Life in our Three-Ring Circus

Running of the Bulls...Redneck Style...

2009-11-23T16:58:00.000-08:00

Saturday night was the 2nd annual College/Career Bonfire at our house. All day it looked ominous...rain was nearby... but thankfully, it stayed away so we could have our get together. It ended up being gray and cool...perfect for a bonfire!!

After everyone had gotten there and we were done stuffing our faces with all the goodies, one of the girls said something about being terrified of cows... INTERVENTION!!!! Since I do live on a farm, some of us decided that it would be a great idea to take M out in the cowfield... at night... in the pitch black moonless night... to overcome her fear.

Brilliant, yes, I know...

So, we loaded up on the golf cart (a very farm-ish vehicle...) and headed to the field. There was absolutely no moon out and the lights on the golf cart were not working. No one thought to bring a flashlight, though someone did have their cell phone and we tried using it as a spotlight from time to time...

Once we found the cows, several of the nuts on the cart got off the cart and started chasing the poor beasts. Loping over the cow patties in the dark, singing while determined to catch a cow and touch it, and trying to pick off the "weak" one to corner.... I have never laughed so hard in my life!!

Just a bunch of rednecks I tell ya....

ryan, steph, me & frank (bff's fo-eva)

some of the "cow chaser extraordinaries"

steph frolicking through the cow patties

j doing his cattle call

"deer in the headlights" look...don't ask!!

What A Day!!

2009-11-15T18:43:00.000-08:00

WOW!!! What a day!! I am almost, almost too overwhelmed to say anything about today... It has been full of God's goodness and greatness for sure!

Today started out with a very special speaker that came to Sherwood. Gov. Mike Huckabee came and spoke. And not a political message either. I mean, he came and preached. He was funny and gracious. And he even got up on stage and played his bass guitar with us on a song! Too much fun!

Believe me, his coming to our church has brought up many, many a discussion and debate among several of my friends. I have been shocked at the people that have had so many negative things to say about him speaking in a church. Some have said he has an agenda. That he is just trying to be manipulative and deceptive. Trying to make people feel all warm and fuzzy so that when he runs again for office they will remember him in that way and vote for him. Some have said he was just using it as a promotion for his new book. It also launched discussions about separation of church and state that I was not prepared for... not so much that I wasn't prepared for the discussion itself, but from the people it came from...

Here's the thing... Mike Huckabee is a good man. He loves the Lord and his country. He can't separate his love for either of them. And he shouldn't. He didn't use the pulpit this morning to promote his book... he used the pulpit this morning to promote Christ.... He brought a wonderful message of hope in a time that for many feels hopeless. And as for separation of church and state, well, you will have to excuse my political "incorrectness"... I want my leaders to love the Lord. I want the leaders of our nation to turn to the Lord for wisdom in their decisions. I want politicians in the pulpit that have a geniune love for Christ and pastors behind the desks in Washington. Because look at how things have gone without Him...

Later today, we were priveledged to find out the theme and title of the next movie that our church would be making.

It's called COURAGEOUS. The subject matter is about fathers/fatherlessness, calling men to step up and be the husbands and fathers that they need to be. I can't wait!!!

A Belated Vetran's Day Thank You...

2009-11-12T13:37:00.001-08:00

It's a little late, I realize...

But, I did want to say a heart felt thank you to the soldiers past, present and future who sacrifice so much...

They give of themselves to protect us... so that we can go about our daily lives the way that we want to...
Some leaving never to return home... never to see their families again...

It reminds me of the ultimate "veteran"... Who sacrificed more than any other... And He did it not out of love for country, but out of love for you and for me...

And even though He paid the ultimate price for our freedom... He will be coming back again...

Operation Christmas Child

2009-11-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

Tis the season... already... I can't believe it's almost Christmas! And though I am not as good as some of my friends who have already purchased their children's gifts, I do know what mine will be getting... it's just a matter of writing it down and actually going to get it!

Baby steps, people, baby. steps!

However, the time has come again for us to do our shoeboxes. It's a simple thing really. Fill a shoebox with goodies for a child, box goes all over the world to reach a little one who otherwise wouldn't get anything for Christmas, and somehow... hopefully, they feel the love of Christ through that simple box.

I never do well when I have to go get the stuff for the boxes... I usually have a few things in mind I want to put in the boxes. But then while I'm shopping I just want to keep on putting things in my basket! Now, I know that if I don't stop half of what I've gotten is NOT going to fit, but for some reason I just get so stinkin' emotional while I am buying for those shoeboxes!! Thinking of those kids... and the JOY in their eyes... makes my heart feel like it will burst!! The overflow from that usually ends up in my eyes!!

Anyway, Frank and I decided that this year we would make it a family project instead of me just filling them up. So, one night last week after supper, we sent all the kids into the dining room. I had everything set up for them. A box in front of each of their chairs with the items to go in the box beside it. Frank talked with them about what the boxes were for and who would be getting them and why it was important for us to send them. He did a really good job of explaining in a way they could grasp.

Then it was time to fill them. Now, I really expected some tears. Honestly... that's why I had my camera. (good parenting award here I come!) Especially where my Wyatt was concerned... I had picked things that he would want to go in his box for his child. So I fully expected him to pitch a fit to keep those things for himself. But you know what?? Nobody said one word... not a tear... not a sad face... nothing. They all just got to work filling their little boxes. Even Mallory. She didn't ask to keep anything either. Well, she did start to brush her teeth with the toothbrush that was supposed to go in her box! Thankfully I had a spare!!

Then after the boxes had been filled, we asked each of them to pray over their box and for the little boy/girl that would be getting their box. Without hesitation Wyatt started. He folded his hands and said a super sweet prayer that included "please let him brush his teeth good so they can be clean and not have any yellow left on his tooth"... I had to bite my lip... hard... Jack and Mallory prayed for their boxes and children too. I left that room in shock. Really in shock. And grateful for the opportunity the Lord had given us to share that with our kids.

Sometimes, lots of times, a teachable moment goes terribly wrong in our house... and sometimes... it just goes right...

Movie Night

2009-11-06T18:37:00.000-08:00

Busy start to a busy weekend! Tonight was Wyatt's best little buddy's birthday party... it was a "lizard" party... sounds funny, I know, but it was really cute. They had a lizard hunt in the backyard which was right up Wyatt's alley... Little plastic lizards and turtles and bugs were scattered all over the yard and the kids were given little nets and a bug canister and off they went in search of the goods! It was really cute! After that they had a lizard show... I didn't stay for that part, but big iguanas and that sort of thing was what all the kids got to see.... also right up Wyatt's alley! And just like any faithful best buddy would do, Wyatt spent the night after the party....

So, Frank and I thought it would be a great idea to take the other 2 kiddos to the movie. And since it was opening night of A CHRISTMAS CAROL that was the movie of choice... besides, Frank and I wanted to see it anyway, so what better thing to do than to use your children as the excuse to go and see it??

Let me just say that the movie was GREAT! It was in 3D which I love, and really put me in the Christmas spirit! When it was over I was ready to run home, throw up the tree, and bake a pie...all while listening to Christmas music, of course!! When I told that to Frank he said that the thought of going home to put up the tree made him want to throw up! Hmmm, obviously he left his Christmas spirit in the theater with Mr. Scrooge!! Oh Well....

While the effects of the movie were great and the characters were spot on and of course the story itself is fabulous.... let me just give you a warning.... If you think this is going to be a warm and fuzzy family Christmas movie YOU ARE WRONG!!! I'm pretty sure that Mallory is gonna have nightmares from now UNTIL Christmas! It was scary!! NOT suitable for small children!! The trailers do NOT depict the scariness of it well at all! There were times I was jumping in MY chair!! So BEWARE!! Think long and hard about what your kids can really be okay with before you take them!!!

Hmmmmm.....now where is that Christmas tree??? Guess I will go ask Frank! :)

Catch Up & Halloween Fun

2009-11-05T14:32:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I have taken a little break....okay a big break!!! But, I have been feeling very "bloggish" lately and think I am ready to start back!! So, I hope to be able to catch up on some of your blogs over the next several days!

Quick rundown of whats been going on: same old same old basically...very busy summer with taking kids here, there, and everywhere! Won't bore you with all the details...much time spent at the pool cause it was too stinkin' hot to do anything else! Then school started. This year Wyatt started "big boy" school. No more mothers morning out! All day school complete with bus riding. I must say I was nervous about him riding at first even though Jackson started riding at his age and would be on the bus with him. But it has worked out and he even gets disappointed on the days that I do take them or pick them up.

Schedule stays busy, as I'm sure most of yours do too... Mallory started taking dance this year. She looks so cute in her tutus!! And she loves every minute of dance class...and showing off what she learns! Jackson started taking guitar lessons... I thought after a few weeks of it he would quit... but he didn't. Never complains about practicing. And his teacher says he is a quick learner and picked a really difficult song for his first one (Chris Daughtry-Call Your Name) and has done a great job on it. He loves to pick up his guitar when the music is on and see if he can pick up the song... sometimes he even does!

Halloween: Mallory wanted to be Little Orphan Annie. It is her favorite movie...she watches it at least 5 times a week! And she can sing Tomorrow like nobody's business! Wyatt was a paleontologist (thats a big dinosaur geek for those that don't know) He wants to be one when he grows up... I'm not kidding.. He knows every fact there is just about on every dinosaur there is!! It is unbelievable! He can even say the names of some of them that I couldn't say if I wanted to! Jackson was a rocker...kinda... He said at first that he wasn't going to dress up, that he was too old for that... so I told him that like Christmas if you don't believe you don't receive (I know you have all heard that before!) that if he did not dress up as something, he would have to go trick or treating with us, but would have to stay on the trailer and not get any candy. I know... I'm horrible... but I wasn't ready for him not to dress up yet!

So, enjoy a few pictures from halloween night below... OH, just as a side story for you...
About 5 houses into trick or treating Wyatt puked in someones yard...all down the sleeve of his cute outfit... Apparently, he bit into his glow necklace that his buddy had given him and drank some of the liquid which almost instantly made him sick!

AAAAHHHH....the good times people...they just keep a comin' over here....

And no...it didn't glow!!

ANNIE

DR. GRIFFIN-PALEONTOLOGIST

THE GANG

2009-04-28T20:31:00.001-07:00

Just testing to see if I can post from my phone yet! Hope this works!

Family Beach Trip 09

2009-04-27T13:34:00.000-07:00

We just got back yesterday from our annual family beach trip with all of Frank's family. All of his sisters and their families and Frank's parents along with us take a beach trip together in April. This was our 3rd one and I must say that this was the best! The kids were a little bigger so we didn't have to be so scheduled and they could really enjoy the beach. They also all swim and that was a BIG plus!

The weather could NOT have been better! Sunny skies every day and breezy! I was able to sit on the beach every day and sun myself for HOURS on end! It was truly wonderful...and needed!

While we were there we also celebrated Mallory's 3rd birthday Saturday! My MIL got her a Dora cake and after supper we sang to her and had cake and ice cream! My sweet nieces, Brittny and Haley gave her a "manicure and pedicure" (which basically means painted her piggies and fingernails) and did her hair! She got her 1st barbie doll (given to her by her Aunt Chris) and she loved it!! I can't believe my baby girl is 3!!!!

Anyway, its back to real life now...ugh! At least I can still daydream about laying on the beach all day....

Move Over Michael Jordan!

2009-02-27T14:39:00.000-08:00

It's true...I haven't posted about my husband's dog in a while... But it's only because he and I have not come to an understanding yet about what is acceptable to chew and/or use the bathroom on and what is not. However, one thing that I have found super funny about Notch is that he can attack some bubbles like nobodys business! The little kids were blowing some a couple of days ago and Notch just went bezerk!! He was chasing them down like you would not believe! Even to the point of catching air! So, I took some pictures of him trying to eat all the bubbles. Michael Jordan ain't got nuttin' on him!!

Twice in one day?? What's going on??

2009-02-20T11:46:00.000-08:00

okay... I KNOW I just posted, but this is too funny! For everyone that is a Facebook user... you MUST watch this!!! Don't forget to turn off my playlist!!

10 little things I love...

2009-02-20T10:58:00.000-08:00

My friend, Amanda, gave me a high five and asked me to participate in this little list... So, I will give you my list of 10 little things that I love that make my life a bit easier...

1. Edward, my laptop. My wonderful, loving, caring, and fabulous hubby gave me a new laptop after my old one, we determined was not going to live more than 5 more minutes. I love it and could not live without it!

2. my iPod. I live with my iPod on about 5 hours out of the day. Seriously. I'm not kidding. First thing I do in the morning when I am getting my cup of coffee is to turn on my iPod. Hardly watch tv at all during the day. Music is playing all day though. If I thought my iPod was fried...I would melt into a puddle on the floor and have a hissy...yes maam I would...

3. my bose docking speaker. See #2... I bought this for my husband for Father's day one year. He hardly ever used it so he brought it back home for us to use here. My iPod lives there. Unless it is traveling with me in the car. It allows me to hear my music wherever I am in the house, depending on how loudly I turn it up...which is usually very loud.

4. my cell phone. I love it and yes, I know that I have a problem parting with it. I don't like for it to be very far from me. Not so much for talking on it, but for texting. Hello, my name is Ashley, and I am a textaholic. I know this, and I readily admit it. Truly, in most cases, I would rather text than talk. But texting does allow me to stay connected to those that I love that don't live here (like Ang, and Keli, and Brandi ...HEY GIRLS!!!) That's the way that I feel close since we don't get to see each other all the time. Bottom line...I NEED MY PHONE!!!

5. DVR. Some of you may have TIVO, but basically the same thing. I heart my dvr...very much. I can rewind something I missed or didn't catch on live tv, I can pause my show so I don't miss anything, I can record 2 things at once AND I can start watching one of my recordings before it has finished. I can set it to record a certain program every week and it will record it EVEN if the day and time changes that the show comes on or if it comes on an extra time during the week!!! If you don't have one...INVEST!!! Make your life easier!!

6. my camera. Also, another purchase by my hunk of a man... well, really it was a joint gift, but he did supply the majority of the funding for said purchase... But, I love it! I have never, ever had a camera this nice before and the pictures it takes are A MAZING!! Makes me look like I have some idea about what I am doing... but I really don't... so don't tell anyone! It is our anniversary/Christmas/birthday/valentines day/whateverelseforthenext5years gift to each other. Nikon D90...do you hear the music? I do...

7. Starbucks. White chocolate mocha with whip... do I really need to justify this one?? I didn't think so...

8. facebook. Okay, I know that I may be reaching on this one, but... I resisted soooo long before I finally caved. Now, I love it! I have been able to get in touch with people that I haven't seen in 15 years!! It has been so much fun reconnecting with them again! And, i can just shoot friends a quick message whenever I want to! If you don't have a FB page, you should give it a try! But a quick warning... it CAN be as, if not more so, addicting than blogging!!

9. my calendar. I can not live without my calendar. And I don't mean one on my phone or computer either. I mean my good, old fashioned, hanging on my fridge calendar. I have to write everything down on it. And I check it everyday, sometimes more than once... or twice... just in case something has changed...hehehe Seriously, I can't tell you how much I depend on it. If I don't write it on there, it ain't gonna happen sistah!

10. my GHD. AKA my flat iron. I love this flat iron. GHD actually stands for Good Hair Day. I'm not kidding... And, again, my fabulous man bought this for me for Christmas a couple of years ago. I haven't had many bad hair days since I figured out how to use it properly! It is a bit pricey for a flat iron, but soooo worth it! Try it! You'll see...

Not Much Longer Now...

2009-02-16T12:58:00.000-08:00

MMMMMMM HMMMMM..... that's all I'm sayin.... Only about 1 month to go....

Happy Birthday Jackson

2009-02-05T10:38:00.000-08:00

Jackson,

I can't believe that you are 8 years old today!!! Wow!! You have grown and changed sooo much! You started the 2nd grade this year and completed a lot of your work before Christmas! You are such a smart kid! Your brother and your sister, even though they bug you a lot, love you very much and always have fun playing with you. You and Wyatt especially love to pretend like you are Jedi's and fight with your light sabers. And there isn't a video game out there that you can't play! You have gotten so tall this year too. You are almost as tall as I am!!! (Which Daddy says isn't really saying all that much...anyway...) You have become such a helper for mommy too. You make the bed in the morning and get yourself dressed. You take the big garbage can to the road for dad and even help mommy with the dishes, loading and unloading the dishwasher, though you DO think its fun to wash them in the sink! You are a great reader too! Wyatt and Mallory love for you to read them stories! And you can play dominos with the best of us! You love to be with your Gran-Gran on the farm...anywhere that he goes, YOU want to go. You even call him and ask him if he has any work for you to do!! And you love to spend the night with your Mia and Papa and go eat breakfast with Papa and his buddies on Saturday mornings! You even share your Papa's love for golf and played in a tournament this past summer. And you also learned how to drive a 4wheeler at the Davis' house! But the best most important thing of all...this year you gave your heart to Jesus. Out of everything you have done, and everything else you will do, you have already done the best thing by asking him into your heart. I love to see you reading your Bible and taking it with you to church.

