Family ties....

This week has come and gone in a blur. It began with an offer on our home in KY....could this be the one? We still have several hurdles such as inspection on Tuesday (if you think to pray), but we'll see.

Next, came the saga of the mysterious rash that covers my upper back, chest, arms, and legs. I've been to two docs in two states and have had both a steriod pack and shot....maybe it's getting better? It's hard to say. Besides, they still have no clue what in the world caused it. But I do love how my friend, Les said that at least by taking steriods to heal I might also get buff! Love that!

And last but not least...my sweet nephew who was due to arrive 9.9.09 came 5 weeks early. My sister, Mel, went in for a normal appointment and found out her fluid was way low, and the baby had the cord wrapped twice. So, about 2 hours later they welcomed Ryan Kemp Simpson into the world via c-section. Due to his premature arrival, he was taken to a different hospital to a NICU because his lungs are not fully developed and because he has an infection. He's stable on the respirator currently, but they are hoping for a clear chest xray in order to proceed in weaning him off oxygen and getting him stronger. His heart has also been a bit of a concern, but we'll know more on that later.

Meanwhile, back at the beach Dad and I packed up and headed to NW AR to be with them. 17 hours later we arrived. Dad got to go in and meet Ryan, but I still haven't had the chance (only parents and grandparents are allowed in the NICU). I did stay with Mel overnight in the hospital, and we got to bring her home the following morning. Since then we've just been juggling the 3 other kids, meals, trips to the NICU, laundry and housekeeping, etc.

My precious hubs kept my two kiddos for two days at home while he worked, and then drove 12 hours to be with his family in Memphis. It will be crowded at his Mom and Dad's too because The Crenshaw recently sold their house and have moved in with Mom and Dad while waiting for their new home to be built.

I have been struck by how some people have communicated that they can't believe we'd come all this way...stay for extended time....how the hubs' family could tolerate all those people in the same house...etc. REALLY? Isn't that what family does/is? I know that I am blessed to be in a family (on both sides) that truly walks with the Lord and loves one another. I guess that's not the norm, but I can't imagine having it any other way. I'm so thankful for that! I feel so blessed! Thank you Lord! And thank you sweet family....for always being there to fill in the gaps in one another lives...what a picture of Christ you are to me and to all those who watch you in action!

Okay, last but not least....check out the pictures of the newest addition to our sweet family, Ryan Kemp Simpson. Please continue praying for his little life! Thank you! Oh, and if you want to link into Mel's blog just go to http://www.5simpsons.blogspot.com .

Limbo-land

I've been doing Beth Moore's study, "Jesus, The One and Only" with my friend Leslie. I've done the study once before, many years ago, but it's been nice to go through it again. It always amazes me how the Lord aligns my lessons to totally speak to my heart.

Just yesterday I was spewing hopelessness to my dear friend (and S.I.L), Erin. Unfortunately many of you have probably heard the same from me if you've talked to me in the past week. I've just been struggling with our family's current situation.

For those of you that aren't aware, 2 years ago we put our house in KY on the market at the prompting of the hubs getting a new job that would take us to TN. Fortunately, it ended up that the hubs could work from anywhere and after only a few months of separation he returned to KY to be with us while we tried to sell the house. Several months later, my Mom passed away and it became clear to us that we should/wanted to move down to FL to be with my Dad and just leave the house on the market. Again, the Lord provided for us through a renter. He needed a place to stay desperately for several months and in return he was able to take care of our home and pay a little towards our mortgage and bills.

This year has been so good for us in FL. We've fallen in love with the climate, the small town life of island living, being with Dad, our schedule and pace, and the new people in our lives.....and ultimately just have seen so much of what the Lord purposed this time to be. It has not been without it's challenges....which I'll just leave unnamed for now.

But all the while we've said that we will need to really pray through what we should do once the end of the year came, once our house in KY sells, etc. Well, the end of the year came and went and the house still hadn't sold. Oh, we've had plenty of traffic and a couple offers, but they were all fruitless. So, we decided that we would just keep the house on the market, continue to live here in FL (why uproot once again?), and pray, pray, pray for direction for the future.

So what is the point that originally propelled me into this recap? Well, when we think about the future decision we often feel that we have absolutely have NO direction. There are pieces that ultimately just won't fit into the same solution puzzle, which means we'll have to leave them behind. In essence, whatever we choose we feel like we will be sacrificing something important to us. And, more than anything we don't care to sacrifice it if we just felt like we knew that what we were choosing was what the Lord wanted. We just haven't heard Him on this.

But, it was good for me to re-read the story of Mary and Martha this morning...for many reasons, but mostly for v.42 where Christ stated that "Mary has chosen". The definition of the word "chosen" in the Greek includes this...."not necessarily implying the rejection of what is not chose, but giving favor to the chosen subject, keeping in view a relationship to be established between the one choosing and the object chosen. It involves preference and selection from among many choices."

See, we have many choices in regards to where to live. Each of those choices have lots of pros, some cons, but ultimately the struggle is that in choosing one means we don't choose another. It encouraged my heart to know that our choice will not necessarily imply rejection of the other. And, my wise S.I.L, Erin reminded me of this next point just last night.....that as we are seeking the Lord on what is next we might not truly come to some perfect solution for all the pieces. Something may have to die (some part of our preferences) as we make a selection. But in the end it will come down to a choice. And while Martha chose something good...opening her home to Christ, making preparations that were necessary, etc......Mary chose something better. She was undistracted, she made a choice, and as a result sat at the feet of her Savior listening...soaking up His widsom and love. Yes, we can make a good choice too and Christ will love us just as much. For He clearly loved both of these women regardless. But I so desperately want to make the better choice, the BEST choice! I pray the hubs will be undistracted as he seeks the Lord on leading our family in this area. I pray that we both will remember that many things are important in making this choice, but that only one thing is necessary....Christ. What He wants for us, where He is calling us, our relationships with Him.

