Andieland

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Another Snow Day - Pics!

Today has been a weird day. It will snow like a blizzard is coming and then five minutes later the sun is shining and any of the snow that has fallen is now melted.

My friend Shea came over with her son, Dillon, and the kids got to play. On one of the downfalls we took the kids outside. It was fun. Here are some pictures (I did put a hat on Owen, the pics of him were taken just prior to that):

Please pray for this situation (click title for link)

This was shared at something at church a while back. I was reminded to keep praying for this situation when I saw this article today on Foxnews.com

Aid Group: Kidnapped U.S. Aid Worker Feared Dead

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — An American aid worker and her Afghan driver kidnapped in southern Afghanistan a month ago are feared dead, a statement from their aid group said. Afghan and U.S. officials said Wednesday they could not confirm the report.

Cyd Mizell, 50, and driver Abdul Hadi were kidnapped in a residential neighborhood of Kandahar on Jan. 26. Mizell worked on aid projects for the Asian Rural Life Development Foundation, or ARLDF.

"Although we have no confirmation of their deaths, we have received information over the past few days indicating that our two aid workers have been killed," said a statement posted on ARLDF's Web site Tuesday.

Kandahar's Gov. Assadullah Khalid said he did not have any information about the case, and a U.S. Embassy official in Kabul said he could not confirm the report.

No group has claimed responsibility for the abductions.

Although the kidnappings happened in an area known for insurgent activity, the Taliban denied that its fighters had taken the two. Kidnappings for ransom by criminal gangs in Afghanistan have been on the rise the last year.

An official with ALRDF in Kandahar said the group had received reports in recent days from two Afghan sources that Mizell and Hadi are dead. He said officials were working with the Red Cross to try to recover the bodies. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak to the media.

Mizell, of Eureka, California, was wearing a burqa -- the traditional all-encompassing dress worn by many Afghan women -- when she was taken.

Mizell taught English at Kandahar University and gave embroidery lessons at a girls' school. She spoke the local language of Pashtu well, colleagues said. She had worked for the foundation in Kandahar for the last three years.

Several foreigners -- including 23 South Koreans, two German construction workers and two Italian journalists -- have been kidnapped in Afghanistan in the last year, but kidnappings of Americans have been rare.

An American civilian was briefly abducted in Kabul in April 2005 but escaped by throwing himself from a moving car. Two of the 23 South Koreans kidnapped in July were killed, as was one of the Germans. The other foreign abductees were freed.

Another "Snow" Day

Yep, one snowflake fell in Middle Tennessee and all the schools are closed - again. Okay, I'll concede that more than one snowflake fell but you can still see the grass and most of our windshield so it wasn't that much snow. The roads are FINE and yet school is out.

Crazy.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Americal Idol

Any other Idol fans out there??

What did you think of the guys tonight.

Here are my thoughts (I know, you were waiting for those, right? ;) )

1. David Archuleta - WHAT? That kid can sing - wow.

2. David Cook - he's got a nice voice but I can't handle the facial expressions he makes. He reminds me of Phil Stacey from last year but with hair.

3. Robbie Carrico - this is Morgan's favorite, she's funny about it too. He's got a nice voice I think.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Well, why not?

Everyone else has gotten it, why not me.

Yep, I'm talking about the FLU!!!!!!

Hopefully the tamiflu will take care of this quick, I've got three kiddos to take care of!!!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Snow Day

Sometime last week (or the week before, I can't remember) it "snowed" here in Middle Tennessee and the kids were out of school (don't get me started on that one, I'm still bitter over having to go to school in 7th grade after it snowed 2 feet overnight a la a superintendent from ALASKA! We only got a DUSTING of snow here and they were out!). Morgan's friend, Bailey, came over and hung out with us. Here are some pics:

They both have webkinz and I hooked up both computers so they could play each other. Their game of choice - Webkinz Supermodels. Oops - I think this was taken at a sleepover - can't remember that either.

My little lefty

Owen and I were coloring a picture of one of his favorite characters the other day - Pooh Bear, of course. Here' s my little lefty. He doesn't use his right hand except to pass things over to his left.

And, Owen has a fondness for his binkie (yes, I know, we need to get rid of it, no lectures). He was in heaven when he was given a "Candy Binkie" (Ring Pop)for Valentine's Day from Morgan's friend Bailey! The kid did not take that thing out of his mouth until it was gone.

He can write his name!

At the beginning of this school year Drew could barely color in the lines, make anything purposeful with crayons other than scribbles and certainly couldn't draw his name. He's come leaps and bounds since then and can now write his name!

See:

Friday, February 22, 2008

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Girl Scout Cookies - which ones?

Check out the poll to the right and vote for your favorite Girl Scout cookie!

I have to say, the timing of the cookies was not great this year! My neighbor brought over our boxes the day the Sacred Gathering fast started!!!!! I had to look at those cookies for 3 days before being able to eat them - NOT FUN.

Click the title above for a link to the Girls Scout Cookie page.

Vote & then reply here with any comments.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Momma Bear

As a mom I can be a bit like a momma bear protecting her cubs when it comes to my children, I don't like people messing with my kids. I'm particularly sensitive to Morgan being in Kindergarten and people treating her unkind because she is such a sweet spirited girl and very sensitive. While I am a biased mom, I know that Morgan isn't a person who is mean to anyone intentionally and she doesn't understand when others are unkind to her.

Well, there is one girl in Morgan's class who just isn't nice, I could see that from the first time I saw her. I've never seen her be mean to Morgan specifically, but I could just tell from how she acted that she was a bit of a spoiled kid (yes, I typed the "other" word but deleted it).

Tonight Morgan was talking about how this little girl was mean to her all the time and mentioned some of the things she says and it just ticked me off. My first response wasn't very kind and thankfully Morgan didn't hear that. I help in Morgan's class on Thursdays and honestly, I want to dish it back to this girl. Immature, I know as I'm 33, she's 6. I can't help feeling that way though, she's hurting my baby.

I absolutely HATED elementary school. I was teased mercilessly and it really affected how I viewed myself for a long time afterwards, I'd argue that it still does at times. My self-esteem was shot to pieces and I thought of myself as less than I was, putting myself down all the time. This is such a crucial age for the continued development of self-esteem and I don't want Morgan to struggle in that area like I have. That's why this bothers me so much.

So, how do we equip her to handle this?

Tonight we talked about how God made EVERYONE special, even this little girl and that maybe this person didn't know that. We talked about how no matter what someone may say about you, you do not respond in kind, you turn the other cheek. We told Morgan that she is a special little girl, created by God and dearly loved by her family and friends. Finally, we prayed for this little girl, that she would come to learn that every person is special to God and created for His purpose and that she shouldn't treat people as anything less. We also prayed that God would help Morgan know how to respond to those that aren't kind to her.

In the meantime, I'll try to keep the mama bear instinct in check LOL!

Yes, I know, it's different again.

I told you, if I could change my furniture around all the time I would. I can't so I'll settle for my blog look.

I found this on Pyzam and just couldn't help myself. If you've heard my cell phone ring you'd know that I like this movie as the Cyndi Lauper song from this movie is my ringtone.

Go Goonies!

Everything Matters - Collision 2008

This past weekend was the high school weekend retreat called Collision. I am not sure the exact number that went but it was around 80-100 kids, I think. As a leader I was excited to be there with almost my entire small group (one had to cancel last minute) and very excited to see what God did in their lives through the weekend.

I have to thank my awesome Sunday school class because without their support we could not have gotten all these girls to Collision. THANK YOU GUYS so much for believing in these girls and investing in their lives. You guys are amazing.

Oops - didn't mean for that to publish yet! Here's more.

It's funny, I consider myself a night owl but I have nothing on these girls! WOW. I don't think we went to bed until 2:00 am on Friday night. It was fun though. I had 10 girls in my small group, only 4 of whom I knew, so it was great to get to know some new people. I was excited at how quickly we all seemed to gel as a group.