Mommy and Daddy love you so much!! And we are so proud of you!!

Where I've Been

2009-02-02T07:45:00.000-08:00

Okay...I know that I haven't been here for a while, but I do have reason...though they may not be good ones! First of all, believe it or not, my kids really haven't done anything blogworthy lately. I know, hard to believe around here, but it's true! Then I had a small accident this weekend. I tore my somemusclethatIcan'tspellorpronounce in my calf muscle. Supposed to take about 2-3 weeks to completely heal and I am on crutches...kinda. I just can't use them often anymore. They are KILLING me!!! So, I only use them when I start hurting really bad. I know that many of you are telling me that's not gonna help it heal any faster, but YOU try chasing after 3 kids on crutches...doesn't work all that great!

But...I did get a visit from Casey on Saturday!!! We miss him bunches and were sooo glad that he came over for a while. My kids love him to death and they didn't leave him alone the whole time that he was here!! I'm hoping that he comes back more often!!

The other reason I haven't been here much is because some of my friends, who I will not name...Ang and Julie...told me how much I needed Facebook...repeatedly. So, I caved. Now, I love it!! So, I have been trying to figure it all out and get the hang of things over there!! Cause you know, I just needed ONE more way to stay in touch with you all!!

The Journey Is Over...

2009-01-24T06:22:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a full and very happy day for me. I left Thursday night once the kids were in bed and headed to Ang's house. We were able to spend the whole day together on Friday!! Took the Things to school, had coffee, went to lunch, went for a walk in the woods...a looooong walk...uphill...both ways... mmmm hmmm... , played "school" with Thing3 and Thing4 and read a story to Thing4. Then TB&H grilled steaks!!! YUMMY!! After that it was time for me to hit the road. It was not easy. It is always so hard to say bye to all of them! I love those Things sooo much. They all have me wrapped! I am so fortunate to have the kind of friendship with Ang that I do already! She is the best and I love her too! I can't wait till we get together again...SOON!!!!

I left and headed to the Atlanta airport to pick up Jay and Emily and little Ashley! When I pulled up to the airport and stood there waiting for them, my heart was pounding a mile a minute!! I was so excited to see them! And when they got there, she was just as beautiful as her pictures! She was smiling, even after the long day they all had. Emily took her out of the stroller and Ashley gave me a big grin. My heart just melted into a big old puddle. Then, she took her chubby little hand and wrapped it around my finger to walk to the car. That did it...right then and there I decided she could have and do whatever she wanted to on the way home!!

She did great on the ride home, especially considering the fact that she had never been in a carseat before. I didn't know it, but Emily said they don't use them in China! Finally, about 1:15am we made it to their house. Avery was already with us, and Jay went and got the other girls up. Ashley never missed a beat! She just started running around the house like she had always been there! She let Jay and Emily's mom hold her for a second and then she started handing out the kisses! She laid one on me so big that I had drool dripping off my face too! I loved every minute of it!

I feel so privileged that not only does she share my name, but that I was able to go and pick them up last night and see her! The journey to Ashley Mei might be over, but a new journey for Jay and Emily and the girls has just begun!

first family photo!!

On The Road Again

2009-01-22T14:09:00.000-08:00

After the kids go to bed tonight I will be getting back in the car again for another little trip. I am picking up Jay and Emily, Avery and little Ashley from the airport tomorrow!!! I can't wait to see them!! And since I was gonna be soooo close to Ang...well, we decided to have a quick spend the night party again and spend some time together tomorrow before I pick up the crew from the airport!! I wasn't supposed to leave until the morning, but my wonderful husband suggested that I go ahead tonight so that we could spend the whole day together tomorrow!! What a Man!!! So, tomorrow will be a very full and super exciting day for me!! The only thing that would be the icing on the cake is if Abby decides to have the foal while I'm there.... Pictures will come soon!!! Woo to the HOO!!

A Maine Recap

2009-01-20T16:31:00.000-08:00

Well, we made it home!! Though we had to get up at 330am...I am still glad to be here! We had such a good time, better than I ever thought we would. I thought I knew what it would be like...but I wasn't really even close! We shopped, we ate, went sledding and tubing, we laughed, had snowball fights, and generally just acted like a bunch of kids!

So, here are some things that I learned on my trip...

anything covered in snow looks gorgeous!!!!

if you want to try on anything in a store, you have to really want to try it on! You must commit to it because you have to take off soooo many layers!

wearing a hat that much does NOT do good things to my hair.

don't wear jeans that are too long in the snow...they will be wet up to the calf before the day is over if you do.

when snow melts on your freshly done hair, it will make it wet thus you should just wear the hat anyway...

if you step on the gas too hard in your truck, you WILL spin out in the road...

and the most important thing I learned in Maine is...it is almost painful to sit on the toilet seats! Talk about coooooollllldddd!!!!

little grocery store we used

THIS IS A MCDONALDS PEOPLE!!!!

someone forgot to kill the animal and take them off the boot in ColeHaans

just thought that last picture was fun nee!!!

Getting Ready To Head Home...

2009-01-19T15:31:00.000-08:00

Sadly, we packed up our stuff today and left our cottage on the coast... I'm sure most of you could hear me weeping... We hated to do it, but we must get back to reality soon. We left the cottage and headed into Freeport to do some much needed shopping! Let's see...we hit Banana Republic (found a GREAT shirt there for $8), GAP, Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren (good deals there too!), Timberland, Yankee Candle Co., JCrew and of course LLBean! We also had lunch at a great restaurant called the Broad Arrow Tavern. It was the best ever...lobster stew, fried haddock sandwich..and milk chocolate/white chocolate cheesecake on an oreo cookie crust! OMG!!! DA BOMB!!!

Now, we are in our hotel in Portland waiting on our pizza and for 24 to come on!!! We have to be at the airport at 430am...YUCK!!! So, there wont be anything exciting for tomorrow :( We are all sad to leave the snow...I could totally do this, live here... But, it's back to real life I go...

I will add the pictures to this post later...my camera wont download to my computer!

Snow Day

2009-01-18T15:00:00.000-08:00

Today was a snow day!!! It started snowing some time in the wee hours of the morning! So when we got up everything was covered in fresh snow!! We lazed around for a while and Ryan led a Sunday morning devotional for us. Then, since we had no food in the house, we ventured out into the snow storm for lunch! We ate at the Damariscotta River Grille and it was the best meal we had by far! The waitress there told us that most all of the local restaurants were closing early because of the storm! Right then and there we decided to do a repeat performance of our lobster dinner! After lunch we tried to go sledding again...but the snow was too fresh and too deep. Instead, Ry and Frank decided that it would be a good idea to have a wrestling match with me and Steph in the snow! Needless to say we were all soaked to the bone by the time they were done with us!! The snow had turned to rain by then since it had warmed up to about 34 degrees so no snowman either.... :( Hung out at the house and read books, played on the computer and napped.... A good day was had by all...

More Snow Day Pics

2009-01-18T14:45:00.000-08:00

The Snow Bowl

2009-01-17T17:48:00.000-08:00

We left this morning and headed out for Pemaquid Lighthouse. Let me just say that this morning the wind had really picked up and it was BEYOND cold!! I had to wrap my scarf around my face and pull the hood of my jacket over my hat and zip ALL the way up!! Freezing! The lighthouse itself was small, but the scenery around it was big...and beautiful!

Once we were done there we went over to Fort William Henry. Not really sure of all the history there..some locals told us that the pilgrims actually landed there before they headed to Plymouth Rock, but I haven't verified that! Again, nothing really impressive about the fort itself, but its surroundings were gorgeous!

Back in the truck to head to Camden's Snow Bowl! On the way we made a quick stop in Rockland at the Park Street Grille. YUMMO!!! It was very good! But the Snow Bowl...WOW! It was a huge hill (calling it a hill doesn't adequately describe it though!!) that you had to drag your tube up. And it was quite a haul, let me tell ya! We were all breathing like we had just done a marathon! But the trip down made it all worth it!! It was sooo much fun!

Enjoy the pics from today in this post and the next! (Supposed to snow tomorrow about 4 to 6 inches!!!)

More Snow Bowl Pics

2009-01-17T17:30:00.000-08:00

Anniversary Dinner in Maine

2009-01-17T06:15:00.001-08:00

Last night was our anniversary dinner. Ten years!! I can't believe it! Ryan and Steph decided that they were going to cook dinner for us. We decided to go get some lobsters and fixin's! While I felt mildly sorry for the little suckers...we ate them anyway! Steamed lobster, new potatoes and corn on the cob...MMMMMMHMMMM!! And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, Steph made the brownie/reese cup trifle! That's right! My girls know JUST what I am talking about!! DE LISH!! Then it was onto some games. We played Battle of the Sexes, which of course, Steph and I won...and then we played Phase Ten. I got spanked...big time!! Which does NOT make the competitive side of me very happy! But we still had a great time and ended with a movie.

Frank went to The Cupboard this morning and we ate the most ginormous sticky buns and cinnamon rolls ever!! And we are getting ready to go to a state park and the Snow Bowl!! More on that later...

More Anniversary Pics

2009-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

A Playday in Maine

2009-01-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

So late this morning we headed in to Damariscotta for some shopping and some lunch. They have quaint little shops and some fine places to eat. We ate lunch at a place called King Eider's Pub. It was really good and of course we all had seafood... After a little more shopping we decided to go sledding. We headed to Wawanock Country Club (which is not open right now) and used their golf course for our sledding pleasure. We had sooo much fun!!! We all FROZE, but still had a great time anyway! Steph did a few flips on her sled and Frank caught some air when he hit a small hill. We laughed until we cried, which immediately froze to our face. Then Ry and Steph had a snow fight. I think he sufficiently filled her pants with snow...

So, here are some more pictures in this post and the one that follows for you to see of our afternoon...

More Playday Pictures

2009-01-16T14:00:00.000-08:00

Maine: Friday

2009-01-16T07:29:00.001-08:00

So, its our first morning here in Maine. We had a great time last night going out to eat and then coming back to the cottage and watching a movie. Let me just say It is beautiful here!!! I love getting out of the car and hearing the snow crunch under my boots!!

This morning has been lazy, just like I had hoped it would be. Since today is my anniversary, my lovely husband brought me coffee in bed! What a great way to start the day! However, I still got up and made my man some anniversary pancakes! Frank tried to go outside and shovel some snow...why I'm not really sure, and Ryan got our fire started in the wood burning stove. Ryan is now the only one allowed to do this...the rest of us stink at it!

I think we are getting ready to head into one of the little adjoining towns nearby for some shopping and lunch. We are planning on some sledding today...don't worry I will have some pictures of that...and Steph and I have almost gotten our strategy mapped out for the snowball fight...

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy...

this is the view from the sunporch this morning

view from my balcony this morning

this is our backyard...

right off our "yard"

Maine Pictures

2009-01-16T07:20:00.000-08:00

We Made IT!!!

2009-01-15T13:36:00.000-08:00

Well, we are here in New Harbor, Maine!! Wasn't a bad trip at all! We spent most of the day in Freeport shopping at the LLBean headquarters and eating lunch. There is snow everywhere!! It is sooo beautiful! Can't wait until we get to have a snowball fight...I'm already planning my strategy. Our "cottage" is gorgeous and sits right on the coast! I was hoping to be able to post some pictures for you, but I think that my computer has finally breathed its last. So I don't know if you will be able to see any pictures until we get back...but I will try! More to come...

Picture Tag

2009-01-13T11:46:00.000-08:00

My friend, Aimee, tagged me in a photo tag. Here are the rules: go to your 4th folder and get the 4th picture and give a brief description of it. So, this picture is of Jackson when he was about 2 1/2 yrs old. We were at our pumpkin patch for Halloween that year. He was too cute! I had forgotten that he really did use to be a little fellow!!

My New Year's Resolution...Kinda

2009-01-12T08:21:00.000-08:00

So, we are well into the new year...2009. My time really does fly!! And every year, I, as many of you, think about the past year. Some things I would love to change, some I wouldn't, what I did right/wrong, what I can do better... And this year I decided that I'm not making any resolutions. They always just beg to be broken anyway. I decided to do something different. Now I know what a resolution is...it's an intention, a firm intention to do something. I need more than that. Part of this past year has been about not being mediocre in the things that I do, so... it just didn't seem like enough. This year I decided to make some new year commitments. Those don't sound so easy to get out of, not so easily broken. After all, you make a commitment then people start expecting something from you... So here are the most important things that I am committing to this year...

*I am committed to knowing the Lord in a deeper way. More time in His Word, more time in prayer, more time recognizing His voice. Whatever it takes.

*I am committed to knowing more scripture. I know some, but not nearly enough. I want those verses so deep in my heart that I can call them to memory in a moments notice.

*And I am committed to making my relationships count. Being purposeful in every action, every word. Not being so concerned with the number of friends...but with the content and the quality of our friendship. Making sure that those that I love know it.

So there it is...right out there for everyone to see...makes it a little harder to take back, doesn't it?

It's Tough Being A Woman

2009-01-07T12:22:00.000-08:00

I started the Beth Moore Bible study yesterday on Esther! I have been waiting it seems like forever to start this so I was mucho excited!! The introductory session was great and I am sure that I will be talking a lot about the study itself in the upcoming weeks. Part of the title of the study is It's Tough Being A Woman. Beth had asked on their blog for women to give their reasons of why they thought this and she read some of them. They were sooo funny! So, I thought I would give you my own list...

IT'S TOUGH BEING A WOMAN BECAUSE...

*you never get a sick day

*you must juggle many different hats at one time... cook, wife, mother, daughter, friend, chauffeur, referee, judge AND jury, housekeeper, laundry cleaner (sometimes), pet feeder and so on and so on...

*you have to disguise the pantie lines

*you really have one great week each month

*there is always someone following you to the bathroom

*you must keep smooth legs (riiiiiight)

*you must automatically know how to do little girls hair once you have one.

*you have to know when it's safe to whack your kids while driving and when to pull over...

*you are the primary grocery getter

*you have to make sense of why you cry at commercials..

and last but not least....

*PANTYHOSE AND BRAS (nuff said...)

I've Been Bitten

2009-01-04T19:42:00.001-08:00

Okay, let me just say that I have been bitten... by him...
When I went to Ang's this weekend, we all went to the movies on Friday to see Twilight. Now, let me say that originally I went because the other girls wanted to go and I wanted to spend time with them. I had not read the books, any of them, and I had no intention of reading them. I didn't care about vampires at all!!

Then the movie started. And at the moment when Edward walked in, I was HOOKED!! And I got sucked in (literally)!! I leaned over to Ang and said okay I am sooo reading the books now!! And the movie was one of the best love stories I have seen in a long time. I mean it!! There was no cussing in the movie, no sex, no blood and guts or gore. I was shocked. I am in misery that the next movie doesn't come out until 2010!!

When we got back to the house before I left, Ang loaded me up with all 4 books. Let me just say that these are no small books. These are 500+ page books. I told them that I was going to read while I drove. I was just kidding, even though I did consider it for a brief moment! And I finished the first one this afternoon... instead of taking my Sunday afternoon nap! It's that good!

So, to everyone I picked on about loving the books and the movie... I must say I am truly sorry! Cause now I've joined the Twilight club!!

Another Road Trip

2009-01-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

Call me crazy, I know, but on Thursday I got back into the car and headed to Ang's house... again. No kids in tow this time, just me. I was bummed that I had missed Keli and the girls started asking me to come back. I just don't know how to say no to them! That AND I cave to peer pressure. *snicker* And I was fortunate enough that Frank had already decided to take off work on Friday and he was sweet enough to let me go.

