What better way to spend a beautiful day than with friends!

What's Black and Red All Over?

If I would have had the presence of mind to take a picture, I would have. My son came to me and said, "come." No explanation; nothing else. DH said that can't be good if he won't tell you why. So I follow him to the basement...down the stairs. Then I see it. PAINT. EVERYWHERE! Black oozing paint puddled on the carpet. There stands my dear little girl hands bright red envision a surgeon. Red paint puddled on the table. Smeared on chairs.
I pick up DD holding her away from my body and shoot upstairs to wash her off. My neice following seems to have a little bit of black on her hands but nothing major. I wash hands. Take off clothes. Notice that neice had paint on the bottow of her jammies. Put them both into the bath tub. Paint had found it's way into their hair.
I go back down to try to clean up. I sop up as much black ooze as I can. Thank God I still had the steam cleaner I am borrowing. I get that set up and plug it in...nothing. I call DH onto the scene and he takes over with the steam cleaner. I finish getting little girls cleaned up. Washing their hair. With them safely out of the tub. I resume clean-up. I took a box of baby wipes; wiping down chairs and table. Many, many wipes later. It was done.

Now I need to find the key to the art supply cabinet...that baby is going to be LOCKED.

Sharks

While Jaws places fear about this fascinating creature, my son and I have begun to respect them. Last night before bed we read a book about sharks. We have read it many times. Then this morning there was an article on Snopes about the picture above. At first glance it looks like yet another fabricated shark photo. This one is real! Read the Snopes report here. For those intersted in learning more about Great White sharks click this article here from the Africa Geographic(Sept 2005)r. This picture is from that magazine and the research they are doing.

We fear the unknown...so don't be ignorant...learn about that which you are afraid.


Photograph by Thomas P. Peschak

Park with Friends

Memorizing The Word

Memorizing the Word is important to me. Sometimes I am faithful in setting aside a scripture and really commiting it to heart. Other times it happens by accident where one sticks out and I meditate on it enough that it takes root and I know it. And still other times there is no verse that I am working on. So my desire is to be more dilegent and diliberate in my memorizing. To do so I need more accountability. The plan is simple. I set aside at least one if not more scriptures to be memorized. I will post it. Then I will follow through with working on it that week. Feel free to ask me how it is going, which verse I am working on or review past scriptures when you see me. This will help me grow. Soon you should find a Scripture Review on the sidebar. Please feel free to do this with me.

Phillipians 4: 6-7
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving make known your request to God. 7And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Chist Jesus.

Taken By My Kids

So I finally downloaded March's pictures. There were 115 of them. Over half of them taken by my children. Here is some of their work.


"Me take pi-tur mom" -DD 2 years old


What's mom doing? Oh Yeah...she's at the computer. -DS


Isn't she cute? DS thinks so he took about 20 of her in a row.


Mom and little girl. Taken by DS age 4

Rockin Good Food

Lately I have thouroughly been enjoying my food. Not the oh this is good. More like oh my goodness this is rockin. Savoring every bite.

Saturday night with the ladies I had a gordita shell filled with beans, taco meat, lettuce, gaucamole, cheese, salsa and sour cream. Oh YES it was delish.

Sunday evening Orange chicken served over rice garnished with snow peas. So beautiful I should have taken a picture. And oh YES it was delish.

Tonight I made a reuben loaf. Bread dough filled with 1000 Island, corn beef, saurkrat and swiss cheese. Baked. And oh YES it was delish.

I am enjoying my food so much it can only mean one thiing. I am definately NOT pregnant.

New Game

New game. Braun. Slingshot tetris style.

Brackets and Other Things Basketball

This year the NCAA tournament has had some crazy twist and turns. Out of good fun DH and I each do a bracket for the tourney. Usually I win. This year I had hope in Michigan State...I am a fan. So when they went out in round one my brackets took a huge hit (so sad.) Then more upsets. And others brackets took a dive as well. Then go figure in the year of the upset no #1 seed made it to the final four. Who would have thunk it?

So both DH and my brackets are dead for this year. Dead; done. And I won. With a grand total of 36 whopping points.