We aren't necessarily up against a decision right now, but it's always there looming in the back of our minds... as we search to find our place in this community (and consider if it's even possible to find our place), as our house gets looked at and offers are made, as we hear from loved ones about their desire for us to be near them, as we think about needing to give Dad back his space (literally and figuratively), etc. And for some reason I've been feeling as though answers won't come.

But, as Beth Moore pointed out a few weeks ago and as my dear friend Leslie continues to remind me...God is at work right now purposing our future...even if it appears as if nothing is happening!

Thank you, Lord....for reminding me today that you are at work, you do care, you do have a plan, and that if we are seeking to make the BEST decision you will honor our hearts!

This-n-that

So, here's what I decided about me and blogging. I always feel like I have to have something really important to say before I write, or at least something that would be of interest to those family and friends who read it. I put this pressure on myself for it to be formed, funny, or just something. I need to chill, eh? I started this in order to keep our far-away family in the loop more, to help us journal life, etc...and yet that's not what's been happening because I put so much pressure on myself. So, I'm hoping that will begin to change.

As for what's going on here....we're just doing the summer thing. Pool, beach, Y, and lots of games and puzzles. I'm so impressed with how the kids are doing swimming. They both started the summer with NUTHIN', and I mean NUTHIN'. The hubs (a former nationally ranked swimmer) took on the task of teaching them and has done awesome. eWe is doing laps, and just yesterday began using an actual stroke. She loves diving down for rings and diving sticks and as of last weekend....doing cannonballs. Lil' C still wears floaties, but all on his own he began putting his face in the water and kicking. So one day I took the floaties off and worked with him swimming to me. He did great. He still doesn't grasp the concept of treading water, so he doesn't really know what to do once he comes up for air, but the hubs is working with him on it.

Games have been huge in our house lately too. I've pulled out all my old games....Uncle Wiggly, Guess Who, Sorry....it's been fun to actually play something other than Chutes-n-Ladders. They both BEG me to play games all day! I guess were going to have to find some more options so I don't pull my hair out.

As for me....I've been a slacker with my fitness goals this summer. I was derailed by all of our company in terms of time in the gym and eating. We ate out a lot, and it didn't help that I spent a lot of my time with my candyaholic, tv watching (b/c she doesn't have cable at home), pregnant but ususally stick thin sister! Ha! I didn't gain any of my previous lost pounds back, but I didn't make any progress either. So, I'm back to it. I still have 1/2 of my goal to go!

I've also decided to get certified to teach group fitness classes. I'm super nervous about this, but am not sure why. I think it's because it's one of the first things I've gone after for myself in a long while. I just don't want to disappoint myself. Plus, I am terrified whenever I imagine ever being in front of a class for the first time. Anyway, my test is in September, so for now I'm in studying mode.

What else....well, lots of things run through my mind.....

how should I best be discipling my almost 4 and 5 year old on a daily basis? Scripture memory, Bible reading, devotions?

how do I make time to be on the phone to stay connected to friends right now? I have such a short commute to anywhere here locally that car time doesn't work well. The kids are only in rest for 1 hour at the same time and that's when I have to study. The rest of the day is usually on a windy beach or in a pool. How do other people/moms do this?

what should our family do re: our living situation, house, future plans, etc. For those of you that don't know what I'm talking about...well, it's a long story....for those of you that do....sorry you have to hear it again.

Okay, I think I've emptied the think tank for the moment.....more later.

Savannah Steal-away

So, the hubs and I are on our weekend getaway in beautiful Savannah! So far we've shopped River Street, walked Factor's Walk (site of the old cotton exchange), went to The City Market (hip little square), walked Broughton Street (Fashion District), had dinner at The Olde Pink House (YUMMY!), and rested here at The Kehoe House (pictured above) in the James Pierpont Room (pictured below)....he's the guy who wrote "Jingle Bells".

So, today we are headed on a trolley tour and to do a bit more walking about before heading back to the Island, Lil' C and eWe, and "real" life:) So nice to escape every now and again!

Happy 5th Birthday, Sweet eWe!

Whew, what a day of fun celebration! We hit Chuck E. Cheese, ToysRUs, the pool, and ended with the party. What else is there? Ha! Here are a few snapshots of our day.


Lil' C and The Birthday Girl with the Main Mouse himself...Mr. Chuck E. Cheese!




Hello Kitty Cake




Lil' C and eWe suited up for the party!

Wordless Wednesday

I have friends who are better bloggers than I (not that it takes much to surpass my talent) that have chosen to do Wordless Wednesdays. I don't want to theme every day of my blogging week, but I thought it appropriate today. This was taken by my newest dear friend, Leslie, while we day tripped to St. Augustine with Aunt Lala and Gran yesterday. She's a photographer by trade....check out her work at Leslie See Photography. Amazing!

Meet-n-Greet Monday

So today I've decided that I want to introduce you to my sister, Melanie. Here she is last Christmas with her youngest, Will.



I like to call her "Felony"...but to be honest, I can't remember why? Alas...she is my older sister by 2 1/2 years. She is insanely funny (albeit inappropriately so at times), beautiful, easy to be with, kind and compassionate, generous, and very intelligent. She is the wife of a cop (Jeff), and mother to 4 (Jack (7 1/2), Ella-Kathryn (almost 5), Will (21+ months), and baby boy Simpson due 9.9.09.

