Last week Mikayla sat down at the kitchen table and said, "Is Santa Claus for real?"
Before I could answer she laughed and said, "Of course he is! Who else would deliver the presents...the elves?!"
Margo wrote a post about feeling judged as a mother...sometimes I'm the worst judge of myself. Especially on days like yesterday, when I totally lost my temper/self-control/cool at one of my girls for being mean to another one. Great example.
At lunch today Rebecca wanted to use my apple wedger, and I told her it was sharp like a knife and she had to have help. So she put her hands on top of mine and we did it together. I thought about that tonight at the BCM when we sang, "I run to you...My heart is weak, I cling to you, You're all I see, It's my heart's desire To be close to you. Here in your arms I'll find my strength."
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
What has He done for you?
Beth Moore (in her Esther Bible study) challenged me to tell what God has done for me. Where do I begin?
My Savior, Jesus Christ, set me free:
from eternity in hell
from slavery to sin
from death
from hunger for people's approval
from loneliness
from selfishness and self-centeredness
from perfectionism
from fear
from desperation
from from infertility
from grief
from bitterness
from outbursts of anger
from self-righteousness
from vanity and pride
That is the truth...no matter what the facts in my life appear to be, with my many failures. My Lord picks me up and dusts me off, spanks me when He needs to and wipes my tears. I thank Him and love Him so much!
Oh my chains,
I can't disengage,
I don't believe that I want to,
One hand sings your praise, the other brings me shame,
I have selfishness to blame...
And I'm singing for freedom,
I know I'm not the only one praying to the one,
Who can bring me this freedom,
I'm ready for change, change, change, change...
Looking down I lay,
I keep holding my chains,
No longer bound but here I stay,
I scream father please,
I need rescuing,
I need you and you alone...
And I'm singing for freedom,
I know I'm not the only one praying to the one,
Who can bring me this freedom,
I'm ready for, I'm ready for...
Still you patiently await yet I won't just let go,
I see you and you alone,
Say come follow me cause there is you can't see
So I'm singing for freedom,
So I'm singing for freedom...
The time has come-separation lost the war to love,
Take my hand, grace is found-yeah-where your words begin,
You're alive, you're alive,
In the waking of new life,
Take my hand, in the end there's only love...
(Ooooo) there's only love (oooo)
There's only singing for freedom,
I know I'm not the only one praying to the one,
Who can bring me this freedom,
I'm ready for, I'm ready for-
Father please, I need rescuing, I need you and you alone...
My Savior, Jesus Christ, set me free:
from eternity in hell
from slavery to sin
from death
from hunger for people's approval
from loneliness
from selfishness and self-centeredness
from perfectionism
from fear
from desperation
from from infertility
from grief
from bitterness
from outbursts of anger
from self-righteousness
from vanity and pride
That is the truth...no matter what the facts in my life appear to be, with my many failures. My Lord picks me up and dusts me off, spanks me when He needs to and wipes my tears. I thank Him and love Him so much!
Oh my chains,
I can't disengage,
I don't believe that I want to,
One hand sings your praise, the other brings me shame,
I have selfishness to blame...
And I'm singing for freedom,
I know I'm not the only one praying to the one,
Who can bring me this freedom,
I'm ready for change, change, change, change...
Looking down I lay,
I keep holding my chains,
No longer bound but here I stay,
I scream father please,
I need rescuing,
I need you and you alone...
And I'm singing for freedom,
I know I'm not the only one praying to the one,
Who can bring me this freedom,
I'm ready for, I'm ready for...
Still you patiently await yet I won't just let go,
I see you and you alone,
Say come follow me cause there is you can't see
So I'm singing for freedom,
So I'm singing for freedom...
The time has come-separation lost the war to love,
Take my hand, grace is found-yeah-where your words begin,
You're alive, you're alive,
In the waking of new life,
Take my hand, in the end there's only love...
(Ooooo) there's only love (oooo)
There's only singing for freedom,
I know I'm not the only one praying to the one,
Who can bring me this freedom,
I'm ready for, I'm ready for-
Father please, I need rescuing, I need you and you alone...
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Happy Birthday, Jessica! (OR: I can't believe my baby's 11)
11 years ago today, God answered the prayers of my heart and blessed me with a beautiful, perfect little baby girl. To celebrate, here are 11 things about Jessica:
1. She was a colicky baby, and had her days and nights mixed up. I think she didn't want to miss anything!
2. She was talking in compete sentences at 1 year old, and hasn't stopped since!
3. She's my sensitive child, who always seems to know when someone is feeling blue and loves on them.
4. She's also my generous child, who always wants to give. We joke about the fact that money burns a hole in her pocket, and it's true, but most of the time she'd just as soon spend it on someone else as on herself.
