Christmas traditions

There are several Christmas traditions we have, some passed down through generations, and some David and I have come up with for our own family. There are two additional traditions I've read about several times over the past couple of years that I have wanted to start, but never seem to get around to it. They aren't hard, but it takes a little time and effort, and I'm always fresh out of those...haha. These are the two things I hope to add to our list NEXT Christmas...


“A very old Christmas eve tradition in Germany was to hide a pickle [ornament] deep in the branches of the family Christmas Tree. The parents hung the pickle last after all the other ornaments were in place. In the morning they knew the most observant child would receive an *extra gift from St. Nicholas. The first adult who finds the pickle traditionally gets good luck for the whole year.”

*I was thinking instead of an extra gift, they would be the first to open one of the gifts they already had

Also, the Elf on the Shelf book & elf...I want this! I don't know why I haven't up and ordered it, I want it every year. Oh well, again, next year!
Most of you probably know about this, and may already be doing it in your own home, here is a link if you don't...
Elf on the Shelf



So, do you have any Christmas Traditions you would like to share or that you would like to start doing with your family? Share! (All 5 of you readers should insert a comment here LOL)!

Merry Christmas...may it be blessed and bright!

Coke right now

So, Izzy, my 4 year old, brings me a can of Coke.
"Open this Coke right now".
"You don't need a Coke, and that was a rude way to ask anyway"
"I need it"
"You don't need it, it's full of sugar"
"Just open it"
"It will rot your teeth and make you sick"
"I want it, I want the whole thaaaaaaang (yes, she said, "thang")
"No, but I can get you something else to drink"
"But my body neeeeeedddsss it, Mom"
"No, No, No...No Coke...what else would you like to drink"
Then with her big, beautiful brown eyes and long batting eyelashes,
"Mom, I really just want this coke, pleassssssseeeeeee"

sigh....


!POP! (that's the pop of the Coke can opening, or me being a bad mom because I don't stand my ground, or me just being a sucker for an adorable brown eyed girl...
you decide while I talk her into giving me a drink... :-)

Resolutions...

So it's not quite Christmas, and here I am blogging about New Year's...well, kind of. I am talking about "resolutions". Quite honestly, the word has always kind of freaked me out. I mean, it just sounds like I'm setting myself up for failure even saying the word. I mean, I get why people make them, duh...especially at the start of a New Year, a new year, a new start, out with the old, in with the new...I get it. I do. But. It seems like the resolutions are always such a big feat, and within a month we are right back where we started, we want to change for the better, but never really set up how we are going to accomplish those goals.
Anyhoo...I am normally NOT a resolution maker. It's just not my thing. (Not that there aren't MANY things I need to change for the better in my life...just sayin').
But here's the deal. I'm working with an ADHD mind. It's not easy. I can't, for the life of me, get things organized, or make a schedule (and stick to it anyway), etc. I'm sick of it, but what's a girl to do? EVERY single morning, I'm nagging the kids, "Let's go, Let's go, we are late"! I am late everywhere I go. I don't want to be, I don't like to be, I think it's rude and irresponsible, and I'm teaching that bad habit to my kids. Not cool. I just don't know how to do it any other way. It seems no matter how early I get up, allow for more time, etc, it just doesn't work out for me. School mornings are not the only time, is always! I'm forever forgetting stuff, having to turn around, go back, do one more thing. Anyway, let me get to my point here...
I am going to make a resolution this New Year. I'm gonna do it. I'm a little scared. Actually, I'm a lot scared, of failure. But since spending some time thinking about it...if I do fail, and I do end up right back where I started, will it really hurt anything? Hopefully not?! So, I am going to start dreaming and scheming on how to get this time thing, among some of my other "issues" figured out. I know it's going to involve scheduling LESS...period. Less activities, less commitments, etc. Also, I am going to need to allow more time for each thing. I know, I know, some of you (out of the 5 people reading this) are thinking, "Why doesn't she just do it...what's so hard"? Well, people, for me, it just is. I don't know how to make you understand it, but that's just the way I tic. So, I am going to be doing some serious thinking over the next couple weeks. I really want this next year to be a little more peaceful, not as fast paced, I want to enjoy it, relish it a little more. I want to be on time, without earning a gray hair every time (not that I have any gray hairs, because I don't...I'm just sayin'). So, this is going to be my resolution, I figure I better start figuring out a plan for success now, and I'm prompting you to do the same. Although, most of you don't have crazy minds like mine, surely there is something you want to do differently? So, there it is. You've been warned. The time is now and the place is here! Get busy people. :-)