As with all siblings, there once was a time when we were not friends. In fact, the story goes that when I was brought home from the hospital, Mel developed a limp in order to maintain her normal level of attention. From there she began to stuff my onesie, footie pjs full of toys (while on me), zip them up, and mercilessly roll me around on all the sharp edges. Can you say ANGER? I'd like to say that with age and time things got better....but, as you can imagine I only became more annoying to her as I was able to talk and bug her....something I'm sure I did well since my nickname from my Daddy was "Bugaloo"! This pattern pretty much continued on well into college. We were able to be around one another a bit more then, but our friendship didn't truly begin until 12 years ago. It was forged by some difficult circumstances in Mel's life, and we'll just leave it at that.

Since that time, 12 years ago we've both grown in our walks with the Lord, married, had children, and lost our Mom. Of course there is much more...but those are the biggies. She is now one of my dearest friends. We are very different, and yet similar. We sing in the same tone. We apparently sound alike on the phone....enough so even that my hubs can't tell us apart. We both are sighers. We both snort when we laugh. We both have a droopy eye. We can't sit together through church, a movie, or anywhere without giggling and getting in trouble. We are incredible at our version of "name that tune" where you snort the song quietly while lying in bed at night during sleepovers.

Oh, and there is so much more. She is a incredible writer, cook, wife, mother, Bible study leader, and friend. She's got a great eye for humor, a good magazine, decorating, interesting tv shows, and well...candy. You can't meet her without absolutely LOVING her! Lucky for me...I get to call her sister AND friend. Love you, Mel!

Harvesting

Now that this difficult year has come and gone, I've had time to reflect on how I've walked through it all. I have to admit that I struggle to feel that I did it in a manner that brought any glory to the Lord. It feels as though I've been selfish, inward focused, and just plain ol' uninvolved in the lives of those I care about. I feel disappointed in myself for not allowing the Lord to work in and through me more. I've been reassured by some that this is not the case, and can see and agree on some levels. But, all in all I've been so discouraged by this. I come by it honestly, though, as my Dad has expressed struggling with the same issue:) It's good to hear that from him b/c it makes me feel understood, but also b/c it forces me to speak the same truth I passed on to him, to myself.

I've been re-doing "Jesus, The One and Only" by Beth Moore this summer with a new, dear friend here. During the video session yesterday, Beth taught through The Sermon on the Mount. When she got to verse 21, "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh", she talked Psalm 126:3, 5-6. Here are the verses:

The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.

She talked about how when we are crawling through life (picture being on your knees weeping), that if we'll plant seed (the Word of God) in our hearts, lives, and the lives of those around us as we crawl, it will be watered by the tears that are falling from our faces. I love that image.

There are many times that I have been crawling through life this past year, weeping along the way. But, I do feel as though I have carried seed (God's truth) with me...at least in my own heart. I guess I just hope that maybe somehow God can redeem the places I neglected to plant seed in the lives of others....friends, my community, etc. Because while I'm gathing some sheaves in my own life, I don't want to have to live in the regret of not sowing all out for Him.... for that IS, after all, what I desire my life to be about.

But, of one thing I am certain.... "the Lord has done great things for us", and for that I am "filled with joy".

Gone Fishin'

Over the weekend we went to the a Kid's Fishing Clinic that was sponsored by the Florida Wildlife Commission. Poppy volunteers each year with our long time family friend and neighbor, Mr. Pete.

Poppy & Mr. Pete


There were a ton of kids, but it was well worth the wait. We learned to tie knots, about fish, habitats, tackle, and how to cast. Then at the end they gave us a rod and reel and sent us out on the pier to practice with shrimp for bait.


Here's lil' C all ready to go. Unfortunately, he wasn't quite patient enough with the process. Immediately after this picture was snapped, he and I threw in the towel and headed for the free hotdog lunch!



eWe on the other hand was a committed fisherman (or woman). She did an awesome job casting and reeling. I foresee many fun outings with her Daddy in her future.



And last but not least....here is the whole gang, minus Poppy behind the camera. A fun day for the family for sure!

Summer cuts

So, it's officially a record. All 5 of us got haircuts within 24 hours. I'd post pictures of us adults, but they aren't what you are after:) But, here are the kiddos.

Meet and Greet Mondays....

I decided to occasionally tell you all about special people in my life....hopefully on Mondays? We'll see. I feel like their lives are inspiring and should be shared. I may not reveal all about them at once, but wanted to at least begin to introduce you to them. So, this will be the first.....

We were so blessed to have my sister-in-law, Erin, and kiddos here last week. Austin (5), Olivia (3), and Eliana (6 months-ish). The kiddos adore each other and had a blast. And Erin is....well, incredible. While the hubs can obviously lay claim to knowing her first since he is her older brother, we could argue about who loves her the most:) She is DEAR to me.

If you met her, what would strike you first is her beauty. She is absolutely gorgeous. Huge smile, bright eyes, long and lean....just beautiful. But, followed closely behind that observation would be her warmth. She's never met a stranger. She makes you feel like you are the only person in the room and that you are the most interesting person she's ever met. And all of it is sincere.

As you get to know her more you would see that she is so committed to her walk with the Lord. She just wants to be sanctified, glorify Him, and live out the gospel in her own life and share it with others daily.

She's an amazing wife to Brian. She supports him in his work, she loves him well...exactly where he is, and she helps to encourage his strengths and stand in the gap of his weaknesses.

She's also an amazing mom. She disciplines and trains her children (my sweet nephew and nieces) with gentleness, love, grace, and truth. She plays creatively and is so fun and energetic.