Let me just tell you that we had a blast! It was a big slumber party I tell ya! We cut up and laughed for a long time that evening. And the funny thing is that even though it was the first time I had been around Keli, in real life, I didn't feel that way at all. She is HI LARIOUS!! Seriously, I haven't laughed that much in one sitting in a while. I even got to meet Ang's mom! And she was just as funny as the rest of the girls!

I think we all went to bed around 3am. And then we were up around 8am. So, we were lazy for most of the morning! However, we did go to the movies that afternoon (more on that later) once another of Ang's friends came to town! I tell ya, she had a house slam full! We had a great time and I really hated to go, but came home with a bunch of new memories and great friendships! I can't wait till we all get together again!

Oh, and just for the girls.... CANCEL ROUTE!!!!!!!!

Visiting Friends

2008-12-31T06:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning I loaded up the kids and headed to see Ang and her brood. I was excited to see them all again, but nervous about bringing my kids with me. I mean, I don't call this "circus life" for nothing, ya know!! But, I knew that the kids would have a great time and would love her Things.

We got just a little later start than I wanted. This would be the morning that my kids decided to sleep in. I had to go wake Jack up at 7am! That's when we should have been leaving! But, everyone got dressed relatively quickly and we headed out.

It only took about 15 minutes into the trip for Mallory to declare that she needed to go potty. Wha.... Fifteen minutes? So, we did stop. Then 30 minutes after that... another one said they needed to go and just couldn't hold it. Stop again. 45 minutes later... the other one. Sheesh! I was very worried that this was a good indication of how the rest of my day was gonna go!

The closer we got, the more the boys kept saying they were starving. However, the minute the car door opened and they got out, they were hungry no more. They literally started playing the minute they got there. I love how kids don't waste any time with awkwardness. They just acted like they had always known each other and had been playing together for a long time.

The older Things taught Jackson how to ride a 4wheeler. Needless to say, he was in heaven!! He did really well. I think we are gonna have to start saving up now for next Christmas!

Brandi and her crew came and I had a great time getting to know her! Wyatt already asked me this morning where the biggest girl was! Brandi is a lot of fun and she cracked me up! I'm so glad that they let me come and hang out with them for a while.

Shannon was even able to meet us for dinner with her family! Her little "coffee cups" are soo cute! I'm not sure the restaurant will ever be the same though... 7 adults and ELEVEN kids!!! WOW!!! What were we thinking??!

I hope that it won't be long before we can get together again. Ang is the real deal! GEN U WINE!!! And I miss her bunches! But for sure it was a WOO TO THE HOO good time!

Jack on the 4wheeler Look DAD!!

Can I get one of these? Dad??

Brandi, Ang, and me

Who Let The Frog Out?

2008-12-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, Santa brought Wyatt 2 very special things. One was a "bug catcher" (which was basically a dust buster for kids to suck bugs up into). He loves bugs. And he believes that all bugs are his friends. So therefore, he touches all of them. *gross* He also got a "bug house" to put all the things in that he catches. My thought was that he would primarily catch dead bugs and they would end up in the habitat.

Well... my aunt and uncle from Florida came today for us to celebrate Christmas together. My kids absolutely adore them. Aunt Sharon and Uncle Jimmy play with them and basically let them do what they want. What's not to love? So anyway, Wyatt asked Aunt Sharon to go outside with him to find some bugs. Our exterminator comes regularly, so I wasn't really that concerned. PLUS, he was going outside with a girl.

After a little while I could hear some excitement building outside. I began to get a tad bit worried that they had in fact found something. And I was right. Not just one something, but FOUR somethings. Frogs. My least favorite things in the whole world. I know they probably serve a higher purpose, but I wish they would all just disappear.

They had found 4 frogs and put them into the bug house. They even managed to find a live bug and put it in there for the frogs to eat. How thoughtful of them... Wyatt happily brought them inside to show me. Man was he proud. We decided that the frogs needed to have some water. And there was a place in the bug house that looked like it was just perfect to hold a little water. But how were we going to get the water in without letting the frogs out?

Well, my creative Aunt Sharon thought it would be a great idea to open the "trap door" instead of opening the whole thing and flick a piece of ice into the little well. I agreed this was a good idea so I did it. As soon as the ice was in place, one of the frogs hopped over. He jumped right onto the piece of ice and guess what? Ever seen A CHRISTMAS STORY? You know the one with Ralphie? You know the part where the little boy gets his tongue stuck on the pole? Well... poor little froggy got his hiney stuck to the ice cube!!! He hopped on, but couldn't hop off!!

I ran to the drawer and grabbed a medicine dropper and quickly filled it with some water. Squirted it on the ice and the frog and Aunt Sharon flicked the frog off. He was okay. A little stunned and cold perhaps, but okay. We won't be trying that again anytime soon.

Sadly, we will be releasing all 4 frogs back into the wild very soon. I just keep hearing some song in the back of my mind. Singing... Who let the frogs out? Who? Who?

The Apple Really Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree

2008-12-26T17:29:00.000-08:00

Frank and I are very different in a variety of areas. And I have learned to accept those differences, even embrace them from time to time. But, what I wasn't really prepared for was that my children would pick up on those differences and they would embrace them each in their own way.

For example, Frank and I are very different in the way that we show our excitement. When Frank and I had been dating for about 2 years, our second Christmas together I think, I had saved for months and months to buy him a shotgun that he wanted. I worked my tail off to buy that thing AND to keep it a secret (I am not great at gift secrets). When I gave it to him, he looked it over and stood up. Walked over to me and basically, in front of his whole family, gave me a pat on the back and said "Thanks!". He walked to his room, put it away, and didn't mention it again for the rest of the evening. Needless to say I was crushed.

This is how he typically reacts to things. Even when deep down inside he really is very excited. He just doesn't show it very much on the outside. Unless he's crying and that's another ballgame. I on the other hand react quite the opposite. You can give me a piece of gum and I act like it is the greatest thing in the world. Partly because gift giving is one of my love languages and partly because I am easy to please.

What I discovered this Christmas was that Jackson is very much like Frank and Wyatt and Mallory are alot like me in this area. No matter how excited that Jackson really was, he pretty much just kept it contained. He would give a little smile. He would go off by himself and play with his new games. Then he would surface later to get another one. No jumping up and down or screaming with glee.

Wyatt, however, would tell everyone at 40 decibels above normal listening capacity how whatever dinosaur he was currently holding was the coolest thing he had ever seen or how it was the one he had always wanted. He would also holla things like "Oh Yeah Baby" and "awesome" several times. Mallory would also jump around and giggle at her gifts. And she would loudly tell us how much she liked them.

Made for a great Christmas. I guess what I have always heard is true. The apple really doesn't fall too far from the tree after all. Hmph! Scary!

Christmas Festivites 2008

2008-12-25T17:33:00.000-08:00

Whew!!! I don't know about you guys, but I am glad this day is over!! I mean, I love it... I do. But I am equally as glad to see it go!

We started our fun and festivities with Christmas Eve over at Frank's parents house. We do this every year. We had traditional Christmas dinner and let me just say it was yummo!! I have never had anything that Frank's mom didn't rock the house on! And she did not disappoint this time either!

When dinner was over, of course, it was time for some presents. Everyone picks a spot on the floor and then some "elves" pass out the gifts. The hardest thing is making the kids wait to open their stuff with all those packages sitting in front of them. But once they had the green light, it was on!! This year, I have to say, was by far the best. All of the kids were completely into it and they all understood what was going on. And instead of having 273 gifts each to tear through, they only had a few each. They were things that they really wanted and they weren't overwhelmed with just moving to the next one. And Frank and I weren't overloaded with stuff to bring home and put away!! Let's see... Jackson got some Wii games and a gift card to Gamestop and Toys R Us. Wyatt got a HUGE box of dinosaurs, some walking dinosaurs, and a dinosaur book (do you see a theme here? What can I say, the boy LOVES him some dinos). Mallory got a box of princess dress up shoes (6 different pair), a baby doll stroller and new baby and some fake jewelry. She has clomped around everywhere pushing that stroller.

This morning started off with Jackson getting up at 5am. He went back upstairs. Then back down at 5:30. I didn't know what time it was though, so I invited him to crawl in the bed with us. Wyatt joined us a few minutes later and I glanced at the clock and noticed that it said 5:42am, after my eyes adjusted. They were sent back upstairs. Fifteen minutes later, as I was dreaming again, they came back down asking if NOW it was time to get up. At this point, I gave up, or in, whichever, and got up. Put the quiche in the oven and Frank turned the tree on.

When he did that, the boys saw that Santa had indeed stopped by and they were too excited. By 615am, it was over. Everything had been opened and the boys were busy playing. I was on my second cup of coffee. My parents had spent the night with us so we went ahead and opened gifts with them too. The biggest gift was for my mom this year. I had one of the pictures that Kim had taken and had it put on 20X30 canvas. My dad framed it for her. She really liked it. It was beautiful!!

The morning was completely stress free, believe it or not, considering that I was having 20 people in my house for lunch. We decided to go non-traditional for lunch. Soups and sandwiches. Although, I planned that before I knew that the weather was going to be 75 degrees today! Anyway... we had vegetable soup (made by my mom), chicken chowder (made by Frank's mom) and I made Chicken Tortilla Soup. And I must say, my soup rocked!! It was really good. Good enough for Ryan to say he wanted us to have it on a Friday night dinner!!

Once everyone had gone home and the kids were all napping and everything had been cleaned up.. I took a nap too. A long, hard nap. The kind were you dream AND drool. And probably snore, but I would never admit to that! When we finally got up, it was time to go out to Aunt C's house and have dinner at the barn. It was traditional. (do you see why I chose to have a nontraditional at lunch?)

It was good, but I am glad to be back home in my jammies and getting ready for bed. We just have one more "Christmas" to do on Saturday when my aunt and uncle come from out of town. The kids are super excited about them coming. Hope everyone had a great day!!!

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-22T19:48:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

Is There A Doctor In The House?

2008-12-20T17:42:00.000-08:00

Today has not been great. I have had a migraine all day for starters. THEN my husband is sick. That's right. The big baby is sick. With almost flu-like symptoms. So you know what that means. Shivering. Moaning. Groaning. Honestly I don't know which is worse sometimes. When the kids are sick or when your man gets sick. Okay. I take that back. I DO know which is worse.

I mean, I know I don't have many shortcomings, but I do struggle tremendously in this department. I do not play nursemaid very well. Well... anyway. I can't help it. I do try. And I start out okay. But somewhere around say hour 2... that's it. I'm done.

I guess I just get irritated that the world doesn't stop for me when I am sick and not feeling well. I remember on one of my visits to the dr. about my migraines they would ask me "when you get a migraine do you go lie down?" And my reply would always be (with a head nod, I might add) Riiiiigght!

See, moms still have to function when we are sick. We still have meals to cook, baths to give, hair to comb, diapers to change, dogs to feed, beds to make, toys to pick up, clothes to wash, dishes that need to be put away, and homework to help with. We do not often get to pull the covers over our head and wish the sickness away. And Lord help us if we ever do... we certainly don't moan every! other! breath!!!

Now, I know what my response to my husband should be when he doesn't feel well. I know that I should respond lovingly. That I should make the kids keep the noise to a minimum *snicker snicker* That I should wait on him hand and foot with a gen u wine smile on my face. I know all of this, I do.

But... If he doesn't stop the moaning and groaning soon, I may have to stick a sock in it! (Glory, praisetheLord)

Santa Came Early

2008-12-18T18:46:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the annual Christmas party for the kids at the bank. Each year bank employees can bring their children or grandchildren. The bank buys a present for each child that comes and Santa appears and passes out the gifts to everyone. Mallory LOVED Santa and Mrs. Claus! I was very surprised! She got a baby doll w/a passy and a bottle for it. The baby doll cries and coos and giggles. It even makes sucking noises when the passy is in her mouth. Wyatt got a set of dinosaurs (like we need anymore dinosaurs, but that is what he wants right now, and that is primarily what he is getting for Christmas). He was so excited. And Jackson got a new nintendo DS game, Kung Fu Panda. He is like Frank... he suppresses his excitement. Inside he really is, but you don't always know it on the outside. Anyway, a fun time was had by all. Enjoy the pics!

More Pictures from Christmas Party

2008-12-18T18:44:00.000-08:00

Cookie Swap

2008-12-18T18:11:00.001-08:00

Today was playgroup and we did our annual Christmas cookie swap. This year it was at my good friend Julie's house. Boy, did she ever luck out!! The weather has been unseasonably warm this week and it was perfect for playing OUTSIDE!!! So, all the kids weren't destroying every square inch of her house. We all had a great time and when we were done, whatever cookies were left gets split up among everyone. You get to take a plate of yummy cookies home!!

here's Wyatt on the swing

Mallory and Alex in deep conversation

look at Mallory's shirt! Cute!!

Mallory LOVES Julie & her hubby Scott! Isn't this the look of love?

Christmas Carols

2008-12-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

Mallory is really lovin' singing her some Christmas carols this year. However, she often messes up the words or there are parts of the song that you can't really understand what she is saying. Yet, she still sings on. Yesterday when she got up from her nap, I could hear her singing this song through the monitor. When I went into her room, I asked her if she would sing for the camera and she exclaimed "For Santa!!!"

Please excuse her hair. She had just gotten up from a nap. Well, that's the excuse I am using today. And don't forget to pause the playlist on the left. *make sure you catch at the end of the song she adds her own words*

Christmas Tour of Homes 2008

2008-12-15T11:01:00.001-08:00

So, this year I decided to participate in Boo Mama's Tour of Homes. Head on over and check out some of the other houses that are all spruced up for Christmas!

here is our tree

the mantle

pillows in my rockers outside

nativity (which I LURVE) on the piano

Not Me! Monday Edition 13

2008-12-15T05:15:00.000-08:00

So much cheaper than therapy it is!!! Yes, it is that time again. Not Me! Monday. If you're not sure how to play along OR if you need to read about all the things that everyone else hasn't been doing, head on over to MckMama's and read up!

I did not think to myself that whoever said "This is gonna hurt me more than it will you" so did not have my kids. Because most days... it doesn't.

I did NOT tell my husbands dog that I hoped he mildly choked on the kids toy he was presently chewing on.

I did NOT forget how long it had been since I had shaved my legs.

I did NOT drive around for 3 days saying "What is that SMELL??" in the car

I did NOT remember after 3rd day of saying that that my daughter had pooped in the portable potty I keep in the back of the vehicle when we were at the gas station... and it was still in the back of my vehicle.

I did NOT just throw it away either.

I did NOT almost vomit a little. now. thinking about it.

I did NOT take a nice, long, warm, RELAXING bath... with my kids toys still in the tub.

I did NOT continue watching the kids cartoon for 20 minutes AFTER they had gone outside and I also did not want to find out what happened at the end either.

However, I DID learn a very valuable lesson this week.... BEANO IS YOUR FRIEND GIRLS!!!

Ahhh... I feel very relaxed now! Head on over to MCK to learn the rules of the game!!

I Corinthians 13: A Christmas Version

2008-12-13T08:42:00.000-08:00

My Friend Kim sent me this and I wanted to share it with you. I hope that we all don't loose the real meaning of what this season is really about!

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
strands of twinkling lights, and shiny balls,
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another decorator

If I slave away in the kitchen baking
dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals,
and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime,
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another cook.

If I work at a soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home,
and give all that I have to charity,
but do not show love to my family,
it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir's cantata,
but do not focus on Christ,
I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love does not envy another's home that has
coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way,
but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return,
but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.

Love bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails.

Video games will break.
Pearl necklaces will be lost.
Golf clubs will rust.
But giving the gift of love will endure forevermore.

The Great Ornament Exchange

2008-12-12T11:47:00.000-08:00

So, I signed up to participate in TGOE over here w/Kate and my package came today! I was very excited to open it and LOOK what was inside!! A great ornament and a very sweet note! It is from jadeinmywindow and I love it! I promptly went and put it on my tree. The pictures really don't show it off that well!

My ornament is ready to be sent off! Don't worry, friend, yours will be in the mail on Saturday!!!

Rise and Shine

2008-12-12T04:32:00.000-08:00

I am not a morning person. My husband, however, along with 2 of our 3 children are. But, even though I am not a morning person, I do tend to get a lot accomplished in the mornings. More so than the rest of the day, surprisingly enough. For example, here are some of the things that have taken place SO FAR at my house...