As I'm listenting to worship/Christmas music this morning, I began to think about Jesus' birth. I thought about how eventually God sent his precious child, his son, to the cross. We hear it so often, especially those of us in church, how God gave His son for us. It means a lot, but I personally hear it so often, that sometimes I forget to ackowledge the powerful meaning behind that. My children are my most precious blessings, and while there are several people I would give my life for, not one of them would I give one of my children's lives for. My heart aches at the vision God had to bare, watching His sweet son suffer. Just the thought alone is horrible, so to actually go through that, there are just no words to decribe it. I mean I really can't think of sufficient words to describe what torture it must have been to watch your child be tortured and ridiculed, and then left to die. Even more amazing, with the blink of an eye, God could have put a stop to it. But, he didn't. He sacrificed one, for many. What a giving, loving, selfless God we serve. I haven't been doing my part to help Jesus bear His cross.
I haven't.
I think about my blessings, but they are never enough. I complain that my house is too small, but to those that are homeless, they would be ever so thankful. I complain that we can't eat out more, that I have to cook, and then clean it up...what about those who have no food, who dig in the trash or have to steal just to feed their children. I complain because there are days when, as much as I love them, my children's non stop chatter and activity drive me insane...what about the mother and father watching their child slip slowly away from a terminal illness...how blessed would they feel to be driven insane by their healthy children. I gripe when I have to run errands, pay bills, everything is so expensive. Instead, I should be thankful I have a car, with a tank full of gass to get where I need to go. Thankful my husband has a job, that he isn't lazy, but a hard worker, that God has provided us with these blessings so we can pay our bills...so we can have hot, running water, lights, heat and air, etc. I get annoyed when I can't go shopping and buy everything I want, but my children are clean, with clothes and shoes to spare. I hate paying such high doctor and medical bills, but what's the alternative? I should be praising God that we have insurance to cover so much of the costs, and that I am able to take myself, and my children to a good health care provider, that they can have medicine when they are sick. This doesn't even begin to cover how blessed I am, but yet, I find myself complaining so often. I am so thankful we don't have to be perfect to get into Heaven, God would have crossed me off the list LONG ago. I am grateful that I only have to believe in Him, and accept Him as my Savior. Still, in my heart, I know I need to be helping Him bare the cross He carries, after all, He carries it for me, for my children, for all those willing to take Him up on His offer. I'm thankful that I am not "stuck" in my current place, but with God, have the ability to grow in Him, and work on myself to become more like who He wants me to be.

And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself (disown himself, forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, refuse and give up himself) and take up his cross daily and follow Me (cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also).
Luke 9:23

Christmas time

I LOVE the holidays, it just seems like (most) people are more merry, people are nicer to each other, you (usually) get to spend more time with fame and friends. Even though there are loved ones I miss, I love spending time with the ones I am blessed to do so with. I think about past Christmases...my kids just keep growing and growing. We have our tree up...we are missing a topper and we need to buy a few more ornaments (some have broken over the past couple of years and we need to "fill back up"). Our dog, KiKi, has made her new home under the tree, like she does every other year. I found a couple of photos from Christmas past, that made me fight back the tears, thinking about how incredibly fast time flies...
How sweet were they? Take note, in the first pic you can not see the custom Dora Christmas overalls that Izzy had on...yes, I was one sick mom LOL


Who cares if the bows were bigger than her head, she's my baby! Oh how I miss these days!

This picture is HILARIOUS to me...first, no, I didn't edit the red eye, that adds to the ridiculousness of the photo. Second, the guy in the red suit is the guy my brother takes care of, he's so funny, a good guy, he insisted on being in the photo. Third, my niece, who David is holding...the look on her face is CRAZY...she has the "deer in the headlight" look down!

And our tree this year, minus the topper and a few more ornaments we need to add...This tree is really quite big, I am hoping to get a tall, skinny tree to replace it next year...our ceiling in the living room is tall and I want a skinnier room to take up less space.

Anyway, I am off to do some Christmas shopping, no I'm not finished, and yes, my goal for next year is to be finished by this time. Happy Holidays!

Thankful...and then some...

