JM7lJxlKX45nbYQiFxlQDPudQesdK7cCvSR42wja_lpJ5u_H3jfHlpJwHTgLySp6t4TIoAsRRhFmAyJm93k_Km31ucvIWhW-19YYQ/s400/ID-100104411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wiMkoE1jU4C4O-G4nnYdAPNEg2DjeBC5qxnRg48JM7lJxlKX45nbYQiFxlQDPudQesdK7cCvSR42wja_lpJ5u_H3jfHlpJwHTgLySp6t4TIoAsRRhFmAyJm93k_Km31ucvIWhW-19YYQ/s320/ID-100104411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici/<a href="http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/" target="_blank">freedigitalphotos.net</a><br />
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Just when I have a good day or two of obedient children it never fails that they will get a wild hair and start acting crazy. This can be so frustrating. When one issue is settling another is bubbling getting ready to spew when you least expect it. Yesterday, the disrespect has been one of my greater challenges to deal with.<br />
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It's not only the disobedience. It's them talking back and trying to explain themselves is what keeps them in trouble. I am choosing to have faith that I can persevere and discipline God's way to overcome these darn obstacles.<br />
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I have been praying for some wisdom on the best way to approach their discipline. Over the past couple of days it has become so obvious to me that we are all born rebellious and mean. God has to work it out of us, and He uses me to work it out of our children. Its a constant. The thing is, we will never be done just as God is never done with us. It's much like a revolving door or dance with our children that God is in the center of. He is continuously teaching and molding us.<br />
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For example, when the kids are being exceptional I hop on my high horse and think to myself it must be this awesome discipline, man I'm good! Then before you know it one of them has shoved the other then screamed at me and ran off. This is where He is teaching HUMILITY. Their good behavior is not a reflection of me but of His goodness and grace on my family.<br />
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In an effort to discipline appropriately (and not loose my mind) I call on the name of the Lord. -This just HAS to be apart of His plan! Our children watch us asking for help. What an amazing example we can set for them. As all this is going on He is also teaching me to RELY on Him, and to PERSEVERE when things are tough. As I pray I am asking for patience and wisdom which He says He gives freely to those who ask.<br />
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Once God has corrected my heart I am then able to correct my children's heart. I am able to discipline with love just as Jesus does for us. I am able to exemplify forgiveness to them because <b>I am forgiven</b>. I am able once again to lead them because I am following the one true leader. God is revealing to me day after day that my children are one of my greatest blessings because they are what brings me closer to Him. Thank you Lord for the change in perspective.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-57339033925030913232013-06-27T07:23:00.001-04:002013-06-27T07:23:47.883-04:00Times Flying<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This week is flying by. June is almost over! Before I know it Christmas will be rolling around the corner. It's hard not to look ahead and see all the task that lay before you and not feel a little anxious about getting so much done in such little time.<br />
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I know I write post on this all the time, but I have to keep reminding myself to FOCUS on the HERE and NOW. Looking back over my week I see that it has been busy in a good kind of way. I also can see all of the times I was looking ahead to what was going on later. At times I can feel in a panic because things are happening so fast and I dont want to miss any of this precious time.<br />
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For a recap of our busy, precious week: On Monday I slept half the day from working a night shift the night before. When I woke up the kids and I went with Mom to help her pick out some new glasses. I basically just tried to be nice to the kids all day since I was going on a couple hours of sleep.<br />
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On Tuesday the girls helped me make some new healthy snacks. They seriously have a radar letting them know what is healthy. Its crazy! They wouldn't eat a thing, but kept asking for pop tarts:) I don't guess I can blame them, I would have been too. We also started Willows reading curriculum. So far so good. My greatest challenge is keeping it fun. She is very excited about learning something new.<br />
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Wednesday the kids and I met mom and Emma at the mall. I was a nervous wreck counting all of their heads in every store we went in. They are so fast. We all rode the carousel that was inside the mall. That was definitly a memory that will stick with me. Everyone was smiling ear to ear.<br />