My hubby and I enjoy the spirit of the tournament. Our favorite year was 2000. Michigan State was a number one seed. They were having a great showing. Then came a great oppurtunity. A friend got tickets to the final four. Two tickets. The tickets were actually a final four and final game package. And they were pricey. Our friend wanted one for the final game but needed to sell the others. He called me to see if my dear hubby would be interested. To which I knew he would be. But I didn't tell him about the offer. Instead I bought the ticket and told the friend it would be a total suprise. The morning of the game happened to be April Fools Day. I picked up a t-shirt from a corner vendor. Laid out the clothes then woke him up.
ME: Wake up
DH: Why?
ME: Your going to the game.
DH: Whatever I am going back to bed
ME: No really your going to the game...wake up...get dressed ...he's going to be here soon
DH: Whatever...haha...April Fools
ME: Get dressed...he's going to be here any minute
DH: Who is he?
ME: Mike
DH: Really??? (slight glimmer of hope)
DH: Whatever (still doesn't believe me)
ME: Call him...(throwing phone onto bed)
To which he called...and Mike confirmed the good news.
DH got dressed the whole time saying really, how, where did you get tickets, AM I REALLY GOING TO THE GAME??
He did indeed go to the game. The guys had a great time. Michigan State won and hubby was living it up. Exiting the game they found some tickets for sale from fans whose team had lost...ahhh so sad...no not really. He got a ticket and got to go to the big dance as well. History will tell you that in 2000 Michigan State won the NCAA tournament under the direction of our beloved Tom Izzo and led on the floor by Mateen Cleaves. I can still see Mateen doing his little hoppity dance on his injured ankle. And that SMILE.
That year I won the wife of the year award in the eyes of my man. Good times good times.

Not Too Late

The day has arrived for our monthly Ladies Night and it is not too late to get in on it.

Dinner and a movie beginning at 5:30pm. Get ahold of me if you need more details.

Hope to see you here.

Self Potty Training

I am a laid back person in general. And it is so with my potty training technique. My boy was almost three when he decided he wanted to potty train. One night he had literally 20 questions. Why do people use the potty? Why do we flush? Where does our poop go? Why underwear? Why do babies wear diapers? ....you get the point. I answered each one the best I could. I even took him down to the basement and showed him the pipes that carried stuff out of the house and into the sewer system. He took it all in and was very interested. The next morning he woke up and declared that he was not wearing diapers anymore; only underwear. And it was literally that easy. He potty trained himself. I gently guided but it was his desicion. He had a couple accidents that first month but really it was only a couple. He was dry from day one at night and naptime. I remember that first night asking him about a diaper for bedtime and he said "NO only underwear" and he meant it. I figured why not try...and low and behold...dryness. That is my boy.

Now my girl. She is 29 months aka almost 2 1/2 years. I thought it would be awhile before she was really ready. But no. She woke up Tuesday requesting underwear. See post BigGirl?!! Wednesday I did not ask nor did she ask for underwear so the whole day she wore a diaper. Then Thursday she woke up and first thing asked for underwear. So I gave her a pair. With the understanding of one pair a day. We went out of the house that morning and I was nervous. She insisted on no diaper. So I grabbed a bag with a change of clothes and we went out the door. She stayed dry the whole time out. WooHoo. Then later had an accident and went back to a diaper. No fuss. Friday, same deal, one pair of underwear. This time I went out with my mom and half way to our destination realized I forgot the bag. Doh. We were out for 2 hours and we visited three different bathrooms; thankfully we arrived back home DRY. WooHoo. Yesterday she went 11 hours before she had an accident. I think she truly did not realize her warning sign for #2. Doh. We talked about it. She seemed to understand. Back to a diaper for the rest of the day. Today is a new day. She is wearing the underwear. We shall see how long she makes it today.

The thing I love is she is doing it on her own. As long as she is interested and wants to do it. We will. I do ask every so often when she is wearing her underwear if she needs to go. But she is not on a schedule for going to sit on it. Also last night wearing her diaper she took it off twice to go use the bathroom. Pretty cool. If she continues her interest for a couple more days I will take a more incentive approach. Stickers and such. So time will tell.

Kids Karaoke

Apparently I deleted this prematurely. I thought it was last weekend. Oops. In case you were looking for something to do. Here you go.

Kids Karaoke
+ Fun & Games!
Sunday, March 26th, 2006
2:00-5:00 PM
IM Sports West - MSU Campus
(next to the MSU Football Stadium)
Come and Enjoy.
-Kids Karaoke Singing!
-Meringue Dancing!
-Jumping in the bounce house!
-Face Painting!
-Spartan Soul Dance Team Dance Clinic!
-Fun & Games!
Costs:
Admission - $3/person
Bounce House is $1/child for one jumping session or $2/child for unlimited bouncing sessions
Concession items available for purchase!
Proceeds will go towards scholarships for students with children.
Parking:
Free! West of the football stadium
Questions?
Contact the Family Resource Center at 432-3745 x146

Blogging Article

Check out this article from BabyTalk Magazine. Blogin Mama's

Past Your Past

Tonight was good. I shared my testimony with an amazing group of people at our church. After I shared there was a small group meeting time to share struggles and "ups." It was incredible being in that room and hearing the things people shared. Good stuff.
On the drive home I was reminded of a very clear moment in my healing process. I was a courier and spent many hours of my day inside a car transporting stuff from point A to point B. Needless to say I listened to the radio A LOT! At that time in my life I was listening to quite a bit of Family Life Radio. There were many days that ministered to me and I felt the exact words and songs were programmed JUST FOR ME. But there was one day that sticks out crystal clear.