Ok, same story, different day. I'm not sure when I will stop missing my grandmothers..."never" sounds like a pretty accurate guess, though. It astounds me as I imagine how much I miss them, then wonder about those who have lost parents, siblings, and even worse, (deep breath here) children. How can they EVER move forward? God bless them.
Anyway, in years past, we split our Thanksgivings (and every other holiday)...half the day at my Mamaws and half of it at my G-ma's. This last year or two I really don't even remember what we have done to celebrate, it's like we have all been stumbling along, trying to make sense of how to go on. Holidays are especially hard. Anyway, I know my grandmothers would want us to continue gathering and celebrating as a family, but, Lord, how we miss them. Everything flowed with them here, everything came together perfectly, the food, the decorations, the people, everything just...made sense. I am completely inept, I am not good at orchestrating a gathering...I can't cook like them, I can't plan with such ease and grace, I don't have the patience and easy going manner that they did. Either way, we must go forward. So, this year, Thanksgiving is at my house. Wow. Everyone will chip in and bring certain dishes (I could never do it all on my own), and my place is somewhat cramped, I hate cleaning. But, I feel led to do this. Even if our holidays can't be as graceful as when "they" were here, we will move forward, with the beautiful examples that have been set for us. We have something to help guide us, to set us in the right direction, something to work towards. Maybe one day, when I'm older and a bit gray, my grandchildren will speak the same words about me. I don't see it that way, but I hope for it. I am ever so thankful that I have/had those ladies as an example. Life was never promised to be easy, but He is always here with us, and He knows best.
So, I have two days to prepare. Yikes! Today I helped with a Thanksgiving feast at Isabel's school, and then at Joseph's. I saw all the children's faces...some I pictured a beautiful Thanksgiving day in their future...and some I wondered if they would have any family that cared about them on Thanksgiving, much less a Thanksgiving meal prepared for them. For some of them, today was it. My heart somewhat broke knowing that. So, all the pondering I've done today, again, has made me thankful for what I do have. I'm doing my best not to focus on what I don't have, but look for the positive things in our lives. My family may drive me crazy (and I them :-), I may not want to cook and clean...but, the fact is...I'm thankful I have a home to invite people to, and family that will come. I'm thankful I have health, and a more than capable body that I can clean and cook with. I'm thankful to have beautiful people from my past that have given me knowledge about which way to go. Thankful...and then some.

Soul Food...not the edible kind

Today I went to visit (with my aunt and mom, even though it's my dad's side of the family) the cemetery. It was a perfect, crisp, Fall day.

I wanted to see my Mamaw's headstone (now combined with my Papa Joe's who passed away when I was just a little girl)and have a little visit with her, and the other family that are buried there. Even though it's sad, because you miss your loved ones so much, it's helpful to be able to have a "place" where you can visit them and let your emotions out. My other grandmother, who I miss equally as much, chose to be cremated, so I've yet to decide on a "spot" that's comfortable to visit her. While my heart ached to see her (them), the visit brought back SO many great memories. It was really a blessing. I got to pick out the verse for my Mamaw & Papa Joe's stone, and I am comforted by the one I chose, and that everyone agreed to go with it.

There's not enough room on all of Blogger for me to tell how great a woman my Mamaw was, or what a blessing she was to me/us (both of my grandmothers were glorious women, as a matter of fact). She was an awesome cook, she was always there when you needed her (no matter how much you'd messed up), always there to help out and to forgive. She was a strong woman. My Papa Joe was a good man. I don't have as many memories of him, but remember he did magic tricks and used to do them to make a candy bar appear before dinner, but we weren't supposed to tell anyone! He loved those squishy orange peanuts (I didn't inherit that love from him) and had a big orange recliner, he loved orange. How blessed am I? You don't have to answer, I already know :-)

Papa Joe was a World War 2 Veteran...


Mollie and Bill were my great grandparents. I don't remember Bill, but remember Mollie as an anchor to our family. I never heard her say a whole lot, but I remember her always there, quiet and strong. I remember Christmastime at her house...playing with cousins, opening gifts, eating the best food in the world, and no worries...When she passed, my Mamaw took her place as the anchor in our family...


Aunt Katy & Uncle Dell...honestly, I don't remember them, I was just a baby when the passed, but they are still very special to me. They died within the same year, I think they loved each other so much, they just couldn't live without one another. I was named after Aunt Katy. While you hear mixed stories about people, good and bad...I've never heard anything but good, no, great things about my great aunt and uncle. I've heard Aunt Katy was the best baker ever, and was famous for her cooking. Lots of people knew them, and thought the world of them. Uncle Dell was a carpenter, and there are many pieces still around that he made...a talented man. So, I'm thankful that I'm an extension of these two...