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My prayer is that TODAY I can focus on these sweet faces and enjoy all of the relationships God has given me. God will give me what I need every morning to accomplish the task He has set before me. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-52907867052050762242013-06-24T21:44:00.001-04:002013-06-27T08:18:06.288-04:00Cornbread!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
All right y'all, this cornbread recipe is awesome. The kids beg me for this at least once a week. This is an Aunt Debbie favorite as well.<br />
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I usually fix this cornbread with some pintos that have been cooking in the crockpot all day and some homemade coleslaw. This is by far one of our favorite meals. Can you say cheap??</div>
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- 1 cup whole wheat flour</div>
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Mix together<br />
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- 2 eggs</div>
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- 1 cup milk</div>
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Don't over stir!</div>
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Pour into greased 9x9 baking dish at 425 degrees for 27 minutes. </div>
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Don't forget to slather your butter on:)</div>
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I linked up this recipe to growing home, and heavenly homemakers,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ccenter%3E%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.raisingmightyarrows.blogspot.com/%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://webzoom.freewebs.com/ouralaskaadventure/RaisingMightyArrows/ProverbsButton.jpg%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/center%3E" target="_blank"> Raising Mighty Arrows</a>.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-87840720517264766692013-06-22T07:42:00.001-04:002013-06-22T07:42:39.793-04:00Kids first camping tripWe had been talking for a while now about getting these city girls outdoors on a camping trip. On Thursday we finally took the plunge. It took us awhile to remember what all we needed to pack. We hadn't gone camping since before I got pregnant with Willow, which was over 4 years ago. <div><br></div><div>We decided to make it a surprise until we got to our campsite. Once we revealed our secret they were both excited and nervous at the same time. Willow said she might get scared sleeping in the forest! When we told them they would get to sleep with us their fear went right out the window.</div><div><br></div><div>Once we got the tent set up we went to the playground on the campsite and let them run out all of their excited energy. We were starting to feel confident that we were going to actually be able to do this, and enjoy our first camping trip with them.</div><div><br></div><div>That confidence got quickly shaken when the evening hunger struck everyone at the same time. Ty was getting cranky, the girls were driving us nuts for marshmallows, and Tim and I were trying to fix hotdogs for everyone. I remember us looking at each other and without even saying a word we were both thinking that this wasn't the best idea.</div><div><br></div><div>Once bellies got full we took turns wrestling with Ty from getting into the campfire. Luckily, Pappa came about 9:00 to pick him up so he could spend the night at their house to get some rest. Once he left it was s'mores time. I think we all ate about 5, maybe more! The girls loved walking around with their flashlights. We sat around mesmerized by the fire all growing sleepier by the minute.</div><div><br></div><div>We headed for the tent about 10:30. Probably 30 seconds after our heads hit the pillow we were all asleep. The kids slept great. Tim and I slept decent as well, but of course we were listening out for every sound outside. There are more precious people in the tent to worry about now:)</div><div><br></div><div>The next morning we ate pop tarts for breakfast. They had never had them before so this was an adventure all of its own. We went hiking, then packed up for a day of swimming in the lake.</div><div><br></div><div>We had a great time swimming. The girls even met some friends and didn't leave the water all day. Donna came and bought Ty and he loved every minute as well. We were popped when we got home but it was so worth it and we can't wait to go again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlSjfaplT2DZmKPQPAtKsz9LSG74Us2dTTOBpEcrMGfNomy3HgIvWmuPKYtZzl13-7Fo3e3LZtjIp61UH_kfqaH5mE3t5lRbxw7iEek_IrdQT3NsLm4U3gn3J71nsaJuK5qJqvyhgechI/s640/blogger-image-497736977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlSjfaplT2DZmKPQPAtKsz9LSG74Us2dTTOBpEcrMGfNomy3HgIvWmuPKYtZzl13-7Fo3e3LZtjIp61UH_kfqaH5mE3t5lRbxw7iEek_IrdQT3NsLm4U3gn3J71nsaJuK5qJqvyhgechI/s640/blogger-image-497736977.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWelGjHcN725oGmSA3goC9OhDV350xrmrboRvf48J2mqSQy51DOs-2TX6SDeG47GHPtZOK9nQb7vLNFLCl7SY8twBzAG2Ikg2ur2UeCXDgjMvAAgRHQTuGBgdgNkXiyC7H6IFQzaglqOu5/s640/blogger-image-743551145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWelGjHcN725oGmSA3goC9OhDV350xrmrboRvf48J2mqSQy51DOs-2TX6SDeG47GHPtZOK9nQb7vLNFLCl7SY8twBzAG2Ikg2ur2UeCXDgjMvAAgRHQTuGBgdgNkXiyC7H6IFQzaglqOu5/s640/blogger-image-743551145.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-86472393887212380292013-06-19T22:11:00.001-04:002013-06-30T06:58:50.409-04:00Feeling discouraged?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is to all those <b>hardworking Mommas</b> out there feeling the pressure.<br />