As I mentioned in a previous post, our church had just finished the Sacred Gathering 2.5 day fast earlier in that week. One of my girls from Wed. night participated and I was excited to have 2 other girls in my Collision group that had also participated. Honestly, I think that says a lot about their maturity in Christ - they are 14/15 year old girls who fasted and sought after the face of Christ - that's awesome. They were still on a high from what God had taught them earlier in the week and were excited to see what He was going to do through Collision.

There is so much that I could share about what God did in their lives, for one God really confirmed a calling on her life, another was motivated to share Christ more in her school, another mentioned how she had never felt this close to Jesus. It was exciting.

One decision was made by a girl that wasn't in my group but that I had met when we were signing people in for the trip. I was so excited to hear that she had accepted Jesus into her heart. It was exciting to watch her worshipping God the next morning after she became a Christian - I was reminded a lot of when I asked Jesus into my heart and how awesome that felt.

So - the weekend was an awesome success. God moved in amazing ways and my prayer now is that these teens are never the same because of it.

I have to give a big THANK YOU to our camp nurse, and new friend, Kelly. I really enjoyed talking to her and getting to know her better. I also appreciated the medicine she brought that helped me get through the weekend. We have had the flu and stomach bug in our house in the past couple of weeks and I thought I was in the clear. WRONG - guess who got sick on Friday night??? Yep - me! Fever, body aches, stomach killing me, nausea, the whole nine yards. Thankfully God held off the worst until Sunday as I walked in my front door.

I have more I could share but I've been trying to post this for 2 days and I'm just now getting it done so I'll leave it here.

Thanks again for your prayers & support.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Prayer request

I can't go into details on a public blog but I really would like those that believe in the power of prayer to say a few prayers today. You don't have to know the details, God already does, just please pray. Pray that mountains are moved, lives are changed, and God is glorified.

(Don't worry, it's nothing life threatening or crazy in my personal family).

Facebook - Old friends found

First myspace and now facebook.

I've been avoiding getting into these two things because I already have this blog and am busy enough with my three kiddos, however, I decided to check them out.

Well, I went onto facebook and was SO excited to be able to reconnect with some very special people from my college days. One person in particular was a very special friend and I was so sad to lose touch with her - and she was there - on facebook!!!

WOOHOO!

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Wow - God is so good (and this is long)

Today was the final night of corporate praise, worship & prayer with all those who joined in on the Sacred Gathering and wow, it was amazing.

This 2.5 day fast has been an adventure with God, I have to tell you. I feel like I've gone through every emotion out there. I have been excited by what God was teaching me, frustrated with what God was teaching me, etc. I had such high expectations for this experience and God really delivered. I was wondering yesterday. For most of the day I felt like I was in a wrestling match with God, very frustrating, but the end results were good.

That brings us to today, and tonight specifically.

During my time in the Word, I have been using the 1 year chronological bible and have been reading through Moses bringing the Israelites out of Egypt. I've read this many times before but this time God really used it to minister to me. A verse that stuck out to me was this:

"And when they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worship." - Exodus 4:31.

Now this was talking about when Moses & Aaron went to the elders of the Israelites with what God had told them but the wording struck me. WHEN THEY HEARD THAT THE LORD WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THEM the result was to BOW DOWN AND WORSHIP.

Isn't that what most people want really? I know I do - we all want to know that there is someone out there who is concerned for us, that cares about us, that is listening to us, etc. It makes a HUGE difference.

It's what we are doing in the small groups that are starting around the church for the 3:16 project? We are showing our care & concern for those around us and reaching out to them in these groups. Perhaps if they know that we are concerned about them then they will believe and know that God is even more concerned for them.

I have to make a confession, I didn't want to do a 3:16 group - not even a little bit. I agreed to host one because I knew that God wanted me to but I wasn't really "there" yet. I did it begrudgingly because I knew I should but I just didn't want to. In my thinking I already had a sunday school/small group that I loved, I didn't want another one. I was already involved at the church, I didn't need to get more involved. I didn't want to over-extend myself at all. Surely God couldn't be calling me to facilitate a group - NO WAY.

Um - YES WAY. God really convicted me to this about this a week or so ago and He solidified for me that this was what we were supposed to do over the past 3 days. I can honestly say that I am excited about it and ready to see what He does through it. I want God to use me & Eric to show care & concern for others and thereby lead them to bow down and worship Jesus.

The other major thing that God did for me, tonight specifically, is confirm to me where He wanted me to work. This may seem silly since I'm already working in certain areas in the church but it's what happened. Ever since becoming a mom I've always thought that I was supposed to be working with either young kids or moms. I quickly realized that I was not gifted to be working with young children as honestly I just needed a break from that age group, so, I assumed I should be working with moms. That said, I could just never get a real passion to do it and God certainly didn't open many doors in that area. I just wasn't motivated.

Fast forward (or rewind now, I guess) to nearly a year ago. I was feeling very convicted about needing to volunteer in the church and decided to give the high school ministry a shot. What David McCaman shared in "big" church really resonated with me and I wanted to try it out. Truthfully, I was overwhelmed with the idea before even starting as I kind of think of myself as "uncool" and not very in-touch with that age group. Aside from occasionally watching an MTV reality show (shame, shame, I know), I don't have much in common with kids that age. Talk to me about Dora and Diego and I can identify with you, anything else, well, you get the picture.

Volunteered in the high school ministry because I wanted to be challenged and step out side my comfort zone - sometimes that's where God can really use you the most because it's not something you can do on your own. I started to co-lead a group with a friend from Sunday School, Megan, and away we went.

It has been a wild ride, at least for me. I am constantly challenged and so many times have questioned God on what He was thinking when He put me in that ministry. More times than not I have felt completely inadequate to do the job. Don't get me wrong - I love it - and I love my girls. They are amazing and I am so excited to see what God is doing in their lives, yet I still questioned if this was the place for me.

Reading the story of Moses also showed me this. Moses asked God "Why me?" and didn't feel adequate to do the job that God had called Him to as well and look what God did through Him. It isn't about being adequate on our own but about trusting and obeying God to be faithful and providing you with what you need to serve Him where He calls you. I was reading the long list of instructions that God gave Moses about building the tabernacle and I was overwhelmed just reading it when the following verse caught my eye:

"I have given skill too all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you." Exodus 31:6b.

That stuck out to me because it says that while God had very specific and elaborate instructions for the tabernacle, He also provided people with the skills necessary to complete the task.

He'll do that for us to.

I had a moment of clarity tonight when I realized I am exactly where God wants me to be in the high school ministry. I am NOT called to work with moms (at this time), I am not called to work with preschoolers (at this time) but I am called to work with high schoolers, specifically the FANTASTIC group of girls that I have, and I am EXCITED about it. It was such a surprise to have that confirmed to me in such clarity tonight.

Dear Jesus. Wow, thank you for being such an amazing God. That you for filling my hunger for food with an even bigger hunger for You. Thank you for speaking to me and confirming to me where you want me to be. Thank you for giving me a passion to share You and to make you FAMOUS. Thank you for equipping to me serve You in the high school ministry. Please, please bless my girls and help them to see You in me. Help them to come to know You, love You and serve you with passion and purpose. You are an amazing God and I am in awe that You know me, love me unconditionally, and died for me on the cross. I love you.

Sacred Gathering

Our church called a Sacred Gathering to start off this week. It is a time of fasting (2.5 days) along with corporate praise, worship and prayer each night. It has been fantastic. There is so much that I could share with you about what God has taught me but I'll leave you with some thoughts on fasting.

Truthfully, in the 16 years that I've been a Christian this is the first time that I've truly fasted. I've fasted a meal here and there but never really a whole day let alone 2.5! I was really, really nervous about it and wondered if I could really do it. It hasn't been easy, I like the party in my mouth that food provides (you're shocked, I know), but I've survived.