Ahh, Aunt Cora Mae. My great aunt. She lived a few blocks away from my Mamaw. My cousin and I used to walk down to visit her quite a bit. She lived in an average home, but when you stepped through the front door, it was something special. She had a yippy little dog, and rode around in her electric wheel chair (which didn't slow her down). Her home was full of collectibles, antiques, and fancy things. It looked like a victorian museum. While she did ask us to be careful, she was so good to us, she let us two wild heathens in to her home to play. There was never a speck of dust on her porcelain figures and her cushions on her furniture were always fluffed to perfection. Good memories...


I got a shot of the marker for my great aunt that I never met, she was my Mamaw's little sister...she died when she was only four. I remember hearing Mamaw talk about her...they are together again...


I had cousins that passed away as babies, and I didn't get pictures of all of them, but I did get one of my cousin Abby's headstone. She and I were almost the same age. She passed away a couple years ago. I have so many memories with her in them, especially holidays spent running around playing with her. I pray her parents can continue to find some peace until it's time to see her again...



All in all, it was a good day. Sad, but good. The truth is, I could go on for hours reliving memories. But, I just wanted to share a little. Today, my soul really was fed, I feel good, I felt a small measure of healing today..that's a good thing.

Fall Fest

I feel like all my pictures these days are of my little chica, but it's not that I focus more on her, it's that it's like pulling teeth in order to get my boys to let me take a picture of them. Anyway, yesterday I went to Izzy's Fall Festival, it was fun (we won't talk about the fact that I was late because of a shoe sale, that's a topic for Not Me! Mondays)...
I also feel like all my posts these days are about my babies growing up way too fast...but I guess that is my life these days. It feels weird not to have an "infant" around the house. At this point, I don't want to have any more children, our hands are FULL, but I still totally miss mine being little babes. I feel like my life revolves around being a mother and wife...I guess that is good, but as of late, I find myself wondering if I should do better with "myself". Ok, that's also a topic for another post...
We had fun @ the Fall Festival, Izzy has the best teacher, we are So blessed with teachers this year, and I am SO thankful!
Hope everyone stays safe tonight and gets lots of candy :-)

I woke before dawn this morning, yet still ran late getting the kids to school...talented? Why yes, I am! One of these days I'll get together...until then I won't count on "Mother of the year" award.
We have had SOOO much rain yesterday and so far this morning, on top of the heavy rainfall we've already had over the past several weeks. I don't like everything to be mush, but I do enjoy the rain and thunderstorms, especially at night...I sleep so good!
Yesterday it was the perfect temperature for a party at the park for Isabel's friend. She had sooo much fun, and obviously wore herself out because she went right to bed last night.
This morning when I got my coffee, there was a sticker on the cup that said "Children are a gift from the Lord." We hear that all the time, but it was nice to be reminded not to take my own three blessings for granted. I am so thankful for them, and that they are healthy and happy and all their needs are met. Thank you, Lord!
I can't believe it's already the end of October! Where has this year gone? My kids are growing like crazy! Breaks my heart and makes me proud at the same time...

Family & friends & both

This picture was taken the day of my cousin's wedding shower. The 3 girls, errr ladies, in the picture with me, are my cousins. Growing up, I had some cousins I was really close to, I am so thankful for them. Now, I am thankful to still be close to a few of them. The thing is, they aren't just my cousins, they are my friends, too. When I refer to them, I feel like I have to call them my cousins, because that is their label. But, the truth is, they are more like friends. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful they are part of my family...but a cousin is born a cousin, you aren't close to them just because they are your cousin. It takes a long time to really grow close to someone and know them as a true friend. So anyway, I was just thinking of them today, and how thankful I am to have these girls in my life. Everyone needs a couple of good friends they can lean on, laugh with, and vent to. What's the verse that says "A friend sticketh closer than a brother?" Somewhere in Proverbs...
hmm, anyway, Life is good! Have a great weekend everyone!

Not Me Monday!

Welcome to Not me Monday, a blog carnival, started by MckMama






My hubs made a chocolate pie last night, and since I'm so self disciplined, I certainly didn't indulge in three pieces...that would make me a glutton for sure, so I definitely didn't do that.