5. She says she's not a girly-girl, but she is an old-fashioned girl, who love Laura Ingalls, Anne of Green Gables, American Girls, and Millie Keith.
6. Obviously she loves to read, too!
7. She was baptized when she was 9 years old, but she always said she gave her heart to Jesus when she was 4.
8. She still talks about her friends in Idaho, and how much she misses them, and calls herself a "Northern girl."
9. She is having a 1950's slumber party tonight, with 8 girls invited. Her mother must be INSANE!
10. She loves to play outside, especially when there are trees to climb.
11. I love her more than she can possibly understnd.
1. She was a colicky baby, and had her days and nights mixed up. I think she didn't want to miss anything!
2. She was talking in compete sentences at 1 year old, and hasn't stopped since!
3. She's my sensitive child, who always seems to know when someone is feeling blue and loves on them.
4. She's also my generous child, who always wants to give. We joke about the fact that money burns a hole in her pocket, and it's true, but most of the time she'd just as soon spend it on someone else as on herself.
5. She says she's not a girly-girl, but she is an old-fashioned girl, who love Laura Ingalls, Anne of Green Gables, American Girls, and Millie Keith.
6. Obviously she loves to read, too!
7. She was baptized when she was 9 years old, but she always said she gave her heart to Jesus when she was 4.
8. She still talks about her friends in Idaho, and how much she misses them, and calls herself a "Northern girl."
9. She is having a 1950's slumber party tonight, with 8 girls invited. Her mother must be INSANE!
10. She loves to play outside, especially when there are trees to climb.
11. I love her more than she can possibly understnd.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Good one
Rebecca: Why did you turn the movie off?
Jessica: None of your business. You're nosy. (She was a tad bit cranky. In a wee bit of trouble)
Rebecca: Well, you're eye-y. And mouth-y.
Jessica: None of your business. You're nosy. (She was a tad bit cranky. In a wee bit of trouble)
Rebecca: Well, you're eye-y. And mouth-y.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Birthday Fun!
I've had fun celebrating my birthday this week, even if I can't believe I'm 42! Yikes.
Wednesday night before Cubbies I was mopping the kitchen floor, and I started to talk to Mike--couldn't find him. Looked outside for the girls--they were gone. With the van. Without saying good-bye. Sniff. I got over feeling abandoned when they came home with a new bike for me!! Then they couldn't wait to give me the rest of my presents, so I graciously allowed them to give them to me early. Hee hee! Mike brought me a necklace of uncut Idaho huckleberry garnets from his trip back in Nov/Dec, and they gave me 4 Starbucks frappucino bottles, individually wrapped, and Jessica gave me her biggest, favoritest crystal from her rock collection. I felt very special.
On Friday we drove to Texarkana to pick our van up (yes, again) and give the loaner back, then drove to Houston to see Mike's family. We stopped at the Woodlands Mall first for our first monthly "family outing," a new tradition we want to start. We went to Build-a-bear, where they spent their Christmas money (and I had 3 coupons, including one for a free animal, so even Jessica, who already bought a dollhouse, got to make one!). I wish I had taken pictures--I love that place.
The first thing Rebecca did when we got to Mamaw's house was crawl up in her lap! They have such a sweet connection. And even though she had to ask our names, I think she knew who we were.
The whole family came on Saturday, and we had such a good time. We hadn't all been together in too long, so of course we took lots of pictures, and told all the funny family stories, like the time when Jeff shot Mike just barely above the eye with an arrow!
Here are the siblings:
Add the spouses (Jeannie's husband had to go help his dad that day):
Then add the grand-kids, and look what you get!
Here are the grand-kids closer up. I can't believe how grown up they're all getting.
Judy, Jeannie's friend who takes care of Mamaw when Jeannie's at work, came too. She's a part of the family now!
Monday was Mamaw's birthday, Saturday was mine, and Friday will be Jessica's, so they had a cake for all of us. Thankfully they didn't try to put on 136 candles. ;) They also surprised us with presents! So sweet.
Wednesday night before Cubbies I was mopping the kitchen floor, and I started to talk to Mike--couldn't find him. Looked outside for the girls--they were gone. With the van. Without saying good-bye. Sniff. I got over feeling abandoned when they came home with a new bike for me!! Then they couldn't wait to give me the rest of my presents, so I graciously allowed them to give them to me early. Hee hee! Mike brought me a necklace of uncut Idaho huckleberry garnets from his trip back in Nov/Dec, and they gave me 4 Starbucks frappucino bottles, individually wrapped, and Jessica gave me her biggest, favoritest crystal from her rock collection. I felt very special.
On Friday we drove to Texarkana to pick our van up (yes, again) and give the loaner back, then drove to Houston to see Mike's family. We stopped at the Woodlands Mall first for our first monthly "family outing," a new tradition we want to start. We went to Build-a-bear, where they spent their Christmas money (and I had 3 coupons, including one for a free animal, so even Jessica, who already bought a dollhouse, got to make one!). I wish I had taken pictures--I love that place.