Yesterday was a really hard day for many reasons and I caught myself thinking of fasting as some form of punishment half way through it. I wanted to eat so badly but thought that if I did that I would be punished for breaking the fast or that others would look down upon me if they knew that I broke the fast so I didn't. God really convicted me of that thinking later though.

Fasting isn't a punishment, it's a way to get closer to God. It's CHOOSING to deny ourselves something we need to spend time with Someone we need more.

When I started looking at it that way yesterday, it made things a bit better.

So much more to say but I need to go. Like my friend Ashley said, just because I'm fasting doesn't mean I should forget to feed the kids. Oops!

Friday, February 08, 2008

It's almost 3 am

And I am STILL awake!!!

Just hung up laundry, looked at the clock, and realized I am going to be hating life in about 3 hours when I have to get up!

Note to self - GO TO BED AT A DECENT HOUR!

Thursday, February 07, 2008

MySpace for dummies?

Is there a book like this out there?

I'm not joking...

All of our small group girls are on myspace so me & Megan (or is it Megan & I? I really did pass English in high school - I think) had one of our girls create us a myspace for our small group. I've spent some time on nit this week and, well, I'm used to BLOGGER. This whole myspace thing is foreign to me. I can't make it do what I want it to!!!!

So, is there a book out there, a tutorial out there, somewhere for people like me who are myspace challenged????

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Fuel - I Believe I Can Fly

Tonight was the high school outreach event at church - Thrift Store Prom. The kids were supposed to go shopping at Goodwill or whereever and come dressed in their nicest thrift store finds. It was fun to see all the different outfits - quite the flashback to the 80's & early 90's!

One thing in particular stood out to me tonight that I just can't help but share. One of the High School small group leaders is also a high school teacher. She has such a heart to see her students come to know Christ. For the entire year she has offered extra credit for any student of hers that comes to church on Wed. All they have to do is come find her so she knows they are there.

The same applied for tonight.

There was student upon student that was there specifically because she chose to invite them adding extra credit as incentive. Her words, "Whatever it takes to get them here."

WOW. She was SO excited to see so many of her students there and I was so inspired to see someone doing all that she could to share Jesus with those she had influence with - even in a PUBLIC SCHOOL!

I pray that my kids have teachers like her when in school.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

"Super" Tuesday

I'm sure everyone knows what that is - right? I mean, you can't turn on the tv, radio, open a newspaper, etc. without hearing about it.

I'm not very politically savy but I do feel very strongly about our right to vote. There are people all over the world who would LOVE the opportunity to vote and make decisions about their government but they can't. Here in the United States, we do have that right and yet so many choose to not exercise it.

There is still time - go out and vote!

Sunday, February 03, 2008

Our small group ROCKS!

Eric and I are so blessed to be apart of a wonderful small group at church. The group opperates as a family, taking care of each other and lifting each other up. It's the very definition of how a small group should be. We celebrate with each other, mourn together, pray for each other, have fun together, etc. It's awesome.

While our group really does so much for each other, I can think of two times, specifically, where I have just been so thankful for each person and excited to see how God uses our group. The first time that sticks out to me is when a neighbor of mine who does not attend our church had a baby and was having a tough time of it. I asked our small group if they would be willing to help provide meals for this family for a week, a family they did not know personally, and they said yes without hesitation. WOW!

The second time happened today.

Me and another member of this small group, Megan, are co-leaders of a 9th grade girls group on Wednesday night. We have 7 young ladies in our group who are wonderful. There is a weekend retreat coming up for them and both Megan and I really wanted them to go - ALL of them to go. Money was an issue so we asked our small group if they would be willing to sponser one of the girls to attend the retreat.

Our small group gave enough money to make it possible for our entire small group to attend Collision this year!

I am awed and humbled by their friendship and devotion to serve Christ anyway they can.

THANK YOU GUYS so much for investing in the lives of our girls!! We cannot thank you enough.

Flu Bowl

Before finding out that Owen had the flu we had planned on having some friends over for a Super Bowl Party. We had the house clean, the food prepared (almost) and were ready to go. I was actually looking forward to having a bunch of people over to hang out and have fun so I was a bit disappointed when I had to cancel.

It seems that a friend of ours, Shea, also found out today that she had the flu so we decided that since both families were already exposed, to get together anyways. YAY! It was nice to have friends over.

Now, I am not a huge football fan. Honestly, apart from the 2 years that I played fantasy footbal (comic relief for all the guys in the league, I'm sure), I hadn't really paid much attention to the sport. I have no real allegiance to any team but if I had to choose between the two, then my choice was the Giants. My dad grew up in Brooklyn and was a Giants fan. I remember when they won the Super Bowl against the Broncos because we had just moved to Colorado. I wore my Phil Simms jersey to school the following day and didn't make too great of an impression - those Bronco fans are FANATICAL!

I have to say, I was a bit happy to see the end of the game w/the Giants on top tonight.

It's the flu

Each of the kids got their flu shots but apparently it doesn't cover the strain that is going around now.

Owen has been feeling bad since Friday but I was putting it off to sinus junk. He woke up with a fever so Eric took him to the dr. and he has the FLU! He was too far into it to get tamiflu.

Drew was in Sunday School when they came and got me and told me he was complaining of a headache and sore throat. I threw him into the car with Eric and he tested negative for the flu. The dr. said that since his symptoms just came on that it was probably too soon to test so she gave him tamiflu just in case.

Pray that the rest of us don't get it. My throat is a little sore but maybe that's just a sympathy pain!

Friday, February 01, 2008

No double dipping!

I couldn't resist posting this article after reading it (click title for link - FOX News). I was tempted to post the article about the man that died after DRINKING TOO MUCH WATER but figured that might be in bad taste.

On Sunday, millions of Americans will be plopped in front of big-screen TVs watching the Super Bowl — and, yes — stuffing their faces with chips, dip and anything else they can get their hands on. So, this brings up the question:
Is double dipping really that bad?
A new study by Clemson University set out to answer that exact question. According to The New York Times, the study was inspired by an episode of "Seinfeld" in which the character George Costanza is confronted at a funeral reception after dipping the same chip twice. Clemson University food microbiologist Paul Dawson said he proposed the study to get undergraduate students involved in scientific research. A team of nine students had volunteers bite a wheat cracker and dip the cracker for three seconds into a tablespoon of dip, it was reported. They repeated the process with new crackers, for a total of either three or six double dips per dip sample. The team then analyzed the remaining dip and counted the number of aerobic bacteria in it. The students found that on average, three to six double dips transferred about 10,000 bacteria from the eater’s mouth to the remaining dip, the Times reported.
/**/

"The way I would put it is, before you have some dip at a party, look around and ask yourself, 'would I be willing to kiss everyone here?' Because you don’t know who might be double-dipping, and those who do are sharing their saliva with you,"Dawson told the Times. The study is set to be published later this year in the Journal of Food Safety.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

A little bit frustrated.

Okay, I have been busting my tail working out and trying to eat better for the last month and I haven't been seeing the kind of results that I had hoped for. It's frustrating. I've made a conscious effort to eat better, only splurging occasionally and not in excess, I try to drink more water (this is a hard one for me), and I have been working out at least 5 days per week. When I say working out, I'm not talking about the kind of working out where you come out smelling as good as you did when you started, I'm talking about the kind of working out where you need a shower with lots of soap to be presentable to the world.

How much have I lost?????

Drum roll please.....

...FIVE STINKIN' POUNDS!!!!!!!

Grrrrrrr!!!!!

Do I feel better physically? Yes, I do. I can definitely tell a big difference in my cardio capabilities and I like that. I just wish I'd start seeing results. It would make being good with food so much easier if I saw that things were working.

I did talk to one of the trainers at the Y about my frustrations this week. She suggested adding in weights so I went to Group Power Lift on Monday, Abs & Arms on Tues, and will be doing Group Power Lift again on Friday. That changes a few things because I can only keep the kids in childcare for 2 hours (understandable) so I can't get a shower at the Y before leaving, I have to do it at home. I hate taking that time out when I could be doing something fun with the kids.

