Go Colts!

I'm not a huge football fan but we were rooting for the Colts in this Super Bowl. So glad that they won! RYAN - I bet you are beside yourself!

Our small group had a Super Bowl party tonight at Tammy & Benjamin's house. WOW - there was a lot of people there. I didn't count but I know Tammy had said she thought there would be 9 couples and 16 kids. It was a lot.

Here are some pictures (notice the upstairs play room in complete chaos and the calm of the tv room downstairs!)







And, one of Owen's favorite people to sit with, Ashley!

Back in the saddle again.

The scrapbooking saddle that is!!! After putting off straightening out my craft room, I finally got it done this past week and started putting it to use last night. Might not sound like a big deal to some but one of the ways that I recharge is doing something creative, mainly scrapbooking & stamping. I do other things like tatting, quilting, knitting, crocheting, etc but the thing I love to do the most is scrapbooking. I don't think I've sat and scrapped at home in a LONG time. While in OK I used to get together with friends occassionally to scrap and had a blast but it was always a challenge to get all my stuff together and take to someone's house. It is SO nice to have everything in a place and be able to pull them out as I need to.

Here is my scrapbook room & the closet.






Here are some of the pages that I did tonight. A little explanation - For each kid I am doing a BIRTHDAY BOOK. I put pics from each birthday in their own special book. I have such a hard time keeping up with my albums that I figured that it would be nice to have one album that I could keep up with. NOTE: The first 3 pages were already done but I figured I'd include them so you could see what the book looks like - easy since I am only now working on his 2nd birthday (he's 3).

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Snow day!

Well, we have snow here in Smyrna, TN! There was actually a dusting of snow yesterday morning, hardly enough to cover the cars, and it melted off pretty quickly. The crazy thing was that all the schools were out. I remember my first winter storm when we moved to Colorado Springs from Houston - it snowed several feet overnight and we STILL had school the next day. We were NOT loving the new superintendent from Alaska that morning. So - cancelling school for a trace of snow made me laugh.

At any rate, we got up this morning to more snow - about 1 -1.5 inches - not alot but enough to play in.

I got the kids all bundled up and took them outside. They had a blast. Here are some pics.









After we got done outside we came inside and made SNOW ICE CREAM. Morgan really wanted it to be pink but had I been thinking, I would have colored it YELLOW - lol! It was actually pretty good - never made that before. Here is a pic of the kids mixing the ingredients together and then enjoying their ice cream.

Are you fatiguing your faith muscle?

This week in my Wed. morning book study our leader,Amanda, shared something that I've been thinking a lot about and I thought I'd share it here.

Amanda was talking about how as a personal trainer she was always trying to get her clients to see that it wasn't enough to do the amount of reps & weight that you knew you could do easily but that you had to push yourself. The goal was to use your muscle until it was fatigued so that it could break down and rebuild stronger. I'm not a personal trainer so I'll just take her word for it on that one.

We can think of our faith in Christ as a muscle. If we want to grow in our faith we need to exercise it, not just by doing what we are comfortable but by pushing ourselves, fatiguing our faith, if you will.

What do I mean by that?

One young lady shared that a year ago she would not have thought to attend a small group study like this one and that it was a big, uncomfortable step to start coming. Now it was easy & comfortable to come. She stepped out, fatigued her faith muscle and got stronger. Now she needs to look for new ways to strengthen her faith in Christ.

I am horrible about having a consistent quiet time. I read the Bible, pray & study but it's not consistent. For me, I think I need to exercise my faith muscle by getting up early every morning and spending time with God. I have to admit, I wanted to start this morning and I failed. Two kids in my bed at 4:30 am didn't make me want to get up at 5 am. Still, I know that I need to persevere, to get my tired tail out of bed and be excited about what God will teach me and how He'll use it to strengthen my walk with Him.

What do you need to do to step out of your faith comfort zone?

I need to write a book

And I'm going to title it, "The many poop adventures of Drew." I know, you are probably tired of hearing the stories of all the places that my kid poops but since we are in the middle of potty training, it is what I'm kind of focused on.

Yesterday I was over at Tammy's house and I hear Drew call for me. I go to find that the had gone into Benjamin's study (not supposed to be in there in the first place) AND that he had pooped. He was in underwear, not a pull-up, and I knew he pooped because I looked down and it was ON HIS SOCK!!!!! Tammy has a lot of area with hardwood floors but of course my kid had to poop on top of WHITE CARPET!! Thankfully it wasn' t a lot but still.

How long does it take before they know how to do their business in the potty all the time?

Eric tried out for American Idol - did you see him?

Okay, so a different Eric Mueller tried out for American Idol in California and, well, he wasn't that good - he was terrible. It was funny seeing Eric's name on the TV even though it wasn't the REAL Eric Mueller.

This is kind of funny to us though because Eric Mueller seems to be a popular person, at least in our lives. First, there was the Eric Mueller that was wanted for homicide in PA. My dad and brother-in-law were tempted to call in and tell them they knew where he was! :) If that wasn't enough, there was another Eric Mueller in Bartlesville who robbed a bank and was on the news. It became even more ironic when my Eric went to pick up some xrays to take to the orthopedic dr. and the hospital gave him the xrays from the bank robbing Eric Mueller. It seems that BOTH the Eric's were at the hospital the same day and had xrays. How crazy is that.

So, while this latest Eric Mueller stunk really bad at singing, at least he wasn't a criminal.

Several things (Poop-fil-A, Target, Life of Hope, Weary Moms)

How do you like that title?

I'm sitting here at my kitchen table with the door to the garage open so I can see if my sons wake up. They are in the car, in the garage (garage door closed), asleep. They are in their jackets and they are warm, I assure you, I just didn't want to try and get two sleeping boys inside.

So - let's start with Chick-Fil-A, I mean POOP-Fil-A. I went there today with Tammy & Suzanne after the Discovery Center so the kids could eat something other than McD's and could play. Now, there is some history with my son and CFA, long story short, the past 2 times he's come out wearing a shirt, shoes, coat & no pants because he suddenly turns into Sr. Poops-A-Lot when we go there. I was prepared today. I had a change of clothes (for him & me) and plenty of pull-ups. Not one to disappoint, Drew dirtied himself shortly after starting to play. We're making progress though - this time it stayed in his pull-up!

On another note, there was an awful child in the play area today that was hitting & kicking everyone. He hit Drew in the face and another girl. I wasn't sure who his mom was or if she was even in there so I told him that if I saw him hit another kid that I would find his parent. Come to find out later, she was sitting right there and probably heard me talk to him. Well, later he hits another kid pretty hard, three times and a few others. This kid's grandpa was pretty upset & rightfully so. He asked who his mom was and she finally stopped talking to her friend long enough to realize that he was talking about her kid. Now, if that was my child and I just learned that he was hitting people, I would have been mortified and you can bet on the fact that my sons tail-end would have been "blessed" with a spanking. Not this kid - his mom got into the face of this grandpa and asked him what his problem was talking to her that way. That's when several others of us piped up and said that her kid had hit our kids too. She didn't care. I was leaving and the grandpa went and got the management. It just amazes me how parents can be like that.

After going to CFA I went by Target as I had some time to kill before picking up Morgan from school. They were having a good clearance on clothes so I bought some for Morgan. The guy rang me up and then folded all the clothes. In that time the register had timed out and he brought my order back up, much LESS than what it should have been. I told him I thought it was a mistake several times but he insisted that it wasn't. I walked away, heading toward the exit when I decided that I couldn't just leave it like that. Call me crazy, free stuff from Target - but it just felt like stealing. I went to the customer service area and told the guy there what had happened and he too looked at me like I was nuts. After telling him that I didn't want to steal and what had happened, he told me to not worry about it and that it was fine. What else could I do? I mean, I told the cashier twice & the customer service people and none of them seem to think it was any big deal. So - thank you Target for the free stuff today.