The song that played was Past Your Past by Kirk Talley
A couple of the lines are as follow.
You can get past your past you can walk away from painful memories. Past your past you don't have to be alone. You can stand on the Word of God your yesterdays can be gone He will see you past your past and then you can go on.

That's from memory! I just found it and it played the chorus and that is it. Click that link and go listen to it. The whole song is incredible. I remember weeping. For there were parts of my past that I need to get past. People I needed to forgive. Things I blamed. I was still wounded. And this song really ministered to me. And it showed me a way to get through.

Healing comes in many ways and God uses some incredible things to guide us, teach us, minister to us in brokenness. And on that night it was a song on the radio. And it changed my life.

Beloved God is big enough to see you through whatever it is your facing. Be it present or past. He can heal you in your innermost being. I know...I've lived it. And today I am past my past. Halleluia!

Deal or No Deal

My dear son came to me with an offering of 17 cents. His little hand holding it up for me to see. "I will give this to you if you will let me stay up." Nice offer but getting out of a nap will cost more than that. I cherish this time. I should have emphased that more. I CHERISH NAP TIME.

DS "What will it cost me?"
ME "Your whole piggy bank!"
DS "My whole piggy bank?"
ME "Yes"

He scampered off to think it over. A couple minutes later he handed it over.

ME "Do you really want to give mommy all the money from your piggy bank?"
DS "All but a penny"
Then he shook out the contents. A mound of riches.
DS "Maybe I will keep the quarters"
ME "All the money or back to bed"
DS "OK all but a penny"
ME "Deal"
DS "I can stay up?
ME "Yes"

I have not counted but it looks like I made off with somewhere between 5 and 10 dollars.
And I could have buckled for 17 cents.

Poem by Langston Hughes

This poem by Langston Hughes is one that has stuck with me over the years. It was a school assignment in my ninth grade English class. We had to memorize the piece. As I was trying to nap today parts of it kept turning around and around in my head. So after a quick google it was found. Enjoy.

Mother to Son

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor --
Bare.
But all the timeI'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps'
Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now --
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

Langston Hughes, "Mother to Son" from Collected Poems

4 * 11

First four jobs you have had in your life:
1. Baby Sitter
2. Pizza Flyers
3. Pizza Prep
4. Courier

Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. Midnight Madness
2. Goonies
3. With Honors
4. Dreamer (It came out yesterday)

Four places you have lived:
1. Parents Home
2. Apartment
3. Current Home
4. Summers at my Aunt's
I have only moved twice in my life. Hope to keep it that way.

Four TV shows you love to watch:
1.Survivor
2.Myth Busters
3.Modern Marvels
4.Extreme Home Makeover

Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Florida
2. Maryland
3. Kentucky
4. Texas

Four of your favorite books:
1. Bible
2. Mitford Series
3. Purpose Driven Life
4. Biographies

Four hot celebrities:
1.
2.
3.
4.
I am sure there out there. Just not paying much attention

Who would you would like to have lunch with (alive ordead):
1. Jesus
2. Benjamin Franklin
3. Beth Moore
4. My Grandparents

Four websites you visit daily/a lot:
1. momteacherfriend
2. bloglines.com (this includes 20+ sites)
3. biblegateway.com
4. blogs, blogs and more blogs

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Mexican
2. Italian
3. Orange Chicken
4. Hot Chocolate with vanilla creamer

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Somewhere warm
2. Camping
3. Picnic
4. Swimming

Four friends I am tagging that I think will respond.....
1. Mindy
2. Kari
3. Sooze
4. newmommy4god

Big Girl!???

DD woke up this morning...took off her diaper AND...
decieded on her own to use the potty. She then proceeded to want underwear. So far she is still dry. She just told me "I am doin a great job!"

Here's hoping. Self-directed...it could work out today or be another 6 months. Time will tell. In the meantime I am excited for her. She IS doing a great job!

Update: It is almost 2pm and she is STILL DRY. so 5 hours in and woohoo.

Homemade Art Supplies

Check out this link. Some great ideas for making art supplies.
http://blessingsforlife.com/crafts/homemade_art_supplies.htm

Age of Testing

I haven't read many parenting books on the subject but I have been reading a dog book. I am beginning to think there are ages of testing. At least there are in dogs. Where they test limits. I think we have arrived at a new age in my son. While pleasent and cute...most of the time...he has started a new delayed reaction. Inwardly questioning "does mom mean what she says?" The answer to that question is Yes...most of the time. I consciencely think about what I say to my kids knowing that I will need to follow through. Yet there are times when I am occupied (be it the phone or computer) that they sneak things by me.
The last week I have been aware of this simmering defiance. Last night I had to take a stand. Rudeness and disrespect had reared there ugly heads. After a request to straighten up. He did. For about two minutes. Then he hit his sister. My follow through was to go to bed early. To which he cried and screamed and pleaded. He even pulled out the sympathy card of "I only want to spend time with you." (SIGH) Then all was silent. Which we all know can mean one of two things. 1. He fell asleep 2. He is brewing some trouble. My motherly instinct said to check it out. As I approached his door he was trying to walk out. Then he laid it on thick. The I love you's, I want to be with you, I will be good, please let me stay up. Tell me you have been here people. With a breif hug I told him I loved him too. Then I followed through. He cried some more. But then he came to a point where I think he realized that I did mean it. Because I did.
This morning we cuddled on the couch. Today is going to be better.