I have not been so lazy for the last couple of weeks, that I let the boys' room get completely disgusting before having them clean it. There were NOT dirty dishes in there, especially since I do NOT allow them to eat in their room!

I didn't post on my FB wall that I was about to completely loose it because while I took a super short, rare nap, my kiddos got into all the "lunch box" snacks...which are not to snack on while at home. Ugh, not me...and, NO, I'm not still totally annoyed by it!

I do not have children that break and destroy everything. The cute wooden plaque that Mimi gave Isabel was not found broken with the wire pulled out on her floor. The hook it normally hangs on was not also broken. If this were true, I would not have screamed, "IS IT MY CHILDREN'S PERSONAL GOAL TO DESTROY EVERYTHING IN THIS HOUSE, EVEN STUFF THEY HAVE NO BUSINESS TOUCHING"...nope, I would NEVER loose my patience like that...never.

I also did not text one my BFF's this morning with the following text: "My washer and dryer are going to go on strike bcuz I get behind on laundry then put such huge loads into them to launder." I never get behind on laundry, not that is NOT the story of my life.

Have a Happy, Brilliantly Blessed Monday all!

Happy Monday All!

I am doing a women’s 10 week Bible study, and most certainly didn’t skip doing my homework last week. I mean, if I wasn’t going to fully participate in the study, what would be the point?

My husband and I did not keep our children out until midnight one day this weekend, just so we could enjoy the fair that came to town. We didn’t feed them every sugary treat in sight or let them ride those germ-infested rides over and over again until I was almost sick simply from watching. I mean, who would blame me if I did, since we live in a small town and the fair coming to town is just about the biggest thing that ever happens here…still, I didn’t do that.

I definitely didn’t waste one of my days away on FaceBook, neglecting my laundry, dishes, and other chores that needed to be done.

No, my mission style bench in my living room has not turned into our laundry buffet. I mean, if it had, at least it would be clean clothes that are piled up to the ceiling, waiting to be put away…but that simply isn’t the case…no laundry buffet at this house.


I surely wasn’t the neighbor you heard screaming at the top of her lungs at her children to get in bed last night, because good moms NEVER raise their voice! How absurd for you to even think that of me.

I was NOT the mom straggling into school @ 7:40 to bring my dish for the Teacher Appreciation breakfast when everything was supposed to be there by 7:15…Nope, not me, I’m ALWAYS on time.

And with that, I hope you all have a blessed week, filled with as few “Not Me’s” as possible 

Worms and such

One day, after school, when the weather was beautiful, Joseph asked me if he could play outside with Isabel. Normally, right after school, I like to tackle homework and get it out of the way. But, for once these two were getting along, and I decided to savor the moment and let them play outside first. We have two big windows in our kitchen, and I looked outside to see them digging in the dirt. I wanted to go out and see what they had, but knew from previous experience, that when the going is good...don't mess it up. So, I waited patiently, until they came opened the back door, "Mom, come look what we found". I walked out, camera in hand, knowing it would be good. They had a bowl of worms. Yuck. Of course, they weren't content with watching them wriggle around in the bowl. They seperated them according to type of worm...then they put them in order from smallest to biggest, from skinniest to fattest. It was a hoot to watch. Plus, did I mention, they were getting along? I just love those kind of days...those kind of moments.

My new favorite song!

Ok, so this post really isn't about much...I guess my life is boring these days...but I am SO feeling this song..."What do I know of Holy" by Addison Road. The lyrics get me every single time, no matter how many times I hear it. If you haven't heard it, please check it out...maybe it will speak to you as it does me. We are all guilty of sometimes making the Lord too small, not giving Him credit where it's due...forgive us, Father!

Here are the lyrics...


I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

(CHORUS 2)
What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?

(CHORUS)
What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?

Lately, one of our children has been having some health concerns. It turned out to NOT be what we thought it was, and something much, much less worrisome. What we thought he might have, was not a life threatening disease (well, not really), but was definitely going to call for life changes for our whole family. I am so thrilled that the problem, is really a simple one and shouldn't have a problem controlling.
The reason I mention this, is because I am overwhelmed with joy by the fact that I have three healthy children. Maybe in the past I took it for granted, but I don't anymore. There are people's blogs and CB sites I keep up with that share about children who struggle daily, some telling about how they lost their child to some horrible disease. I know, I know...why am I bringing up such depressing information? I'll tell you why :-)
Please, if you have a healthy child, don't take it for granted, Praise God for it.
It is truly the BEST blessing for a parent. Also, don't think that because your child isn't suffering, that other children are not. We, as parents of healthy children, need to offer more support to those who have sick kids. We can offer kind words, prayer, and even donate to good causes to help find a cure, or make a sick child's wish..weather it be time or money. I personally have NOT done my part in these areas, and plan to make a positive change in my life to help others who are less fortunate in the area of health, especially where kids are concerned.
So, this post is basically to help spread awareness, and to Praise God for all the blessings in our lives. He continues to amaze me with His sweet grace, daily.