My friend, Becca had a link to this blog and it was so good. It is titled "It gets easier" and it made me feel good. Sometimes I think I make being a mom of three look so difficult, birth control for anyone watching, and I wonder if I'll ever get it together. It was nice to see that it does get easier. Worth a read.

And finally (I know, I've been long-winded lately), I have told you about a ministry called Life of Hope. If you haven't had a chance to check it out, please do so. At any rate, you can now help this ministry out while searching for things online. Please read the following:

Yahoo! donates to Life of Hope Ministries

We want to share with you an easy way to help support Life of Hope Ministries. We are now listed with GoodSearch.com. Every time a search is done using GoodSearch.com (and Life of Hope Ministries is designated), a penny is donated to Life of Hope Ministries.

GoodSearch.com is powered by Yahoo!, so you'll get the same quality search results that you're used to. What's unique is that they have developed a way to direct money to charities or schools with every click.

The more people who use this site, the more money will go to Life of Hope Ministries. So please spread the word to your friends and family.

To start raising money for Life of Hope Ministries through GoodSearch.com, follow the steps below.

1) Go to http://www.goodsearch.com
2) Who do you GoodSearch for?
- enter your charity here...
- Type in Life of Hope Ministries and click Verify (it will be the second one -Life of Hope Ministries, Joplin, Missouri)
3) Then start searching

At anytime, you can click on Amount Raised to view how much money has been donated to Life of Hope Ministries. Once again, feel free to forward this to your friends and family.

My testimony

I’ve debated posting this for a while but I thought I’d go ahead. I know that many of you who are reading don’t know “the story” – how I became a Christian.

I accepted Jesus into my heart as my Savior the summer before my senior year of high school – June 18, 1991 to be exact. The story starts several months prior to this though.

I was into photography in high school and had a friend who was also in my photography class. She was a Christian and went to a local church. It was interesting timing because I had been spending some time thinking about Satan. I know, how strange. I believed he existed but I wasn’t sure that I thought God existed. Don’t ask me why – you’d think I’d believe in both and not one or the other. At any rate, I remember spending time at night thinking about this subject. Not pleasant, I know.

My friend and I went out taking photos one day and she asked me if I wanted to go to her church’s youth group that night. I said yes and went. It kind of freaked me out because they were talking about the End Times. I had gone to church off & on growing up but had never heard anything about this. In light of my mind’s wanderings, I thought it was ironic, and, for a non-believer, scary. In the midst of all this talk though, they never mentioned the part that Jesus plays in salvation so I didn’t hear that part.

Fast forward to June 1991. I was working at Chick-Fil-A and at a tv station. I was tired and was looking for a break. I had a friend at CFA, Solitaire, who was a Christian and spoke a lot about things like that. Wanting to be her friend, I tried talking like I was a Christian. It was obvious from my life and my words that I was not. At any rate, she invited me to go to a youth camp with her church and I said yes. I didn’t really care much about the camp as much as I did about not working 2 jobs. LOL.

So, we get up to the camp in Estes Park, Colorado and dive right into the happenings. Regular camp fun – games, food, etc. At night and in the morning they had a service for us to attend and outside of that it was other activities.

Honestly, I don’t remember everything about what was going on but I do remember my friend leading me to the FRONT row when I really wanted to sit in the back row. Now, I had come to the conclusion prior to this that there was a God but He was little more than something I read about in a book, He wasn’t “real” to me at all. It was during the middle of one song (don’t remember the name) when I felt like the blinders had been taken off my eyes and I knew that God was real, that He loved me, died for me and wanted me to follow Him. I stood there during that song and said this prayer in my head over & over again: “God I want you in my heart. God I want you in my heart.” Words cannot adequately describe this moment. It was seriously like I was wearing blinder and like I felt those blinders literally fall off and I just knew that God was real and knew what He did for me. Even now, typing this, I keep asking myself if I am remembering this time correctly as it seems so long ago and so surreal.

Life changed radically after that. At the time I was dating a guy who was nice but our relationship wasn’t a very good one. We were headed down a very bad road. I hadn’t told anyone about him at this camp so I was very, very shocked when the evangelist preaching came up to me after the service the night I accepted Christ and said the following, “You need to get out of relationships that aren’t glorifying to God” and then he just walked on. Umm – okay.

When I got home I called my boyfriend and told him that I couldn’t date him. When he asked why, I told him that he wasn’t a Christian and I couldn’t date him. He replied that he did go to church and was a Christian. My final words to him, “You aren’t a born-again Christian and I cannot date you.”

I wish I could say that I’ve always had the same zeal for the Lord that I had the first year I was a Christian. I haven’t and it sometimes makes me crazy. I was in a public high school and it was so easy to stand up for my faith there. I think that I was conscious of the fact that I was around unbelievers and it held me accountable because I was the face of Christ for them. After that year I went on to attend John Brown University in Arkansas. (Side note: It’s not John Brown the abolishonist but the evangelist – I got that question a lot). What I found there and during my subsequent years working at a Christian university and then Christian ministry – it’s much harder to have a lot of zeal for your faith when you are surrounded by Christians. I think I relaxed a little too much and wasn’t as conscious of those around me – just took for granted that they were also believers.

Where am I now? After feeling like I have spent many, many years in a spiritual dessert, I am doing okay. My faith isn’t perfect and I am a big screw up, but I am trying. I am excited about my faith for the first time in a long time. I am excited about what I am learning and I’m excited to share it with others – through this blog and through personal relationships.

Eric's new tie

Okay, Eric, you knew you were going to get blogged when I took that picture this morning! :)

Morgan made a NECKTIE (for the letter "N") at school last week and really wanted Eric to wear it to work - so he did! This is Morgan with her Daddy this morning as he was leaving for work.

Filter the fantasy

That was the title of today's sermon in the Pure Sex series addressing the issue of pornography. I would encourage you to listen to the sermons from this series on-line. Here's the link to today's sermon Pure Sex: Filter the Fantasy

In addition to preaching on the subject of sex, each of the sunday school classes are delving further into this subject during their time together with questions and bible references put together by Pastor Hood. This is the second time since we've been at the church that they tied the sunday school curriculum with the sermon series and I really like it. It just makes sense to do it that way, it reinforces the teaching and gives you an opportunity to delve further into the material.

Sometimes I struggle with class though, I like to speak up but I just tend to fumble my words and have a hard time getting my point across. Too bad I can't type my responses LOL, I may not be the best at grammar and punctuation but at least I can lay it out there easier that way.

Again, I want to encourage you to check out my friend's website PURE HEART MINISTRIES

Daddy Date Day

One of the things I love about having a little girl is seeing her with her Daddy. Today Eric took Morgan out on a date. I meant to take a pic of them before they left but I forgot! :( At any rate, Eric took Morgan to the movies at Opry Mills to see Happy Feet. She LOVED it.

Now I just need to take my little man, Drew, out on a date sometime soon.