One last thing: Pastor Brad shared this with us on Sunday
Delayed obedience is disobedience.

Sleep Sheep

This game was designed to test your reflexes. The sheep will try to run off...hit the dart. The faster you react the better your rating. Have fun. http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/sleep/sheep/

Who can you talk to?

I am thinking this morning about some dear friends. On Saturday I spent the day with one. All day. It was marvelous. We had a long drive to get to our destination so the whole way there we talked. I don't know about you but it seems to me different friends meet different needs within me. Some I can talk deeply with; about anything. It is not surface but truly deep and thought provoking. It was this way on Saturday. I love my time with Mindy for this reason. I feel very fulfilled at the end of the day. Like I have really engaged in doing life together. The great thing is; is that we do life differently. We are at different stages in many things. Yet spiritually it seems that God is doing a very similar work. He is showing us the same truth at the same time in different ways. I love that about God.

Thanks Mindy for a wonderful day. I love ya!

Quote to Ponder

Sidney J. Harris
"Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable."

Can Anyone Help?

The situation is this: Mom ask one child to do a specific thing. The other child outruns to do it first.
For example:
DD can you please get the dishes? DS hears and says "I'll get them!" They both run to do it first. Cries and screams. Job gets done but with much fussing.

I like that they want to help. I want to teach them to be responsible. I want them to contribute to our home. I do not like the jelousy and competetion. It is a heart issue.

I do try to mix up my request evenly between them. Even so they choose to fight it out.

So can anyone help?

The Battle

For the last week God has been showing me glimspes of the spiritual battle that goes on daily in and around our lives. I have known this battle to be true. I have experienced things in the last 11 years that have opened my eyes to this spiritual battle that wages.

Sunday the message at church was about Deception. How satan lies to us and deceives us. After the message my sisters and I headed out to go to the funeral of a family member. He had commited suicide the week before. The funeral was emotional especially watching the widow and her children say good-bye. It was a beautiful service as I mentioned before. I see clearly the battle that occured in his life. The speaking of truth; the speaking of lies and how he listened to the lie that life was not worth living.

This week satan tried to speak lies to me as well. Not about life. But about my worth. You see the date had been set for me to share my testimony with about 100 women. See Awaiting Release for more on that. That date was this week. With the day approaching satan tried to discourage, annoy, place fear, steal joy and minimize me as a person. Sometimes it is crystal clear that it is him coming to steal, kill and destroy. Other times it creeps in. None the less he tried and tried to lessen God and his work in my life. The battle is real.

I am thankful I didn't go through this process alone. My girlfriend was prompted by the Holy Spirit to share her testimony the night before I was to share mine. Together we wrestled it out. God spoke truth into us and firmly established that yes this was his will and yes he was with us and yes his Holy Spirit would guide us; we were not alone.

Good solid biblical teaching helped affirm this to be true. The scripture speaks it. The battle wages. Yet did you know that there are armies of angels battling for us. God asks us to clothe ourselves with the full armor of God. Helmet of salvation, belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, sword of the spirit, SHEILD OF FAITH and feet clod with the good news of Christ. That part the sheild of faith came to mean more to me this week. It is our faith that covers us in battle. The sheild is used to extinguish flaming arrows of the evil one. You see the evil one is on attack. He is trying to shoot us with flaming arrows that will destroy. We need to stand up and stand with faith. That God is who he says he is, that he can do what he says he can do. To believe God.

I believe God has done an incredible work in my life. I also believe God asks me to share that with others. I believe he takes the good, the bad and the ugly of my life and can use it for his glory. And I believe that satan does not want that to happen. For when we share our lives, others are encouraged. The Spirit of God moves and lives are changed.

Dear friends, do not be ignorant of the spiritual battle that is going on in your midst. And stand firm in faith. Fighting the good fight of the faith.

Ephesians 6
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

I Am Free

Newsboys - I Am Free
Written by Jon Egan
Through you the blind will see Through you the mute will singThrough you the dead will rise Through you our hearts will praiseThrough you the darkness fleesThrough you my heart screams I am freeI am freeChorus: (2x)I am free to run(I am free to run)I am free to dance(I am free to dance)I am free to live for you(I am free to live for you)I am free(I am free)Yes, I am free(I am free)


This song has been speaking to me lately. It will be my next CD purchase.