For all of these reasons, Erin is a hero of mine. I look to her to be challenged and inspired in my faith, and in my role as wife and mom. Perhaps, though, what I treasure more than all of that is her friendship. We have many of the same struggles, and are often walking through them at the same time. She encourages me to press on, she challenges me to dig deeper and allow the Lord to work, and she loves me no matter what. She seeks after life changing truth, is so wise, and has the gift of passing that on to others in a precious manner. She truly leaves a mark for Christ in all her relationships.

She would deny all of this....or down play it....because that's who she is....humble. I'm sure she'd like me to mention that she isn't perfect.....but, instead let me just say that she is incredible and real. No one is perfect right? But, everyone should be so blessed as to have a friend like her. And if you have the opportunity to meet her or do life with her....treasure it. She's a rare gem. And while all glory is due to Christ, and that's how she would prefer I leave this, I would like to say that she was fashioned by God in an extra special way. Love you, E!

Seasons of Love

Okay so today is a twofer on the blog (yes, I'm actually posting two today...sorry!). I just have always loved this song from the musical RENT, and was reminded of it many times in the last year. But, perhaps more so yesterday, in a new light....as I reflected back on the significance of a year of life without Mom.

The year didn't come all at once, but one day at a time. God's grace and mercies were fresh each day and coupled with the prayers and support of so many that love us....we made it! Lot's more ground to cover in the days, months, years, and lifetime ahead....but we know we are not alone! Thank you for all of you who blessed us in so many different ways!

525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear. 525,600 minutes - how do you measure,
measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee. In
inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife. In 525,600 minutes - how do you
measure a year in the life?
How about love? How about love? How about love? Measure in love. Seasons of
love.

525,600 minutes! 525,000 journeys to plan. 525,600 minutes - how can you measure
the life of a woman or man?

In truths that she learned, or in times that he cried. In bridges he burned, or
the way that she died.

It’s time now to sing out, tho the story never ends let's celebrate remember a year in the life of friends. Remember the love! Remember the love! Remember the love! Measure in love. Seasons of love! Seasons of love.

Simply the best: Mom

So, yesterday marked an entire year without my Mom. Quite hard to believe! A sweet friend of our family, from church, sent this via my Dad. Such precious words that somehow bring comfort.

God saw her getting tired and a cure was not to be.

So He put His arms around her and whispered "come to me."

With tearful eyes we watched her, and saw her pass away.

Although we loved her dearly, we could not make her stay.

A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best

Mamacitas

Okay, so my sister just sent me this link to another blog with a devotion for moms. I just felt like it would encourage any of you, who like me, feel like you are royally screwing your kiddos up each day:) It gives me hope to know that I don't have to be June Cleaver to avoid big therapy bills for them later in life! Ha! Hope you enjoy and are encouraged by "Embracing Who I Am" as much as I did.

Sweet eWe!

Our sweet eWe officially completed her year at Miss Kate's Pre-K (MKPK) this week. It seems like just yesterday I posted her "first day of school" picture on this very blog! My, my! I must say, eWe was not one of those children that I felt like needed preschool for the learning or the social aspect. I did, however, feel like it would be helpful for her to sit under someone else's authority....someone with whom she couldn't pull the drama/emotional card. Miss Kate was definitely the right choice!

I also never intended to send her to everyday preschool. I was really looking for a 2 day/week program. It was a bit of a shocker for me to have her gone so much. I kind of feel like I went through what so many will go through when their kiddos go to Kindergarten. But, in the end I feel like it was great for her and very appropriate for me for the emotional year we've had. Thank you, Lord for knowing just what each of us needed and providing for it perfectly!

So, before I share the pictures let me just say to eWe....We are so very proud of you sweetheart. Certainly your biggest academic accomplishment this year has been reading. You decided that you loved words at a very young age. You talked non-stop, asked to be read to, pretended to read, and showed great interest in learning letters and their sounds. Then this year you truly took it to a whole new level by teaching yourself how to read. You amaze us everyday with your abilities!

You've also done such a great job respecting the authority of your teachers, following instructions, including other children and even pursuing them in friendships. You've learned about famous artists, foreign countries, numbers, letters, and all sorts of fun things. Perhaps, though, what I hope you take away most from this year (and me too, as I seem to struggle with this very thing) is that you can be most proud of yourself, not for succeeding, but for trying. You are so able and capable that you will not often meet with failure. And while that amazes me, I also pray that you don't find your worth in your abilities. I pray that you learn to handle failure well. I pray that you will take risks by trying things you don't think you will be good at. I pray that you will know that without Christ, all of your accomplishments are but rubbage. Do it for Him and through Him always, honey!

Okay, so on to the pictures.....

Their last day was "Pajama Day" at school. Here she is dressed and ready to go...





Here is our gang (minus me behind the camera) at the MKPK graduation pot-luck dinner.



And here is the dynamic duo serving up some yummy Shake's to all those parents and kiddos....I love that one kid asked for "just sprinkles, no ice cream". Way to know what you like and go for broke!



And last, but definitely not least....here is Miss Kate (a.k.a The World's GREATEST teacher) handing eWe her "diploma" and a little advice tailored just for her...."have fun in Kindergarten and keep on reading!"

55 minutes that might just change your life....

There are NOT words. The next 55 minutes of your life will not be wasted if you choose to follow this link and listen to what Rachel Barkey knows....

I'm trading it in, layin' it down....for the joy of the Lord is my strength!