2 kids up
2 kids dressed
3 beds made
breakfast made and cleaned up
2 lunches made
3 blankets monogrammed
2 puzzles assembled
3 cups of coffee drank (not all by me thankyouverymuch)
2 Bible studies done
2 school bags packed
3 sword fights had
1 kid taken to bus (at end of driveway)
2 dogs fed
1 large dog successfully chased by small child w/cap gun around the island 12 times.. in a row.

Have I mentioned that it's 7:15am?

There Are Some Days...

2008-12-11T06:51:00.000-08:00

We all strive to fulfill our own personal levels of perfection. Whatever those definitions are. And I would venture to say that NONE of us even measure up to those much less the expectations that others put on us. So, just to make you feel better, here's what happens to me on some of those days...

There are some days when I don't shut the clothes drawers all the way... and still walk out of the room anyway.

There are some days when I wish I could go on vacation... permanently.

There are some days when I DO shut the drawers, but there is underwear or a sock hanging out... and I leave it.

There are some days when I look at my legs and wonder just exactly how long HAS it been since I have shaved...

There are some days that I don't brush the kids teeth until noon...ish.

There are some days that after going to the gym, I go to bed that night... withOUT taking a shower.

There are some days that I don't clean up breakfast until I am getting supper ready.

There are some days that I KNOW my kids are doing something they are not supposed to, but I just look the other way because I am too tired to deal with it right then.

There are some days that I go to town... and forget to brush MY teeth.

There are some days that I don't put on a bra.

There are some days that I would like for my HUSBAND's dog to run away.

There are some days that I look around and think of how lucky I am to have this life.

There are some days I look around and think what did I do to DESERVE this life.

There are some days when good enough is... good enough.

There are some days when the dishwasher doesn't get loaded until the morning.

There are some days when I think "I'll do it later"... and I never do.

And there is EVERYDAY when I thank the Lord that I can start over... everyday.

Love Dare Day 40!!!

2008-12-10T12:14:00.000-08:00

YAY!!!! I made it all the way to the end!!!! I am so glad that you all have shared in this journey with me. I hope that if you haven't taken the dare for yourself, that you will. It will truly bless you and your spouse IF you give it your all. And if you have started, I hope that you will finish, and finish well.

The last dare says WRITE OUT A RENEWAL OF YOUR VOWS AND PLACE THEM IN YOUR HOME. PERHAPS, YOU COULD MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO FORMALLY RENEW YOUR WEDDING VOWS BEFORE A MINISTER AND WITH FAMILY PRESENT. MAKE IT A LIVING TESTAMENT TO THE VALUE OF MARRIAGE IN GOD'S EYES AND THE HIGH HONOR OF BEING ONE WITH YOUR MATE.

I knew that this was coming because I had of course looked ahead. So, I casually mentioned this to Frank this morning. I wish I could tell you that we had a, uhm, moment. And we did. We had the kind of moment that we typically have. We had the kind of moment that "fits" for us. Let me enlighten you. It went a little something like this.

A: You know what today is in the dare, don't you?
F: No, what.
A: We are supposed to renew our vows. *smirk and very big chuckle while trying not to look at him*
F:*silence and also trying not to smile*
A: You know, I was thinking since our 10yr anniversary just happens to be coming up in January...
F:Oh God...
A:*laughing*
F:*now playing along* Well since Steph and Ry ARE going too and Steph does have her seminary degree, she could officiate and Ry could be our witness.
A:exactly! and we could make snow angels and make a big heart in the snow with our initials in it!
F:*laughing hysterically*
A:and I could pull out my wedding dress and wear it again for you!
F: i don't care if you have lost 60lbs, you ain't fittin' in that thing again.
A: *not laughing and not smiling* excuse me...

See, those are the kind of moments that we have together. I am just telling you gals, it ain't gonna happen. We are not going to renew our vows. However, we can take some time to remember why we did this crazy thing called marriage. If you want to renew your vows, that is great and I really do think that it's sweet. Hey, Jon and Kate did it and I loved it!!

Just because the "dare" is over doesn't mean that the journey has to be. Quite the opposite actually. I think the best has really just started. As I really start focusing on Frank's needs and not my own. As I start to focus on the successes in our marriage instead of the failures. As I give him permission to be imperfect. As I concentrate on changing myself instead of him. With all of these things finally beginning to take more of a priority, how can things do anything BUT get better?

I love the way that this book has made very clear the difference between the worlds view of marriage and God's view of marriage. See, the world views marriage more as a contract. A contract is usually a written agreement based on distrust and it lists the rules and conditions of the agreement. And although there are consequences, it can be broken. God's view of marriage is a covenant. A covenant is a verbal commitment based on trust. Your promise is unconditional and good forever. It is spoken before God and out of love for each other.

Contracts are self-serving and comes with limited liability. It can be broken with mutual consent. Covenants are for the benefits of others and comes with unlimited responsibility. It has NO expiration date. It is intended to be unbreakable.

God made several covenants throughout the Bible. He made one with Noah (Gen. 9:12:17), with Abraham (Gen. 17: 1-8), with Moses (Exodus 19: 3-6), with David (2Sam. 7: 7-16) and with those who believe in Him (Heb 9:15). Not one time has God ever broken His covenants. He does not enter into them lightly.

Keeping a marriage covenant is not something that we can do on our own. That's why we need someone who has never broken a covenant before to lead us and to guide us through it. God. He alone is the One who can do it.

The time is now. Don't wait until tomorrow to start loving your spouse the way that God intended. You and I don't have that promise. Your life depends on it. Their life depends on it. Your marriage depends on it. Go ahead. I dare ya...

Love Dare Day 39

2008-12-09T11:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, so here I am almost to the very end. Did you think I wasn't going to finish? I was going to finish while we were in Atlanta, but I forgot to take my book with me. Oh well! So, on to the final TWO days!!

Endurance. Finishing. All the way to the end. Sometimes, if I am really honest, I have a hard time with this. I start well, but don't always finish well. Especially if the road is bumpy or the journey is long. I can give up too easily if it hurts too much. This is also a sad reality in many marriages today. The road gets too bumpy and hurts too much. We get in too many collisions. And one or both give up.

But the Word tells us that love never fails. It doesn't say sometimes or many times or often. It says NEVER.

We can love imperfect people with a perfect love because of Christ. If we build our relationships on the Word, no matter how often our circumstances change, those truths will still be standing. It's not too late to start building your marriage on the Word of God now if you haven't already.

Jesus' disciples still forsook him. They still failed Him and they still walked away. And your spouse may still walk away from you after you have done everything in your power to obey God. If your marriage fails, if your spouse walks away from you, don't let it be because you gave up. Don't let it be because YOU stopped loving them. Love Never Fails.

The dare for today is to SPEND TIME IN PERSONAL PRAYER, THEN WRITE A LETTER OF COMMITMENT AND RESOLVE TO YOUR SPOUSE. INCLUDE WHY YOU ARE COMMITTING TO THIS MARRIAGE UNTIL DEATH, AND THAT YOU HAVE PURPOSED TO LOVE THEM NO MATTER WHAT. LEAVE IT IN A PLACE THAT YOUR MATE WILL FIND IT.

So, I wrote this letter. It didn't take long at all. Because can I just tell you that after almost 10 years of marriage, I really never thought that it would be like this. Even though I screw up all the time. And even though there are times that we treat each other poorly. And even though there are days, there are days that we don't like each other very much. I still love him more than I ever thought possible. Really I do.

Not Me! Monday Edition 12

2008-12-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

It's time to spill the beans again and let everyone know what I most certainly did NOT do over this past week. And, just in case knowing mine isn't enough, go check out MckMama's and see what hundreds of others haven't been doing either!

I did NOT look under my sofa because something fell nearby only to be thoroughly disgusted with what I saw under there. I also did not just get up and walk away leaving everything still there. Not me. Being the good housekeeper that I am I most certainly cleaned it immediately!!

I did NOT have a fabulous time without my children for four days. Not me! I missed them every single moment that I was away from them!

I did NOT eat lunch w/Ang after we had been at the horse barn rubbing all over the horses. And, if I had, I certainly would have remembered to wash my hands. I always wash my hands after being with horses. Always.

I did NOT forget to bring Ang her gift with me to her house. I am never forgetful. I always, always keep my promises. I did not feel like such a dork.

I did NOT leave wet clothes in the washer while I was away for four days either. Nope. Remember, I am the ultimate housekeeper!

I did NOT hang my head out of the truck like a dog on the way home because SOMEONE HAD GAS AND THERE WAS A STENCH IN THE TRUCK!! Enough said about that one!

Okay, if you want to play along and get some free therapy yourself, go HERE and check out the rules!!

Pictures w/Ang

2008-12-06T12:03:00.001-08:00

As promised, here are some pics from my day w/ Ang. It really was a great day. And would you look at the picture of those kids??!! They are too cute and I love them all! I could have taken them all back with me. Hmmm... I just might have to come back and steal them!

And my dear friend pointed out to me that YES I am such a dork. (isn't that what real friends are supposed to do? tell you that you're a dork?) I forgot to bring her present with me!!! I was so excited to get out of the hotel and get on the road to go see her, that I left it in the room! However, SHE remembered me and gave me a super cute ornament that is now hanging on my tree! Shesh! So, now, she gets that present AND an extra goody to make up for it!! It's in the mail, friend!

Coming Home...

2008-12-05T18:46:00.000-08:00

I got up this morning and got dressed and ready to head to see Ang. Made sure to get me a very large coffee from the Starbuck's downstairs and headed into the freezing cold to wait for my truck. Turned the seats on HOT, plugged in Gertrude, hooked up the iPod and off I went.

I loved the trip itself. Just me and my coffee and warm hiney and music up real loud. It was great. I made really good time and just as I expected, Gertrude did not disappoint. Ang's place is beautiful!!! And she ran out to meet me with a big smile. We gave each other a hug and headed towards the house.

Three of the 4 Things came out to greet me, and for me, it was love at first sight. They are all so precious. Then I got to meet TB&H. He is a great guy. In fact, I told Frank when I got back that I thought he would like him a lot. Very down to earth and funny. We curled up on the couches and talked and talked and talked. We headed down to the barn and I met the horses and gave some of them a good rub. They are beautiful.

The Things all wanted me to climb up in the hayloft with them to show me their "fort with a hot tub" that they made up there out of haybales. Of course, I scaled the ladder with them and surveyed their work. It was really cute. I even went in the fort with them and ended up with hay all in my hair just.like.I.like.it.

TB&H made lunch for us. Yes, how I do love a man that fixes food. After lunch, Ang showed me her wedding pictures per my request. For some reason, we laughed a lot at them. Not because they looked funny, but at the stories that went along with them. Then we roped Thing 1 into taking a bazillion pictures. We had to approve them before he could stop. I thought he was going to end up a professional by the time we told him he could stop. Either Ang wouldn't like they way she looked in one or I wouldn't like the way I looked. I needed some pictures with the Things too.

Then my time was over all too quickly and I had to head back to Atlanta. I was really sad to go. I truly felt like I was somewhere I had been a thousand times before. Kinda like coming home. I felt like I had known all of the Things since their birth. And thankfully, they treated me like they had known me all along. I never felt "new". I felt old. But in a good way.

And after I left, the talking didn't stop there. I think that we sent each other about a thousand texts. From about 5pm until 930pm we texted back and forth. Ang, I hope you have unlimited texting. If you don't, add it to your plan NOW when you get your new cool phone. :) I am glad that now I don't have to refer to her as just my bloggy friend. Now, she is my real life friend too.

I will have to post the pictures tomorrow when I get back. I can't put them on this computer that we brought! But you can go HERE and see some now!

A New "Chapter"

2008-12-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

I slept until 830am. I know there are many of you that think this is no biggy. But trust me, it is. When you are used to getting up between 530 and 6am, it is HUGE. And I was very excited when I woke up because I knew that I was gonna go have an early lunch w/ Amy. Then, I got up and looked in the mirror. What.is.that.on.my.face??! Are you kidding me. I am 32 years old forcryingoutloud!! A PIMPLE?? What am I, like in high school or something? Great, just what I wanted to do was meet Amy with a big zit on my face.

Oh, well, nothing I can do now except try to cover it up with some makeup. I seriously watched TRANSFORMERS on HBO before I got in the shower. I didn't realize how much I liked it. It was really impairing my ability to get dressed.

Anyhoo, I made sure that I left in plenty of time, seeing as that I am somewhat directionally challenged. Not a fact I am proud of, but what can you do. GET A GARMIN that's what. Me and Gertrude are tiiiiight!!!!!

I pulled into the parking lot and because I was a little early, I sat there for a few minutes fiddling w/my iPod. And that's when I started really thinking. What if she doesn't like me? What if I don't like her? What if we have nothing to talk about? What if we are both sitting in there waiting on the other and don't recognize one another? Should I have told her what I would be wearing? What if she stares at my BIG OLE ZIT on my face the whole time?

Sometimes, I let my mind get the best of me. But, I decided to go ahead and go in. I waited for just a very few minutes and I saw her come in. I knew she recognized me too and we gave each other a big hug (didn't know she wasn't a hugger. she did a good job :) And everything I had worried about was long gone. I mean, I still worried about the zit on my face so I made a joke about it.

We talked non stop. If I took a breath, she jumped in. When she took one, I did. I felt like I had been talking to someone I had known since high school. She is a really cool girl and I am sooo glad we got to hang out. Next time, we will have to have a longer lunch. The time went by way to quickly. The picture that the little waiter guy took makes me look like I did nothing but drink the whole time. I promise I didn't. :) And you can't even see the zit.

Tonight, Frank and I went to dinner at a place called NAVA. If you ever come to the Atlanta area or live around here, you must try it. It was awesome. They serve southwestern cuisine (very upscale southwestern cuisine) which I love. You can not fix me food that is too spicy. I mean that. I had the jalapeno lime jumbo grilled shrimp w/black bean and goat cheese enchiladas. O.M.G!!! Sooo good. Our waiter told me it was probably their spiciest dish, so I was very excited. Sadly, still not hot enough for me. I mean, it had GREAT afterburn, but not enough initial heat.

Still, I would highly recommend it. Then, we decided to go to the movies. We saw FOUR CHRISTMASES. I love Reese Witherspoon. However, the movie had some really funny parts, but overall wasn't really that funny. I still enjoyed the time spent w/my man though.

Okay, I am going to bed now. It's late and I have to get on up in the morning to go see Ang! I hope that Gertrude gets plenty of rest too...

Oh, and P.S, Amy, THE DAWGS RULE!

Wonderful Wednesday

2008-12-03T11:20:00.001-08:00

Today is wonderful on so many levels...

One thing is that today is not yesterday. Yesterday was the party. The party was great and I was very close on the number. We had 28 ladies. We had a pile of fun and ate lots of gooood stuff! And the ornament exchange was a blast. There are those that come that are nice and never steal an ornament no matter how many times theirs gets taken. They just always go to the pile and get a new one. THEN there are those that are always the ones to steal. In fact, they may steal just for the shear joy and pleasure of doing so. Which group do you think I fall into?? Careful now... you are on my blog... WRONG!!!! I am in neither. (okay sometimes I am in the thieving category) Most of the time I pick my own ornament. I know. I know. I just always pick one that would look great on my tree and then try to get it. Sheesh.... give me a break.

Another reason this Wednesday is Wonderful is that I just got back from having lunch with my good friends Jen and Aimee!! Aimee let me know yesterday that she was coming into town today for a little while and would I like to have lunch. Would I like to have lunch??!! Are you kidding me? YES!! Hello!!! It was sooo good to get to see them again. I haven't seen Aimee or Jen in several years. Aimee and I used to live on the same street when we were both newlyweds and then had our first babies together. Actually only a few months apart, I think it was. We would go walking over to Jen's house, who lived only a few blocks away from both of us! It was fun getting to visit with them and catch up. I hope we can do this more often!! *hint hint*

The last reason it's Wonderful Wednesday is that I am leaving in a couple of hours to go to Atlanta with my hubby... and NO KIDS!!! Hallelujah!!! (you can't hear me but I'm singing the hallelujah chorus right now!!) This is one of our 2 annual trips we go on each year with just each other. Frank is on our local school board so he has to go for training twice a year and I tag along. The other place they send us is Savannah in the summer. And that's fun too. This trip will bring lots of exciting things. First, I get to go have coffee with Amy!! I can't wait to get to know her live and in person. And the other thing is I get to go see Ang! I.AM.SOOOO.EXCITED!!!! AAAAHHHHH!!!!! So, the rest of this week will be fun. Don't worry. I am bringing my computer AND my camera. I am sure that there will be plenty for you to read about.