As far as my goals for the week, well, we don't need to talk about those. I did get the laundry put away (sort of) only to walk into our closet and see a TON more to do. I swear, we could outfit 10 families with the amount of laundry we do in a week. It is PATHETIC. So, that goal was sort-of met. My craft room hasn't progressed much this week as I just don't feel like working in it at night. I hope I can get to it tomorrow afternoon but I'm not sure that's going to happen. I did get to spend time with each kid individually and I did mail my package although I haven't mailed out the cards yet as I need to find my address book and finish addressing them. Have I had the time to do it, sure, I'm just lazy.

No new tricks

Looking back over the years that I've been a Christian, I can see that I always seem to fall short or struggle in the same areas, over & over again. It's a pattern, I start really working on my walk with the Lord and in pops one of the same old things again that distracts or discourages me. I wish I could say that I've been strong enough to overcome these issues in the past and move beyond them. I haven't and honestly, I'm not sure I ever will.

Whether you believe it or not, there is a spiritual struggle out there - good vs. evil, Satan vs. God. I'm not trying to be dramatic but it's a fact. God wants our hearts and an eternity with us in heaven and well, Satan doesn't. It's that simple. Where God is working Satan will be there trying to distract, discourage and make the believer feel weak and unable to continue on. And, often times, we as believers let him.

Why?

The Bible is very clear about the power that is in the name of Jesus.

Philippians 2:9-11 says the following:
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

As believers, we do not have to live defeated by the enemy. The Bible is also clear on who wins the war and I'll give you a clue, it's NOT Satan. Why then do we walk in defeat and discouragement so often?

So, I'm sure some that are reading are probably thinking that I've lost it now, that I'm talking crazy. Before I was a Christian, I would have thought that. Satan? God? What?? Why is it so easy to believe that one exists and the other doesn't?

Why am I going here tonight? Because it's what I'm thinking about. Satan never uses any new tricks with me. There are two main areas that I struggle with and that Satan uses repeatedly to discourage me in my Christian walk. It's nothing new, I know it's coming and yet, I still feel caught off guard when it happens. I have to admit, I am struggling tonight with one particular issue that haunts me at times. Don't let your imaginations get the better of you, it isn't any deep dark, sordid sin, just something that I struggle with repeatedly.

All I can do is pray.

Lord, please guard my heart and mind. Keep my thoughts on you and only you. Thank you that I have victory in you.

BTW - Eric

Eric: Notice the change in my profile??? ;)

(btw = by the way)

I love you Dad Mom

Morgan came home from school on Tuesday with a "prize" from her teacher for her good behavior that day - a small, pink post-it paperpad. You would have thought that she got the best gift ever, I need to remember that for next Christmas LOL!

At any rate, she went around the house putting little notes everywhere. Here's the note that Eric & I found in our room:




It's still there, I can't bring myself to take it down. How sweet is that?? :)

I'm sure you all don't want to know about my son's potty adventures but I just thought I'd update that today went MUCH better than yesterday. He had only 1 accident all day long, even when we went out to the post office, library and the YMCA. WOOHOO! I hope it keeps up.

Drew + Chick-Fil-A = Poop

What is it about Chick-Fil-A (CFA) and my son Drew? Seriously, can't we go there just once without a big, nasty poop accident? PLEASE?????

Warning - this is a way too much information post so read at your own risk.

Got out of the Mom's bible study at almost noon this morning and I knew that Owen was pretty tired and would probably fall asleep on the way home so I decided to stop at CFA as it was close and I could get him lunch b/f he fell asleep. Get there and the kids eat and I let Drew & Morgan go play. Drew comes to me and says that he pooped and needs changed. I get his shoes on and take him to the restroom (I was with someone who was able to watch Owen & Morgan) and get ready to change him only to find out that the poop leaked through his pull-up and is all down his leg. NICE.

Let me rewind a bit though. On Monday we went to underwear only for Drew during the day and continued with that all day yesterday, even when we were out. I had to wash all his underwear and all his pants after yesterday. Well, I was running late this morning and didn't have time to put together a bag with changes of clothes and what not so I just put him in a pull-up and that's it. I had NO change of clothes in my bag for him - NOTHING.

Back to the story. So, I cleaned him up and out of the bathroom my child walks in a shirt, pull-up, shoes and NO PANTS. I got lots of looks and lots of chuckles from other mothers there.

I guess I should be thankful, the last time I took Drew to CFA and he pooped, I ended up with it all over my sweater, all over my coat, and once again my child walked out of CFA with just a shirt, pull-up and shoes on.

If he didn't like CFA he could have just told me so.

Father, Son & ....

...Holy Spirit.

I just got done reading chapter 6 in the Stormie Omartian book, "The Prayer That Changes Everything: The Hidden Power of Praising God", titled "Because He Has Given Me His Holy Spirit." This was an interesting chapter and it has me thinking, really thinking, about the Holy Spirit - not something I think about often, I have to admit.

God - three in one, one in three. Father, Son & Holy Spirit. I find it easier to think about God the Father and God the Son but I spend far less time thinking about the God the Holy Spirit. Unfortunate because He plays such a big role in the life of a believer. I think it's just easier for me to relate to the concept of a Father or of a Son. I have an earthly father and I am a mother to a son. Both are concepts that I can relate to easier I guess.

I also have to admit that I had some experiences in my first few years as a believer that made me very cautious in regards to things of the "Holy Spirit." What do I mean by that? I mean, experiences of MAN and their take on the role of the Holy Spirit. Let me give you some examples.

I was a senior in high school living in Colorado Springs, CO when I became a Christian. Soon after that I attended a church called New Life Church. You know the one that was in the news recently because of it's pastor and allegations of homosexuality - that church. It was much smaller then (about 2,000-4,000 people - not a small church) and had a very vibrant, active youth ministry. I decided to go and liked it, until the end. At the end they asked for those who hadn't been "baptized in the Holy Spirit" to raise their hands. Being a new Christian and not knowing what the heck they were talking about, I raised my hand. I was led, along with other people who raised their hands, into a back room and had a prayer counselor assigned to me. She started praying & "speaking in tongues" and kept telling me to "clear my mind and let whatever came out of my mouth come out." Ummmm - okay. WHAT THE HECK????? It became apparent that she wasn't going to let me leave until I spoke "in tongues" so I mumbled something, she "praised God" and I got up and left.

Another example what when I was in college at John Brown University and got involved in prison ministry. The person that led that particular ministry at that time had us going with a ministry called Mike Barber Ministries. Let me just say that they are very "charismatic" in their beliefs and many of the people I met while attending different prison meetings cared more for people receiving the "gifts of the Spirit" through evidence of speaking in tongues than they did of them receiving the most important gift of salvation. The spefics of why I say that are too long to go into here but suffice it to say that it wasn't a good experience.

Both of those experiences though made me seriously question what I thought in regards to the gifts of the Spirit. I know what I believe, I know why I believe it. I firmly believe that there are many churches out there today that are much like the Corinthian church, seeking the gifts in leui of the gift giver.

I say all this to say, I've always had a hard time relating to the work of the Holy Spirit and it's role because I am always conscious of the past experience I had. Reading this chapter is making stop and really think about it further.