I also have a fitness evaluation with this trainer but I couldn't get in until mid-February. I guess that's okay even though I was hoping to get it done asap so I would know how to better achieve my goals.

Last frustration, I promise. I really, really wanted to run/walk the 1/2 marathon this year. I've tried running a few times and each and every time I get horrible shin splints. It kills to run. It was suggested that I get new shoes at Fleet Feet but I just can't go and spend $100 on shoes without being sure that they would do the trick. Watch me spend the money and STILL get shin splints!

Maybe I'll just have to walk the whole thing - anyone want to walk it with me???

Excuse the pity party post - I'm just frustrated with this after putting so much consistent work into it.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Oh Jessica!!!!

If you can read blogs then you can START one and teach all of us bargain-challenged people how to get the crazy deals that you do on a regular basis!!! :)

He cares about the little things too.

I just had a neat reminder that God is in control of the big and small things.

I was getting out of my car, at home, and was about to hit the lock button when I just stopped and decided to make sure I had my keys. Doesn't seem like a big thing to you, right?

Well, I never do that. I rarely check to make sure I have my keys because I always do the same exact thing with them, put them in my purse, pick up my purse and get out of the car. I had my purse in hand so of course I had my keys - right?

Wrong.

They were on the driver's side floor, they must have fallen out.

So, there's my little reminder that God cares about the little things too. He prompted me to stop and make sure I had my keys, my ONLY set of keys, keeping me from locking myself out of the car.

Thank you Jesus!

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Spiritual Security

Our pastor is doing a series at church called Q & A (Questions & Answers). Several weeks back church members were encouraged to send in questions that they may have and they'd work on answering several via blogs and services. Good idea.

This week's message was on eternal security but titled Spiritual Security. I was a bit nervous thinking about it as it can be a real source of contention between denominations. I knew it wasn't going to one of those kind of sermons but still, I wondered.

Can I just tell you - you HAVE to listen to this message - it is awesome. God really spoke through our Pastor today. It wasn't the message I expected, it was better.

I won't spoil it for you - take a listen.

http://www.fbcsmyrna.org/default.aspx?shellfunction=mediaarchives - click on Sunday Messages. It's about 44 minutes in length - worth listening to!

Thank you, Pat, for not being afraid to tackle the hard issues and doing it right!

Possibly a pet in the future?

Some friends of ours came through town on their way to California (moving via Marines) and stayed with us on Friday & Saturday night. They brought with them their two pets - a dog named Chief and a cat named Bob. We were a little concerned because we don't have pets currently and Morgan & Owen tend to react pretty negatively to pets, especially dogs. Drew LOVES animals so we weren't concerned about him.

Owen's first real experience with a dog happened when we moved to TN and he came eye to eye with a black lab that was bigger than him. It kind of freaked him out and he hasn't had a love relationship with pets ever since. He didn't have one this time. I think he spent every waking moment extremely aware of where Chief was and much of that time on my lap, shaking.

Morgan used to respond this way to pets despite being in a home daycare with one from the time she was 6 weeks old. This time she did SO well and suprised all of us (proof below LOL).

Drew, well, I think he fell in love with Chief and couldn't get enough of him or Bob. He spent most of his time with the animals. It was fun to watch.

Even Eric came away saying that he would consider getting a pet in the future because the kids (minus Owen) seemed to love it so much - that's a BIG deal.

Here are a few pics:

Thursday, January 24, 2008

What's your personality type?

I saw this on my cousin's blog and thought it would be fun. Not suprised by what it says as I've almost always come out as an ENFP ever since college. I know I'm a strong NF (intuitive, feeler), but I'm more in the middle on the Introvert/Extrovert and Judging/Perceiving (at least that's what I remember them standing for).

Edited to add - I just reread the summary below and laughed out loud when it said "unimpressed by authority and rules." I'm sure my previous employer could testify that this was probably true at times. Yikes. Maybe it's the military brat in me rebelling - LOL!

You Are An ENFP

The Inspirer
You love being around people, and you are deeply committed to your friends.You are also unconventional, irreverent, and unimpressed by authority and rules.Incredibly perceptive, you can usually sense if someone has hidden motives.You use lots of colorful language and expressions. You're quite the storyteller!
In love, you are quite the charmer. And you are definitely willing to risk your heart.You often don't follow through with your flirting or professed feelings. And you do break a lot of hearts.
At work, you are driven but not a workaholic. You just always seem to enjoy what you do.You would make an excellent entrepreneur, politician, or journalist.
How you see yourself: compassionate, unselfish, and understanding
When other people don't get you, they see you as: gushy, emotional, and unfocused

What's" Your Personality Type?

When the enemy strikes

I've been pondering this subject a lot the past couple of weeks because of a variety of situations I've been around. Today, in particular, has gotten to me. I was thinking on things when I came across one of our pastor's blogs and he mentioned a book that he had read called "When the Enemy Strikes" by Charles Stanley. I think I would really like to read this book just after reading the editorial review on Amazon. Here is what it had to say:

At some point every Christian will experience a satanic attack-a willful, determined assault by the Devil to harm our spirit, soul, or body. God wants Christians to be under His control, but the Enemy will do his best to destroy everything good in our lives. So the question is not how to avoid satanic attacks, but how to overcome them.
Satan is a very powerful adversary. However, God does not leave us to defend ourselves, and He wants us to understand His supernatural and unlimited ability to help us. Dr. Stanley will show readers how to achieve victory by:
1. Identifying the enemy
2. Dressing in the full armor of God and standing firm
3. Releasing God's energy, divine power, and protection through prayer
4. Sensing the fore warnings of Satan's attacks on finances, family, relationships, or health
Spiritual warfare is fought every day on the battlefield of your mind. The Adversary knows that if he can direct your thinking, it's only a matter of time before you're vulnerable to the allure of sin. Dr. Stanley teaches that to stand against Satan's attacks, you must meditate upon biblical principles and arm yourself with the sword of the spirit-God's Word.

Sometimes Satan just makes me so mad. I hesitate to even post this because I don't want anyone thinking I'm one of those crazy people that thinks every shadow is a demon - I don't. That said, I do think that at times we minimalize the spiritual battle that is going on unseen around us. That is exactly what the enemy wants. If we don't take his game seriously, then he can sneak in an do even more damage.

I've seen the damage that Satan can cause in lives this week and it has me mad. I have several friends who are under serious attack and they are struggling. Personally this has been a hard fought two weeks for me. I don't think that there has been a couple of weeks where I felt so directly under attack as I have lately. I'd like to be able to tell you that I was responding the way that God would have me. I would like to tell you that I put on God's armor and stood firm against the devil. I didn't. I wallowed in it pretty good for a week. I won't go into details because my personal battle really isn't' the issue here.

After wallowing in it, I got mad. Mad at myself for not taking hold of the power that I have in Jesus to tell the devil to get the heck out. Mad at myself for giving into the same old temptations as I always do. Mad at the devil for so effectively deceiving my friends that they would also neglect to put on the full armor of God and fight back.

I don't have to live in defeat and neither do you. Satan has read the Book, he knows that he's going to lose. It's done. The power of sin in my life was finished when Jesus died on the cross and rose again. As a believer I don't have to be a slave to the devil and his schemes, I am free. SO ARE YOU.

Believe it.

Walk in it.

Tell Satan to take a hike.

They are growing FAST

Last year Morgan was able to wear the winter clothes she had from the previous year. Obviously she did some growing since then and we had to buy her a new size for this winter. Same with Drew, new wardrobe there too this winter.

I was hoping to at least get through this fall/winter with them in the same size but it appears they have both had a growth spurt and now their pants are a little short!!!! I'm all for being healthy and growing but buying 2 wardrobes in one season puts a little damper on the ole bank account!

So - if anyone has any 7slims and 5slims you want to pass along - I'm your girl!