Okay, going to finish packing now.

Oh, and thought you might be interested to know, Aimee, that Frank and I will be doing plenty (I mean PLENTY) of ice skating :)

Happy Holidays...

2008-12-02T12:03:00.000-08:00

So, now that Thanksgiving is officially over as quickly as it began, we will start to hear the phrase that drives.me.crazy!!!! "Happy Holidays". I don't know why it bothers me so much. Really, I don't. Maybe it's because I feel like Jesus is already taken out of so much that I just want to leave His name in something.

Then my BFF, Steph, told me something that has eased the pain over that phrase a lot. See, Steph knows a lot about a lot. She does research for a living so I love to pick her brain about random subjects. Even though the world tries to take Him out, they can't. Did you know that the word HOLIDAY actually means "Holy Day"? How cool is that!!! So, when all those peeps are trying to take him out, all they are actually wishing you is a Happy Holy Day. Ha Ha. I love it.

Another thing that used to bother me was putting an "X" in the word Christmas. (Xmas) Again, Stephers gave me some more info on that subject. The "X" is the Greek sign for Christ. So, again, for those that try to X Him out, it just can't be done!!!

Just as a side note, I probably will not be posting the dare tonight. I am having our ladies night ornament swap here at my house tonight. Expecting around 30 ladies, so it will probably be a late night. Catch up with you guys tomorrow!!

Love Dare Day 38

2008-12-01T17:33:00.000-08:00

I have 2 really big dreams. One of them is to be foster parents. God has placed this desire in my heart for a long time now. I have just been praying for God to work on Frank's heart in the same way (or take away that desire from me!) and for His timing to be revealed. I never have been good at waiting. So I can promise you it has not been easy thus far!

Another dream of mine is to have my own horse barn. Not a big elaborate barn, just nice, clean and spacious. With something other than dirt for floors, if you know what I mean. I would love to be able to somehow one day incorporate the two dreams into one. Letting the kids, all of the kids, help me out in the barn. To teach them ALL how to ride and have them go with me on trail rides.

I wonder how many of us know what kind of dreams our spouses have.

Today's dare says ASK YOURSELF WHAT YOUR MATE WOULD WANT IF IT WAS OBTAINABLE. COMMIT THIS TO PRAYER, AND START MAPPING OUT A PLAN FOR MEETING SOME (IF NOT ALL) OF THEIR DESIRES, TO WHATEVER LEVEL YOU POSSIBLY CAN.

Well, I thought I knew what Frank's dream was. But over the last several days through some conversations we have had, I learned that his dream may have changed somewhat. I thought that I was already helping him to take steps to obtain his dream. And, I still may be, just not on the level that I thought I was.

You and I need to take the time to find out what kind of dreams our spouse has. It may not be anything that can be bought with money. It may be your time and attention. Or to go away with you, WITHOUT the kids. Love is careful to take notice of whatever those dreams may be. We should think about overwhelming our spouse with love.

Not Me! Monday Edition 11

2008-12-01T04:46:00.000-08:00

It's that time again! Time for our weekly confession. If you haven't yet checked out MckMama and all her MSC, head on over now!

I did not ask my husband to get out all the Christmas decorations 3 days BEFORE Thanksgiving. I also didn't ask him to help me put up and decorate the tree the night before Thanksgiving either. I always wait until after one holiday is over to start another.

I did not send my wonderful husband out on black Friday at 4:45am to 3 different stores. Hey, I gave him the option to stay home. He chose to go.

I did not take a big whiff of my armpits several times in one day just because I like the way my deodorant smells. I know. Wrong, just plain wrong.

I did not wish that I was already in Atlanta on "vacation".

I did not have the best time ever at the GA game this weekend, even though I jinxed my Dawgs and made them loose.

I did not eat waaaaay to much caramel cake over Thanksgiving holiday. In all honesty, I was just trying to be polite. My aunt made it just for me and I felt it would have been just plain RUDE if I didn't eat it. A lot. Over several days. Even though technically I am on a diet. Yeah. Right.

Okay, so if you want to play along, go HERE and check out the rules!!!

Game Day

2008-11-29T19:25:00.000-08:00

This morning, bright and early, Frank and I left to go to the GA-GT game with our friends, Patrick and Elizabeth. 6:30am early to be exact. The day was dreary. It rained on us just about the entire trip. And the closer we got to Athens, the colder it got. So, raining AND cold. Fortunately, P & E had box seats (I had never sat in box seats before!! It was awesome!) so the weather was not a factor for us. The game was TERRIBLE!! Terrible in the fact that we just did everything we could to give that game away! I really think the reason that Georgia lost was my fault.

I think I jinxed the team. See, we played an awesome first half. And close the the end of the first half I mentioned that I have never been to a GA game where they lost. I KNOW!! I should have waited until the game was over to mention that piece of information!! But, I didn't. And the minute I said it I wished I could take it back. The second half of the game was when we gave it away. Several times.

But, even though it was a sad day for the Dawgs... we still had a blast anyway. It was fun just hanging out with P & E. They are a trip. There were several times in the truck that I laughed until I cried. I'm just glad I contained the kind of laugh where you snort. Because a few times I could have. I was laughing that hard. It was a great day. Frank and I are so lucky to have friends like them.

And, of course, things happend here at home while we were gone. Aunt Jan kept the kids for most of the day and they took advantage of the situation. They LOVE her to death. But they like to use that time to do things that I wouldn't normally let them do. Like Jackson and Wyatt both "took a nap" in my bed. First of all, Jackson doesn't take a nap anymore and Wyatt is not allowed to take a nap in my bed. I just got new bedding for one thing and he won't sleep if he is downstairs either. Mallory didn't wear a pullup for her nap, so she peed and pooped in her pants and bed and all over her favorite blanket. They played in my jewlery (also not ever allowed), they took ornaments off my tree, and the best thing was that Wyatt flushed both of the socks he had on today down the commode. Great. I am sure I will be calling the plumber next week.

Anyway, I am off to bed now.

Patrick, don't forget your, um, kitty cat...

Thanksgiving Thankfuls

2008-11-27T05:56:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!! I hope that everyone enjoys their day with family and friends and lots and lots of turkey!!! Here are just a few things that I am thankful for in my life. I am thankful for...

MY HUSBAND

MY CHILDREN

MY SALVATION

MY FAMILY

RYAN AND STEPHANIE :)

SCOTT AND JULIE

PATRICK AND ELIZABETH

THAT MY HUSBAND PINS HIS DRESS SOCKS TOGETHER BEFORE THEY GO IN THE WASH

LOOSING ALMOST 60LBS (NOT COUNTING TODAY)

COOL WEATHER

MY HORSES

MY HEALTH

MY FIREPLACE IN THE WINTER

A WARM COAT

CINNAMON BUN CREAMER FOR MY COFFEE

THAT HUSBAND PULLED OUT 10 BOXES FROM ATTIC FULL OF CHRISTMAS

DECORATIONS

MY CHRISTMAS TREE IS UP AND DECORATED

IN SPITE OF MY MANY FAILURES EVERYDAY, GOD NEVER GIVES UP ON ME

A PANTRY FULL OF GOOD FOOD

WE ALL HAVE CLOSETS FULL OF CLOTHES

MY CHURCH

THAT MY HUSBAND IS A FABULOUS SINGER AND PIANO PLAYER (MAKES ME SWOON :)

CARAMEL CAKE

HOT SOUP ON A COLD DAY

THAT MY HUSBAND IS THE IRONER IN THE FAMILY

AND FOR THE MANY FRIENDSHIPS THAT I HAVE IN ALL OF YOU. I CAN NOT TELL YOU HOW IT BLESSES ME TO READ SOME OF THE THINGS THAT YOU POST. I LAUGH, CRY, AND LEARN SO MUCH FROM YOU GUYS. AND I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU TOO.

HAPPY TO KNOW WE ARE ALL IN THIS THING CALLED LIFE... TOGETHER

SIT DOWN AND TELL GOD WHAT YOU ARE THANKFUL HE HAS BLESSED YOU WITH...

Love Dare Day 37

2008-11-26T09:55:00.000-08:00

Matthew 18:19 If two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father.

Today's dare: ASK YOUR SPOUSE IF YOU CAN BEGIN PRAYING TOGETHER. TALK ABOUT THE BEST TIME TO DO THIS. USE THIS TIME TO COMMIT YOUR CONCERNS, DISAGREEMENTS, AND NEEDS BEFORE THE LORD. DON'T FORGET TO THANK HIM FOR HIS PROVISION AND BLESSING.

Okay, honestly, I think this is where Frank and I fail the most. We do NOT pray together on a regular basis. We each have our own individual prayer time, but not together. Every so often, we will start to and we will do it for a little while. But for some reason we stop. The mornings are too crowded with kids and noise. And at night, we are so tired, we forget. Pitiful, I know.

Within marriage, praying together can work wonders on every level of your relationship. The unity that grows between husband and wife who regularly pray together forms a bond like no other. It's hard to stay mad at the one you are praying with... and for.

Praying FOR your spouse leads your heart to care on a deeper level for them. And God is pleased when He sees us humbling ourselves before Him... together.

I am sure that you all have heard the phrase "agree to disagree"? Well, that doesn't always work at my house (usually on my part. Frank doesn't really have a problem with this). But when we agree together in prayer, even in the middle of a disagreement, it puts us back on common ground and helps us to remember what really matters.

I don't know why we have such a hard time doing this. Really I don't. I DO feel that it is extremely important to pray as individuals AND as a couple. I want God to bless every nook and cranny of my marriage. No stone left unturned. So, no more lame excuses... well, no more excuses period...

Love Dare Day 36

2008-11-25T18:55:00.000-08:00

Today's dare is: COMMIT TO READING THE BIBLE EVERYDAY. FIND A DEVOTIONAL BOOK OR OTHER RESOURCE THAT WILL GIVE YOU SOME GUIDANCE. IF YOUR SPOUSE IS OPEN TO IT, SEE IF THEY WILL COMMIT TO DAILY BIBLE READING WITH YOU.

Well, this dare was easy. I already have a quiet time daily in which I read my Bible. When I am not doing a Bible study at church, I do Bible studies by Max Lucado on different books of the Bible. Right now I am in the book of James. But I will be starting the Esther study in January!!! (I am SUPER excited about that!!!) And I always have my handy dandy commentaries nearby. Those have helped me tremendously.

If you don't have a regular quiet time, let me encourage you to do so. I always thought that I didn't have time. My kids are very early risers and once everyone is up it would be kinda hard to do it. I always had an excuse during their nap times. I mean, after all, that was the ONLY real time I had to get any housework done. So, I settled on bedtime, or after the kids went to bed. But, after the kids went to bed, I still had things to do... kitchen to clean, lunches to make, bags to get ready for the morning... And once I got into the bed... FORGET IT!!! All I want to do is veg out when I get in the bed. Too tired.

So, I wasn't having a consistent time with the Lord. And I wondered all the time why I constantly felt overwhelmed, tired, and out of control. Pretty dumb, huh? And then one day it just kinda hit me. I always would say, and I hear many others say, "I need to make my quiet time more of a priority". But what we don't get is that He is not just "A" priority... He is THE priority!!!

We make everything else sooo important. We put so many things above Him. And He gives us all of those things that we make so important. He can just as easily take them away to help us re-prioritize... I don't want that to happen. Do you?

Jackson has to be up at 6am to get ready for school. The bus comes at 7:05... So, I am up early (okay, well, it's early to me!!). I am already struggling to get up that early, so trying to get up even earlier is an attempt at futility for me. After I get the boys up and dressed and get them their breakfast, I sit down and begin my Bible study. Then, usually, Frank takes both of the boys outside to wait for the bus about 10 minutes or so before the bus comes. (remember that Wyatt likes to ride his bike in the mornings) During that time I use the quiet to my advantage. That is when I go over my prayer list.

Now, it doesn't always work out that way. Sometimes, I don't get as long to do my Bible study for whatever the reason. Sometimes (occasionally) I get longer. The point is not to get so legalistic about what your quiet time/Bible study has to look like. The point is to get started. Today. It will make a difference in your day!

A Sneak Peek

2008-11-25T05:22:00.000-08:00

Kim just called me and told me that she has posted some of our pictures!!!! So go HERE and take a sneak peak!!!! She did a fabulous job and she had some extreme conditions to work in!!! She never complained!! We love you Kim!!!!

The Blog Frog

2008-11-24T18:34:00.000-08:00

If you haven't noticed this cool little gadget over on my sidebar, go take a look. I love it. I can't always tell on my traffic feed WHO it is from a particular place that has stopped by. But, I can look over at my cool blogfrog and see all my peeps that stop by all the time. I am not sure how to get everybody on there yet, but I love seeing all the faces on there when you come by. Head on over HERE and check out all the cool things that the Frog offers!!!

Love Dare Day 35

2008-11-24T17:22:00.000-08:00

Dare for today says: FIND A MARRIAGE MENTOR-SOMEONE WHO IS A STRONG CHRISTIAN AND WHO WILL BE HONEST AND LOVING WITH YOU.

Before Frank and I came to our current church about 4 1/2 yrs ago, things on the home front were not great. I'm not saying we were headed for divorce at that point, but if things had kept going much longer the way they were, it certainly could have ended up there. The friends that I had surrounded myself with, although they were good and kind, did not give me the kind of advice that I really needed. But I turned to them often because they supported my poor way of thinking. Everything was Frank's fault. He was the one that needed to change, not me. He was the problem.

One of the things that I prayed desperately about was for the Lord to send me some really good Christian friends. Friends that desired to go deep with the Lord. Not surface dwelling Christians like I had been. But those that truly applied the Word to their life and would challenge me to do the same. When Frank and I started attending our church that we are part of now, the Lord more than answered that prayer.

He surrounded me with the dearest friends that I have ever had. And I mean that. These friends will not hold back on the truth. They don't just tell me what I want to hear very often. They will not allow me to continue in wrong ways of thought. They call me on the carpet when necessary.

It is important to surround ourselves with these kinds of friendships. Although I have a handful of people that I consider to be my nearest and dearest, I have one in particular that I go directly to whenever I am having issues in my marriage. Because I know that she will point me to what the Word says is my responsibility in the situation. Even when I don't like what she has to say. And that has been often. Don't we oftentimes just want someone to support our bad way of thinking. We will just keep on singling people out, bending their ears UNTIL we find the one that agrees with us? THEN that is the person whose counsel that we choose to seek out.

This is not what the Word tells us is right. Proverbs 12:15 says The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel. Wise people are those that seek counsel AND receive it. Foolish people never seek it and then ignore it when it's given. So what do we need to look for in someone to take marital advice from? Well, first of all you look for someone who has the kind of marriage that you want to have. Someone who has a heart for the Lord and always puts him first. You seek out someone who doesn't live by the way they "feel", but by the Word of God.

If you don't have someone like this in your life, start praying NOW for God to send you the person you need. I can honestly say that these friendships that I have made a world of difference to my marriage.

Hebrews 3:13 Encourage one another day after day... so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Not Me! Monday Edition 10

2008-11-24T05:41:00.000-08:00

It's time for our weekly therapy session!!! Head on over to MCK and check out the head therapist!!

*I did NOT go to town in the same shirt I had slept in the night before (and the night before that!) Not Me!!! I also did not smell said shirt to make sure it was okay.

*I did NOT allow my oldest to wear mismatched socks to school. But, if I had, they would have been the same color, just not the same style. All of our socks are ALWAYS clean, matched and in the drawers where they belong.

*I did NOT have a moment of sadness when I realized one of my followers had dropped off and I couldn't figure out who it was! Not Me! I have too much to do to care about stuff like that!

*I did NOT in any way wear the same sports bra to the gym twice this week... without washing it. If I had, my reasoning would have been that it was only gonna get sweaty AGAIN anyway!

*I did NOT want to hide when I saw my 4 yr old pee on the playground during our Sunday school picnic!!! I have raised my children better than that. They ALL have perfect manners!!

Don't forget to head on over to My Charming Kids for some more fun and laughs!!!