In chapter 6, Stormie lists "Twenty Good Reasons to Praise God for His Holy Spirit". Check out all that the Holy Spirit does in the life of a Christ-follower, it's pretty amazing:

1. The Holy Spirit comforts us. (John 14:26, Acts 9:31)
2. The Holy Spirit convicts us of wrongdoing (note - convicts, not condemns) (John 16:8)
3. The Holy Spirit enables us to obey God. (Romans 7:6)
4. The Holy Spirit guides us. (John 16:13)
5. The Holy Spirit teaches us. (John 14:26)
6. The Holy Spirit gives us power. (Romans 15:13)
7. The Holy Spirit gives us spiritual gifts (Hebrews 2:4)
8. The Holy Spirit sacrifices for us. (Romans 15:16)
9. The Holy Spirit helps us to pray. (Romans 8:26)
10. The Holy Spirit brings us to Jesus. (1 Corinthians 12:3)
11. The Holy Spirit makes us strong. (Ephesians 3:16)
12. The Holy Spirit raises us from the dead. (1 Peter 3:18)
13. The Holy Spirit works miracles. (Romans 15:19)
14. The Holy Spirit gives us words to say. (Like 12:12)
15. The Holy Spirit renews us. (Titus 3:5)
16. The Holy Spirit helps us when we are weak. (Romans 8:26)
17. The Holy Spirit gives us knowledge and understanding (Isaiah 11:2)
18. The Holy Spirit gives us revelation and wisdom (Ephesians 1:17)
19. The Holy Spirit reveals the things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10)
20. The Holy Spirit assures us that we are God's children. (Romans 8:16)

(Pages 79-82)

Wow - didn't realize that the Holy Spirit does for those that follow Jesus. I have a hard time wrapping my brain around this one.

Jesus, help me to understand the powerful way that your Spirit works. Thank you for leaving us the gift of your Spirit to help us through the journey that is our Christian life here on earth.

EDITED to say: Don't misunderstand me. I do feel the Holy Spirit working in my life, leading, guiding, convicting, etc. I just don't often stop and think about those things as being done by the Holy Spirit. Does that make sense?

Reality TV

I have a confession, I love reality tv. *cringe* Right now I'm watching Super Nanny. I like watching it for ideas but honestly, I like to watch it because I see some of the cases on there and feel kind of good about our little house. Is that bad? LOL! Aside from Super Nanny, right now I am loving American Idol. I know, the judges can be mean, but come on - these people have to know that they are bad singers before they try-out and it's not like it's some kind of suprise when they get read the riot act. At any rate, that's my deep, dark secret - suprised? :)

Here are a couple of cute pics from tonight.



Ohhh - I have to say, Drew did SO good today with potty training!!! We only had 2 accidents all day long. Pretty good, I'd say!

Pure Sex

Now that I've got your attention LOL! That is the title of the sermon series that our pastor is going through right now. It's not often that you hear this subject preached in church. If you want to hear the sermon online you can go to the following: FBC Smyrna Pure Sex

While I am mentioning it, a friend has a ministry called Pure Heart Ministries. His website is located at Pure Heart Ministries

As far as our family goes - we are homebound today. Owen has a low temp and all three kids have colds. Kind of bummed as I had planned on going to a class at the Y this afternoon but I can't leave Owen in the nursery. Maybe I'll go after Eric gets home.

Lastly, I needed to set some goals for this week to help keep me on task:

1. Finish cleaning/organizing my craft room (started last night)
2. Get laundry washed & PUT AWAY
3. Spend some individual time with all three kids
4. Mail the package and cards that I have been waiting to mail. I never feel like going to the post office with 3 kids - it's always busy and I just don't have the patience for it.

Have a great start to your week!

It's snowing!

Not outside, but inside our house.

For Christmas Morgan, Drew & Owen got several "snow" themed items from Aunt Marcella & Uncle Tom. It was a fun package and even included a kit to make some snow (see pic).

Eric got the snow out tonight and made some. It was pretty neat, just add water and it puffs up into a snow-like substance. If you leave it out to dry then it goes back into the powder state and you can do it again. Here are some pics of the kids & Eric enjoying the snow.

Pizza Parris style

If you are looking for a good pizza recipe, look no further. While in OK several months back my friend's husband, Ryan, made pizza for us and it was AWESOME. So - I took some mental notes, referred to their pizza crust recipe and have FINALLY found a pizza recipe that rocks. So - here it is:
Pizza Crust a la Dina 1 cup of warm water 2 1/4 teaspoons of yeast (or 1 packet) 1 tsp sugar 2 Tblspn oil (I use Olive Oil) 2.5 cups of flour Mix the water & yeast together & let dissolve. In a mixer combine all ingredients and mix. You can use immediately or let rise. You can get 2 thin crust or 1 regular/pan crust from dough. Cook at 400 degrees until crust is almost cooked and has some golden brown touches on it (do this PRIOR to putting toppings on) Pizza toppings a la Ryan Saute chopped onion, garlic, bacon (etc) in small pan until onion is caramelized and bacon is crispy. Chop up some fresh tomatoes Sauce - Bertolli (I use the cheese one but there is lots of different kinds of this brand of sauce) On top of cooked crust, put the sauce, fresh tomatoes, and sauted onion mixture. Top with cheese of choice (mozarella, provolone, etc) Top with whatever else you'd like. Tonight we used pepperoni and italian sausage. Cook until cheese melted & pizza done.


DID I MISS ANYTHING Dina & Ryan??? :)

I think that the fresh tomatoes and sauted onion mixture is what makes this pizza INCREDIBLE.

Here are the kids enjoying their pizza tonight - cheese only for them though - how boring!

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

On Wednesday night in church we sang a song that I have sung many, many times. I don't think I ever truly stopped and thought about the words until that evening. The song is by Stuart Townsend and is titled "How Deep the Father's Love for Us", here are the words:

How Deep the Father's Love
Stuart Townend

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross
My guilt upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no powr's, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Re-read those words and really think about them. For those of you with children, can you even begin to imagine loving another person so much that you give up your child's life for them? I cannot even begin to wrap my brain around that - give up MY CHILD, who I love more than anything for someone else? And worse, that person is a dirty sinner. MY CHILD for them? Unheard of yet that's exactly what God did when He sent His son Jesus to die for me and for you on the cross.

I am acutely aware of how unworthy I am. Who am I ? Like the song says, why should I gain from his reward? I haven't done anything to deserve God's love and I'm certainly not perfect.

I often find myself waiting for the other shoe to drop. I mean, my life has been great. I have a fantastic husband and three beautiful children. We are all healthy and have a great place to live. We have all our needs met and some of our wants met as well. Life is great yet I keep expecting things to go bad. Why? Because I don't deserve all these good things. If I was honest with you & myself, I don't deserve anything but hell.

Yet God loved ME (and YOU) so much that He sent His only Son for us. For those that know Christ as your Saviour, doesn't that just "wow" you?

I love this quote from the book "The Prayer That Changes Everything" (p. 54):

"He (God) doesn't love us because we deserve it. He loves us because He is a God of love. That's who He is. He cannot be something that He isn't. And He loves you because you are His creation and He is your heavenly Father. There is no way He cannot love you."

I am reminded of 1 John 4:16: We have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

Lord, thank you for the power of your love that you give to me when I don't deserve it. Thank you for a love that is beyond my human comprehension.

It's been interesting the emails I've gotten since I've started this blog and made it public. Many have commented that they think I'm brave for putting it all out there and sharing what I'm thinking/feeling/learning. Truthfully, I'm not putting it all out there and there is a TON of stuff that is far to personal to share in a public forum, my faith in Christ and what He is teaching me not included. I am excited to share what God is teaching me with you. I don't have it all together - far from it. I have spent so many years walking through a spiritual desert, knowing that God had/has so much more for me yet not knowing how to "get there." My faith in Christ is a HUGE part of who I am and I am excited about what I am learning right now - too excited to NOT share it. So, you'll see a mix of posts from me on this blog - some about what God is teachig me and some about the goings on in my little part of the world. Hope that's okay, :)

Three words for you

I HATE LAUNDRY!