The first thing Rebecca did when we got to Mamaw's house was crawl up in her lap! They have such a sweet connection. And even though she had to ask our names, I think she knew who we were.
The whole family came on Saturday, and we had such a good time. We hadn't all been together in too long, so of course we took lots of pictures, and told all the funny family stories, like the time when Jeff shot Mike just barely above the eye with an arrow!
Here are the siblings:
Add the spouses (Jeannie's husband had to go help his dad that day):
Then add the grand-kids, and look what you get!
Here are the grand-kids closer up. I can't believe how grown up they're all getting.
Judy, Jeannie's friend who takes care of Mamaw when Jeannie's at work, came too. She's a part of the family now!
Monday was Mamaw's birthday, Saturday was mine, and Friday will be Jessica's, so they had a cake for all of us. Thankfully they didn't try to put on 136 candles. ;) They also surprised us with presents! So sweet.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Happy list and photos
*I started this post in Arkansas after a pretty normal (boring) week, and finished it in Texas during a pretty fun weekend! When I get home I'll tell you all about it.*
Things that make me happy #51: Putting new pictures on my fridge after getting new ones in Christmas cards.
And here are the girls having "P.E." by dancing on Jessica's old dance mat. She wasn't thrilled with me taking her picture, by the way! hee hee
Things that make me happy #51: Putting new pictures on my fridge after getting new ones in Christmas cards.
And here are the girls having "P.E." by dancing on Jessica's old dance mat. She wasn't thrilled with me taking her picture, by the way! hee hee
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Meme from Mer
Meredith, from Life at 7000 feet (and a real life friend), did this fun meme that I thought I'd join in on. Here are the instructions:
1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer
2) Select the 4th picture in the folder
3) Explain the picture
4) Tag 4 people to do the same
This is Kate, who was one of my Cubbies at the beginning of the school year, and was one of Rebecca's best-est friends our first year in Magnolia. They have since moved to Bentonville, and we miss them. :(
Like Mer, I'm not tagging anyone in particular, but feel free to consider yourself tagged!
She also mentioned "Frugal Friday," that her friend Joanne started. Well, today is Sunday, but I was frugal on Friday! Actually, it started LAST Friday, when I was doing my weekly grocery shopping. We took Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University" last semester, and are trying really hard to stick to our budget this year--using the envelopes and everything. Well, Wal Mart's holiday clearance (75% off) was cut an additional 50% that day! I filled my cart with fun little under-a-dollar things. Then I put in all my groceries and necessities, then went to check out. I left the clearance stuff in the cart and watched the total, and made her stop when she reached my envelope limit. Ended up having to put ALL my bargains back. :( I had the money right there, but it was in other envelopes, and for once in my life I used self-discipline. I was proud of myself. Fast-forward to this Friday, post pay-day--re-filled envelopes! Not only were most of the clearance items I wanted still there, they were even cheaper!! I got wrapping paper for 12 cents! And a gingerbread house kit for 50 cents! (I'm not worried about it getting stale because we wouldn't eat it, anyway.) Also, I saved $19.05 with coupons, and I'm sending off for a $2.97 rebate. It felt good. :)
1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer
2) Select the 4th picture in the folder
3) Explain the picture
4) Tag 4 people to do the same
This is Kate, who was one of my Cubbies at the beginning of the school year, and was one of Rebecca's best-est friends our first year in Magnolia. They have since moved to Bentonville, and we miss them. :(
Like Mer, I'm not tagging anyone in particular, but feel free to consider yourself tagged!
She also mentioned "Frugal Friday," that her friend Joanne started. Well, today is Sunday, but I was frugal on Friday! Actually, it started LAST Friday, when I was doing my weekly grocery shopping. We took Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University" last semester, and are trying really hard to stick to our budget this year--using the envelopes and everything. Well, Wal Mart's holiday clearance (75% off) was cut an additional 50% that day! I filled my cart with fun little under-a-dollar things. Then I put in all my groceries and necessities, then went to check out. I left the clearance stuff in the cart and watched the total, and made her stop when she reached my envelope limit. Ended up having to put ALL my bargains back. :( I had the money right there, but it was in other envelopes, and for once in my life I used self-discipline. I was proud of myself. Fast-forward to this Friday, post pay-day--re-filled envelopes! Not only were most of the clearance items I wanted still there, they were even cheaper!! I got wrapping paper for 12 cents! And a gingerbread house kit for 50 cents! (I'm not worried about it getting stale because we wouldn't eat it, anyway.) Also, I saved $19.05 with coupons, and I'm sending off for a $2.97 rebate. It felt good. :)
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