Weekend Wrap Up

2008-11-23T19:30:00.000-08:00

Two things to share with you today. One is that we had a picnic after church for our "care group" in Sunday school. (our class is pretty big so we have it broken down into groups so we can get to know each other better) We had the picnic at the church on our lovely playground. I was afraid after this weekend that it would be too cold to have anything outside, but the weather couldn't have been any better. It was about 63 degrees outside and we had a great time. After the kids had finished eating, my beloved Wyatt asked if he could go play. I told him sure and wiped his face and his hands (not really sure why I did that seeing as how I didn't bother to wipe them BEFORE he ate!!! Oh well!) A very few minutes later, Stephanie told me and Frank to look. Never a good sign by the way. Wyatt had gone into the little playhouse (which is open on 2 sides so you have a really clear view) and decided that was as good a place as any to pee. Yes, my son. Makes a mother proud. (see, this is what happens when you let little boys pee outside) I will confess that this is NOT the first time that one of my boys has peed at a Sunday school function... Gotta love Wyatt!

The other thing is of course I DVR-d 24 tonight!!!! That way I can just fast forward through the commercials!! IT WAS AWESOME!!!! The only thing that makes me sad is that I have to wait until January 11th for it to come back on again. And that Tony is playing a bad guy this time! Can I just say that Jack rocked the house tonight??! He is the man!! Anyway, I can't wait for the regular season to start. If you aren't a 24 fan, it isn't too late for you. Go rent the seasons that are out on dvd. Or better yet, buy them!!!! It is definitely a worth while investment. And the best part about that is NO COMMERCIALS!!

WOO HOO... Jack's back!!!

Love Dare Day 34

2008-11-22T17:39:00.000-08:00

The world is all around us. In everything that we see and everyplace we go. And it does it's very best to influence our decisions and our thoughts. Television, radio, newspapers... they all try to tell us to have it our own way (wait... I think that's Burger King...), that whatever we feel is okay, look out for yourself first. All of these statements are contrary to the Word of God.

What do we do to influence our world, our communities for the Truth? How about our marriages? What makes you the proudest of your spouse? Is it when they get that promotion at work? Maybe when they win that trophy. Or is it when they lead that family devotion? You and I are the most influential people in the life of our spouse. How do we use that influence? Do we use it to influence them to honor God or themselves?

I hadn't really ever thought about that very much. I mean, after all, I know that Frank is a Christian and we go to church just about every time the doors are open. We are active in many areas of our church and openly talk about our love of Jesus to anyone that will listen. So I never really considered my influence over my husband. Unless you're talking about how to get some new clothes or shoes. And then I can NOT reveal my methods of influence! *wink wink*

I never thought that my influence could cause my husband to sin. What do I mean by that? When Frank sings a solo in church, does my praise of his abilities cause him to think too highly of himself or cause him to be prideful? Or when he really succeeds at work, does my praise feed his vanity?

Love rejoices MOST in the things that please the Lord. Growing in Christian character, being the spiritual leader in the home, standing firm in our faith, staying pure before the Lord... those are the things that should be praised.

Today's dare says FIND A SPECIFIC RECENT EXAMPLE WHEN YOUR SPOUSE DEMONSTRATED CHRISTIAN CHARACTER IN A NOTICEABLE WAY. VERBALLY COMMEND THEM AT SOME POINT TODAY FOR THIS.

I have to say that this was hard for me. Not to think of anything. But because there are sooo many things. I am truly so blessed. I can really see that Frank is making a very big effort to make some changes in our marriage. Not to change me, but to himself. But, I thought that I would share something else with you that might give you a better picture.

Remember way back at the beginning of the dare on day 7 when we were asked to make a list of all the positive things we love about our spouse? Well, many of the things I wrote down demonstrate Christian character and the love of Christ. So, I thought I would share my list with you. (and give Frank a chance to see it too!) Not everything on the list is "spiritual" or falls into this category specifically. But I thought it would give you a better picture of what a wonderful man God gave me. I am thankful for him everyday (even when he does leave his underwear or socks on the floor!!)

*I love the way Frank loves his children
*Godly man
*hard worker
*good provider
*honest
*HOT!!!!
*well respected and gives respect
*loves his family
*loves MY family
*quick to forgive
*not easily angered
*not afraid to show emotions
*great singer
*great piano player
*loyal friend
*super smart
*excels at EVERYTHING he does
*contagious laughter
*always trying to be a better man
*lets me have horses even though they aren't his thing
*good snuggler
*always helps me w/the kids (he is the bath giver, remember)
*great dresser
*helps without always having to be asked

These are just a few things... I love you, Frank!!!

Small Fryday Contest

2008-11-22T13:00:00.000-08:00

Head on over to MckMama's and see the adorable pictures of Small Fry!!! And if you have time, enter her contest! Should be some great prizes including, but not limited to a newly designed blogheader! Which I would love... seeing that we just took new pictures and all!!!

Family Picture Day

2008-11-22T12:21:00.000-08:00

Today was the day. Family pictures. I have been half dreading it and half longing for it. I love getting updated pictures once a year of ALL of us. It is so rare that we all are in a picture together. Most of the time either Frank or I are taking the picture. Well, I'm sure you all understand.

To start off, my boys got up about 5:40am. They had quit doing this for a while. Sadly, they have been doing this for the past week all over again. We promptly sent them back upstairs to watch TV in the playroom (see, it IS good for something!!) and went back to sleep. Until the dogs started whining to go out. Which was only about 10 minutes later... Thank goodness Frank got up and let them out. I don't know how much longer I got to sleep, but someone came downstairs saying they were hungry. For a brief moment, I thought about telling them to take the candy bowl upstairs and help themselves... it was only a fleeting thought I said.

Of course they wanted something that I was gonna have to cook. Pancakes. Their fave. So I poured the biggest bowl of mix you have ever seen and got to work. I like to make a whooooole bunch of them and freeze what they don't eat so if they want some for breakfast during the week, I already have them. Just take them out and pop them into the microwave!!

Frank decided that he wanted some too. I think he ate 5, Jackson ate SIX, Wyatt ate 3 and Mallory ate 2. I had none... and I still had about 30 left over!!

Off to the showers the boys went... all of them. It's always interesting to hear the conversations that happen from inside the shower!! Mallory played in the tub while I got dressed. Okay. Everyone is dressed now. Frank thinks Mallory is overdressed. The rest of us don't. I mean, she is a girl afterall. It is okay for her to be in a dress!!!

Have I mentioned that last night was one of the coldest we have had here?? I think it was about 25 degrees last night. Brrrrr!!!! *shiver* So, by the time Kim got there to take the picture I think it was a warm... 35 degrees!! Very cold. We were all freeeeezing!! So, needless to say, we did not even try to get the dogs and the horses into the picture. It was too cold. We just wanted to get the best pictures we could as FAST as we could.

The kids did good considering how cold it was. And as a result of their good behavior, they got to pick where they wanted to go for lunch. Guess where it was? Ugh. Chuck E. Cheese. AGAIN. Not only was I there on Thursday for playgroup, we were at the mall last night to see Santa's grand entrance into the mall and to see him light the center court Christmas tree. So, I have gone out to the mall 3 days in a row... yay... I at least was thoughtfull enough to call my friend Emily and make her bring the girls and suffer with us!

Anyway, Kim showed me the pictures that she took on her camera and they are soooo good! I can't wait to get them back. As soon as I do I will post some and she will probably put some on her website. I will let you know.

On to dinner...

Crazy Eights Tag!

2008-11-21T04:31:00.000-08:00

My bloggy buddy, Keli, tagged me and because I do wuv her I will play along!!! Here goes...

8 TV shows I like to watch

1.Greys Anatomy (I know it's trash... don't scorn me)

2.Smallville (love me some Tom Welling)

3.Criminal Minds

4.Numbers

5.Jon and Kate plus 8

6.House Hunters

7.Brothers & Sisters (comes on Sunday nights)

8. 24!!!!! (can't wait for Jack to be back!!!!)

8 places I like to eat

1.Olive Garden

2.Mikata's

3. Prime (in Atlanta)

4. El Vaquero

5. House of China

6. Elizabeth's (in Savannah)

7. my parents (for a great steak)

8. my in-laws (everything MIL cooks is goooood)

8 things that happened yesterday

1. did mass quantities of laundry

2. had to suffer through Chuck E Cheese for playgroup

3. delivered 2 chocolate chip pecan (thats PEE CAN) pies to the bank

4. blogged waaay to long

5. walked the pond with Kim to find good spot for pictures

6. broke up 1,384 fights between the kids

7. cleaned up an entire container of dog food that the dogs turned over (Grrrrr)

8. enjoyed some quiet conversation with the hubby (while he ironed hehehe)

8 things I look forward to

1. NO MORE PULLUPS!!!!

2. getting to see Ang in a couple of weeks (I know. Be jealous. Be verrrry jealous)

3. family coming for Thanksgiving

4. seeing Jay and Emily's little girl Ashley in a few weeks

5. going to Maine in January for 10 yr anniversary

6. becoming a caring home (for babies waiting to be placed in adopted homes)

7. decorating my house for Christmas

8. mailing out Christmas cards and GETTING cards from others

8 things I love about Fall

1. crisp, cool mornings

2. horseback rides through the changing leaves... and cooler weather

3. hot apple cider

4. sweaters and jackets

5. skull caps on my boys

6. having big bon fires outside and making smores

7. wearing tights with hot boots (yes, Frank's personal favorite too)

8. did I mention horseback rides...

8 things on my wish list

1. to be foster parents one day

2. to have a new laptop

3. to build a barn

4. to have more time to ride (horses)

5. to see ALL of my kids come to know Jesus

6. to still feel like Frank and I are "dating" in 20 years

7. to have a blog party and see all of you!!!!

8. to have a diamond/sapphire wrap for my ring (it's nice to have a dream :)

8 people to tag

1. Mimi

2. Elaine

3. Mistee

4. Tammy

5. Rae

6. Amy B

7. Aimee

8. Emily

Love Dare Day 33

2008-11-20T10:49:00.000-08:00

Well, I didn't post last night because my hubby asked me for a "afterthekidsgotobed" date. Which meant I had to get a shower AND shave both legs in the same day! Whew!!! Dinner and a movie in front of the fire. Sweet!!!

You remember that I said before that Frank and I are very different? And I talked about the water issues? Well, there's more. He likes golf. I don't. I love all things horsey. He does not! He doesn't see the point in riding a horse when he has a perfectly good vehicle. I would prefer that to be my primary source of transportation... if I just didn't have those kids!!

I love concerts, big concerts. And I love being right smack dab in the middle of ALL the people. Frank loathes being in big crowds like that. I also love going to football games. And I don't want box seats either. I want to be in with the crowd where I don't have to be civilized! Frank would prefer the box seats. There are many things that we differ on. But there are also a lot of things that we have in common.

We both like to shop. Although Frank usually likes to shop with a purpose, but we both enjoy it. We both like the theater. Both being in it and just watching. We both like to sing. Frank does it MUCH better though. Music is a big deal to both of us.

Remember that line in Jerry McGuire where Tom Cruise said "You complete me!" Well, while there is so much wrong with that line, there is also some truth to it. We were meant as husband and wife to complete each other in a way. Consider this verse from Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up". We are supposed to HELP one another. Not to just co-exist, but to multiply the effectiveness of one another.

Hmm... I am supposed to help Frank to be a more effective person. Do I do that? I would have to say a lot of times I don't. My complaining or nagging or just bad attitude in general probably does not help him be very effective in a good way.

When we learn to accept the differences in one another, we can scoot right on by criticism and go directly to helping and appreciating each other. But some of us can't get past the differences. We loose a lot of opportunities this way. How effective our marriages are is based largely on how we work together. How we complete each other.

Do we include each other in big decisions or do we make them on our own and inform our spouse? Do we ask for their opinion and give it full weight? Even if we disagree, we should respect each other enough to ask for their perspective and point of view.

Dare: RECOGNIZE THAT YOUR SPOUSE IS INTEGRAL TO YOUR FUTURE SUCCESS. LET THEM KNOW TODAY THAT YOU DESIRE TO INCLUDE THEM IN YOUR UPCOMING DECISIONS, AND THAT YOU NEED THEIR PERSPECTIVE AND COUNSEL.

I know that Frank is vital to my future success. I can't do it without him. I must include him in all decisions because I want him to be a part of what I am involved in. I want him to care enough about me and what I feel led to be a part of to be a helper and an encourager.

I guess what I'm saying, Frank, is "You complete me..." (hehehe)

Christmas Is Just Around The Corner

2008-11-19T11:02:00.000-08:00

Everyday, I have that Christmas countdown staring at me. It makes me think of all the things I have to do and what little time I have to do it in. A lot of my gifts are monogrammed. And seeing as how I am the monogrammer... Lots to do!!! Why I do this to myself every year, I don't know. And every year I tell myself that I am going to start earlier. Yeah... whatever!!!

Another big "to-do" is the Christmas cards. For some reason they are very important to me to do. I don't know why. I guess I just need to add one more big thing on my list. Big thing? you shyly ask... Yes, because first you have to take the pictures. You ever try to get ONE good shot with 3 kids, 2 adults and 2 dogs?? And this year we are gonna try to get the horses in the background/foreground somehow! Good luck, Kim!!! And then there is the list itself!!! Good Grief!!! There are friends, family, business associates and contacts, people that send you a card and now you have to send them one... Every year the list grows. And every year Frank and I argue about who stays on the list and who goes.

And the gift list... trying to think of something for everyone on there. Sometimes I think I would just like to skip it!! Alas, I can not. Because it is my favorite time of year. Seeing family and friends, having a chance to spend some time together and be mindful of what the season is really about!

So this week, I am getting our picture clothes all put together (nothing fancy, don't get too excited) and working on the card list! What are you doing to get ready for the holidays??

Love Dare Day 32

2008-11-18T11:23:00.000-08:00

Okay, I am just going to go ahead and let you know that this post will get waaay personal. Sorry, it is just the nature of the topic at hand. And Frank, it would do you well just NOT to read this one. I know you will die a thousand deaths by the end. Know that I love you :)

I don't know many women that don't like a little romance. In fact, one of my favorite things to do before Frank and I got married was watch romantic movies. Or read romantic books (not trashy, I said romantic). Or get totally wrapped up in some characters relationship on TV. So I had all of these "visions" in my head of what it was going to be like once we got married.

And then reality hit.

And then the kids came.

Life happened.

Do you see where I am going? Romance is important in our marriages. And sex (yes, I said it) is one part of it. God talks about it extensively in Song of Solomon. Over time, usually it will become more important to one than the other.

After we had Jackson, things started changing. Well, specifically, my focus (and lack of sleep) started changing. And just like many of you, when the "girls" would get together we would all laugh and joke about our lack of sex and our "poor" husbands. Sex was a tool we could use to get things that we wanted and we could withhold it when we were upset or hurt.

Sex is NOT designed to be used as a bargaining tool. God does not allow us to withhold it without consequences. I Corinthians 7:5 says Stop depriving one another except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. If we withhold sex from one another, over time it can cause a lack of self-control or may cause us to stray.

Obviously, that is not what God intends for any of us. In fact, what is intended is that we meet our spouses sexual needs. (come on, quit snickering) I Corinthians 7:4 tells us that The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Frank loves this verse, by the way...

I can remember not long after we had changed churches, I was having a conversation on the phone with one of my new friends. We were talking about our men and laughing at their quirks. I made some comment about "withholding", and K just let me have it. I was holding the phone out looking at it, thinking "Who are you? And why am I talking to you again??" But, she just spoke the Word to me. And I needed to hear it.

Things really changed after that. The biggest change was that I stopped rejecting his advances. The "window of opportunity" that we had all joked about never closed. It went a long way in making a difference in our marriage. There was no more "headache" or being too tired-even if I was. Because I realized that it wasn't about ME. It was about him. And my giving to him.

The dare for today says IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, TRY TO INITIATE SEX WITH YOUR SPOUSE TODAY. DO THIS IN A WAY THAT HONORS WHAT YOUR SPOUSE HAS TOLD YOU (OR IMPLIED) ABOUT WHAT THEY NEED FROM YOU SEXUALLY.

Okay, truthfully, I have been snickering through most of this... Sorry. I am really a 4th grader sitting in class... I think I have given you enough information on my part of this and I am certainly NOT going to share details of this. All I will say is, we don't have this problem *wink*

Not Me! Monday Edition 9

2008-11-17T04:28:00.000-08:00

Here it is already time for our Not Me! Monday post. So much cheaper than therapy! Here is what I did not do this week!

I did not get totally busted on my Love Dare's! I am a super sleuth and am always great at covering my tracks!

I did not secretly snicker to myself when the husband had to go clean up "his" dog's poop. And it was a doozy!!!

I did not jump for joy learning that I was going to go get to meet one of my best bloggy friends in a couple of weeks!!!