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There are days when you feel as though you are pulled in a million different directions. You long to be that Proverbs 31 woman, laugh with your children, love on your husband, and cook awesome meals from scratch. At times, you feel as though you'll never measure up and the joy to serve can feel like a burden.</div>
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Let me tell ya mommas, <b>YOU </b>are so precious in the eyes of God. You are feeding, teaching, and molding His army. The smile you give to your children is the comfort that they need when the world is cruel. The prayers you send up on their behalf are heard, God is working. He sees your tears and knows your heart. By the way, that 4th morning of cold creal your feeding them will not be recorded in any kind of books in heaven.</div>
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When God sees you He sees a warrior raising the next generation. Because of you we have hope that all of our children will have faith filled friends to link arms with when they are facing this world outside our homes. No, you don't have it altogether...but God does and is pouring wisdom and strength in you daily to keep nourishing His army. </div>
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Don't ever forget your value. When your changing diapers, washing dishes, and chasing children God is in the midst. Stand tall and remember your doing Gods work day in and day out. </div>
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This is what true feminism SHOULD be. Us women holding each other up and keeping each other accountable to the calling of caring for our families. Instead of being anti feminist we can be...pro feminist for God. Reminding each other that the freedom isn't in leaving our God given duties but in caring for the little ones He places at our feet. The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.<br />
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I linked up at <a href="http://www.thebettermom.com/">http://www.thebettermom.com/</a> , <a href="http://www.whatjoyismine.net/">http://www.whatjoyismine.net/</a> , http://www.amamasstory.com/search/label/Mama%20Moments%20Mondays, </div>
CSAHM parenting linkup, <br />
Deep Roots at home, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://raisinghomemakers.com/%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://raisinghomemakers.com/images/RHbutton.jpg%22%20border=%220px%22%20alt=%22Raising%20Homemakers%22%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Raising Homemakers</a>, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20border=%220%22%20href=%22http://walkingredeemed.org/%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.walkingredeemed.org/wp-content/themes/vintage/images/Button.png%22/%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">walking redeemed</a>, and Women Living Well,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ccenter%3E%3Ca%20href=%22%20http://www.myjoyfilledlife.com/%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Photobucket%22%20src=%22http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn99/slavila/Babiesandbeyondbuttonbutterflies_zps35a1eabf.jpg%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/center%3E" target="_blank">babies and beyond</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-23866434399029605602013-06-17T13:37:00.001-04:002013-06-19T10:44:55.470-04:00Other plans<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For now we are sitting tight here at our countryish house in the suburbs. It seems as though our potential offer on our house and possible ticket to open land has fallen through. There is still hope since our contract isn't up yet on the house in the country.<br />
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I was reminding Tim yesterday that we had prayed multiple times for God's will to be done. We may have to start another prayer that He will help us to accept His will whatever that may be. </div>
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I am confident that this vision He has given us in our hearts will come to pass, it just may not be in my time frame. I have decided that if our house doesn't sell then I am going to embrace where I am in life moment by moment. I feel like I'm in this middle zone waiting for the next step so God can use me. It seems I'm forgetting that right now IS a step. </div>
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Nothing is by accident. I will choose to believe that my family and I are right where we are supposed to be. Let's just hope I can remember this when I read all of the little books with farm pictures to the girls.</div>