I am free!

Refreshing

The above word would describe my time with a dear lady this afternoon. I say dear lady but she is quickly becoming a dear friend. A few days ago God laid it on my heart to share my testimony with her, so I called and we set the date for today. I came to her home, we prayed and I shared. After I shared we talked for a bit about life, her experience and how God uses things for his glory. For example just a week ago she was in the hospital extremely ill. She has brain cancer and damage to her liver. Doctors didn't know she would make it as her white blood count was ZERO. Her prayer warriors rallied around her and prayed. Overnight....let me repeat that overnight her numbers jumped to 2.5 and she was released from the hospital. Praise God. She went to visit a friend in hospice and while she waited to visit her friend God used her to misister to a family in the hospitality room. And minister she did. She was able pray with the family and their terminally ill adult daughter. I love it.
As we talked her son came home, she went to introduce us and it was an instant reunion. Her sons had been my buds ten years before. I had actually been in her home before and not realized it until that moment. God is cool. Then she recalled the circumstances under which I had been there. I had attended an Aquire the Fire conference with some kids from youth group. After we got back we decided we were going to get rid of junk in our lives that had no place in our homes. Such as ungodly music, books and the such...mostly music. We gathered all our "junk" together than met back at the church to destroy it. Destroy it we did. Placing it on a blue trap as to not destroy church property in the process, we stomped and smashed and if I recall correctly burned some as well. As it turns out she was there that night, supervising. I was there participating. After the destruction of the "junk" we then went to her home to talk and hang out. That was over 10 years ago.
So cool.

My DS

This afternoon in hopes of getting a nap I allowed DS to climb into bed with me. That's when he told me the following:
DS: Mom you know what I pray when I have a bad dream?
ME: "What?"
DS: "Dear God please throw away that dream"
ME: That's a good prayer.

DS: "You know what God is doing right now?"
ME: "What?"
DS: "God is walking around my head telling people he loves me!"

A True Parable of Temptation

There was once a sucker that looked sweet and tasty. A dear girl so desired this sucker that it consumed her thoughts. She took the sucker and brought it to her wise counsel. Asking the wise counsel for the sucker; to which the wise counsel said "no." The little girl was disappointed but decided that rather than eat the sucker she would JUST hold onto it. So she carried it around with her. Before long she slipped away into a private place and began to peel back the wrapper. The wise counsel knowing her delimma reminded the little girl to not eat the sucker to which she replied..."I am just holding it." Moments later the little girl could not resist any longer and slipping back the wrapper just a bit, she took a lick. A quick taste. Surely she was not eating it and this "taste" would be ok. But one taste led to another. For once the taste was in her mouth she wanted more and more. Wise counsel not wanting her to devour the sucker asked for her to hand it over. There was deep thought and sadness as she handed it over. The wise counsel placed the forbidden treat out of sight. Even after it was out of sight the sucker was still on the little girls mind. "Where is the sucker?" To which the wise counsel replied..."out of sight." Eventually she went on her way. The sucker forgotten. Except the sticky little remenants that remained on her lips.

Exhausted

Today has been emotionally draining. The funeral was today. I made it through visitation but lost it as mom and sons said their good byes just before the service. Hard stuff man. The service was beautiful! You could not have asked for a better service. The pastor talked about clouds that we need to get through. Guilt; was there something we could have said or done that would have made a difference. Confusion; why? Anger; how could he have done that. What about the rest of us, his family? Then he shared how for him the anger quickly turned from Matt to the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy. For it was his lies and deception. For in those last moments it was his lies that said "life is not worth living." The pastor had to fly in for the funeral. He shared how it was dismal and raining at the airport. It looked bleak and felt depressing. At liftoff there was several minutes of strong turbulance. Then they broke above the clouds and there was blue sky...the brightest blue. And the sun was shining. He said the brightest he had ever remembered. He reminded us the clouds are real and so is the SON. Even if we can't see him in the midst of the storm, he is there. Shining upon us. We need to work through those clouds. Go through them. The whole time having hope in Him. Our hope is IN HIM.

I am exhausted. Time for bed. Remembering he is my hope today and forever.

Addition 3/13/06: I could not find this verse last night. Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit

That was the verse the widow choose for the sermon at the service

First Ride of the Year

With our first big break in the weather, DS and I went on a bike ride. It felt good to be out and moving especially after a long week inside under isolation. I love watching him go. He seems older than his actual age. Very active is he. In moments like these I see him as a teenager. Independant, confident and heading somewhere. For now I am headed in the same direction as he is. Wherever I go, he goes. I now this won't last forever. So I enjoy today. It was a beautiful day.

Tennis

I am challenging you to a game of tennis. Keep the ball in the air. Don't let it drop. Let me know how you do. Click link here.