I did not scream until I was hoarse at the GA-AUB game this weekend! I have more self-control than that!

I have not ignored the laundry at my house. I am always on top of it. I never have piles of clothes to catch up on. I am the ultimate domestic diva!

I did not pick up my sons jeans and give them a big sniff to see if they were too stinky for him to wear. His other jeans were also not in the non-existent pile of unclean laundry!!

Hope there wasn't anything you didn't do this week! To find out what others have not been up to, head on over to MckMama's and check it out. Make sure you read her story if you haven't. Get comfy and grab the tissue!

It's Game Day!!!

2008-11-15T18:42:00.000-08:00

Today, Frank and I went to Auburn to watch the GA-AUB game with our good friends Ryan and Stephanie and Scott and Julie. We loaded up this morning and set out. Once we got there we had been invited to go "tailgating" with the guy that gave us these lovely tickets. Well, lets just say that it was not like any tailgate that I had been to before. It was a huge tent (more like the ones you would see at a wedding-completely enclosed) with heaters going and a nice food spread. We hung out there for a while and then headed into the stadium. Can I tell you that it. was.so.cooooold!!! The wind was terrible! So, we all had on sweaters and jackets and wished we had hats and gloves. Anyway, we had fabulous seats on about the 30 yrd line 21 rows up from the field!! The game was close, just in case you weren't watching, and we stood just about the whole time cheering our DAWGS on!! It came down to the very last seconds and I was literally biting my nails. VICTORY!!!! Georgia pulled it off with a score of 17-13!! We all went to dinner after that and then played a game on the way home of "How many big hair rock bands can you name from the 80's and early 90's?" We laughed thinking about all of those bands we listened too! (for example, Poison, Great White, Whitesnake, Winger-which is Frank's personal favorite :) Cinderella just to name a few!!)

**On a side note, Ang won my little contest with guessing that Mallory was in the purple tutu and laying down in the white dress! I think there were about 4 pics to choose from!! She will be receiving a special Christmas present very soon! I will let her give you the details once she gets it!!!

Okay, the love dare posts will be back on Monday! Enjoy the game pictures!

Cucucachoo everyone :)

More Game Pictures

2008-11-15T18:41:00.001-08:00

Must Be My Lucky Day

2008-11-14T20:37:00.000-08:00

I just received this award from bloggy friend Mistee!!! (Hey, I heart your blog too :) If you're not a reader, you should be. So go check her out!!!

Also, just so you know, my sweet friend Kim has her blog on her photography website now. I have added it to my sidebar. GO.CHECK.IT.OUT!!! Seriously. I really think she is one of the very best photographers I have ever seen. And if you log into the "site" side, you can find some pictures of my little girl in there. If you go over and look, let me know which one you think is her... there could be a prize involved...

Love Dare Day 31

2008-11-14T12:07:00.000-08:00

I'm just gonna be honest with you here. I am going to reveal something to you about my husband. He already knows it, has admitted to it, and is perfectly fine with it. He... is a mama's boy. Yes, that's right. A mama's boy. And quite frankly, it used to bother me a lot. There have been many times that I felt like he was choosing her over me or something that she wanted him to do over something I didn't want him to do. Fortunately, neither of our parents are meddlers. They will often offer advice or give their opinions, but they are not pushy or all up in our business, unless we want them to be.

Over time, I have grown to see that being a mama's boy isn't really as bad as I thought it would be. There are some real benefits. Like... she will fix him his favorite dinner instead of me having to do it. She will offer to help with the kids. She will hem his pants or basically lovingly do most anything he asks. And, now that I have boys of my own, I hope that they will see the way that Frank loves his mom... and show me the same kind of love and respect that he gives her. I won't mind a bit if they are mama's boys. :)

The Word does give us some very clear direction on this though. Most of us heard it in our own weddings or at the very least in someone else's. Genesis 2:24 says A man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. Some of us don't take this to heart and it can cause a real problem in many marriages.

"Leaving" just simply indicates breaking a natural tie. It's not talking about walking away from your parents. Just they their roles change. Now they are there to give advice, but they can not tell you what to do anymore. This can be hard for some on both sides!

"Cleaving" has the notion of catching someone by pursuit and holding on tight for safety.

We don't know more than God. Really. I'm not just saying that. This was His design for our marriages. And even though it may be difficult, we have to put this verse into practice. If we keep oneness on the forefront of our minds over time our marriages will begin to reflect it.

Dare: IF THERE IS A "LEAVING" ISSUE CONFESS IT TO YOUR SPOUSE TODAY AND RESOLVE TO MAKE IT RIGHT. MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE A PRIORITY OVER EVERY OTHER HUMAN RELATIONSHIP.

As I said earlier, this is not something we struggle with concerning our parents. We are so fortunate in this area. But we are still supposed to put our marriage relationship over "every other human relationship". Ladies, this includes our kids. *ouch* As moms I know this can be very hard. I promise you that I live it too. However, your marriage depends on it. I did not practice this when I had my first. But over time, I came to see how damaging this was to my marriage. And, when I got surrounded by some good, Bible-believing friends, they were quick to point that out. If your marriage is not strong, your family won't be either!

Hot Blog Award!!!

2008-11-14T11:50:00.000-08:00

Wow!!!! Thanks so much!! I have never gotten this before and I must say that anyone giving me anything with the word HOT in it makes me feel gooooood!!! My bloggy buddy over at tollesons4him gave this to me and it is very much appreciated! If you haven't checked her blog out head on over!! The only rule is that I must pass it on. So... here are the recipients (even though I really would like to just choose you all! :)

Amy over at Chapters

Rae at My Life on the East Coast

Jennifer at Everyday Blessings

These are some new bloggy friends of mine so head on over and check them out. You won't be disappointed!

Love Dare Day 30

2008-11-13T19:58:00.001-08:00

Well, first of all let me say that I have been busted! Frank knows about the dare. In fact, he has been on to me for a while. Apparently, since about day 3. He didn't say anything because he was just "enjoying the ride". So, at least I don't have to hide it anymore when I am trying to post these and Frank can read my blog again!

On to day 30! Only 10 days left!

Frank and I are pretty different. In fact, looking back, I'm not sure how we ever got together in the first place. When we met, we were about as opposite as night and day. I was the bad one, Frank was the good one. I like water skiing, knee boarding, fishing, horseback riding, football games and generally just being outside. Frank does not like to get in any body of water that he can't see the bottom of! So, that knocked out a lot of my outdoor activities. And, even though he grew up on this farm with horses, sadly, he does not share my passion for them. But, he does let me have them and he pays for my "hobby".

But even though there are many things that make us different, there are many things we share in common. And those are the things that keep us together. Keep us united and make us one. Even though we have different interests and responsibilities, we are still a team.

I am reminded of the Trinity. Now, I am not going to even begin to pretend like I know all there is to know about the Trinity. But, what I do understand is this. That even though it has 3 parts that function in different ways and have different responsibilities, they are still united. They are still one! Each part is different, distinctive. Yet, they are one! Each one loving the other. Each one being an encouragement to the other. Wow! What a great example of what our marriages should look like.

We should view our spouse as just an extension of ourselves. Truly, a part of who we are. We did become one, after all, on our wedding day. We should rush to meet their needs. Because when we do that we are meeting our own needs. Their needs can't be separated from ours.

The dare for today says ISOLATE ONE AREA OF DIVISION IN YOUR MARRIAGE, AND LOOK ON TODAY AS AS FRESH OPPORTUNITY TO PRAY ABOUT IT. ASK THE LORD TO REVEAL ANYTHING IN YOUR OWN HEART THAT IS THREATENING ONENESS WITH YOUR SPOUSE.

I couldn't think of anything that was divisive to or in our marriage. So, since Frank was obviously aware of what I was doing, I asked him. Although he did say that he didn't know of anything that was divisive, he did mention something that is a point of disagreement. And even though I want him to be the one to see it my way, it's not worth it. I don't want it to become divisive. I don't want there to be any division between us. Nothing, NOTHING is worth that. So, I will do what Day 12 said and give in to this area of disagreement. Bring on the duct tape!

Ashley's On The Way!!!

2008-11-13T10:31:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to share with you all that Jay and Emily got the long awaited phone call today that said they have been approved to adopt Ashley!!! It has been a very long time coming and they are thrilled beyond words! Please be in prayer for them as they prepare themselves and their 3 girls for this momentous day! You can check out their journey here!

Hold on Ashley Mei... not much longer now!

Love Dare Day 29

2008-11-12T12:31:00.000-08:00

There are days... days when Frank says or does something that just rubs me wrong. Or makes me angry. There are days when, even though I love him, I don't like him very much. And I know that there are many days when I am not so lovable either. Probably several times in one day. Some days, it can even be hard to love, if I am honest.

Our moods, feelings, and emotions are always changing, going up and down. Aren't you glad that we have a constant in our lives... God. When God is at the center of my heart, when He is my reason for showing love, my ability to love is guaranteed. That's because God IS love. Not just that He HAS it, He IS it.

I never really knew what all love entailed until I got married. This kind of love is not determined by my spouse's attitude or how well we are getting along (although... his attitude usually determines that!) My focus in my marriage should be to honor the Lord. The fact that my honoring the Lord reaps some benefit for Frank.. well, that's just the cherry on top.

Loving out of a sense of obligation will not last long. And loving ONLY when things are good will not have the assurance of surviving. Only a love that is from God will be able to sustain itself when there don't seem to be any reasons left to keep going.

BEFORE YOU SEE YOUR SPOUSE AGAIN TODAY, PRAY FOR THEM BY NAME AND FOR THEIR NEEDS. WHETHER IT COMES EASY FOR YOU OR NOT, SAY I LOVE YOU, THEN SHOW LOVE TO THEM IN SOME TANGIBLE WAY. THANK GOD FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF LOVING YOUR SPOUSE.

I pray for Frank everyday in my quiet time. And sometimes several times throughout the day as he comes to mind... which is often. I promise you that since I started doing this REGULARLY, I have seen a tremendous difference in my marriage. Things are not the same. They are not like they used to be-in a good way. And I do attribute it to a lot of prayer. Not for God to change him, but for God to be with him and help him be all that HE wants for Frank.

I don't know about you guys, but mediocre is NOT a word I want to describe my marriage....

You Know You're Getting Old When...

2008-11-11T18:09:00.001-08:00

You know you're getting old when you stop asking for jewelry at Christmas. Or for cool books, clothes, new saddles, a puppy, a new car. And you start asking for things like new towels, or a "little green machine", a cool vacuum cleaner or steam mop. Or in Frank's case... a new iron. Yes, he even ordered it off the internet because he couldn't find one in the stores that would meet his needs. And it wasn't cheap either.

Did I say anything? Noooooo I did not. Why? Because I am not the iron er in this house. Tried it. At one point we gave up the cleaners and I said I would do it. But I never did it good enough and it took me waaaay to long. He would come home and look them over and re-iron a lot of what I had already done. So that nipped that in the bud!! It was back to the cleaners we went.

Then, not too long ago, we really took a look at how much we were spending at the cleaners and Frank decided HE would iron his stuff. (He also irons the rest of our stuff if it needs it btw. Especially on Sunday mornings...) So, I keep his shirts washed and hung up and he irons them! Not something his mother particularly likes, I might add. :) (love you mom!!) Anyway, it is a painstakingly long process to iron the shirts. It was taking about 40 minutes to iron ONE shirt along with half a can of starch. He likes his shirts to REALLY stand up. He likes them sooo starched that when he puts his pen into his shirt pocket, the pocket just kind of wraps the pen up WITHOUT opening the pocket!!

So, for those of you that asked... there's your answer. That, friends, is why I don't do the ironing in this house. Pictures are included for your viewing pleasure :)

The Kids Have A Sleepover

2008-11-11T17:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight, the kids are having a sleepover. Well, the 4-legged kids that is. Ry and Steph went to the Coldplay concert tonight so we get to keep their baby. He and Notch are only 2 weeks apart in age. They LOVE to play with each other. Although, Zoey isn't really all that thrilled about them on her bed! Phineas (we call him Phinny for short) looks a lot like Zoey. But he is a Viszla. They are all so cute together!

Love Dare Day 28

2008-11-11T16:47:00.000-08:00

I believe that I have one of the hardest jobs in the world. Anyone that is a SAHM knows exactly what I am talking about. And if you have more than one (not that only being a SAHM of one isn't hard either...) well, it's doubly hard. Now, I know that my husband has a hard job, too with a ton of responsibilities. He started a bank from the ground up, from scratch for crying out loud!!! However, on many days you could not convince me that his job was harder. If Frank came home complaining, I had little sympathy. Some, but not a lot.

(I know. I sound horrible. But I'm just trying to keep it real here for ya'll.) I mean, life never stops for me. Even if I am sick. Even when I am tired. Even when I just.want.to.be.ALONE! And I would like to take my "customers" somewhere other than Burger King for our business lunches! And I would like to retreat to my bathroom without people always following me. At least when he deals with difficult "customers", they are adults. And he can reason with them to some degree. And they are going to leave at some point.

Whew! Life can be tough!! But what we really mean most of the time when we say that is life can be tough for us. We can easily see when life is difficult for us. We are quick to notice when we are mistreated or unappreciated. When our spouse starts telling us how hard life is for them, we just chalk it up to complaining or having a bad attitude a lot of the time. After all, life is harder for us than it is for them, right?

But love wants us to be sensitive to our spouse. Before they are overwhelmed, love steps in. Love sees the stress and worries building up and rushes to help. Love makes us respond without having to be asked. And if we do have to be asked, love makes us take a look at the heart of the problem, even if the words our spouse uses are harsh and cutting. Love causes us to respond with compassion rather than defensively. It says "no" to what we want and "yes" to what their needs are.

Instead of sitting around upset that they are not treating you the way you think they should, let love pick you up out of your SELF PITY and turn your attention to their needs. Man, that hit me like a ton of bricks when I read that. Did you know that even having a pity party is sin? It is just another form of pride. Whether you are thinking too highly of yourself or too lowly of yourself... you are still thinking of yourself. And what we are supposed to be doing is thinking of others.

Dare: WHAT IS ONE OF THE GREATEST NEEDS IN YOUR SPOUSES LIFE RIGHT NOW? IS THERE A NEED YOU COULD TAKE FROM THEM BY AN ACT OF SACRIFICE ON YOUR PART? PURPOSE TO DO WHAT YOU CAN TO MEET THAT NEED.

Again, I had to ask him. (I'm thinking that pretty soon with all the questions I have been asking that he is going to catch on.) He thought for a few minutes and said that honestly he couldn't think of anything. Except maybe someone to do the ironing for him (more on that in the next post!!) And that's not gonna happen! Over the past 2 or 3 months, we have had some discussions similar to this one. He told me some things that were causing him stress or irritation around here that added to his stress from work. Although those conversations usually did not go over too well at first, I did my very best to accommodate all of his wishes. And some of them do require sacrifice. And I am not always happy to do them, but I do them. Because I love him and want to do whatever possible to meet his needs.

Not Me! Monday Edition 8

2008-11-10T04:54:00.000-08:00

Well, it's time for some free therapy again thanks to MckMama!! So head on over to her place when you're finished here to find out what others are in therapy for!!

I did NOT let my kids eat halloween candy for breakfast 2x this week! Not me! I know that stuff has no nutritional value whatsoever and I always get up and cook them a healthy breakfast to start their day.

I did NOT run and scream like a little girl when taking the puppy out at 3am and I heard a deer snort at me from in my yard. I also did not leave the puppy while running. I care about him more than that!

I did NOT break out the granny panties while Frank was out of town all week! Not me! (hey don't scorn me. You know you all have them!)

I did NOT thank the good Lord that Saturday was Wyatt's last soccer game! Not me! I am always glad when my kids are involved in sports!

I did NOT go to the fair with some of the college kids this week. I also did not ride every ride or feel like I was a kid again! Not me! I know that I am old and I acted like their mother the whole time, making sure they didn't overeat and they were safe!

Don't forget to head over and see what MckMama and all the MSC are doing!!!

Love Dare Day 27

2008-11-09T18:23:00.000-08:00

I have said in a previous post that when Frank and I were dating we spent A LOT of time together. And we did. I, like many of you, also had on my "love blinders". There wasn't really a whole lot that Frank did in the beginning that I didn't like. Or that got on my nerves. Everything was wonderful. He was kind, thoughtful, and made me feel like I was his only priority. And I listened and didn't nag or argue with him. I laughed at all of his jokes. We just loved to be around each other.