A year ago today we were traveling down here to surprise my Mom for Mother's Day. That seems like ages ago. When we arrived at their house on Saturday morning, we tiptoed down the hall to her bedroom where she was just getting up. My Dad had intentionally left the double doors to their bedroom closed to help with the surprise. Yesterday as I opened those same doors to get something from Dad's room the sound of the creaking door took me right back to that moment. We opened them and she was standing next to her bed and we said, "Surprise, Happy Mother's Day!" She was surprised! And, although my Mom was not a woman given to expressing a lot of emotion outright, she spent the rest of the day telling others about her surprise visit. It was obvious that it blessed her.

We stayed for a few days. The next time I saw her was only a week later after having received the call from Dad saying that we need to come right away. I'm so thankful for that last visit at Mother's Day 2008! This one will probably prove to be my hardest, for sure. Will they ever be the same? But I was encouraged by the message from another blog I read, "Girltalk". If you have a chance to read it, click on the link and do so, but if you don't here is what I took from it as treasures...

"If He has purchased our salvation through the suffering and sacrifice of His son, we can trust that He is working good in the midst of our suffering.

May I encourage you to pour out your heart to the Lord of love? He knows, He sees, and he hears. Your tears are not lost on your heavenly Father. He is the compassionate Lord who urges you to draw near to Him. “I, I am he who comforts you” he declares (Is. 51:12).

It was said of Jonathan Edwards that even in the midst of being falsely accused and persecuted his “happiness was out of the reach of his enemies.” Your loss may be much greater, but the truths of the cross can also put your happiness out of the reach of your sorrows."

So, can I have a HAPPY Mother's Day? I'm not sure. I'm one who LOVES any reason to celebrate others, and even have loved seeing the creative things my hubs and kiddos have come up with in past years. Well, except for that one year where the hubs broke my blender in April and then gave ME a new one for Mother's Day...what in the world?? Ha!

My favorite gift was a cross that the hubs help eWe paint and put glitter on for my cross wall! I cherish that and she still knows that it was something special she did for me. Precious!

So, while it may be quite sad....I'm praying for myself and so many other women who find this day hard for various reasons....that the truths of the cross will put our happiness out of the reach or our sorrows....that we could trade our sorrows, our pain, our anger and bitterness, our loneliness or despair all in. That we could lay it all down for the joy of the Lord. My favorite verse for quite some time is Nehemiah 8:10, "..for the joy of the Lord is my strength." May that be true for all of us this Sunday.

By the way....does anyone want to share what their favorite Mother's Day gift to give or receive has been?

Oh what a day...

sometimes i just feel like its an all lowercase day. i've not even got the emotional energy to push shift. it's the whole parenting gig that sends me in a tailspin. i just feel like how my kids are doing is such a direct reflection on how i am parenting them. i know, i know....you are shaking your heads at me saying that its not true. but i bet you feel the same way, right?
well, at any rate, today was one of those days that i felt like an utter failure. eWe is a precious child. But she is mighty dramatic, annoyingly emotional about everything and nothing, and recently has decided to forget all the basic rules of respect and obedience that we've seemingly been drilling into her for almost 5 years. she almost acts like its a game when i give her instruction....like she can smile and not obey right away and that will be funny. i hate it for you sister, but i ain't laughin'. not even on the inside. ugh. and since when does our rule that "you never solve your problems with your hands" go flying out the window? this is day 5 of having pushed her brother. granted he's deserved it, technically speaking.....he's just such a little brother, ya know? but regardless, your responses still have to be based on the holy spirit not your flesh, little one. double ugh.

so, unfortunately for her today she met her match. i sent her to her bed to "think about it". that is something i had to do as a kid and never really understood what i was to do with myself. so, why did i send her? well, first off...if i didn't i might have been tempted to hang her by her toes. and besides that...well i just was at a loss as to what else to try. in an effort to improve the process (no offense mom and dad), i did go in and give her specific bullet points to think on. oh, c'mon, you would expect nothing less from me...miss type A, right? (notice i did make the "A" an uppercase just b/c i know its true of me). At any rate, it seems to have penetrated her little heart some.

her actions at dinner were much better. she also lost other special priveledges (dessert, webkin usage indefinitely, etc), which may have been the straw that broke the camels back persay...who knows.

now, my sweet daughter, is sitting in her room for the remainder of the evening copying, "obey your parents in the Lord" (he gets an uppercase too) and "do unto others and you would have done to you" 5x. if you know her at all, though, she probably is kind of enjoying this part. she loves to do work and learn....seriously. but, i'm still hoping that this afternoon will stick with her for a while. if not, well there are always 10 other options....her toes!

Recycle Life

So today has been jammed packed....pancake bfast to raise money for eWe's school, followed by a charity walk/run/bike, followed by a baby shower for a friend. The cause was for organ donation...a great one! So, I just wanted to give a shout out and ask if you all are donors? If not, would you consider it? Recycle life!

Unlocking the mystery....

So my sister is at her ultrasound right now finding out what #4 will be...boy or girl. I asked my 4 year old, eWe, what she thought it would be. She said "girl" and that they should call her "flower". I think if my sis gets a girl she'll be happy to name it just about anything:) (her boys have been more difficult than her girl thus far). Anyway, so eWe wanted to know how they could see the baby inside her aunt. So, we talked about the ultrasound a little. Then the convo went like this:

eWe: Mom, how can they tell it's a girl or a boy?
me: Well, what is different about a boy and a girl?
eWe: A boy's hair is shorter.
me: So you mean if I cut your hair you'd be a boy?
eWe: Noooooooooo, Mom. I'd still have my eWe face.
me: Okay, what else is different about boys and girls?
eWe: Ummm...boys wear "car" clothes.
me: Well, if I put a "car" shirt on you would you be a boy?
eWe: Noooooooooooooo, Mom.
me: Besides, eWe...babies don't wear clothes before they are born, and some don't have hair.
eWe: Oh, I got it (very serious about her discovery)...girls like pink flowers and boys like orange flowers.
me: eWe...the baby doesn't have any flowers in your aunt's "belly" and it can't talk to tell us it's preferences. Besides, I like orange flowers...am I a boy?
eWe: Noooooooooooo, Mom!
me: eWe, what do you and your brother have that is different from one another that makes you a girl and him a boy?
eWe: I don't know....toys?
(oh my gracious, we are getting no where! but I sure am cracking up!)
me: I want you to think about boys and girls' bodies...what's different?
eWe: Ummm...that our birthdays are not the same?
me: Huh? Where is your brain?
eWe: Hold on, I'm going to go get it and get it ready.
me: Oh my! Okay, last try...what is different about little man's body?
eWe: Think, think, think...I don't know...that I'm bigger than him and have tan skin?
me: No eWe!
eWe: okay, no more thinking. I'm not doing any more and I'm not going to pay attention.
me: Okay last question (i know, i know...i said that already). What do you and little man do differently to go potty?
(the light bulb goes off...finally! too funny!)

Winding down Spring Break

So this is officially our last day of Spring Break. I'm so thankful eWe's school always gives you an extra day to recoup from travel...nice perk. We had a great trip to KY and TN. My cup of friendship overflows! I'll try to put the pics on the slide show. Here are the kiddos in their Easter duds. Amazingly, eWe's dress from last year still fit. It was the last gift my sweet Mom purchased for her so it was certainly special to be able to wear it again.

Easter

I've traveled back to KY for Spring Break and was able to get a few more things we'd left behind in the move. One of the things I picked up were our Resurrection Eggs. It's funny how well they help to get the message of Easter across in a memorable way. As I pulled them out yesterday to go through them with "eWe" she said, "I remember those from last year, Mom. We talked about the donkey and stuff on our couch in KY when we lived there, right?" Right! I'm so glad that something stuck with her. But this year she was way more into it....she wanted to know how if Jesus got his blood and water back (that came out when they pierced his side to ensure he was dead) when he was resurrected. WOW...what a great question! Well "eWe", the blood and water did prove that He was in fact dead. And his resurrection wasn't just a spiritual one, it was physical as well....so I'd say "yes". But, in all my 33 years I've never thought of that before.

At any rate, while today is worthy of words....I have just seven. Thank you, Jesus! You have risen indeed!

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." "HE HAS RISEN!"

What about now?

So, with the help of my big sis I just added some music to the blog. The song playing is "What about now" by Daughtry. You (all two of my blog readers) may have noticed it was in my playlist that I ran to the other day. While I was running there was one verse in particular, and part of the chorus that really stuck out to me....

The sun is breaking in your eyes
To start a new day.
This broken heart can still survive
With a touch of your grace.
Shadows fade into the light.
I am by your side,
Where love will find you.

What about now?
What about today?
What if you're making me all that I was meant to be?

Some of you know that this year has been full of change for me...yes, most importantly my Mom's death.....hence the reference to a "broken heart". But, recently I've felt the truth in these words...that the sun is beginning to break, and that it's the start of a new day. But, it's only with a touch of His grace that these shadows of pain and sorrow are beginning to fade. It's the reminder that He is by my side loving me each and every step of the way.

And yeah, Mr. Chris Daughtry....you've nailed it..."What about now?"....

Well, not that it is directly related...although it is to me.....but I've been working on a personal goal of mine, pretty intensely....getting fit, losing weight, etc. Hence the running:) And, when I began this journey, I made a private decision to do it in honor of my Mom. One, because later in her life she struggled with her weight and thus self-image. But, also because I felt that it would be something she would want me to be free of...this battle with not liking who I am. And, for those of you who read this blog (again, all two of you) you know that my motto for the year is "Thirty-three....Being me! Being Free!" So, I opted to set a goal to lose a total of 61 lbs....one for each year of my Mom's life. Now that I've begun, though, I'm not sure if it will be possible b/c I'm losing inches due to weight training. I may get close and feel like any further won't be healthy, but we'll see. Right now I'm 26 lbs. down. I opted to share this now b/c if I waited until the end it might have seemed like an afterthought that it was in her honor. So there you have it. And, that brings me full circle to the end of Mr. Daughtry's song...."What if you are making me all that I was meant to be?" I feel empowed in this endeavor, and wonder what He's going to use it for...me for. Whatever it may be, I pray that it might glorify Him and honor my Mom.

"The whole is other than the sum of its parts." (Koffka)

Single Ladies Put a Ring on it (Beyonce)
Home (Daughtry)
Ready to Run (Dixie Chicks)
Callin' Baton Rouge (Garth Brooks)
Carolina in My Mind (James Taylor)
Morning Song (Jewel)
Sunrays and Saturdays (Vertical Horizon)
Least Complicated (Indigo Girls)
Bubbly (Colbie Caillat)
What about Now (Daughtry)
Wide Open Space (Dixie Chicks)
I'll Be (Edwin McCain)
Put Your Records On (Corinne Bailey Rae)
Take My Breath Away (Emma Bunton)
Power of Two (Indigo Girls)

To many these "parts" may just seem like a fun, throw back playlist from my ipod. But, to me, today it is a "whole" lot more (pun intended). It represents 5 miles of running. I've always wanted to run, enjoy it, etc....but never have. This is the first time in my life that I can actually say that I get it....I get why people enjoy it, why they push themselves to go farther and be faster. Wednesday I went out and did 3.2, today it was 5....it makes me feel fit, capable, and motivated to push myself even harder next time. Love that! It's kind of like a game to me now. I have to give props to Dawn for helping me figure out the heart rate bit, to Leslie for helping realize it was 99% mental, and to Erin for inspiring me by just picking up and training for a half. It takes a whole village people, it really does! Ha!