Morgan's 1st day of school (again)

Today was Morgan's 1st day of school at First Presbyterian Church here in Smyrna. She was SO excited about going, it was so fun to watch.

When Morgan started school at Will Rogers Elementary before moving to TN, we would pray for her day on our way to school each day. I don't think I realized how that impacted her until we were getting ready for her first day of school here. She reminded me yesterday about how we prayed and wanted to make sure we did it again. She reminded me again before we got in the car and once we were in the car. So - we prayed for her day, her teacher, etc. It was so sweet.

Here are some pics of Morgan as she entered the school and then sitting at the table where her name card was. She wasn't nervous (so she said) and she seemed to fit right in. The teacher had told everyone that there was a new student and her name so they were excited to meet her. Morgan's friend, Chloe, was at the school (in a different class) and another little girl that she met at the library storytime several months ago was there as well. According to the director they were attached each time the classes got together. I'm glad that she's making friends.








I think that Drew had the hardest time with Morgan going to school today. At first he wanted to stay but I told him that he couldn't go to school until he learned to use the potty all the time. He immediately wanted to go home and get on underwear and come back to school. After explaining that it wasn't going to happen he was just upset that Morgan wasn't going to be with him today. Once we got back from the YMCA he asked repeatedly if it was time to go pick up Morgan. It does a mom's heart good to see her children loving each other so much.

Because He is My Creator

Before I get to the part of the post that deals with the title, let me give a brief update on the goings on in my world - exciting, I know. :)

First, Morgan is going to school tomorrow!!!! We have enrolled Morgan in a local preschool that meets twice a week. She is SO excited. The move has been hardest on her as she had such a great group of friends back in Bartlesville and also has been in a school of some sort since she was three. She has missed going to school and can't wait to get there tomorrow with an anticipation that rivals most kids on Christmas morning. Look for an update tomorrow on how her first day went.

Second, we have started to more actively potty train Drew. I have to be honest, part of the reason he's not trained yet is just my laziness. While it would be nice to have a potty trained child, it is sometimes just easier to change a diaper, especially while out & about. Those first few months of taking a newly potty trained child out can make you crazy as they always have to go at the most inconvenient times and don't know how to hold it very long. At any rate, he was in underwear almost all day yesterday and did okay. With Morgan we made her a sticker chart and she earned stickers for going on the potty - Drew, well, he is a boy after his Daddy's heart - he wants MONEY as incentive. :)

Third (notice how they go in order of first, second & third child), Owen is a crazy walking kid that know ONE word really well - Momma! Not sure if I posted this but Owen started to walk right before Christmas and there is no slowing this kid down. It has to be the funniest thing to watch him walk, like a little Weeble Wobble! And while he is starting to learn other words, like bye-bye, thank you & dada, the one word he knows very well and uses repeatedly is Momma. I love that he knows my name but hearing it about 20 times as we drive between home & Wal-Mart can be a bit trying. At least he hasn't learned the word "no" yet - right?

Okay, on to other things.

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I was going to attend a small group for mom's this morning with my new friend, Annette (Hi Annette!). It was wonderful. I really enjoyed the group and I my kids enjoyed being in the kid's area. I think this is going to be a great thing for us all. What a blessing and very specific answer to prayer.

We covered many chapters from "The Prayer That Changes Everything: The Hidden Power of Praising God" today but I thought I'd post some thoughts from the first chapter - Because He is My Creator." We also talked some about God being our Creator in church tonight.

"Not only can God create something from nothing, but everything He creates is good." We are all part of that everything and we are good. While sin changes many things, we serve a God who is about redeeming us.

God created us in HIS image. Genesis 1:27 says this, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male & female he created them." Isn't that crazy to think about? Seriously - look at people throughout the day - they are created in God's image. You know those pictures that take a bunch of little pictures to create a bigger picture? I often think of that when I think about this subject - take a picture of every person that God created, put them together and you have the image of God. The next time you go to the mirror and degrade yourself because you don't think you're pretty enough, handsome enough, etc., remember, YOU are created in God's image.

Not only are we created in God's image, God loves ALL that He created. I thought this was a powerful paragraph in the book (pp. 37-38) :

"God loves His creation just as a mother loves the child that is growing in her womb - sight unseen. She is already completely in love with that tiny person before he or she is every born.

Your Creator loved you before you were born too. You were wanted. You were not an accident. You didn't evolve from a monkey. You weren't accidentally born to someone who could not raise you, and so you were later adopted. God gave you life, and you are a part of His plan. He created you and you are valued, precious, and priceless to Him. He loves you because He made you and He knows who He made you to be.

You are unique. There is no one like you. There never was and never will be. And God has a purpose for you that is unique as well. He has big plans for your life. Remember, God never makes mistakes. Therefore you are not one."

I can't say it any clearer than that. How awesome it is to know that we are wanted, valued, and priceless to our God.

Lord, help me to walk in that today and everyday. Please help me to teach my children that as well.

The Prayer that Changes Everything

I have a huge headache and am wondering what I am even doing posting, I just need to go to bed and pray I feel better soon.

That said, I have to share a couple of YAY GOD things.

#1: Uncle Tom is now CANCER FREE!!!!! Eric's Uncle was diagnosed with lymphoma about 7 months ago and has undergone 8 rounds of chemo. He just got his PET scan results back today and it showed him to be cancer free. GOD IS SO GOOD!

#2: About 2 weeks ago I realized that I really would like to be a part of a Bible study for mom's. I love our church and I love our sunday school but I just needed something more. Last week I took the kids to Chick-Fil-A for lunch. I met a lady while I was there and we got to talking. Found out that she was a Christian, was starting on the parenting book that Eric & I had gone through (and need to reread & apply!) AND was going to be going to a mom's bible study starting this Wed. (tomorrow) at World Outreach Church in M'boro that also provides childcare. She invited me and I have been excited about it every since. Fast forward to today. My new friend calls and we talked for a while. I asked about what book the group was doing and she told me it was Stormie Omartian's book, "The Prayer That Changes Everything." This may seem insignificant to you but several weeks ago I received this book as a gift from a very good friend who knew that I was struggling in some areas. She said it was an awesome book and that I needed to read it. I find it incredible how God works things and intertwines things. I'm sure it's no accident that I hear about a Mom's group that is going through the very book that I just received and was told I needed to read! THANK YOU JESUS! I'm excited to see what the Lord teaches me through this study!

So - I am thankful for God for answered prayers and the way that He moves in my life.

I have more I can say but maybe I should leave it for another day.

Still a bit gun-shy

Had a few minutes while my photos were downloading from my computer so I thought I'd come post.

We've had a great weekend overall. Yesterday was so nice outside and we spent about 4 hours getting our garage cleaned up. It was SO bad and we couldn't park a car in it let alone walk through it b/c of all the boxes and junk. It has been hard to go from a house that had a lot of storage space to a house with very little storage space. We don't have a usable attic so things like our Christmas decorations, Eric's sports memorabilia, etc. don't have a home like they used to. Later that night we got together with Eric's cousin Jeff, his wife Rachel and their daughter Madelyn. The kids had a BLAST playing together. I'm so glad that we live near one family member at least.

Today was church and it was pretty good. We are really enjoying this church and really like the pastor. Pastor Hood has such a great vision for this church and the focus for the church is right on. I really appreciated hearing him say that he thinks that church should be a place where Christians come to get their marching orders. You come, get refreshed, get discipled and then you GO OUT. You go out to your family, friends, neighbors, community, and world and share Jesus with them. It's not optional, it's something that God requires of us. AMEN.