Picketing Heath Ledgers funeral

According to Foxnews:

A radical Baptist church in Kansas known for picketing the funerals of
soldiers who perished in Iraq said it intends to protest Heath Ledger's memorial
service with signs claiming the actor died and is in Hell because he played a
gay character in “Brokeback Mountain.”

Stuff like this gets me upset. Gotta love how "effectively" this particular church is sharing the love of Christ (yes, add lots of sarcasm).

As a Christ-follower, I am appalled at this.

Yes, God does hate sin - ALL sin. No we shouldn't pretty it up and avoid the subject but do you really think that God wants us going to a memorial service shouting that someone is burning in hell because of their particular sin?

I wish I could find the link to a sermon that our pastor did on this very subject because I'd post it. Maybe I'll go back and find it.

Either way, stuff like this makes me mad because that is what a lost world will see about my Jesus. Maybe the person without any sin should be the first one to pick up one of the picket signs.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Yes, I changed it again.

If I could move my furniture around all the time, I'd do that too! Guess it's nice to have a blog design to change when I get a hankering. I'd really love to just have a blog design done for me but that will come later.

So, for the time being, welcome to a new look!

Memory Foam

Many of you mentioned a memory foam mattress pad topper to help with the back problems I've been having sleeping on our sleep number bed.

Well, we put one on last night and I will say that my back didn't hurt nearly as bad this morning. I didn't have a great night's sleep but I don't think that was from the bed as much as from the tv being left on and Owen coming into our room in the middle of the night.

Thanks for the suggestions - we'll see how it continues to go! I guess it's cheaper than buying a new bed.

OHHH - I asked my friend what the name of that bed was that she bought after staying in a hotel. It was the Heavenly Bed and it was the Westin hotel. LINK HERE: WESTIN HEAVENLY BED.

Monday, January 21, 2008

I'm a lucky girl

I am sure that Eric is going to read this, get embarrassed, and ask me to take it down. So - if you see it before that happens, then you are lucky (not quite as lucky as I am thought. ;) )

I have to tell you ladies, I have an amazing husband. Today was one of those days where I was hit with just how lucky I am.

Nothing crazy happened, I just got to thinking and realized that I have it good - God has blessed me with a wonderful husband and life partner.

What makes him so great? Here are just a few things:

1. He cares about us. A couple of weeks ago I talked to him about an area of our relationship that I'd really like us to work on. He has done so faithfully and I appreciate that. It shows that he values us and that's so important.

2. He is a wonderful father. He loves hanging out with the kids and comes up with some great things to do with them. A couple of things stick out to me right now like going to Wal-Mart before coming home and buying ice cream cones, cake mix, and icing to make ice-cream cone cupcakes with the kids or taking them swimming at the YMCA. He loves doing stuff like that.

3. He helps out around the house. He puts me to shame sometimes with all that he does. He does dishes (often), vacuums, picks up, etc. After talking with other women, I know this isn't always the case. I'm lucky that he really sees the chores around the house as an "us" job and not just a "wife" job.

4. He is understanding of my need for "Andie" time and is good to let me get it. I have to admit, I'm a selfish person, and I really do need a lot of "me" time to recharge and be a better wife & mother. I like to scrapbook, stamp, hang out with the ladies, etc. and he is very accommodating to that.

5. He can take care of three kids, including bath, meals, and bed without any problem or complaint. I know this isn't the case with all men and I'm thankful that he also views our parenting as a team thing!

6. Have you seen him? He's a good looking guy! :)

The list could go on and on. I'm sure I'm making him blush and I'll get talked to about talking TOO much on a public blog.

One last thing before I sign off. I was reminded the other day how God has a sense of humor some times. Back when I first became a Christian, I said this silly little prayer about my future husband and included a little request that, well, it was just kind of ridiculous. Included in my laundry list of things in an ideal husband was that my husband wear Nautica cologne. Don't ask me - I was in high school and apparently at the time it was important to me.

Guess what kind of cologne Eric wore when I met him and for years after that? Yep - you guessed it - Nautica! Drew just bought him some for Christmas and I just love the sent of it.

Read this while you can. :)

Saturday, January 19, 2008

For you scrappers out there...

One of the ladies at our church's scrapbook night showed me an email she gets called Valerie's Sketches. I googled it and it turns out that Valerie has a blog. LOTS of good ideas here - check it out!

Thanks for the reference Jana!

CLICK TITLE FOR LINK!

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Mish Mash

Another post where I just ramble on. I'm sorry. This is what happens when my mind is on several different things.

1. Morgan read her first book tonight. Granted, she needed some help but I would say that she read 70% of it all on her own. She read the Dr. Seuss book "Hop on Pop." A great book for a beginner. I can't believe my baby is learning to read!!!

2. When Drew started preschool 2 days a week in September his coloring was basically scribbling. Now he can write his name, color in the lines and actually choose colors for different things in a picture as opposed to coloring everything the same color. WOW - that's some progress.

3. Owen is talking a TON. It's crazy how quickly his vocabulary has taken off. My favorite saying of his right now, whenever he eats or drinks something he likes, "That feels me better". So cute!

4. I get why someone who doesn't really know you well would choose to talk to you about an area that they know you have in common when they see you but after 5 months of the same conversation each and every time I see this particular person, it's getting old. Oh well...

5. I still can't drink all the water that I'm supposed to.

6. Laundry never ends.

7. Why is it that I go to the grocery store for a moderate amount of items but then I realize that I'm out of diapers, pull-ups (yes, Drew still wears them at night, no comments please), wet wipes, Tide, and many other cleaners ALL AT THE SAME TIME? Do you know how expensive that stuff is?? Would have been nice to spread that stuff out a bit.

8. When is the writer's strike going to be over - I'm tired of reruns! Get on with it!

9. American Idol is great but I should have remembered that the auditions weren't exactly little kid appropriate. It started with the Pat Benetar wannabe and Morgan asking why there were American Idol logos on her mouth and hands and promptly ended when the guy came out in a cape, dropping it to reveal that he was Esau in a bra and underwear. Nice.

10. I still love Mexican food but I'm no longer craving it like I was before. That's a good thing I think.

11. I've lost about 5 lbs in the past 2 weeks. YAY me!

That's all folks!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Old Navy!

I saw that others have mentioned the HUGE sale going on at Old Navy but I thought I'd give a shout-out to it as well.

All their clearance is an add'l 50% off right now thru Wednesday. I seemed like most of the store was on sale, there was a TON of stuff.

I went shopping last night with Shea and, well, 3 huge shopping bags later, we left. SO many good deals. I will say that there was probably more deals for Morgan than for Drew & Owen but there were still LOTS of stuff for boys too. Stuff for men & women as well!

It wasn't just fall/winter stuff either, I got several shirts for spring/summer (although there is more winter stuff).

So - head on down. There are deals to be had!

Monday, January 14, 2008

Allergies? This early?

Maybe I'm crazy but I swear that there is some kind of allergen that has reared it's ugly head the last few days. It seems silly because it has been cold, off & on, but I have had an allergy headache for the last 3 days. I hate allergy/sinus headaches - the kind that makes your head hurt to breath through your nose. Last night I layed around with an ice pack on my head. This morning I had to take a benadryl allergy/sinus headache before I even left the house and I don't take those often because they make me sleepy!!

I'm glad that Zyrtec is going over-the-counter! I need to get some and start taking it. I hate allergies!!!

Anyone else having issues or am I just crazy (don't answer that if your answer is the latter! LOL!)

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Ahhhh.... We have arrived...

Ever since having kids we have lacked in the sleep department, those of you with small children probably understand. I've looked on those that get to sleep in on Saturday morning and get a bit envious and wonder if we'll ever get there. Our kids aren't late sleepers and usually get up between 6:30-7:30 am on any given morning, including Saturday morning. Sometimes Eric & I switch off and one gets up while the other sleeps but that doesn't always work.