Our Creative Side

Little man decided to kill some time on one of our Wednesday PJ days by playing with silly putty. He exclaimed, "Mom! Look! I made a person!" So, here is a picture of him sculpting and proudly displaying his creation.













And here is our little miss on the back porch "practicing her tricks" so she can "join the circus".
















And last but not least....I'd hate to leave out the hubs (and Poppy, although not pictured here)....here he is building a bunk room in the attic. Right now it's just framing, drywalling, sanding and painting...but it promises to be a grandkids' dream come true!

Never a dull moment when the creative juices start flowing around here. Watch out world! Ha!

The short-handed update........

Well, once again I've let time slip by. I've been recovering from an injury, scrapbooking, knitting, going to Disney, visiting with Cat, turning 33, starting a new Bible study, celebrating the hubs' bday, meeting with my new precious friend/mentor Caryl, suffering through shingles, nursing sick kiddos, working out, praying for my sweet nephew J (as he was hurt and in the hospital for DAYS), sending wishes to my sis-in-law/dear friend for her 30th, doing the normal daily grind, and well I guess that does it! Or maybe I forgot a few things?

Now, I'm gearing up for the next wave of "life"....celebrating 7 years with the hubs, traveling to a family reunion, finding out what my sis is having (baby #4), having Mar and Tucker visit, and returning to Disney! I'm sure there'll be more mixed in there...there always is, right! Ha!

So that's the short-handed version of life for us.

Now for the short-handed version of my heart....Well, God has been convicting me and stripping me (slowly) of my perfectionism and my people-pleasing "junk". He's been teaching me to serve for all the right reasons (not that I'm doing it yet). He's been teaching me to hold my tongue when others offend me. He's been teaching me to care more about what He thinks of me, and helping me to be more free to be the person He's created me to be. There's a lot more behind all of that, but that sums it up.

And, that brings me to my motto for my Thirty-third year....."Being Free at Thirty-Three". Silly? Maybe. I just want to experience more of Him and what He has for me rather than being tied to doing, saying, and being what others think I should do, say, and be.

And, now for my new life motto courtesy of Erma Brombeck:
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me."

Yes, that's what I am asking and trusting Him for each day...that by the time I put my head on the pillow I would have used it all....all that He entrusted to me for that day! Pray with me on this one as you think of me!

Do any of you have life mottos and verses? I'd love to hear them!

Navigating Nature

It was a bit chilly (for Florida) yesterday...low 50s...but I still felt like we needed to get out of the house. So, after hitting the Y with the kiddos, we checked out some nature trails that a major local resort offers. It worked out well that they were paved. They led to the beach too, which was a fun surprise ending for them. In typical fashion, E had to be the leader. She is such a firstborn female! She even took over the map (fortunate for me there was only one way there and back). Also in typical fashion, C had to find the biggest, most dangerous stick to carry along as his "weapon", "tool", and ultimately "souvenir". Somehow I convinced him to exchange his stick for a map at the end so the car ride home was more manageable. Those two crack me up!

We went, we saw, and we considered joining....

The circus! Chad took all of us to Zing Zang Zoom yesterday! It was our kid's first time to go to the circus, and it was F-U-N! They read about them in books, but they couldn't have imagined the realness of the excitement, danger, and fun! E was especially thrilled. She had to cover her mouth and eyes half them time because she just couldn't believe things were possible or because she couldn't stand the anticipation! I loved it! It was so magical....it made us all feel like kids again!

The failures, struggles, and desires the person they call "Mom"!

We've had a lot of fun already this new year. But, the day in and day out of being a mom can truly be a struggle for me. Mostly because I desire to do it well, and always fear that I'm setting my kids up for years of counseling! Ha! I'm certain that if I would not give over to my flesh, pray more throughout the day, take deeper breaths and just let go of the little things it would be much better. Not too much to ask or expect, right? HA!

I will say, though....when I stop and look at their precious faces, when I hold them in my arms, when I watch them sleeping....I get it. None of it matters and I just need to chill out. I need to some how find a way to not let their repetitive questions, their current blaring sin/discipline issues, and their emotional drama get to me. That is but a mere blink of my day. I need to focus on the precious children God created them to be, and the AMAZING people He's training them to become. I'm part of that process, and I need to glorify Him in my role. You can pray for me as you think of it...I know it will be a continued journey for sure, but I really want to take the time to surrender this to Him and pray my way through it. How could I not?

Visit with Miss Nicole

Last week marked our first visit from a friend since having moved to Florida...Miss Nicole! It was such a great time of connection and fun for all of us. She is getting ready to embark on a 6 month trip to Nimibia, Africa in order to serve with African Inland Missions (A.I.M). It is such a great privilege to be a part of her team and pray her through this time. If you think of her, and our other dear friend Tricia who will be with her, please pray for them....for protection, fruitfulness in both their lives and in their ministry, and for both Nimibia and their own hearts to be left changed forever.

MLK Choir

We had the privilege this year to participate in a MLK celebration. Emily sang in a musical with other children, most (if not all) of whom were African-American. It was amazing on so many levels....coming together with others who are different from us, supporting our community in it's entirety rather than the pieces that we fit into "best", and truly stopping to honor a man who changed the face of our nation and our world. Emily also loved, on the simplest level, making new friends and singing. She did a great job with her line, "predjudice or injustice"! Here she is dressed and ready to go and one of her at the performance.

Being faithful in the little things....