Love Tank

My mother came over today. She brought with her some projects to do with the kids. A finger puppet stage for DS to color complete with small finger puppets. A memory game. Some worksheets. I headed out the door as they begun their work. I was were I needed to be, I heard what I needed to hear. When I returned I knew that my mother had given my kids and I a great gift; her time. My son and daughter were beaming. Not just sure I will humor you smiles. Ear to ear grins. I was treated to a puppet show given by DS. I was schooled at a game of memory by a 4 year old. His laughter filled the room. In giving her time this morning she filled some love tanks. Three of them.

100 Things about me

100 Things about me
1. I accepted Christ my senior year of high school
2. Best thing I ever did
3.I got married at 20
4. I met my husband at a Christian Night Club
5. The first thing he said to me was "Do you want to be my foosball partner?"
6. I said "Yes."
7. He thought I was 12
8. I was 18 almost 19
9. He proposed in front of his jeep, dancing in the snow
10. The ring was pinned inside his shirt.
11. I said "Yes"
12. He did ask my dad for permission
13. He too said "Yes"
14. We honeymooned in Florida
15. We went Deep Sea Fishing with some Grumpy Old Men
16. Dave got seasick
17. I got lots of fish
18. We are still married. YEAH!!
19. The first year was the hardest
20. Divorce is not an option for us
21. My parents are still married
22. I have 3 siblings
23. I am the "baby"
24. I like being the "baby"
25. Why? My parents learned to be parents on the other 3
26. I once collected Garbage Pail Kids....ew
27. I think they are still in a hidden drawer in my parents home.
28. I wonder what else may be hidden there
29. My Cabbage Patch lost her arm I played with her so much
30. Someone sewed it back on
31. I had an outrageously messy room as a child
32. I mean OUTRAGEOUSLY MESSY
33. I still have a hard time keeping things clean
34. My husband likes things clean
35. As a child I loved to climb trees
36. I climbed when I was upset....for peace and quiet
I still like heights
37. I could tell the time by the position of the sun
38. I am very oreinted. Dont get lost easily
39. Also like to hike
40. I was suppose to go on a big backpacking trip
41. But found out I was pregnant...had to cancel
42. I have terrible morning sickness with pregnancy
43. I threw up 100 times with my first
44. Yes I counted
45. I threw up 101 with my second
46. Again yes I counted
47. I have thrown up in some embarressing places
48. Taco Bell (just outside the door)
49. People walking in turned around and walked out
50. Second trimester is my favorite time of pregnancy
51. I have had kidney stones and gall stones
52. I used to think I had the wolrds best bladder
53. Now I think I have lived life dehydrated
54. I don't like to shave my legs
55. So I rarely do
56. I DO shave my armpits
57. I marched flute and piccolo in high school
58. I was section leader
59. I was in gymnastics in high school
60. I was a team captain
61. In track I did hurdles and high jump
62. I did NOT like long distance running
63. My first job was solicating pizza flyers in college dorms
64. Girls floors smell better than boys
65. I love to sing
66. I am not trying out for American Idol
67. Favorite TV show: Survivor
68. I am not trying out for Survivor
69. My first time in an airplane.....I jumped out
70. It was one of the most peaceful moments of my life
71. I have been white water rafting twice
72. I did the Bungee Drop at an amusement park
73. I pretended I was flying like Peter Pan
74. I once broke my arm doing a trick on the playground bars
75. It required surgery and two metal pins
76. I was awake when they took the pins out.
77. I once was sat on and held down by a big fat nurse
78. I no longer fight when having blood drawn
79. I have had a miscarriage
80. Hemmoraging is NOT fun...pretty scary
81. At that hospital I set a record for the number of paps in one day -6
82. The nurse made me an award
83. Friends are great
84. Especially when they bring ice cream and sprinkles
85. I like Mexican and Italian food
86. I was a vegeterian for 2 years
87. Before that time I hated green vegtables
88. I gave birth to both my babies at home
89. On purpose...with attending midwives
90. I am a stay-at-home mom
91. It is the hardest job I have ever had
92. And the most rewarding
93. We homeschool our kids
94. I am competitive
95. I especially like word games
96. Speak easily in front of crowds
97. I enjoy blogging
98. Truth is important to me
99. I have THE cutest kids
100. and THE cutest husband
so there!

Ladies Night Rescheduled!!

After much prayer ladies night has been rescheduled to March 25th. We will still be doing a dinner (tacos) and movie (Anne of Avonlee.) If you have any questions please ask.

Hopefully this reschedule will mean more will be able to join us.

Utterly Bad News

I just received word that my mom's cousin commited suicide last night. He leaves behind a wife and three young children. Please pray for the family. The youngest child turns one this Saturday. Pray, pray pray!

