Father's Day...

Yesterday we celebrated Father's Day. It was a GREAT day. We grilled out for the family, and I know D should have gotten the day off, but who else would've been able to man the grill? Well, actually it was a double grill kind of day (forgive the dust on the grills, it's the food on this inside that counts, right?)...


As D was grilling, I noticed my poor ferns hanging on the patio...I'm watering them, I promise...is it just too hot for them, or what? I don't know what to do?!
(pitiful, is it not?)

It was SO incredibly hot, I found our pooch, Kiki, sitting in front of the fan (who could blame her)...


We had lots of food, but my VERY favorite is corn on the cob from the grill...I can NOT get enough...(we had a ton, this is actually what was left..which D finished off later)

(See the scentsy warmer in the background? I finally talked myself into getting one, and LOVE it. I am currently using Paradise Punch, I think it's the scent of the month).

Izzyboo put on a shimmery dolphin tattoo that her brother got her...


After we ate, Joseph and Izzy got out a game that we played with them...


Anyway, we had a fabulous, relaxed day...it was filled with family, food, and thanks to God (really, I ask, what could be better)...
and I tried these for the first time, they added to the day, too...


Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there!

Replenishment

In church yesterday, some of what we talked about had to do with finding replenishment in the Lord, refreshing yourself with Him. I must admit, though most of you know, I’m ADD. I love my church, and we usually have awesome messages that I NEED to hear…but sometimes, I don’t hear it all. Sometimes, my mind drifts, and I’m left with a blank spot or hole in the lesson. It’s frustrating, but I’ve dealt with this all my life, so I’m somewhat used to it. The pastor talked about how when you are hot, thirsty, dry, incredibly parched…imagine how desperate you would be and how refreshing it would be to get a glass of cold water to drink. I can imagine it. It would feel like the best thing in the world. He then said imagine yourself, thirsty…not for water, but for more…the Lord is the only thing that can quench that. It was at this point my mind started to wonder (although he did say to imagine myself …not that I wasn’t “into” the sermon, not that I wasn’t getting anything from it, because I was, that’s just what my mind does. So, it was at this point, I imagined myself sitting across from myself, like a twin, or duplicate of me. Odd, I know, but stay with me. I pictured “me” how I see myself in the mirror…normal, I guess…and then “myself” sitting across from me. I looked at myself…I looked wrinkled, saggy, dry. I looked desperate, and lost. My hair and bones were brittle. It wasn’t pretty, in fact, it was hideous. It was uncomfortable to think about, but I was facing reality. “Myself” was parched, thirsty…in the worst way. I was desperate for the Lord. I needed Him to refresh/replenish me, and ONLY HE would do. I thought about how myself, was actually…me. That was me. That. Is. Me.

I need replenishment in the Lord. A new pair of shoes, and makeup won’t do it. Time at the spa won’t do it. Self help books won’t do it. My friends and even my family won’t do it. Even my church, just won’t cut it. Nothing can fulfill me like my Heavenly Father. The true King of Kings. I imagined, as I grow closer to Him, as I learn more about Him and what He wants for me, for my life, those ugly wrinkles will fade, moisture will come back and heal my skin and hair, I will grow stronger and more beautiful in spirit. I am thankful to be reminded of this. I love the Lord, and He is a huge part of my life…but He needs to BE my life. My life and myself are not always the prettiest picture, in fact on some days, it’s the furthest thing from it…but with God in my picture, in my life, it is So much more beautiful, so much better to look at.

Heavy heart

Ok, so this is my 3rd time to start this post, but it kept getting too emotional, and I had to start over. I just want to say that sometimes this world, is a sad, harsh place. Some days your heart just breaks. Some days are just too much. I don't understand it all. But, at the end of the day (or anytime of day), I have a Father in Heaven who I know loves me, loves us all, and weather we understand it or not, has all of our best interests at heart. Thank you, sweet Jesus. My friends, my "job", even my family...they may fail me, but You never will. Life on Earth, though full of blessings, is such a struggle. Lately, the song by Casting Crowns, Praise You in This Storm has constantly comforted me. The lyrics remind me, that no matter how rough it gets, He is still there, ever present and strong, and that we must continue to praise Him. So, Lord, we praise You...though some days we are lucky if we can even get the strength built up enough to be able to do that...we praise You. Comfort us and hold us close, guide us and keep us safe, until the day comes when we are with you forever and ever. We love you and we thank you. Come so quickly, Jesus.

Praise You in This Storm lyrics by Casting Crowns

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus:]
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus]

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

24 weeks

I had my 24 week appointment with my OB today, WOW, time flies. In 16 weeks, or less, I'll be holding a brand new healthy baby boy, God willing. I can't believe David and I will have four children. Quadruple WOW. My appointment went well. I've only gained about two pounds (I started out much heavier than with my other pregnancies so I am definitely hoping not to gain near as much) but the coming months will be HARD. I'm not really doing anything to avoid gaining weight, just not "over doing food". I eat when I'm hungry, and eat pretty much what I want, just try not to over indulge. I need to be walking, something, but I'm not. No one to blame but me, though! I have serious heartburn, but thankfully the headaches and nausea have subsided for the most part, thank you, God! I have this really annoying thing where my arm/arms fall "asleep" while I'm asleep. It hurts/tingles so bad that it wakes me up at night. My OB said it was from retaining fluid and the pressure it puts on my nerves or something like that. I NEVER had this with my other three. I'm thinking it's maybe because I'm older and more out of shape this time. Ahh, the joys of pregnancy. So....so far, so good for the most part.