I just read about the life of Betty Olsen who was a missionary nurse that traveled to Vietnam during the war. That in and of itself is amazing, right? But, what was most amazing about her is that she was captured, mistreated, and yet all the while she tended to the other captives, shared Christ with them, and then with her dying words told her captives of her and God's love for them...no matter that they had tortured and killed her. Stinkin' AMAZING, right?

I struggle a little in reading that because I feel like what I do each and every day will never amount to much for the Lord. I haven't been called to some war torn remote village (yet), I haven't been taken captive (even if some days I feel trapped by the world's demands), and I don't have any true enemies to speak of (although I am a pain in the #@& and I'm sure I'm often not people's favorite or have let them down). I want so desperately to leave a handprint on this world...not for my glory, but for HIS! I want my life to be story-worthy...again, not with my name attached. It could just be that someone writes, "Once there was this woman...". I just want to make a difference. I know, I know...I have been called to the high honor of motherhood, and being a wife. And I do consider that a blessing. I want to disciple my children and love on my hubs. Truly!

But, is that enough? Believe me, I'm not asking to be malnourished with leeches hanging from my legs....but, I do want to use all that I am. And, the sigh of relief comes for me when I finally get it...that's all Nurse Betty wanted too. She didn't set out to be a martyr for the faith. She set out to be faithful in the small things. She obeyed the call to become a nurse, which led her to a job, that led her to a church, that led her to a ministry, that led her to Vietnam, etc.

So, today I suppose I will obey the call to spend time with the Lord, look for ways to serve my family, reach out to love others in my life, and pray that today He would teach me a little more about living my life in light of my faith.

Our ADVENTure

Well, so much for consistently keeping up this blog! Life! I have to admit, I'm always a dreamer when it comes to the vast amount I'd like to accomplish. Alas!

Anyway, we are enjoying all the fun activities around town...a trolley ride downtown, the Christmas parade, cookie baking, etc. But, now that the kids are old enough to "get it", Advent has become my favorite time in this season. Every night....well when we can remember and get it together in time....we have been reading a little advent story and moving Mary and Joseph closer to the manger as the take their journey to Bethlehem. Somehow, this story that I've heard over and over again has seemingly new meaning to me as I watch it take hold in my kiddos eyes.

We had the privilege of lighting the Advent candle at church last week, and our picture was put in the paper. And while that in and of itself is just a neat advantage of small island living, what's even cooler is what our Pastor said to the kiddos today....that everything they do is a witness to others and a way for them to tell others about Christ. So, my prayer is that they'll talk about what we are doing at home and well, so will I! Waiting anxiously for Christ!!!!

Hearts, Musicals, and well ...the thankfulness of a type A!

I was reading in Ezra this morning, and was just struck at the first few lines, "...the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia...". What a mighty God we serve! Because even later after an insecure King Artaxerses shut down the rebuilding to the temple, God then appointed Darius as King and it was better than before. He not only allowed the rebuilding to begin, but paid for all of it! So, as we sit here in Post-election America with some celebrating the victory of Obama, and some bemoaning what that might mean for our nation, I have to wonder....since when do we put our trust in one man? No, no....the LORD moves hearts! And even when it seemingly doesn't go our way....its always going His! Whew!

I was also struck, considering the upcoming holiday, that the people gave "freewill offerings...according to their ability" for the rebuilding of the temple. And, as they did there wasn't instant gratification. It took YEARS and many, many people. But,when only the foundation had been laid, they stopped, "with praise and thanksgiving, they sang to the Lord: 'He is good; his love endures forever'". I've always said that I wished I lived in musical (wouldn't that be a blast to sing to one another all the time? Ha!)! No, but it challenged me, once again, to give freely and accordingly to the Lord.....and to stop in the midst of the basics and the little things and totally abandon myself to give HIM all the glory! It's kind of like when I watch my little 3 year old at Creative Movement class at the YMCA on Monday mornings. Those kiddos have no inhibitions and are running around acting like animals, being so silly! I want to stop and do that in honor of the Lord this Thanksgiving. Okay, maybe not in the same manner....although I'm sure my family would enjoy the show! Ha! And it might prove difficult for me to adopt this habit daily as I should because I'm a type A and we don't like to stop work for anything that seems trivial and not about the end goal.

But, it's not trivial. Because if the Lord is out there moving the hearts of men that seem to be unmoveable, then the least I can do is freely and accordingly offer all that I have and am, and then stop and give thanks and praise for His purposes being carried out. Simple, right? Ha!

Sweet eWe!

My little girl is such a sweetheart....always wanting to be a big helper. She helps me fold laundry, helps Poppy with the gardening, and loves to help cook. Ms. Maribel, a dear family friend, made this adorable apron for her. The very next morning, she woke up, put it on, pulled a stool up to the kitchen counter, and waited to help Poppy with our traditional weekend breakfast (grits, bacon, and eggs). I love her servant's heart and her amazing work ethic. I just have to learn to be a little more patient with the outcome of her help and how it slows the process down. Who knew making toast could take 10 minutes, eh? Ha!

Camping

So our first attempt at camping went pretty well....minus E stepping into a pile of fire ants! The kids loved playing in the tent and just the adventure of it all. We definitely want to make more time for this as a family!

Halloween

We had fun trick-or-treating, but it was a slow start. Emily kept tripping in her high heels, they were asking for more than one piece of candy, ringing the doorbells multiple times (annoying the owners), and walking over flower beds. Once we got the trick-or-treating etiquette down things went a bit smoother. By the end of the night, Emily was saying, "I want to go to bed, I'm Tiiiirrreeed!" Hilarious!