Crankiness and Fevers

My dear sweet children have been testing my patience and my kindness. While I was away both DS and DD had the flu. DH took excellent care of them...yes he did. But he was more than willing to fly out of here Monday morning and go back to work. He was actually THANKFUL he was going to work. You see when my kids are sick, they are cranky and emotional!!! DS has a more laid back approach. He lays out on the couch and vegs. He may whine when he needs something. But for the most part he sits back and watches TV. If something is not right he cries...until resolved. That is DS. DD has a different approach. She clings. She becomes melded to you. Depending on you for every need. Physical and emotional. She whines, cries and is GRUMPY! She will look you straight in your eyes and proclaim "I am grumpy." If you move, she excpects to move with you. Sitting on your lap is THE EXPECTATION. Although the flu has passed through we still have some lingering fever. All schedules have been cleared as we get well. So far DH and I are still well. Praise God! Praying peace and health come and stays; that crakiness and fevers go far away.

DS dear son DD dear daughter DH dear husband

A Message to the Conference Room

To all my lovely ladies in the conference room this last weekend. Beautiful butterflies and team. I have made a commitment to pray for each of you, by name, consistently. If any of you have specific request you would like prayer for please email them to me. Use the email address given to you in the address packet.

Praises, joys and concerns welcome. Please keep your request about you or directly affecting you. I love you all.

This Spoke To Me

2 Corinthians 1:18-23
But as surely as God is Faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He annointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, gaurenteeing what is to come.

Stand firm, he has annointed you and His spirit is within you.

How does this verse speak to you?

Meditations

Psalm 104:34 May my meditations be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord.

What is it that we meditate? What is meditation? It is that which we mull over in our minds. That which we think about and allow to consume our minds. Are you thinking on his Word? Or the worries of this day?

Matthew 6 has some stuff to say about worry. It tells us not to worry about our life, God will take care of our needs. Don't worry about tomorrow.

So what to do? Keys to success?

Joshua 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Be in the Word and let his Word dwell with you all day. Let it replace your worry. In doing so you will prosper and have success. Sounds like a good plan to me.

What Did This Weekend Mean To Me?

Well....some of you weren't there so I will tell you. And those of you that were there, I had much to say that wasn't said so read on.

My name is ....... and I sat at the table Kjaerlighet. (Love in Norweign) pronouced char-lee-het.

This weekend was awesome in many ways. I sat at a table with some incredible, beautiful ladies. Together we listened to talks on the Christian Faith, we sang, we laughed and we prayed. We opened our hearts. Our joys, our hurts and hang-ups. We broke down walls and let go of things that have been holding us back from a fuller relationship with Christ.

For me this weekend meant living by the spirit and following his leading. He called me for a very specific purpose for THIS weekend. There were things I needed to say, things I needed to do and looks I needed to give. Prayers prayed, hugs offered. Even dances to be danced (though my calfs are crying out to me today AHHHH) When the spirit leads we have a choice. We can obey and do what it is that he is calling us to do OR we can look away and say no Lord...not gonna do it. How blessed I have been in obedience. Sometimes we never know to whom or for what reason God calls us to do something. Yet everything that is done in his name...bears fruit! I was blessed many times over the weekend with a "thanks...that was for me" and it is nice having that affrimation. That yes it was what you were suppose to do or say. i may never know (this side of heaven) how God used me. But I know He did. It was Him working through me...for His Glory.

Laugh with those that rejoice. Weep with those that mourn.

This weekend also meant remembering. Rembering where I have been, how far I have come. You see I took my flight 11 years ago. I was a Senior in high school. I was broken, empty, alone and ashamed. That weekend 11 years ago...was my setting free. I remembered the things I nailed to the cross. The talks with Spiritual leaders. The snot that poured from my nose as I cried and cried. I remembered thinking...this is good...I need to get this junk out. I remembered the kindness of my table leader. The fellowship with those girls... the acceptance. I remembered my candle light. How my mom had come from over an hour away. This was signficant in that when I left for the weekend she was in the hospital. She had been released and she had come...just for me! God used that to show me the expectations I placed on myself and the burdens I carried from my mom being sick. I let it go. I remember at the time I was afraid she would not live to see me graduate. Let alone see me marry and have my babies. She is still alive..and well. She plays such an important role in my life and the life on my kids. Needless to say I am thankful. I also remembered the closing. The words I said. How I had followed up on those words of what I said my next steps would be. I said I was going to go home and sponser someone for the flight. I was going to take what I learned and apply. To live my life for Christ. And that is what I did. I have been challenged. Sometimes I fell short. But this faith journey over the last 11 years has been incredible. How great is our God! He has taken me from a person that didn't even love herself to one that is able to love all. He has healed me, forgiven and set me free. And so I remember and live for him.

One other thing I learned was that I am not just a mom. I left my kids at home for those three days with their daddy. It was a time to be me. Not a mom or a wife but me. That was a good thing. Sometimes I forget.