Psalm 34:1 (the Message) "I bless God every chance I get, my lungs expand with His praise"

Uninvited guests...

Don't you just hate it when uninvited guests show up?
Well, this is what showed up on our back patio...



I know...rude right? I definitely did not invite them, David said he didn't, and I know none of the kids asked them over to play. They didn't bring a gift, they just moved right in and are buzzing around everywhere...we can't even use the patio!
What ever happened to manners and class, and respect for others for that matter?
Anyway, I've told David he must make them leave. I don't care if he has to use poison, a baseball bat, or what...it's his JOB to get rid of them. I know, it probably sounds a bit harsh. But, I'm not too keen on the idea of letting guests stay when they have stingers sticking out of their backsides. So, call me an animal hater, or even an ungracious host...but these uninvited guests are going DOWN! Wish us luck (or David, since he's the one having to deal with them)! I know we should love all God's creatures, but what can I say? I'm a work in progress...

Threshing Floor

To thresh is to separate the grain from the straw or husks by mechanical beating, with a flail or machinery (web definition).
I did some reading on references to the threshing floor in the Bible. There is some good information here, if you want to read more about it.
The reason I bring all this up, is because the last couple years of my life have seemed like a constant learning process. It seems like I remember life being much easier before this season of my life. I have been a Christian since I was young, but a little over three years ago, my family found a home church, and my faith in God began to grow like wildfire. My relationship with Him is more than I ever thought it could be. So, I have to wonder why, as I grow closer go God, does my life get more complicated. I have come up with two possibilities. #1 Somehow I am not trusting God as much as I think I am, and I am bringing it upon myself or #2 The devil is really working to destroy the bond I have with my Father. I'm not sure which of these it is, but I feel like it may possibly be a combination of both?!
Anyway, i used to be a "drama-free" type girl, but lately, it seems to follow me everywhere.
Philippians 4:13 tells us that with God, ALL things are possible. Not some. But ALL things. So, focusing on this scripture, I realize that it is possible to leave the worry, trouble, stress, and yes, even drama, behind. Hard to do? Yes! Hard to know how to let it go? Yes! But is is possible to do this? Absolutely! Because God is on my side. A new CD I have been listening to says, "We will not fear, Lord...We hope in Your Name". So, today I am turning over a new leaf. I am not going to fear, well, I'm going to try my very best not to fear, I'm going to do the best I can to put my hope in Him. I am going to lay myself on the threshing floor, a holy place, and allow Him to get rid of "the bad, the ugly, the flawed" in me...allow Him to make me better, more faithful, more like Him.
I learned a long time ago that happiness is a choice, not brought by someone or something. I think I stopped making that choice a while back, but I am thankful to be reminded of this and to have another chance to try again. So, not only will I sacrifice myself on the threshing floor, for the Lord to take care of me, but I will do it with happiness and joy in my heart, knowing I have absolutely nothing on this earth to fear. Nothing.
I have to tell you, having nothing to fear, is an amazing feeling.
Thank you, Lord, for this chance.

Week one...accomplished!

The first week of school for all three of my babies went great! I know it's only the first week, but I am praying this isn't too good to be true. Knowing they are loving it, makes me know their teachers are being good to them, and that is a priceless feeling a a parent. I am sad thinking about how very fast they are all growing up, but also proud of the kind of people they are turning into, and knowing I had a small part in that. I am so thankful to God for my blessings. Isabel started PreK this year. I was looking back through some pictures (I didn't start saving pictures on my computer until Joseph was a toddler, so I am missing being able to upload Joseph and Andrews very young days), and found this picture from Isabel's 2nd birthday...I feel like she should still be this young, if not younger!


I hope all three of my babies continue to grow into productive, happy people who will always turn to GOD for ALL their needs.

"Lord, Your Word says, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4). I seek You this day, believing that You hear me, and I pray that You will deliver my child from any fear that threatens to overtake him/her."
Amen!