Well, this past Saturday the kids got up at their normal time and neither of us were ready to get up, so, we put a movie on in the game room and ALL THREE KIDS sat there and watched TV for a while so we could sleep. It was FANTASTIC. I know, we shouldn't let the TV be our babysitter but I'm sorry, I felt like being selfish this Saturday morning and sleeping so, well, the TV it was. It's not like we do it all the time!

I feel like we've "arrived". LOL! We can get a little extra sleep on a Saturday morning. WOOHOO!

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

"I want to stretch you."

Those of you that worked with me at The Voice of the Martyrs should know exactly who used to walk around telling people that he wanted to "stretch" us in our jobs. Often times I felt like a rubber band about to break because I had been stretched too thin, other times I felt challenged. I'm sure that we can all relate.

Right now I'm feeling like God is saying "I want to stretch you Andie", not because he wants me to break but because he wants to challenge me in ways that I didn't expect.

It's certainly proving to be the case. In the past few months I have found myself in situations that I would never have expected or imagined. So often I've sat here and though, "I can't handle this, why do you think I can handle this Lord?" And each time He has said, "You're right, YOU can't handle it, at least not alone." It's in these times that I feel so stretched and challenged that God is teaching me that I need to rely on Him completely. He's not going to lead me somewhere or have me do something and not equip me for the job.

The same is true for you.

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Hodge Podge of stuff

I just can't seem to focus tonight. I have 3 loads of laundry to put away, a room that is a mess, an early morning to "look forward" to and I just can't focus. So, here you have what is rolling around in my brain.

#1: A big part of me is really worried about my friend. I tried calling the hospital tonight and she couldn't speak but her husband answered. He sounds awful and really couldn't say much for the grief/worry for his wife. I want my friend to get better! I want the Dr's. to figure out how to help her and I want to call and talk to my friend. I hate being this far away right now.

#2: Water... What does that have to do with anything you might ask??? Well, per the trainers at the YMCA, you are supposed to drink 1/2 your body weight in water each day. So - if I was 100 lbs, that would be 50 ounces of water each day. I got news for you - I'm not 100 lbs! I have to drink a whole lotta water. On a normal day I drink maybe two 8 oz glasses of any liquid. I just don't drink and I certainly don't care for water - give me "dirty water" any day as Suzanne calls ice tea. I know that my weight loss goals would be reached quicker if I would drink my water! Coming to an ocean near you...

#3: I don't get the argument over illegal immigration. I'm sure this will reveal just how ignorant I am on political issues but it seems pretty simple to me. It's called ILLEGAL immigration - why the controversy over whether we should give them rights in the U.S. Again - key word here is ILLEGAL. I get that we can't exactly kick 12 million people out of the country but really... Again - ILLEGAL.

#4: Cancer sucks. If there is one thing that I truly fear, it's this dreaded disease. It's an area of fear in my life that Satan has really used to the detriment in my walk with Jesus. Why, then, knowing how this affects me, do I read several blogs that are by moms with cancer?? Seriously - am I a glutton for punishment?

#5: Does Proactiv really work? You'd think I was going through puberty with the way my face looks. Ever since having kids... It's especially bad at "that time of the month" and I spend the rest of the month trying to clear it up. I've done the whole dermatologist thing and their prescription stuff didn't work. I just ordered the 30-day trial of Proactiv. Hey, it worked for Jessica Simpson.

#6: Wow, Britney Spears needs Jesus. So does her sister.

Now that you think I've lost my mind, I should end this list. I could go on and on. I told you I was feeling very unfocused and out-of-sorts tonight. I think it's a Tylenol PM night.

Please pray for my friend.

Presidential Politics

I'm not a big political talker but I have to tell you, we still have 10 months to go and I'm already tired of hearing it. Ughhh.....

Urgent Prayer Request

If you could spare a few prayers I'd appreciate it.

A very, very good friend of mine is in the hospital right now with a nasty form of pnemonia. It's serious and I'd appreciate any prayers you can send her way.

Thanks!

Monday, January 07, 2008

Chains of Courage

After 7 years working for The Voice of the Martyrs and keeping up with the ministry since leaving 2 years ago, I am always inspired, convicted, challenged and motivated when I read the newsletter and hear the stories of our brothers & sisters in faith around the world.

They know true persecution and blossom in their walks with Jesus under it.

There was one particular article in the January newsletter that jumped out at me and I wanted to share some of it here with you.

The title of the article by Tom White, Executive Director at VOM, was titled "Chains of Courage". Here are the highlights:

"Christians sometimes wonder if they have 'enough courage.' The word courage comes from the French word 'coeur,' meaning heart. World War 2 veterans often state they did not feel like heroes, but simply had a job they knew must be done. Courage surfaces through our daily obedience to Christ, regardless of circumstances. It takes obedience to teach squirming Sunday school children, just as it takes obedience to stand before a hostile judge with a machine gun in your back. Heroic courage, such as that found in Hebrews 11, is dependent only upon our love for our Savior. He is our courage. We have courage not because of who we are, but because of Whom we serve."

A quote from a Vietnamese pastor (smiling while he said it): "'We have learned that suffering is not the worst thing that can happen t us. Disobedience to God is the worst thing.'"

Makes you think, doesn't it?????

"It is important that we obediently continue to hold our light on the hill (Matthew 5:14). As we maintain our gracious Christian witness, we are links in God's several thousand-year chain of courage. "

"Although chained by Rome, the Apostle Paul referred to himself as 'a prisoner of the Lord.' He was securely captive to a greater empire than Rome could ever imagine."

"...when we obediently open our mouth for Jesus out in the world, we become His living Bible - part of God's chain reaction, passing on life and courage."

"His chain reaction - one obedient Christian multiplied by God equals many new believers. God's chain cannot be broken.

Whether in a Cuban house church, an Iranian prison or an American high school hallway, the courage to be a witness for Christ stems from obedience rooted in love, not from feelings. The Lamb of God on the way to be sacrificed was in pain, yet He obeyed the will of His Father and purchased our salvation. He tells us to obediently take up our cross, knowing we will also pass through painful moments.

The courage and faith that is obediently acted out by Christians in hostile Pakistan, Vietnam, China and more than 40 other countries around the world produces a chain reaction, which touches others and lifts all of us. Your life can do the same."

Left toTell

There is a reason that I don't read many books.

Seriously.

When I like a book, I can't put it down, I will sit there reading it until I am done, to the detriment of all thing & people around me. My house will be in shambles, my kids will be going crazy and still I'd sit there reading this book because I HAVE to know what happens next. Knowing this about myself, I don't pick up many books aside from the Bible. Maybe that sounds silly to you.

So, my friend, Becca, gave me this book at church yesterday called "Left to Tell". It's written by a young lady to lived through the Rwandan genocide and how God changed her during that time. I read it all last night, it was SO good.

I am ashamed to admit that I really had NO CLUE what had happened over in that country. During the time of the genocide, I was in college, ignorant of basically everything going on it the world and somehow completely missed that this was happening. I was shocked and heartbroken by what I was reading. I just don't get how people can do that to others, I really don't. And why no one from the outside came to help for so long....

It was a tragic story but also encouraging when you read how God moved in this woman's life. Powerful. Good read.

Comfortable beds? Do they exist?

I seriously do NOT like our bed. Several years ago, prior to Andrew being born, we bought a Sleep Number bed. My parents had one and loved it and the idea of being able to adjust the firmness made sense as a good thing.

Well, I hate it. I've been hating it for a long time but I'm now getting to the point where I loathe it, where I dread going to sleep because I know I will toss & turn and my back will HURT when I wake up.

I've adjusted it. I've put more air in, I've taken air out. The outcome is still the same. I get a crappy night's sleep and my back is KILLING me. It's what triggered my back problems around Thanksgiving and that STUNK.

If I could talk Eric into it, we'd chuck this mattress and get a new one. I hate it that much.