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YES, I'll admit I am jealous of the fictional, cartoon farmer that was in the book I read to them this morning. I'm telling ya I'm crazy!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-17053638203781353342013-06-16T06:34:00.001-04:002013-06-16T06:34:02.221-04:00My sweet boy on his birthdayFriday was sweet Ty's first birthday, and we had an awesome day as a family. When he woke up we all went into his room singing happy birthday. He was so excited and started dancing back and forth! Mom and Emma came over and bought some cupcakes which was our breakfast dessert:) We enjoyed the kids the rest of the day then met some family at the knights baseball game that night. We had so much fun, all the kids were great. We didn't get home until 11pm so all the kiddos slept in their clothes, at this point they didn't care and neither did we!<div><br></div><div>Ty has been such a blessing to our family and a perfect addition. No lie, he has to be the easiest, and happiest baby I've ever known. He has all of our hearts including his two big sisters who love on him all day. He has just started walking and he loves to clap his hands while he is taking his steps. He is becoming a daddy's boy and loves to play rough with him. </div><div><br></div><div>I can see him growing up to be just like his Daddy. Always having a smile on his face and enjoying life. I am so thankful for this blessing God has given us. He has bought us more joy than we could have ever imagined. We love our Ty Bear!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlnhVCm1OX-wIG9AcOeurllXO48SOSAWsV1kfGd_fKNjnWcz-szcD0XdaWw_K9jvDDCp10KYkb4-oFeyJn5x98avAPnI08Zs8Z0eKZW7uLnj848tXVCeNJFq7y_TGuQxy_K0yUKA3IwKY/s640/blogger-image--1862527626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlnhVCm1OX-wIG9AcOeurllXO48SOSAWsV1kfGd_fKNjnWcz-szcD0XdaWw_K9jvDDCp10KYkb4-oFeyJn5x98avAPnI08Zs8Z0eKZW7uLnj848tXVCeNJFq7y_TGuQxy_K0yUKA3IwKY/s640/blogger-image--1862527626.jpg"></a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-41691914449394212692013-06-14T06:56:00.004-04:002013-06-26T15:08:22.265-04:00When things dont go your way<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wednesday was our 9 year anniversary! This was the first one we have spent apart. Tim was at the firestation for 24 hours and I was at our homeschool convention. I wasn't too dissapointed about that because it was no suprise. I saw on the calander that it was going to work that way...no big deal.<br />
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We decided we would celebrate last night. We made reservations at an awesome farm to fork restaurant downtown. I had been thinking about it ALL day. I was so excited to first of all, be with my husband but second, to have some delicious food.<br />
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Once we got home from our last day of the homeschool convention things started going down hill. Ty would not nap. He was exhausted and overly stimulated. I kept thinking, "How am I supposed to get ready for my hot date?" As I'm calming Ty down I get THE TEXT from my husband asking if I can call and push our reservations back because he was going to be late. I was still doing pretty good at his point, still smiling:)<br />
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About 20 minutes after that the power goes out. So there we all sat looking out he window (my sister who was babysitting included) watching the hail, wind, and all our bouncy balls roll down the street.<br />
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I was still determined I was going to my fancy supper. I went upstairs to get dressed and laid<br />
Tim out the least wrinkled shirt I could find.<br />
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Once he finally gets home and gets dressed he gives me, "The look." I asked him what was wrong he said we probably didn't need to go with the power being out. Ok, so then came the sulking. I went upstairs all pitiful, cancelled the reservations, put my hair in a ponytial, and put on the ugliest pajamas I could find.<br />
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I wasn't too terrible, the pity party lasted about 5 minutes before I came to my senses. Slowly God worked on my heart and I started thinking of all the million reasons it wasn't meant for us to go out. I KNOW that God had a plan. Can I still smile when it isn't mine? I didn't pass the test very gracefully.<br />
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God gives so much grace and wants to make us happy. We were able to still sneak away for a quick bite to eat down the street and drop by dairy queen for some ice cream. I'm sure God is sitting up there thinking, "Girl, you don't know how good you've got it!" </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-89335274522606109872013-06-12T21:35:00.000-04:002013-06-26T15:04:17.118-04:00Overwhelmed?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Okay so im still very excited about our Classical Conversation practicum and I Am having a great time. On the other hand, I am feeling very overwhelmed. This will be my second year homeschooling and first year tutoring. I'm still just trying to figure the basics out and wrap my head around homeschooling in general.<br />