During Sunday School someone (not sure who exactly she was) came in and asked for volunteers to work in the nursery as they were having some staffing issues. I'd like to be able to say that I immediately raised my hand and wanted to go. Truthfully, I didn't but Eric insisted so we went. Am I glad? Of course, I am glad that we were able to fill a need. I did have to pause and think about my reaction. I am not normally the one to hold back when someone needs volunteers, I am the type of person that likes to be involved and sometimes has a hard time not getting TOO involved. I don't normally say no so why was I so hesitant? After some thought, I know why.

I am a bit gun-shy when it comes to volunteering, especially in a nursery/preschool ministry. I was very active in our previous church's nursery & preschool "ministry." I use that world loosely because, honestly, it didn't always seem like it was treated as a ministry rather a babysitting service, and an understaffed one at that. As a volunteer I felt very unappreciated, ill-prepared, and over-used. It was to the point where I wanted to leave the church and certainly didn't want to utilize or participate in the children's ministry. This kills me to say because I did love that church. Eric and I got married in that church, our kids were dedicated in that church, and it has played a huge role in our lives. The pastor there is a very dedicated Christian and good man of God. At any rate, I don't think I truly realized how it impacted me until I was asked to serve today.

Can I just be honest and say that it has been so nice to NOT be volunteering for once? Am I a horrible Christian for saying that? It has just been nice to be able to drop my kids off and not feel like I was required to be helping there. I have especially enjoyed going on Wednesday night and just being able to participate in the services without any responsibility other than to listen and apply what God is teaching me. I think I've NEEDED this time to "heal" I guess from the toll that I feel was payed at my previous church.

So, all this to say. While I am not one to sit on the sidelines for long, I am enjoying this time of just learning and being a part of something that I am not leading. I am enjoying not working in children's ministry at the church - I have a ministry with children and their names are Morgan, Drew & Owen.

If I felt that God was calling me to step up and be involved would I? Most certainly. Truthfully, I don't think I'll be sitting on the sidelines for long. Do I think I'll be working in the preschool ministry at this new church? No, not really. While I love kids and think that it is of utmost importance to train & disciple them, I do not feel that I am gifted or called to work regularly in this area at this time. I would be doing the Lord, them and myself a big disservice if I worked in that area. Note: If a lady with a crying kid came into our class again and asked for volunteers I would go and do so happily, I just can't see myself doing it on a regular, routine basis.

I've given some thought to where I could serve. I'm not completely aware of all the areas that this new church has so I'm sure there is something I am missing or that may already be in place that I can participate in. Some thoughts are:

1. Ministry to moms. As a new stay-at-home-mom I definitely see a need in my life to be in fellowship and learning from other moms in a similar station. I would LOVE to see this church do a MOPS program or even just have a Bible study for moms that also provides childcare.

2. Missions program. They have just hired a new staff person who is focusing on missions/global impact type of things. I have thought about approaching them about VOM (Voice of the Martyrs - former employer and great ministry) or about Life of Hope and seeing if we can work together to bring those opportunities to the church members.

3. Prison ministry. Truthfully, I'm not sure exactly what the church does in this area. I know that I've heard it mentioned several times on Wed. night but I still don't know if it's an actual church ministry or just something that the lady sharing does and many are involved in. I was VERY active in this in college, even leading this particular campus ministry for a year and would love to get involved again.

I'm sure there are other places to serve but these are a few that come to mind.

At any rate, these are the thoughts that have been rolling around in my head so I thought I'd type them out.

G'night!

The Mommy Code

I'm up WAY too late and can't sleep. I am so going to pay for this in the morning!! Ughhh.

I'll keep this short b/c I think the typing is annoying Eric. LOL

I came across this blog with an entry called "The Mommy Code" and thought it was pretty good. Thought I'd pass it along here as well, it's pretty good.

CLICK ON THE TITLE OF THE POST TO LINK TO THE BLOG.

G'night!

Andie

Owen's 15-month check-up

So, I get a message yesterday reminding me of Owen's 15-month check up. Good thing they called because I'm not used to having a 15-month check-up. Dr. Paul always did 12 month and then 18 month check-ups.

So - here are Owen's stats:

Weight: 26 lbs (75%)
Height: 31 inches (75%)

He got two shots (MMR and 2nd flu shot). He's in bed with a low-grade temp b/c of the shots.

Other than that I just have to say that I'm feeling much better than I was yesterday. I guess we all have those moments when we are just a little down. DINA, NANCE, & DEBRA - you guys have fun tomorrow night scrapping (if the yucky weather heading your way doesn't end things). WISH I COULD BE THERE!!!!!!! I'm having scrapbook night withdrawals!!!!!!

Can I have a pity party????

Debated even posting as I'm in a bit of a funk and didn't want to bore you with my little pity party. But, I'm going to because I feel like typing so - read at your own risk.

While I had my moments when we first moved here of being sad, I never had a chance to dwell on it because so much was going on - unpacking, visitors, birthdays, holidays, etc. Now we're "home" and things have settled down and well, now, I am having a pretty hard time with being homesick. It's not that I want to move back to Bartlesville, I truly don't, it's not where the Lord wants us right now, I just miss my friends - terribly. I miss being able to get together with them for lunch or a play date. I miss the scrapbooking & stamping nights/weekends we would have. It took YEARS to develop the friendships I had back there and now I am starting all over again and it seriously STINKS. So - for today, I'm sitting here having my pity party and feeling quite sorry for myself.

Miss you Dina!!!!

Miss you Jamie!!!

Life of Hope Ministries

I was thinking about some friends of mine that are working with a ministry called "Life of Hope" and thought I'd post really quick. If you have time, please take a look at the wonderful ministry that they have to the street kids in Latin America (link to left). God is really moving and using this organization to do amazing things for His kingdom.

Bryan, Debra & Brennen - PRAYING for you guys. Thanks for all your hard work for this awesome ministry!

YMCA - my sanity today!

I feel like I should preface this by saying I am feeling exceptionally chatty tonight and since I've already talked to Eric and my parents, I get to now type your ear off.

Okay, so I had intended to go workout early this morning as I knew I was taking the kids to the Discovery Center during the time I normally prefer to go to the Y. That didn't happen because Drew decided he didn't like his room in the middle of the night and came into ours. Normally when he does this I don't wake up and he just gets into bed with us. This time I woke up and made him go back to his bed ---- 10 times!!!! So, needless to say I wasn't up for going to the Y at 5:30 am!

Went to the Discovery Center, had lunch at McAlister's Deli and ran by Hobby Lobby and came home to put Owen down for a nap. I was halfway through cleaning up the kitchen when he woke up screaming after only about 45 minutes. He normally takes a 2 hour nap!!!! Grrrrr..... That started the Owen cry fest that went on for about 1.5 hours. He'd cry, play, cry, play, get knocked around by Drew, cry, play, etc. Then Morgan and Drew started in on each other and I looked at the clock - 4 pm!!! The light bulb went on - YMCA Childcare is now open for business & my kids were going to be needing their services asap!

PRAISE GOD FOR SMALL THINGS LIKE THE YMCA CHILDCARE CENTER because I was seriously about to lose what was left of my mind!

Did my workout and it felt great. I haven't really enjoyed exercise much in the past as evidenced by my fat belly which often times causes me to get "the" look. You know the one, someone looks at you, looks at your belly and you know they want to ask if you are expecting. About 5 months ago I actually had someone (a relative who shall remain nameless) ask, "Are you pregnant again?" My reply, "Nope, I'm just fat but thanks for asking." (Said with a laugh & a smile - at least I can joke about it right?)