The problem is, how do you really find a good mattress? Seriously? It's not like you can go into a mattress store and stay overnight and just laying down on a mattress for 5 minutes in the store doesn't really tell you anything. They need to have a mattress hotel - you go stay overnight and sleep on the bed that you're thinking of buying to see how it really feels after sleeping on it all night. Wouldn't that be good???

There is actually one mattress that is used in hotels that they sell and so I guess you can go stay overnight in that hotel to try it out. Can't remember which one it is though.

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Mexican... Mexican...

You'd think I was pregnant with the strength of my current craving - beef chimichanga w/all the fixings, chips, salsa & queso.

I can see it.

I can smell it.

I can taste it.

I WANT TO EAT IT NOW!!!

I went to my first Weight Watchers meeting today because, well, let's face it, I'm fat. I'm not beating myself up, I'm speaking the truth. I am now the same weight that I was WHEN I GAVE BIRTH TO OWEN!!!!

I was doing SO good at working out for a long time there - 5 days a week - faithful.

What happened you might ask?

Birthday #1
Sick kids
Out-of-town visitor
Birthday #2
Out-of-town visitor
Sick kids
Holiday
Out-of-town visitors
Went out-of-town
Sick kids
Holiday
Out-of-town visitors
Holiday

Reasonable excuses for not getting to the Y - sort of. Not a reasonable excuse to say the heck with it and each whatever I wanted to! I'm embarassed to admit how much I've gained since October!

Back to the Mexican food.

Now that I feel like I can't have it, it's ALL I WANT. I spent all day resisting the urge to call in take-out. I thought about it ALL day long. I'm thinking about it now.

I'm resisting....

FOR NOW.

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Happy 2008!

Happy New Year!!!

Monday, December 31, 2007

Year-In-Review

I can hardly believe that another year has past. Today is the LAST day of 2007 - wow!

I went back and looked at my New Year's Resolutions for 2007 and well, I'm a bit irritated with myself. I kept only ONE of those resolutions!!!!!!!! I guess that's pretty typical but I'm not happy with myself over it. I hope to do better this coming year.

It's interesting to look back over the past year. This is the first full year that I've had a blog so it's nice to be able to go back and read through what went on this year. We did a lot! Between the local stuff like the bounce place, YMCA, swimming, Discovery Center, Christ Church, etc. and then to trips like going to Oklahoma, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. Morgan turned 6 and started Kindergarten, losing 2 teeth along the way. Drew turned 4 and started preschool, he also got potty trained (well, mostly -we're still missing the overnights). Owen turned 2 and has started talking a lot more and is now sleeping in a big boy bed in a room with his brother. Eric ended the year by starting a new position at work. And, me, well, I was along for the ride!

Here's to another GREAT year!

Sunday, December 30, 2007

That's a relief!

Every once in a while I have a dream that seems so real that when I wake up it takes me a minute to realize it was a dream. Ever have that?

Well, last night I had a crazy dream that I invited a bunch of people I knew (not all friends, just random people I knew) to a weekend away and that I picked up the tab. I remember sitting there, getting the bill, and about hyperventilating as it was rather large. In my dream I remember thinking, "Man, Eric is going to kill me for this one." It seemed so real.

Then I woke up.

Ahhh - sweet relief!!!

A bit of randomness for your Sunday afternoon reading. :)

Thursday, December 27, 2007

The Grinch

We had a GREAT time tonight! My parents are visiting us for Christmas and we were fortunate enough to get free tickets to the Grinch ICE! Show at the Opryland Hotel (a BIG thank-you to my father-in-law for scoring us those tickets!!).

None of us had ever been to an ice show so we really didn't know what to expect. It was amazing. Everything in the place was made of solid ice. It was also FREEZING in there - 8-10 degrees I think. They handed out parkas when you went in and I wish I had brought gloves and hats for everyone too.

The kids were as amazed by things as we were. There is a slide-show below with some pictures.

I'm so thankful we were able to go. Thanks again Ralph!!!

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

The magic of Christmas morning

"Santa" just got done setting up the gifts for Christmas morning. As I was done, I stepped back and was flooded with memories of all the Christmas mornings that I experienced as a child. There was a magic in it - walking down the stairs and into the room and seeing the gifts laid out around the tree - WOW! It was so exciting. My parents didn't put any of the gifts out until after we went to bed on Christmas Eve so it was a huge thing to see so many presents around the tree.

I am excited for my kids to experience the same "magic".

The real "magic" of Christmas didn't happen in a comfy little house under a pretty tree - it happened in a manger all those years ago - our Savior, grace in a manger, Jesus - was born. The world would never be the same, I would never be the same.

The best gift that we are getting for Christmas is one that is free and available to EVERYONE no matter where you are at in life. The best gift that we are getting for Christmas makes it possible for us to remain separated no longer from the God that created us. The best gift that we are getting for Christmas is our Savior, Jesus.

Have you opened your present yet? Don't let it sit under the tree - open it.

Open your heart to Jesus.

Wishing you & yours a very Merry CHRISTmas!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

April Fool's Day

Why April Fool's Day?

Well, Drew is my little AFD joke. You see, Morgan was born in October and the last quarter of the year is typically the busiest at my old job. It wasn't good that I was gone during that time and they always joked with me that I couldn't have any kids during that quarter, they were going to write it in my contract (how funny that all three of my kids were born during the last quarter).

So, April Fool's Day comes around and I told my two bosses that I was pregnant and due around the same time that Morgan was born. I think I even joked around with Eric. I had a lot of fun with this joke.

Two weeks later I was telling then that I really was pregnant! Oops!

Drew was due on Dec. 30th but was really wanting him to come before Christmas. There was supposed to be 16 people at my house on Christmas day and I had visions of going into labor with all of them there so, on Dec. 19th I took the dreaded Castor Oil (yes, I took this with ALL three of my kiddos and it worked all three times).

By mid-evening I wasn't feeling too good but didn't have what I would call contractions. I called the hospital because I hadn't felt Drew move in a while and I was concerned. The nurse said to lay on my left side, turn off the lights & TV and just relax. Within minutes of doing that the contractions started. Morgan was asleep (26 months old) when we started calling the people who were supposed to watch Morgan for us. BOTH were out of town that weekend!!!! Thankfully my friends Dina & Ryan were available and they came over. I do remember that it took them 30 minutes to get there and that was a LONG 30 minutes! :)

We got to the hospital and had to go through the ER because the main doors were closed. I had Eric drop me off so he could go park the car and get the bags. It was kind of comical because I had a really bad contraction in the ER and had to lean against the wall. I turned and there was a group of teenagers in the ER waiting room just looking at me. I guess they'd never seen anyone in labor before. :)

Got to L&D and was 4 cm dilated. I wanted the epidural right away but they had to get a bag of fluid into me first. Darn IV wouldn't go in right. A roll of tape later and a nurse holding my arm and the other one squeezing the bag, I was ready for my epidural! God bless the epidural man! :)

Around 3:30 am I started pushing and at 3:52 am Drew was born. 8 lbs 9 oz! He was and still is such a cutie!

Here's some pics.

Me, in labor, and ready to head to the hospital.

Drew just minutes after he was born.

Drew at 4!(well, almost, this was taken a couple of weeks ago).

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Where to?

Do you ever get to a place where you just don't know where to go from there? In life, relationships, etc?

I'm in that place with a very important relationship in my life.

Just don't know where to go from here.

Perhaps you can be praying for me, I'd appreciate it.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

The High Calling of Motherhood

I started reading the book "'Don't Make Me Count to Three!'" by Ginger Plowman. I've read "Shepherding Your Child's Heart" and loved it and this book was recommended to be read alongside that book. I've only just started reading it but there were a couple of paragraphs that jumped off the page at me today that I wanted to share with you.

"God does have an important job for me, and it does require much skill. It is my calling, my priority, my struggle, and my goal. I will rise to the occasion and accept the task at hand. I will love, nurture, and train my children the way that God has called me to do.