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I was sitting there in the tutor training almost laughing out loud. Why on earth did I feel like God wanted me to do this? At times I feel so encapable. They were using examples through history to show us how to present it and I didn't even know half of the examples!<br />
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As I was sharing all of this with Tim I realized that I am in fact the perfect candidate. God doesn't use the peolple who think they have it all together. Nope, he usses the people who feel like they are falling apart and don't have a lick of sense! If I thought I knew it all then I wouldn't need God. He causes the humble to rise. My confidence will come from Him if I ask, and it's much more reliable than my own.<br />
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Just typing this our gets me all pumped up and ready:) Tomorrow I have to stand in front of everyone and do a short 3 minute lesson. Yes! The girl that stutters and face turns bright red when she is<br />
nervous! This will be interesting...bring it on!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-43565565907422944152013-06-10T22:37:00.007-04:002013-06-10T22:37:54.303-04:00Cant wait!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Tomorrow the kids and I go to the parent practicum with our homeschool group, Classical Conversations. This will be my first year tutoring. The kiddos will get to go to a little camp for the three days that we are in training. This will all be a great reminder of the classical model of education as well as get to know other moms.<br />
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One of my favorite things from last year was listening to the moms with older kids talk about all of the accomplishments they have had. It gets me very excited of as to what these kids are capable of.<br />
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I hope to gain tons of inforamtion this week to share with anyone else who is considering homeschooling. It is a whole different way of thinking. That is why it is important to get together with other homeschoolers to retrain your mind to think outside the box.<br />
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We have a very busy week ahead of us. Im hoping the kids can hang in there without too many meltdowns. Im gonna be praying for some patience! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-89789626519268253942013-06-09T11:07:00.001-04:002013-06-09T11:07:10.236-04:00My no TV listAs I explained in a previous post, it drives me crazy to see my kids sitting in front of the television set. At the same time, I see it over there in the living room tempting me throughout the day to turn it on so I can have a little peace. Let me clarify that I see nothing wrong with occasional TV time, but I don't think it's good to turn it on just because they are driving me crazy at the moment. <div><br></div><div>I decided to make yet another list of things we can do to switch gears to keep us sane:)</div><div>1. Ice cream cones... The picture below is Ty eating his off the floor after he crawled on top of it.</div><div>2. Trash bag race (kids came up with that one).</div><div>3. Play outside even in rain with an umbrella. No lightning of course!</div><div>4. Tea parties</div><div>5. Play dough</div><div>6. Bake cookies</div><div>7. Make an obstacle course through the house.(We use the kitchen chairs)</div><div>8. Good old dance party.</div><div><br></div><div>I've done all of these the past couple days except baking the cookies. I'll admit I was still tempted a time or two but this helped me tremendously. And best of all I don't carry around that Momma guilt at the end of the day. There are too many memories to be made!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis29vljF98Cn8lkm-U21dUZzVC9lWhGubDGvahPload4GlyezhOKmbvPTFCiXHXiS_PImEMRq8bbO7ALz82DWh61AdonL9lB_6JfNRxOj8wYhvxDHBbpdesW26KMxMQj28HVN7d_Mtl0If/s640/blogger-image--222332132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis29vljF98Cn8lkm-U21dUZzVC9lWhGubDGvahPload4GlyezhOKmbvPTFCiXHXiS_PImEMRq8bbO7ALz82DWh61AdonL9lB_6JfNRxOj8wYhvxDHBbpdesW26KMxMQj28HVN7d_Mtl0If/s640/blogger-image--222332132.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IyznKUrznmojNN-jYRKD1B0n9mC_sJftyH91C7wgmSy_smtJIRRn5zv9R_yg7_KW6C6LvHVnYS9hoizvBegWokTM_KwCKb2cZsON8NT4JN0HGatrB7EWPoS-lVtaM0msKBwvF1Fk6pCv/s640/blogger-image--1926533142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IyznKUrznmojNN-jYRKD1B0n9mC_sJftyH91C7wgmSy_smtJIRRn5zv9R_yg7_KW6C6LvHVnYS9hoizvBegWokTM_KwCKb2cZsON8NT4JN0HGatrB7EWPoS-lVtaM0msKBwvF1Fk6pCv/s640/blogger-image--1926533142.jpg"></a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-17867792090670691982013-06-07T06:45:00.002-04:002013-06-07T06:45:17.558-04:00More momma guilt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It was yet another day of craziness with the kiddos. It must have been the rainy weather that had them in a bad mood. I'm telling ya, it was by the supernatural grace of God I remained pleasant and upbeat throughout the morning.<br />