Aside from that, just want to throw in how proud I am of my boys! They both got commended on their TAKS...YAY. So, they are out of school for Summer. The sad part is Izzy's grade is not TAKS eligible and she has to go for two more weeks, she doesn't like it and neither do I! Because of the new high school being built we won't go back until after Labor Day, right about the time I'm due to have this little one. It is going to be a loooong, hot Summer! Pool, here we come :-)

My home &...my home...

My aunt is in this week helping me organize my house. I am absolutely grateful for it, too! I am horrible at this kind of thing, and she is great! I have to admit I am a bit overwhelmed worrying if we will have enough time to get it done (I know you are all thinking, be thankful for what she can do and do the rest yourself! That's just not how I roll LOL). But, things are already looking up, can't wait to have it done, and PRAYING to sweet Jesus above that I can keep it in order and that my hubby & kids are able to also help keep it up! A family of 6 with only 3 bedrooms, surely the Lord has a reason for this! Haha

On a totally different note, there are a couple of Caring Bridge sites I keep up with, and I'm sure I've blogged about it before. I am torn between not reading them, because it absolutely breaks my heart, and I think I don't even need to read this, but then I do want to know how they are and what to specifically pray for, so I continue. There are SO many awful things in this world, and it's especially sad when it involves an innocent child. I just can't imagine one of my 3 (soon to be 4) children having to battle for their life as I sit there helplessly watching. It kills me just to consider the possibility...it hurts. I want to take the pain away for those families suffering through it, but I can't. There are times when I start to doubt, and even cry out to the Lord, "Why must these sweet,beautiful,innocent children suffer? WHYYYYYY, LORD?" But, then I have to spend time in prayer and realize that this world isn't our home, it's not perfect here, it's full of evil, sickness, and sadness. It's full of hurt, worries, and troubles. But, if we put our trust and hope in HIM, one day we WILL be in a world void of all that negative stuff. We will never watch a child, or anyone, suffer ever again. Thank You, Lord, that this Earth is NOT our permanent home. Thank you for your promises of Heaven. When I remind myself of this, it's not any easier to hear the sad stories, but it does give me peace knowing what the future hold for those who believe.

So for now, I am off to get ready for my aunt to arrive for the day, so we can get busy (on top of having a sick baby home from school, well, he's 9, but he's still my baby). It's only 9am and I've already been emotional and deep this morning, how's that for starting off your day?!

Praying...

It's amazing how you can read a book, then pick it up to read again, and think, "I don't remember reading that". Anyway, I picked up The Power of a Praying Parent last night and read just a little ways into it before I could no longer hold my eyes open. I pray, I like to pray, it makes me feel "covered", I especially like to pray for my children. I have heard it asked, and been asked myself, "Why do we have to pray? I mean, if God knows our every want, need, desire, etc, why?" The truth is, I didn't know the exact reason, I know the Lord tells us to pray, and I feel good when I'm doing it, and and I want to obey the Lord. But last night while reading, I came across a great answer...

"God knows our thoughts and needs, but He responds to our prayers. That's because He always gives us a choice about everything, including whether we will trust Him and obey by praying in Jesus' name"

So, there you have it. Yes, he knows our needs, but we have free will. We don't have to follow or obey Him, including His request for us to pray for our needs. But, if you believe in Him, and desire to live for Him, then you want to obey Him, which includes praying and petitioning Him to cover us in all areas.
When we pray, it is also important to include scripture, because it is including God's promises in our requests. And, we always need to pray "In Jesus' name"...John 16:23 "Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you".
So, I encourage you to pick up the book, even the praying Wife version, or any version. We, as humans, have the desire to know why we need to do this or that, we are not that great (at least I'm not) at following and obeying without explanation. These books are great for that.
I hope to finish this book in the next few days, and be refreshed in my desire to pray even more :-)

Happy Birthday to me...

So, Friday was my birthday. My hubby and I got to go (alone!) to Canton. Fun! I haven't been in years, and it has grown So much. There was SO much cute stuff, I wanted to do a walk through, and then decide what I really wanted, and go back and get those specific things. The thing was, after almost 5 hours of being there, my feet were KILLING me, and we STILL hadn't made it through the whole place. Oh. My. Lawd. I was too tired to even try and go find the stuff I originally thought I wanted. I ended up with a tote bag. A tote bag, people. Oh, and a CA-UUUTE Mother's Day gift for my Mom. Also, as much stuff there is that I dream about going back and buying...ain't gonna happen...because it was hot that day, and it's only going to get hotter. I have a heat rash (which I have NEVER had) down both sides of my face...pitiful. The Lord just didn't build me to withstand the heat, unless there is a pool nearby. Anyway, I had a blast, and David and I NEEDED the time alone. It never fails to amaze me that after 15 years together, we still have plenty to talk about. So, happy birthday to me...I am really looking forward to what the Lord has in store for me/my family this next year.