First day of school

Welp...
So, It is definitely NOT going to be easy dropping/picking up 3 different kiddos from 3 different schools. This morning the routine took forever and a day, but I had to go in with Joseph and Isabel and take pictures (Andrew would've died of embarrassment had I done that with him). Also, when I sat my keys down in Joseph's classroom to snap a couple photos, another mom put her paperwork on top of my keys...it took forever to find them, and made Isabel sort of late on her very first day of school. Off to a great start, huh? The good thing about that is that since we were running late, her class was already lining up to go somewhere and I didn't have a lot of time for "waterworks", so it actually helped me to not have a breakdown. That's a good thing.
So, I don't plan on doing anything productive today. Maybe a few deep breaths as I contemplate on how I got here: a son in 7th grade, a son in 3rd grade, and a daughter in Pre-K. Also, I am wondering if starting Izzy a yr. earlier than she had to was a good idea? She is excited, and she is the one who wanted to go, but, she is my baby. I figure we will see how the first couple weeks go. I can always pull her out, right? Right!
Anyhoo, hope all of you with kiddos starting back today aren't tooooo sad, and I hope you all have an awesome school year!
Here are a couple photos from this morning:
Izzy, Andrew, Joseph

Izzy, insisted on carrying her own backpack even though it weighed a ton!

Andrew and his friend, who we carpool with

Bigger photos

This post is just to try and figure out a way to post so that my photos are larger...they have been showing up so small. I love this picture of my boo & my preciosa on the boardwalk...



And this is the one from the "Color" post I just did...

Color

So, the AGD blog I like to keep up with is doing a post, where we can all paritcipate, about photos with color...I chose this photo, because even though there aren't lots of different colors...I love the colors in the photo. It was one of my favorite pictures from our beach vacation. My daughter and niece were playing and I thought the sky & water were so beautiful...



I only wish I knew how to make my photos appear larger on my blog...anyone?

Happy day...

My big (as in older, not bigger, because she is not) cousin, Em, got married this last weekend. It was short, simple, and beautiful. She is not only family, but a good friend. We grew up together (mostly). She moved around a lot because of her dad's job, but we always found a way to stay close. When I was younger, I totally looked up to her. When her family lived here, I went home with her some. We would always get a pudding pop before she had to go off to piano lessons. My brother, her brother, us, and tons of other neighborhood kids always met up at the "Big Field". We would play spy and she would be code name "Cover girl" and I would be "Fig Newton Head". Hey...I didn't say I was proud about all of our past...I'm just stating the facts. We would play with our Madame Alexander dolls and "Real Babys". We spent countless hours at G-ma's (& with G-ma)...out on the roof, or playing library, or trying G-ma's coffee (I never liked it, so I wonder why I've grown so fond of it the past couple of years). Em taught me quite a bit. And, we got in quite a bit of trouble together. When I was visiting her in Jersey, on one particular (not planned, against the rules, we got in big trouble for ) trip to the shore, I learned the meaning of "lewd". No, we were not participating in it, but we did learn what it was...and we'll just leave it at that. However, I did hear that the guy that was with us appeared on an episode of "COPS" a few years later. NICE! Add that one to the "Stories to pass onto your children"...or not. She gave me a baby shower when I was way too young to be having a baby, she made me feel accepted and ok (even though I really wasn't). She's been there with me through a lot...and I'm so glad she has been. Anyway, those memories are just the tip of the iceberg. There are thirty years of memories with her engraved on my heart. She's a good cousin, mom, & friend...and is going to make a great wife and step-mommy. I pray that her and Jason will always, always cherish each other. I pray that their lives together are nothing short of blessed. I pray that their blended family has many years of happiness ahead. Heck, if he's good enough to her, maybe she'll teach him about lewd behavior...you never know...

So...Congrats to Emily...Jason...and the kiddos...
Thanks for sharing your special day, I couldn't be any happier for you guys...
Live every day with love and gratitude for each other...
Hugs

Salt

Well, we have been back from the beach for a couple of days now. I am already ready to head back. There is just something special about the beach. Don't get me wrong, I love being home, we are so blessed, but the beach is just healing, in a way.
While there, I was shopping and found a plaque that I brought back to my mom. It said this:
"Anything can be cured with Saltwater- Tears, Sweat, or the Sea"
I love that quote, for me, so so true.
It was a week of relaxation,reflection,family time, joy, new experiences, and memories...new memories that were made with my family, and also memories I already had...which included the two separate times each of my grandmothers took me to the beach, years ago...even though they weren't there with me this time, somehow I felt close to them there...I wrote their names in the sand, as to wave a little hello up to Heaven...