Moms, we need to be reminded of the awesome responsibility that God has given us. When we respond to the high calling of motherhood with passion, the rewards are far greater than any we could ever gain outside of that calling. The joys of motherhood are rare and beautiful treasure that can be easily missed if we don't seize the opportunity to grab them.

Being a mom is more than being cook, chauffeur, maid, counselor, doctor, referee, disciplinarian, etc. (just to name a few). It's about molding character, building confidence, nurturing, training and guiding. There is nothing like the influence that a mother has on her child. A mother's influence has enormous potential to shape the person a child becomes, for good or ill."

Sometimes the responsibility of motherhood seems over-whelming and impossible but I am always reminded of how God will not ask us to do something and then NOT equip us to do the job.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Opry Mills Shoppers - my apologies

I knew things had been going to good. After some struggles with Drew, my strong-willed but tender-hearted middle child, I felt like things were going good with us. Drew enjoys pushing my buttons and doing things wrong deliberately to see how far he can push me. We've really been trying to "tighten the screws" on him to encourage him to obey. Things have been going SO WELL - until today.

Eric's father was in town today on a tour and had a few hours free that we could spend with him. We had to go to Opry Mills as that was close to where he needed to be when the tour resumed. We decided on Chili's for lunch and then had planned to walk around the mall for a little bit. Each of the kids had gotten some money for Christmas and they wanted to go to the Disney store to pick out something. I told them during lunch that they had to be good and obey all through lunch to get to go to the store. Well, Drew really struggled and ended up losing his toy.

That didn't go over too well and he started to throw a temper tantrum. I should have just cut it off right then and left (like I had warned I would) but I didn't. I felt bad leaving Ralph early and Morgan was upset at the thought of not getting to spend time with Grandpa. So, against my better judgement, we started walking through the food court. We didn't make it far when I had to take Drew to the bathroom for a little chat. Again I reiterated that he wasn't getting a toy and why and then we left the bathroom. We got a little farther into the mall when he throws another fit. I was at the counter at Radio Shack returning something and he comes up begging for a toy. When I once again told him "no", he proceeded to throw a big fit. This time I did tell him we were leaving and then it all broke loose.

Here's a mental picture for you. I had to pick him up while he was kicking, screaming, punching, biting, grabbing, etc. at me the entire walk out -it wasn't a short walk either - right through the heart of the food court during lunch. He's a big kid and my back has been hurting so it was killing me to have to carry him so far. OH MY GOODNESS. What the heck???? (Ashley, Becca & Tammy - this was 10x's worse than the fit he through at Christ Church).

We get to the car and it was a huge struggle to get him buckled. Once I did, Morgan went on the bus with Grandpa and I closed the doors to the van and just stood outside, smiling at strangers who were giving me the pity look because they could hear him screaming from outside the van.

As mad as I was, and I was LIVID, I did wait until we got home and we'd both calmed down before talking to him and giving him a spanking. That's something because honestly, I wanted to beat that child in the middle of his temper tantrum.

The moral of the story - never let your guard down, even if you think that they've "got it", they are always testing you and FOLLOW THROUGH the first time you warn with something.

Missing people

One thing I am horrible at is keeping up with people who I don't see all the time. Call it a product of my youth as a military brat, moving around every 3-4 years, but I just struggle with calling people, writing, and just keeping up on their lives. When we moved around as a youth, I just made new friends and didn't really keep in touch with the old ones. It's just the way it was.

So, now, I have moved to TN (over a year ago - wow), and while I've done better than normal, I still struggle to keep in touch with all that I want to. You know how it is, you get busy with your day-to-day life and just don't call or write. That doesn't make it okay, it's just reality.

There are so many people I miss but I'm thinking of one very special friend today. Miss. Myrtle! Me & Myrtle worked together at The Voice of the Martyrs for about 7 years. She was the Administrative Assistant for our dept. and one of the dearest friends I had. I remember countless times sitting in her office or mine just talking about life. She was a surrogate mom for me many times and a good friend all the time. I was encouraged daily by her faith in God and her commitment to her family. Her daughter-in-law, Robin, is the one that watched my children while I worked and she was such a blessing as well. We would go out to lunch a lot and just talk about life. I miss that. I miss my friend.

She moved to a new state about the same time that we moved to TN and really haven't been able to connect since then. It makes me sad.

So, Myrtle, if you read this, EMAIL ME and give me your new contact information. I miss you my friend and I want to hear all about your life in TX!

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Still not found.

So the Christmas gifts that I posted about awhile back that I bought early but have misplaced STILL haven't been found. I ended up going today and buying new gifts. Two of the gifts were for my nieces in MO and I'm going to be giving my father-in-law those gifts when we see him this week. You know what that means don't you?

I'll find the gifts I lost next week, after the new gifts have been delivered!

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Drew's 4th birthday party

We celebrated Drew's 4th birthday this past weekend. His actual birthday is right before Christmas but we've always wanted to make sure he didn't get lost in the Christmas shuffle, so we celebrate at the beginning of the month.

We rented a bounce place for a couple of hours and let the kids run wild. Imagine 20 kids and 5 big blow-up things - wow - it was crazy.

Thank you to the friends & family that came and made our little man feel special!

Here are the pictures - enjoy!

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Note to self - the Christmas gift version

When buying Christmas gifts more than 2 months in advance, find a "safe" place that isn't so safe that you never find said gifts again!

Searching my house for 3 gifts that I bought this summer!!!!

Mentor anyone?

Mentor - a wise & trusted counselor, teacher.

I think it has become very rare these days for anyone to actually have a mentoring relationship with someone else, especially in the church (at least the churches that I've been to).

I find myself thinking about this a lot lately, wishing for a person like this in my life.

I've had it in the past. When I went to college I was a new Christian (1 year old), and had never really been discipled. I got together with another girl in a similar situation and our Resident Assistant became our mentor - wise & trusted counselor, teacher. I remember that year vividly. I loved that small group of girls and I hated it at the same time. I loved it because I was learning so much about Jesus and about who He made me to be, it was exciting. I often hated it though because I also knew it was a place where I couldn't hide what was really going on inside. If I had sin issue I was struggling with, if I wasn't spending quiet time with the Lord, etc., I knew that I would not be able to leave that place without talking about it and praying about it. If you're anything like me then you know that the first instinct when you are struggling is not to stop and talk about it and certainly not to pray about it - you want to run from it, ignore it, hide it, etc. I couldn't do that with this group and I loved that.

I've missed that ever since.

I do have one friend who has been an informal mentor to me over the years but we no longer live near each other. We still play a huge role in each other's lives and I love that.

What I really want now is to find someone, more seasoned in their faith, that can me my wise & trusted counselor, teacher. I find myself needing the accountability and the wisdom that I could get in that kind of relationship.

Definitely an item for prayer.

So - what about you? Do you have a mentoring relationship with someone now? Have you been a mentor before? Have you been mentored before? Tell me about this. What role, if any, has mentorship played in your Christian walk?

Monday, December 03, 2007

Thanksgiving 2007

I am FINALLY getting this together and on the blog.

We had a GREAT time over Thanksgiving with my cousin, Brad, and his family and our good friend, Shea and her son, Dillon.

Brad, Kristen and their boys Caden & Owen recently moved a short drive from our home and we were SO excited that they agreed to come on out and visit with us for Thanksgiving. Their son, Caden, and our son, Drew, are only weeks apart in age. They also have a son, Owen, that is 1 year younger than our Owen. It got a little confusing with 2 kids with the same name but we figured it out. Drew & Caden were a riot together - wow.

Turkey day was fun. Poor Morgan was outnumbered as it was Shea's son, Dillon, Drew, big Owen, little Owen and Caden. :)

Thanksgiving night the boys went out and picked up a program that both me & Kristen wanted at a store for an amazing price. Kristin and I also got out on Black Friday and tried to find some good deals before heading to Toot's & The Discovery Center.

We had such a good time with everyone! Thanks for making this a special holiday!