Upon returning home I have a deeper admiration for my hubby. You see while I was enjoying life, he was stuck in our home. The kids both had the flu. high fevers and other unplesantries. Whining, crying and crankiness. He prayed for our kids, he met their needs. My kids learned that their daddy could take care of them. Today they are still emotional (but hey so am I) and needy. Welcome back to the world.

There you have it. That's what I have learned.

Those of you that were on the weekend. You have your own stories. Some of you shared. Others for whatever reason did not. Feel free to comment here! Remain anonymous if you like. Come up with a code name or "whatever" but please refrain from using your last name...for your safety.

I love you all!

Covered

Colossians 4:12 b He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.

For my new friends. This weekend you have been covered in prayer. You have been lifted up by people you know, people you may never meet this side of heaven, both near and across the world. You have been prayed for BY NAME! And it continues still today. Some of you I know pieces of your struggles, others I know little. Yet God knows you intimately, every detail. I have prayed for your boldnesss as you step back into the world. Be it school, work, with your friends or your family. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid of discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9) I pray that you continue to Let Go and Let God. Be free! Stand firm. Be blessed!

God Loves You and So Do I

It's Alive!

So I took my friends advise...when in doubt throw it out. Well there was some frozen bread dough in the freezer that I wasn't sure if it was ok. I forgot it in the car for 2 days...kinda cold not sure if cold enough. So I refroze it, then got thinking I should throw it away to be safe. So I did. Into the trash. Hours later I return to the trash and OH MY GOODNESS it is alive. It is oozing up and out the trash can. I could of taken a picture but that would haven been gross. Use your imagination. But oh so funny. It's alive, maybe that is where some of this sci-fi stuff comes from. My kitchen.

Weekend Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father I pray that this weekend I will used for your glory. Be with these ladies that are coming Lord. surround them with your Holy Spirit. Show them your love. Encourage them. Break down walls; help them to let go of things in their life that are holding them back from you. I pray for healing in their lives. Lord, reveal yourself mightily this weekend. Teach them who you are. That they may not deny your goodness, your love or your Son. I pray for this team you have established for such a time as this, for this moment. Minister through them and to them. Let them be your hands and feet, let Christ be seen in each and everyone one of us there. For those giving talks boldness, honesty, clarity of speech and content. Thank you for each testimony you have given. For our lives to be used for your glory; the good and the bad bearing fruit in your name. I pray for those working behind the scenes. Give them strength and endurance. Eyes to see what needs to be done and obedience to see it through to completion. Bless them for their work O God. Father protect our families who remain at home. Send forth your angels to guide and protect. Keep them safe from all harm entended by the evil one. Let our families draw from your strength. Bless them Lord. Thank you for our leaders. Thank you for their faithfulness. Give them wisdom and understanding. Guide them by your Holy Spirit. Thank you for this weekend. Thank you for lives changed and renewed. Praise and Glory be to you alone. In Jesus Name Amen!

Organizing 101

My dear friend sent me these helpful tips on organizing. With her permission I share them with you.

Organizing 101: Simplify…Simplify…Simplify

1. Prior to de-cluttering and organizing your house, begin by talking to "the author of order" – GOD. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and help. Pray that you will be able to bless your family by simplifying your life and also bless others with your excess (i.e. giving to others).
2. Adopt the philosophy that "less really is better". The less you have the less you have to maintain, clean, organize, and put back into its place later.
3. Determine what you will keep, give away or throw away! If you haven’t used something in 6 months, you probably don’t need it any longer and can then determine if it is trash or treasure for someone else. If you are struggling with getting rid of something, use the value approach. Evaluate the item based on the dollar value and assess what it would cost to buy in the event that later you determined that you needed it. If the value is nominal and could be easily replaced, simply get rid of it and don’t look back. Chances are…you will never miss it.
4. Remember that EVERYTHING has its own place in the house. This will help you big time in the future. No more searching and searching for anything – a huge time saver. Also, by getting the entire household involved, everyone can find and replace things themselves!!
5. When you start a project (or a room to organize), pull everything off the shelves and put into the middle of the floor. Not only does this give you perspective on what you have and the excess, you will also have a chance to clean in spots you never knew existed.
6. Remember that it is OK (and actually better) to NOT use all your shelves, storage bins and closets. Don’t justify keeping something just because there is "space". Even though it is in a box, it could still be clutter and something unnecessary to keep.
7. Once a room is completed and organized discipline yourself to keep things in their place. This may be some hard work initially, but if you continue to do it, it will become a habit. You will become very efficient in picking up your house in the future.
8. Celebrate the "little" victories along the way. Each completed room is one room closer to an organized home. Take before and after pictures so you can share your "recovery" someday with someone who may be in the exact shoes (or house) you are in right now.
9. Remember "with God all things are possible!"

Dreamer Update

The new DVD release date for Dreamer:Inspired by a true story is March 21. It was origannly suppose to be out the beginning of Feb...oh well...it is worth the wait.