Anyway, I am so thankful the Lord blessed us with a vacation, it was so carefree and a much needed time for our family...I'm not saying we deserved it anymore than anyone else, but we've had a heck of time lately.
Here are a few more pictures from the past week...





I so can't believe the Summer is almost over :-( bummer

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Well, it's Monday...again!

I did not spend my anniversary,on July 3rd, preparing, cooking, serving, and cleaning up after others. I didn't forgo special time spent with my hubby to have some one's bday bash at my house, instead. And even if I did, I wasn't secretly wishing I was on some romantic getaway with my hubs...not one tiny bit. I am a really gracious host and would never, ever...

I didn't spend half of my life savings on fireworks so we could enjoy time together as a family and feel patriotic. After I didn't spend a small fortune on them, I certainly didn't spend the evening being anal about how, where, and when the fireworks were set off, because, ya know, fireworks are totally safe and I am not concerned about my 12 and 8 year old with matches. I didn't force all the children to stand a mile away and watch them. I also didn't smother them with OFF so they wouldn't be mosquito magnets and contract the West Nile Virus...or whatever it is they're carrying these days.

After making our vacation plans, I didn't sulk about having to go to the beach since Mexico, then Disney were my choices before that. I mean, with the way the economy is, most people would be glad they are even getting a vacation...so I would never complain about that, it would be so immature and such a horrible example for my kiddos. I'm the best mother/role model in the world, and I would never...

I didn't let my daughter go three days without washing her hair this past week. That would be disgusting, and CPS should be called if you ever hear of any mother doing so...a child can't be very well cared for if they are not even made to scrub their scalp. Hello!?

I did not get baby fever and start to long for another child, and then realize I had lost my mind and was so thankful that I only had three kiddos all in one hour...that sounds like some hormonal, freak of a woman...of which I am not!

I do not secretly wish someone would come pick up my three kids plus my two nieces I almost always have and go entertain them while I head to the Spa. I was so ready, thrilled, psyched for Summer vacation/school to be out and now that these precious blessings are home with me all day, every day, every minute, I do not wish I could just get a moment's rest...some quiet time...Nope, not me, I would never wish time away from my babies!

Last but not least, I did not waste my time away on FB and my blog, while considering putting all these children to work with chores...I would never think about having them slave away while I sat on my rump wasting time...Not I, not this Mamma...NOT EVER! After all, I'm mom of the year, Remember?!

So, I hope you all have a fabulously blessed week, month, Summer...I hope you get quality time with your kiddos...and to yourself ;-)

Prayer

This morning, in church, Pastor Jason talked with us about the importance of prayer. He told us how powerful, meaningful, and awesome prayer is.
He also spoke of Romans 5:1-2...Prayer, is a privilege.
I am thankful & blessed I can speak to God, but I can't honestly say I've ever thought of it as a privilege...
We should not only pray, but be grateful we are even blessed enough to be able to pray.

I pray daily, at different times, for different reasons.
I pray for others often, just like most people, but today I was reminded that we should be praying even MORE for others. We should spend (or at least I should) more time interceding on the behalf of others...those who are lost, hurting, and suffering...those in desperate need of healing.
Our nation, our town, our leaders...also all in need of constant prayer.
Pastor Jason reminded me that I can help the children of Uganda, the people in Costa Rica, etc...without ever leaving my living room...I can do it with prayer.
So, I am going to try my very best, to start a prayer journal.
It's a way I can hold myself accountable to being more committed to prayer, especially for others.
I want prayer to be even more, mean even more, than it has in the past.
I want to look at my journal and see what I have prayed for and be renewed in my Faith by seeing God has answered my/our prayers.

I am also super excited that Pastor Jason's sermons will soon be available on the Internet...I think this is awesome because my ADHD mind doesn't always soak everything up, and I'm not a good note taker...so it will be great being able to come back and listen again to what we learned, in my own time...I think it will stick with me better that way, too.

Hope you all had a very blessed 4Th of July...God bless America, you, and your families :-)

Waterpark fun

A few pics from the Waterpark this weekend, some MUCH NEEDED time away with the familia...