At any rate, in November I did the fitness analysis and found out what I already new, I am WAY out of shape. Good thing is that they told me what I needed to do to help reach my goals of a new & better me. Couldn't really do much about it in December as we spent the entire month with sickness being passed around and vacation. That leads me to January and out of the last 5 days, I've gone to the YMCA 4 of them. I already feel better, I can already see an improvement in my cardio capabilities on the treadmill, and I am feeling more "balanced" in other areas in my life. It's a nice feeling and I am finding that I actually am ENJOYING working out for once in my life.

That said, I can't say that I will go to the Y in the afternoons much. Wow - it was super crowded and I spent a lot of time waiting for machines. I hate that. I think I'll stick to my mornings for a while. If you see me at the Y during the afternoon it's because I needed a kid break more than I was motivated to work-out LOL!

On to other subjects. Told you I was feeling talkative today :)

I think Eric & I have agreed on a school for Morgan. Since moving to TN she has really been missing that aspect of her routine. Morgan has been in school of some sort since she was three and has really thrived there. She loves to learn and LOVES school. I called several places, talked to several people and we have decided to send her to First Presbyterian Church for preschool on Tues & Thurs. They don't have a spot open until the first T/TH in February but that's okay. She so desperately needs to make some friends her own age. She has one friend from church that she really likes and he's a very nice boy but she needs some girls to hang out with too. I felt so bad for her today. We were in the car driving between places and I look in my mirror and see her crying. When I asked her why she said it was because she missed her friends. It just broke my heart. She hasn't cried about that in a while and I don't know exactly what brought it on. We came home and later called her friend Elizabeth. She enjoyed talking to someone from Bartlesville. THANKS ELIZABETH! MORGAN MISSES YOU! I enjoyed talking to you as well Rachel! It's been too long.

Now onto my "spirited" middle child, Drew. This kid has some serious energy. I can totally see him being a good athlete because he's just that kind of kid. That said, he has a hard time channeling that energy into something constructive. I felt bad for Eric tonight though as Drew said something not very nice about Eric and I know it had to hurt. Drew apparently wanted me to get him out of the bath and I didn't as I was cleaning the kitchen so Eric did it. He threw a big, huge fit brought on more by exhaustion than anything and then he told Eric that he didn't like him. I know it's not true as Drew thinks the world of Eric and Eric is a FANTASTIC father. Drew did apologize after talking about why it wasn't nice but still, the words were out there.

And finally, if you look to the left of this post (I think), you'll see some links. I posted a link to The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM). If you aren't familiar with this ministry, please take time to look. They do a monthly newsletter that tells you about what Christians around the world face for their faith. It's FREE and I can vouch for the fact that you won't be harassed by phone calls asking for money or tons of mailing. They don't do that. I worked at VOM for 7 years and boy do I miss lots of things about that place. It wasn't perfect, no place is - Christian or not, but the ministry that they have to the Christian church that is persecuted for it's faith, is amazing. Keeps life in perspective. To my friends at VOM - I miss you!!! It's weird living so far away and not seeing you.

So - with that I bid you goodnight!

Edited to fix a few mistakes, it's late and I'm sure I didn't catch it all - grammer, punctuation, etc. are not my strong points.

Send me no flowers

Sitting here watching the Doris Day & Rock Hudon movie "Send Me No Flowers." For some reason I have always loved Doris Day movies when she's in them with Cary Grant or Rock Hudson.

We are having a pretty low-key weekend and I am SO thankful for it! Last weekend I was in PA with my family minus Eric (he had to come home and work) and it was tiring but fun (most of the time). I needed a boring weekend to help me recover LOL! Laundry, cleaning, etc. Told you it was fun :)

Morgan got a card from her friend Sarai today. It was so cute to see how excited she got over getting mail from her friend. The picture and cut-outs that Sarai sent went right on our fridge and Morgan had us read her the card over & over again. THANK YOU SARAI! WE MISS YOU.

For those of you out there in cyberspace that have potty trained a boy, can you PLEASE tell me how to do this with Drew? We are struggling here big time. The kid is three years old, knows how to use the potty but just doesn't want to. I've tried just putting him in underwear but he just wets them and continues on, he doesn't care. I am so tired of changing a three year old's bum!

Well, I told you I had an exciting life! Wake up now, the post is over.

Mario Batali I am not.

If you didn't know, Mario Batali is a chef on the food network who specializes in Italian cuisine. He makes it look so easy and tasty. I'm half Italian and have a mom that is a great cook - you would have thought that one of those two would rub off on me.

NOT SO.

I called my mom, got her recipe for spaghetti sauce and did it just as she told me. I had visions of wonderful spaghetti that made the house smell awesome and made my family's mouth water. Well, the house just smelled of burned meatballs & sauce and my family's mouth watered over Bertolli's five cheese spaghetti sauce, not mine!

Despite that, Owen really liked it as you can see :) I think I'll stick to Stouffer's Lasagna and spaghetti sauce in a jar (don't tell my mom :) )


Also had to include a new pic of my girl - isn't she pretty?

And, I forgot to post this earlier but I was SO impressed with my Dad over our vacation. He took Drew out to Chuck E. Cheese for THREE hours on a Friday night ALL BY HIMSELF! I wouldn't even do that. Here's a pic of Drew at CECs.

I should go now. If you have a good recipe for spaghetti sauce that is fool-proof (remember, I'm Italian cooking challenged), let me know. :)

I don't know how to get the pictures to be placed where I want them!!!! UGHHHHH....

Crossing over...

In church tonight we talked about the nation of Israel crossing the Jordan. The priests that were carrying the ark of the covenant stood in the middle of the Jordan while the people of Israel crossed. Before the priests moved, Joshua instructed 12 people, representing the 12 tribes to go to where the priests were standing and pick up stones. They did as requested and used the stones to create a memorial to remember what the Lord had done for them. We were given a stone that was supposed to remind us of the things that God helped us cross over in 2006.

The first thing that I thought was how awesome it would be to see God move like that these days. Wouldn't it be incredible to see Him make part of a river run dry so you could walk across it? Can you even begin to imagine? I can't. I know God can move like that in today's age but why doesn't He? Do we lack the faith to believe that He can?

After thinking about that for a while, I started to think back over all that we have crossed over during this past year - the biggest being a move from Oklahoma to Tennessee. We've had a busy year -I get tired just thinking about it LOL!

Through all the changes, I have always felt a sense of where God wanted me to be and what He wanted me to be doing. I knew when I met Eric that I was supposed to marry him. I knew that I was supposed to work at The Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) and when I wasn't. I knew that our time in Bartlesville was up and that we needed to move to Tennessee. I knew that the house we are currently in was the one that God had for us and I knew that the church we are attending was the right one. Now I am wondering what, specifically, I am supposed to be doing here now. Is my sole purpose to be the best mom & wife possible, encouraging my family in their walk with the Lord? Is there more? Should I be volunteering at church, else where?

Lord, please show me my purpose here in Smyrna.

Happy 2007!

Wow - it's another new year. I can't believe it's already 2007!

I got back last night with the kids from our PA trip. I am SO glad to be home. I had a good time, for the most part, with my family but it' snice to be back in my own house with my husband. It's still a bit weird to come "home" to Smyrna, TN and not Bartlesville, OK but that's okay. It's starting to feel a little more like "home" I guess.