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I laid the two youngest down for naps pretty early. Thankfully that nap was a reset button for Zoe. At first I wasn't quite sure because the first thing she said when she came downstairs was, "Where is my candy?" Not sure where that came from. When she walked off I heard her singing a song she learned in our homeschool group about geometry. At that point I knew we were good for awhile!<br />
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I will admit that by the mid afternoon I turned on the tv babysitter and enjoyed some quiet. That darn TV is such a temptation to me. I do pretty well with leaving it off most days but the thing taunts me! When things get loud and crazy I want to turn it on. It's a struggle for me that I fight daily. At the same time, I have a pet peeve of seeing kids just sit there watching it. Oh I drive myself crazy. I'm sitting here feeling so guilty.<br />
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As I sit here typing I have an idea to make a list of things we can do when things get wild and I want to grab for the remote. ( I love reasons to make list) Ill have to give it a trial run the next couple days and see how it goes. Should be a good test run since we will likely be inside due to rain.<br />
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Today I also saw first hand that this sweet boy of mine is a Daddy's boy. He no longer cries for Momma, but wants to be in his Daddie's arms. It breaks my heart and at the same time makes me happy to see the two men in the family have that special bond. They will be best buddies, I can just see it now. I can't wait.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-19922674363470299512013-06-05T23:17:00.001-04:002013-06-05T23:17:27.463-04:00No drama queensOur day started out pretty rocky this morning. The girls were up as Tim was leaving for work this morning. Willow was very upset that he was leaving and was clinging to his legs, crying, and carrying on. Once he left she ran over to the window trying her best to get tears to fall and to look as pitiful as she could. <div><br></div><div>My first reaction was to hold her and make her feel better. Then again, I don't want her drama to be what gets my attention. After her attempts at my attention failed she decided she was going to go get her clothes on. While she was upstairs I heard her singing a song she made up about her Daddy (she is still trying to cry.) I can't blame her drama on TV, she hasn't hardly been watching it. Thank goodness when she came downstairs Zoe and I were able to distract her and lift her spirits.</div><div><br></div><div>Zoe bell was a crazy little thing today too. I ended up having to right out some steps for the obedience that I expected out of them. #1 listen the first time. #2 say yes ma'am. #3 obey quickly. #4 obey cheerfully. So, at supper Zoe dropped her fork on the floor. In her whiny voice she asked me to get it for her. I told her no, that she could get it herself. She said, "Come on momma! Be a good listener, your a big girl! You can do it! Come on be a big girl for me!" -she is only 3 years old! I then had to have the whole your the child I'm the parent conversation:)</div><div><br></div><div>Today has been fun visiting friends at the mall. It has been a challenge to keep my words encouraging. It has been interesting with tons of inappropriate questions about passing gas. It has been full of love with lots of little arms around my neck. It has been full of grace from God to have made it through! Whew!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkuKMRJ6gnuaap8k8-X_B2iq9DvgeJ8xQbwry1bWE7qVDMaDC8QdQoAgi7_yyItrRapQ9nzcvLR5KwelmXoI1L0fNikhCrrGEfOAiqgV2wOHM0DE9kCBJmdkx6nDgFLxSnBrJmuFMBPg0/s640/blogger-image--1445363262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkuKMRJ6gnuaap8k8-X_B2iq9DvgeJ8xQbwry1bWE7qVDMaDC8QdQoAgi7_yyItrRapQ9nzcvLR5KwelmXoI1L0fNikhCrrGEfOAiqgV2wOHM0DE9kCBJmdkx6nDgFLxSnBrJmuFMBPg0/s640/blogger-image--1445363262.jpg"></a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-80857447328449523632013-06-03T22:04:00.001-04:002013-06-26T14:59:54.921-04:00Teaching contentment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lately willow has been going through a stage of wanting to grow up. It is all she talks about. Obviously I make it look like a lot of fun:) She says things like, "I can't wait till I'm a mommy so I can clean and cook and take care of my baby!" As we were walking to the swing set today she said, "No mommy I can't race you because I'm a grown up."<br />
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I tried to explain to her how wonderful it was to be four years old. She said she knew it was awesome but she wants to be 5,6,7, and 8 sooo bad! She is a lot like me in this way. I can tend to always look ahead in anticipation on what the next phase of life will hold. Hearing her make these comments helps me realize the importance of the here and now. </div>
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My struggle is teaching her true contentment while still showing her how wonderful her life will continue to be. Hmm.. I reckon God has thought the same about me. Planning your life is great and all but it is the Lord who directs our steps. </div>
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I want her to enjoy every moment. From the late nights of giggles with sweet Zoe, sitting on my lap, swinging on the play set, and playing baby dolls. I want her to know that wherever she is in life is EXACTLY where God wants her and to have peace in that. This reminds me of that Taylor Swift song...Oh Darling Don't You Ever Grow Up...<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-17539986645024065672013-06-02T06:52:00.001-04:002013-06-02T06:52:58.417-04:00Sports or no sports?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterday was my sweet Willow's last soccer game of her very first season. She loved every minute of it. The rest of the family did as well, it gave us all good reason to go out to lunch afterwards:) She was pretty good except for the occasional distractions of butterflies or watching the bigger kids play. She actually walked off the field and grabbed Zoe's baby doll to let the only other little girl on the team play with it... during the game! They were very cute together though.<br />
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Throughout the entire season I have wondered if constant involvement in sports is actually a good thing like everyone tells us. From the first game all Willow hears is us cheering, "Yay willow! Good job!" I'm sure this is good for her self esteem but at what point is this giving her the false sense that the world revolves around her? Sure, her siblings are too young to care but they are sitting on the sidelines. Instead of the afternoon being spent doing things as a family, it is spent around Willow. Now don't get me wrong, I have thoroughly enjoyed taking pictures and yelling just like all the other parents but it doesn't keep my mind from wondering if this is the best thing. Perhaps I over think or maybe these are God's whispers. I will definitely be in prayer on the best way to balance sports for everyone and family life.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-10565269379995034572013-06-01T07:01:00.000-04:002013-06-01T07:01:01.018-04:00The baby pool<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Praise The Lord for the baby pool during these hot days. When the play dough, coloring, and tea parties get old the pool is the perfect solution. Now let me assure everyone that these are not relaxing times with feet propped sipping on tea. There is splashing in each others eyes with screams of,"Mommmaaaa!" Then there are the girls trying to convince me that they have to go pee in the grass since they are too wet to go inside. Not to mention all of the air I gasp in from worry that Ty will fall in as he walks around the perimeter grabbing toys out of the water. On the other hand, there is such simplicity in spending your summers in a sprinkler or baby pool. There is nothing else any of us would rather be doing. Along with the sweet sounds of little girls begging me to put my feet in, there was little Ty crawling around chasing an ant. I'm never going to get these days back. Due to safety reasons the baby pool makes me have to sit, watch, and soak in the fun. I can't help but think this was part of Gods plan to get my crazy self to SLOW down. Below is a picture of Ty still eating his corn on the cob from supper!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196826125023479843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8814481044151510953.post-36373392580588790922013-05-31T07:27:00.000-04:002013-06-26T14:57:25.305-04:00Benefits of a homeschool group<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The kids and I went to meet with one of our homeschool groups yesterday at our church. The benefits of meeting with them, even for an hour, are immeasurable. In Hebrews 10 the Bible tells us to not give up on meeting with each other to encourage one another. Yesterday, I was able to see why this is so significant. The <b>wisdom</b> of other experienced women who have been there and done that is from God. They shared many tips, tricks, and talked of many tools to help persevere. Some brought their favorite curriculum so you can actually thumb through the pages to see if it is something your interested in. The user of that curriculum is the perfect person to ask questions about how helpful it is. Another reason it is so valuable is that you have the chance to <b>be around like minded people</b>. The pressures and oppositions of the world at times can leave you exhausted, but meeting there was like a breath of fresh air. Together with God we can accomplish this great task of educating them according to His will. The third benefit is <b>resources</b>. Most of the other women know people on the education board for our state as well as more experienced moms. The more resources and info you can gather the more helpful it is when you have those days you feel like your a failure and your kids are gonna turn out dumb:) I hope for the kids and I to also gain friendships that will last a lifetime while we are on this crazy journey together. Hopefully one day I can be one of those relaxed mommas telling the other ones to enjoy every minute!</div>
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