Eric has been wonderful today and let me sleep in until nearly 11 am and now has the kids out and about. I'm so thankful because I was truly on overload. After being in PA without Eric for 5 days, getting a nasty cold (again), and having no real down-time, I am EXHAUSTED. It's nice to have some time to chill and do whatever I want without someone pulling at me needing something. I have 2 suitcases worth of clothes and two boxes of Christmas presents screaming to be put away but they can just wait.

I thought I would think through some new year's resolutions. Does anyone ever really keep those? At any rate, here is my long list of resolutions (in no particular order):

1. Read the Bible daily. I have a one-year Bible, I should actually put it to good use.
2. Read the Bible to my kids daily.
3. Go on a date with my husband at least once a month (hard with 3 kids and having to hire a babysiter)
4. Keep my house cleaner and more organized.
5. Make dinner more often (meal-planning Andie!)
6. WORK OUT and lose 40 lbs!!!! Weight Watchers here I come!
7. Find time for scrapbooking/stamping as I need a creative outlet and am SO behind.
8. Work through "Teaching Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" with Morgan
9. Volunteer in some fashion at church

I'm sure that there are more but there's my list for now.

While I am making a list, here are some goals for January:

1. Organize the kid's play room.
2. Organize my craft room.
3. Finish painting the formal living/dining room.
4. Paint the downstairs & upstairs bathrooms.
5. Set up the computer in the craft room for Morgan to use.
6. POTTY TRAIN DREW (ughhhh......)
7. Find a school for Morgan to go to at least 2 times per week.
8. Send out January birthday cards.
9. Go out to St. Louis and visit Eric's family - we haven't been out there since Easter 2006!


Well, I should go and make use of this kid-free time. Happy 2007!

Libby Lu & Drewbie too

We had so much fun yesterday with Morgan & her cousin Katie (about 2 months younger). My mom got the girls gift certificates to Club Libby Lu for Christmas. They dress the girls up and do their hair, nails & make-up. While they were doing that I got Drew a gift card to Build-A-Bear and my dad took him there. He made a bear and dressed him with a Philadelphia Flyers outfit. My dad tried to get him to dress him in a Philadelphia Eagles outfit and name him T.O (Terrell Owens) but that didn't fly with Drew LOL!

Happy Birthday Jesus

Happy Birthday Jesus. What a great day to celebrate with family.

To back up a bit - on Saturday we had our Summers family Christmas with Nan-Nan. Everyone got together and raised approx. $2100 to send her back to England one last time. Nan-Nan is from England and she has really wanted to go back but just hasn't been able to afford it. She was speechless and kept asking what she did to deserve this. It was so special.

Last night we went to Covenant Presbyterian Church with my parents. I like their service as it is designed for kids. It is only 30 minutes and very interactive for the kids. It was great. Came home and got ready for Santa to come.

Christmas morning started a bit later than I expected due in part to the kids sleeping in a room with no windows that was super dark! :) Started opening presents and that was fun. It was great to see the kids' faces as they saw what Santa got for them. Morgan got a pink guitar that she absolutely loves. Owen got a doodle monster and Owen got a puppy dog that talks to him.

Eric really suprised me this year with a Canon Digital SLR!!!! WOOHOO!!!! I've been eyeing it for a couple of years now. Big suprise. I got him XM Sat. radio. He has such a long commute and with MLB on this Sat., I'm sure it will be put to good use.

Leaving on a jet plane

We leave tomorrow for our trip to my parent's house. Our flight goes out around 8 pm. LOTS to do before then and so hard with 3 young kids running around. Oh well, we'll get there.

I'm SO excited about our family Christmas on Saturday. The entire family is giving Nan-Nan (my mom's mom) money for a trip to England, where she is from. I absolutely CANNOT wait to see her face when she realizes what she is getting. She cried last year and we just gave her a $200 gift certificate to the grocery store so I'm sure there will be water works over this. She has mentioned several times how she'd like to go back and visit one more time so this is good.

Drew turned 3 today. I tried to find a picture of him as a newborn but I don't have any online. The picture above is Drew at 6 months old. I can hardly remember him as a baby that small. Happy Birthday my sweet boy!

Well, I should sign-off, I am SO tired!

Catching up - again

Well, I'm not so good at this blog thing. I need to be better about it.

Things are pretty good here. Drew turns THREE tomorrow! Right about now 3 years ago I was heading to the hospital as I was in labor with him. I remember being sad about leaving my little girl at home, in bed asleep. I was sad that she'd wake up and we wouldn't be there and that after this night it would never just be the three of us. At the same time, I was so excited to meet Drew. I remember having to go in through the emergency room entrance and having a group of high schoolers giving me funny looks as I had to stop and lean up against a wall during a contraction. Took me 3 contractions to get to labor & delivery (Eric was parking the car so I was on my own). Several hours later (3 am) Drew was born.

Today Drew is a very active and adventurous little boy. He's all boy that's for sure. At the same time, he has such a tender heart. He hurt me on accident last week and I had to leave the room because I was really upset (he ran into my cheek full force with his head - ouch). Anyway, he came up to me and asked if I was okay and gave me a kiss on the cheek. Made me smile.

Owen is doing great. He finally started walking about 2 weeks ago. He's not doing it full-time but it's getting more often. I love watching him try to walk as he looks like a little weeble-wobble.

Morgan is doing good. She is so excited about Christmas at Mom-Mom & Pop-Pop's house and being able to spend time with her cousin Katie. I can't wait for them to be able to spend time together.

As for me, I haven't been feeling the greatest lately and it frustrates me. Truthfully, I don't know how much of it is actual not feeling good and how much is in my own over active imagination. If I still feel bad after the holidays then I will probably find a primary care physician and get checked out. It could just be stress - it does funny things to me. I think the past couple of months (moving, settling in, kids, family/friends visits, holidays, birthdays) has just started to catch up on me. I am just so ready for things to slow down and to just feel like we are at home and in a routine.

Well, it's late & I'm tired.

Catch up

Haven't posted in a while, just got busy and tired and well, didn't get it done. Lots has been going on though.

Morgan turned 5 years old! MY BABY is already 5 years old. Where the heck has the time gone? Seriously. I'm glad that she's happy, healthy and excited about life but I miss my baby. It's kind of bitter sweet seeing my kiddos grow up. Morgan was really excited about her birthday party because her cousins (Brittany, Bethany & Brett) were coming along with her Grandma & Grandpa were also going to be here.

The kids had an absolute blast together. We didn't get the playset in time as it was raining but that's okay. Eric & Scott took the kids to swim at Patterson Park in M'boro. They seemed to have a great time.

The Cardinals also won so that was great.

Morgan had a Polly Pocket party and it was fun. Gerald & Joyce came along with Jeff, Rachel and Madelyn. It was a regular Knipmeyer family reuinion. While it's stressful to have that many people in your house, it was fun and the kids enjoyed it.

Since then, not much has gone on I guess. The playset got put in and the kids enjoy playing on that one. We had the Fall Festival at church. Owen got 2 more teeth and just this weekend he took 2 steps. My baby is turning into a TODDLER!

And that leads me to one area that I've really struggled with - NO MORE BABIES. Honestly, it makes me really sad and I'd really like to have another baby. WHAT? Am I crazy? Seriously - am I crazy? I guess partially. I enjoy being pregnant (after the first 10-15 weeks) and I like childbirth (yes, even though it hurts LIKE CRAZY) and I LOVE the newborn stage and the idea of never going through that again makes me really, really sad. Oh well. What's done is done and what is - is. I just need to try and enjoy every moment that I have as they grow up.

Well, it's late and I'm tired.