It's funny how things change after many years of being together. Our spouses have done such a good job of meeting our needs and making us happy. But having that kind of expectation will only lead to disappointment and frustration. The more expectations that I have on my spouse, the more likely they are to fail.

Remember how I said before that for a long time I looked to Frank to determine my attitude and my happiness? Can I just tell you that made for some miserable times. That is not the way that God intended marriage to work. Did I forget to mention that I also expected him to read my mind the majority of the time? I thought all men were capable of doing that! I quickly learned that they couldn't. And when he did not, I ended up being very hurt.

We have to decide to let encouragement overrule our expectations. Love focuses on personal responsibility and self-improvement, not what someone else can do for us.

Maybe you think that all (or most) of your expectations are reasonable and legitimate. This is not really your problem but your spouse's problem. You don't think that you are perfect by any means, but you should still be able to speak your mind. The problem with this is that not very many of us can respond to criticism and be objective at the same time. Rather than causing you to want to change, criticism only makes you (ME) want to put my foot down, stand my ground.

I Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to Encourage one another and build up one another...

Don't you want your marriage to be a place where when you fail there is someone there to help you up and not make you feel worse for failing? I do. And so does your spouse. When we make a committment to be encouragers to our spouse, we are helping them to reach their full potential in Christ!

My challenge today is to THINK OF AN AREA WHERE YOUR SPOUSE HAS TOLD YOU YOU'RE EXPECTING TOO MUCH AND TELL THEM YOU ARE SORRY FOR BEING SO HARD ON THEM ABOUT IT. PROMISE THEM YOU WILL SEEK TO UNDERSTAND AND ASSURE THEM OF YOUR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.

Well, I had to ask him because I think that we have really turned a corner in this department. We have had many many discussions about this very thing. Usually it is coming from the other direction (me telling him his expectations are too high) but I have given him a list of things that I would like to see change too. Thank goodness his answer was that he didn't feel like I had unrealistic expectations of him. Although, I do think that from time to time we all do. Maybe not consistently, but sometimes. We just need to remember that we are all human and make mistakes. And we need to be there for each other. Help each other up. Not add more guilt or shame for falling.

A Day In The Life

2008-11-08T18:14:00.001-08:00

It's 6am. On the dot. Which means they have been awake for at least 10 minutes. (Jack likes to "take care of business" first thing in the morning!) I can hear one of them coming and they haven't even crossed the threshold of my room yet. I pretend I am not awake yet. The oldest one leans down close to my face and with the worst possible morning breath says "Mom"... "Mommy"... "MOM"!! Finally, with my eyes still closed, I answered the child. He wants to know if they can turn on the TV in the playroom. Not wanting to get up yet I told him they could.

Later, though at this time I don't know how much later, I hear more footsteps coming. This time it's the middle child. He comes close to me also and says "Mom... we're hungry. Can you feed us now?" Still with eyes closed I said okay. He walks around to hubby's side of the bed and climbs in. We all have a quick snuggle and then I proceed to the kitchen.

Great! No coffee. Both of us forgot to make the pot last night. Okay. Coffee first, kids second. I know. Great parenting. The kids ask for waffles and I can do that since all I need to do is stick them in oven. It's now 7:10am and I call Jack downstairs to eat. One set of waffles with butter only, the other no butter and syrup in a bowl for dipping.

Ahhh, coffee is now ready. And in goes the new flavor-Caramel Apple!! Nice... I can feel myself waking up now. Realizing that the husband is still in the bed watching news I go and remind him if he needs a shower he better go get it now. Middle child overhears that husband is getting in shower and comes running to get in too. Even though he got a bath last night.

Littlest child is now awake and calling for me to come and get her. I go in her room and sing the goodmorning song to her. I find her something to wear and put on her glasses and send her into the kitchen for her breakfast too. Monkey needs a banana? Okay, you can have one I say.

Now I go to make the bed. I can NOT leave the house feeling good without all the beds being made. I know. I curse my mother every time I have to make it. Get myself dressed quickly, brush my teeth. Holler to the kids to come and brush theirs too.

Frank begins to gather the kids to put them into the car. It's now 8am and we have to be at the Sports Park at 815am. Not gonna happen. It's an almost 30 minute drive from our house. I gather everything and make 2 trips to the car to get it all in. Okay, coffee in hand and off we go.

Ten minutes into the drive, Frank says he forgot to put the chairs in the truck. "How many chairs did you forget?" I ask. He replies, "All of them". Snap!! I don't make a big deal about it because I am remembering my Love Dares! And I now conveniently keep the HDT in my pocket at all times.

We finally make it to the Sports Park. It's now 845 am. Only missed 30 minutes of practice. Game starts at 9:00. I am grateful that it is Wyatt's last game. Having to be out there at 815 every Saturday morning kind of puts a damper on things, you know? Thankfully, our field this time is right by the bleachers. Chairs not necessary after all. Glad I kept my mouth shut. Jackson finds his friends and they have brought light sabers to the game so they all begin to sword fight. Typical.

Mallory is now going up and down the bleachers. Frank has abandoned me to go talk about his trip to the guys. "Okay" I tell Mallory. "You must stop running on the bleachers". So she opts for a snack instead and comes and sits down next to me. Game on. We begin to cheer for Wyatt. Really my cheering is just instructions for him to follow. Sometimes he gets sidetracked and instead of chasing the soccer ball, he just chases his friends.

We are 2 potty breaks into the game and I am still wondering when Frank is coming back over here. Oh, wait. I see him. Yep. Still talking away. Oh, well. Game is over now and Frank comes over to take the snacks to the team. It was our turn. Coach C passes out their stars and we can finally go.

Back into the car we go. Five minutes into the ride I ask Frank if he remembered to grab Wyatt's other shoes. He didn't know he was supposed to and ran down our conversation about who was supposed to grab them. Apparently it was me. Fabulous. Now Wyatt has no shoes. After a quick stop to get the dogs some food we head to my mom's house.

I get Wyatt's clothes changed and the birthday gift wrapped and we load up into the car again. We go to 3 places before I find Wyatt some shoes I am willing to pay for. And he didn't even need any! I drop Frank and Wyatt off at the party and take the other 2 with me to go find them some shoes. They are both down to about 1 pair a piece that either need to be replaced or are going to be outgrown in about... now.

First stop. Everybody out. We look in the store for shoes. Jackpot. I found the kind of shoes I have been looking for. Sadly, her size is gone. Jackson is now complaining because I say NO to every pair so shoes he picks up and insists he must have. More complaining when I tell him we have to go to another store.

Next store, same story. Ugh. Now we'll try the mall. Children are now begging for food so I decide maybe we should do that first. We eat and then I drag them to the 3rd store. Certain that they would have what I was looking for I made them go up the escalator and all the way to the other end of the store. Good grief. Nothing. Back downstairs and on to try another store.

Fourth store. Nothing. Glance down at my watch and realize that we really have to go. Frank mentioned that they didn't have to stay at the party the whole time so I wanted to get there early. Besides, the kids need to get down for a nap early and the Ga. game starts at 1230. So, we load up in the car again.

Make it back to the party and I call Franks cell to let him know we are waiting outside. No answer. Wait a few minutes and call him again. Still no answer. I send him a text. Still no answer. My aggravation level is beginning to rise. Now I am doing the repeat calling. Almost 30 minutes has gone by and now I tell Jackson to lock the doors and I am going to get his father (note I said father and not daddy) and his brother. I walk in and look in the arcade. Not there. I walk to the party rooms. Hmmm. Not there either. I finally find a competent employee and ask where that particular party has gone. To the race track.

I get in the car and drive over there. I see Frank and Wyatt going around in the "race car" and wait some more. It has now been 40 minutes since I pulled in the parking lot and the natives are getting restless. I get Franks attention and have to drive back to the entrance. Frank brings out a screaming Wyatt. He wasn't ready to go. Frank informs me that the screaming child would not eat his hotdog for lunch and instead... ate cake. Lovely, I said.

Back over to my parents house to put the little kids down for a nap. The game has already started, by the way. So far, we are ahead by 1 touchdown. Get the kids in their beds and settle in to watch the game. The game is going well and my mom asks if I found the shoes I was looking for. I told her no so she suggested that we go look while we have a little time. Since I am not one to turn shopping down, she and I headed out.

First store we go to we did find some that I liked for Mallory, but not loved. So we kept looking. At the next store, my mom points out some cute shirts. I start looking through the racks too. Pulling out several things I go try them on. Liked a lot of them. Reminded mom this is not what we came for. Begin looking for shoes again. Nothing. On the way back to the other store, I spotted some ultra cute Christmas pillows for my rocking chairs on the front porch. Mom says to grab all 4 of them. Never argue with your mother.

Go up to the register. Lady gives me a total. Mom buys it all. Sweet!! Go back to the original store. Get the shoes and head to the bank. Hit the ATM machine for husband. Mom breaks a nail and is not happy. I notice that there is a strange noise coming from the car. We get out at her house and I look under it. Seems as though some cover from the bottom of the car has fallen down. She is not happy. Just glad it wasn't due to something I did. Better yet, that the kids didn't do it.

I check the game quickly. Dadgum. Behind by 3. Run upstairs and get Mallory up. Get her dressed again and put carseat in dad's car. Frank, Jackson, and Wyatt leave to go see Madagascar2. I put Mallory in car to go to another birthday party. On the way I am listening to the game and we rushed for about 72 yards. My screaming scared Mallory.

Get out of car and calm child down. Go into the playground for the party. Yes, friend is there with headphones on listening to the game. She willingly shares one with me. Both of us are hollering at the same time and not paying attention to the kids. I know. Another example of great parenting. Now, C and I are jumping up and down screaming. VICTORY!!! Go DAWGS!!

The party was nice. And short. By 440pm I am back in car AGAIN and headed back to my parents. Mallory and I play for a while and the boys came back. Movie was great they said. Kids head outside to play while we start watching the Alabama/LSU game. Go in kitchen to help mom with dinner. Dad fires up the grill and throws on the steaks.

No one can cook a steak like my dad. Yummy! Dinner over and we head back into the den to finish up the game. It's good too. Overtime. We are cheering. So are the kids and they don't even really know why. ROLL TIDE! Sorry if you are LSU fan. I just can't make myself cheer for them. My BIL loves LSU. I think that's why I.just.can't.do.it.

Game over. Time to load up again. Ahhh... kids in bed. Dishes put away. PJ's on and climb into bed. Time to go to Bloggyland....

Adoption Story

2008-11-06T12:53:00.001-08:00

Sorry, another post already I know...

I love the Georgia Bulldogs. I love Mark Richt too. Well, I thought I did until I saw this. Now, I REALLY love and respect him!!!

I Love Kids

2008-11-06T12:48:00.003-08:00

Kids... You gotta love their honesty sometimes. Watch this!

Love Dare Day 26

2008-11-06T10:50:00.000-08:00

Today, by far, is the hardest day for me. It has caused me to have to take a really long and hard look at myself. So, because I don't like to feel bad alone...

Have you noticed that in today's society that fewer and fewer people are willing to take responsibility for their actions? It's not hard to see. Everyone always has an excuse for everything or why it is someone elses fault. Personal responsibility. We all agree that it's important and that others should have it. But we have a hard time accepting it for ourselves.

It's not just those around us that I'm talking about. To find these kinds of people all we have to do is look at ourselves. We quickly justify our motives, point out the flaws in our spouse, and reject any criticism.

We always believe that our views and opinions are correct or at least more right than our spouse's. And we have a hard time believing that anyone else, given our situation, would behave or react any differently.

But true love doesn't pass the buck. OR try to justify selfishness. It is more concerned with our spouse's needs rather than itself. When love takes responsibility for its actions, it is not to prove how noble you've been but rather to admit how much further you have to go!!!

When Frank and I are in an argument, most of the time I am not really listening to him. I am thinking about what I am going to say the moment he shuts his mouth. And sometimes I don't even wait that long. Love should cause me to FIRST admit my own wrongs instead of pointing the finger.

I John 1:8 tells us If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. I can't tell you the number of times I have focused on what Frank is or is not doing instead of myself. Not willing to admit that I was at as much fault or more fault than he was.

Can your spouse say that you have wronged them or hurt them and never made it right? Part of taking personal responsibility is asking forgiveness. The problem is that our pride is bigger than our hearts a lot of the time. We need to ask forgiveness regardless of the response we receive. Admit your mistakes to them without bringing up the ways that they have wronged you.

Here is what we do today. TAKE TIME TO PRAY THROUGH YOUR AREAS OF WRONGDOING. ASK GOD'S FORGIVENESS, THEN HUMBLE YOURSELF ENOUGH TO ADMIT THEM TO YOUR SPOUSE. NO MATTER HOW THEY RESPOND, MAKE SURE YOU COVER YOUR RESPONSIBILITY IN LOVE.

Okay, praying I did. And as much as I would like to say otherwise, it was not easy. I don't like to think of myself as being wrong. Especially where Frank is concerned. I like to be right. This is where we clash a lot because he does too and usually neither one of us will budge one little bit. So, the Lord pointed out some areas to me that I have failed miserably in. Obviously, I can't talk to him about it face to face today and I would rather it not be a phone or text conversation (we all know that without seeing facial expression or hearing tone we can easily misunderstand things! Right, Kate?? *grin*) So, I will be talking to him tomorrow.

I better start looking for that HDT right now....

FIREPROOF and the Pentagon

2008-11-06T04:06:00.000-08:00

Please join me in praying this week for 2 of the staff at our church. They have gone to the Pentagon (yes, I said the Pentagon) for FIREPROOF screenings and to lead some Bible studies. How blessed we are right now that we have an administration that would allow this to take place! Let's also pray that God would soften the hearts of the following administration so that things just like this could continue!

Can You Help Me Find My Car??

2008-11-05T19:20:00.000-08:00

So, the other day I went to our local Sam's to do my every other week shopping. I got lucky and found a parking space relatively close to the front. I hopped out and went inside. Now, I love Sam's. I love going there (without kids mind you) and taking my time and looking around. But, this particular day I was in a hurry. So I ONLY looked for the things that were on my list and headed to the checkout. As I was walking out the door into the parking lot I spotted my car and hit the remote to unlock it. I then proceeded to hit the liftgate button so that it would already be open for me when I got to it. Hmmm... it didn't open. So I hit it again. Still nothing. Must not have unlocked. I pushed the unlock button again and then the liftgate button. Nada. I am now hitting the liftgate button over and over when a lady came up behind me and tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and she said (pointing a little further down the aisle and on the other side) "I think your car is over there" I looked at where she was pointing and sure enough, the liftgate on my car had been going up and down, up and down. I just been pointing the remote at the wrong car. I guess it's just a sign of early aging...

Love Dare Day 25

2008-11-05T18:33:00.000-08:00

Have you ever read or said the Lord's Prayer? Have you ever really thought about the words? One part in particular really stands out to me. "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors..." Do you get that? We are asking the Lord to forgive us in the same way that we forgive each other. Good grief!!! Do I really want him to extend the same measure of forgiveness? Or would I rather him show me more?

I can remember a time in my life when I was not the most forgiving person there was. And truth be told, even though I have come a long way in this area, when it comes to Frank, I still can hold a good old grudge. I have a hard time letting things go. And I would find good ways to punish him for whatever too. Like the silent treatment (which probably wasn't all that much punishment but more of a relief!) or fixing something he didn't like for supper. And there was always the "NotnowIhaveaheadache" routine (don't act like you haven't done it either). Or I particularly excelled at bringing things up that were supposedly over.

Do I want the Lord to take these things into account when he starts passing out forgiveness to me? I beg for mercy instead of what I really deserve.

Matthew 18:35 says My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.

Sometimes, when people hurt us, especially when it is someone that we love, we try to punish them with unforgiveness. We think if we forgive them then we are letting them win or excusing the wrong that they did to us. When in reality the only one we are truly punishing is ourselves.

But, forgiveness doesn't remove the blame. It doesn't wipe the slate clean with God, either. It just keeps you from having to worry about how to punish them. You are just turning them over to God. And isn't He the ultimate Judge and Jury anyway?

How do we do this? Sometimes it starts just by saying it out loud, whether you mean it or not. And you may have to say it over and over to yourself just as a reminder that you have already done it.

Take the story of the ungrateful servant. After he was forgiven by the king, back then a document would have been given to the servant and one would have been kept for the king. So that if the king needed money for something else and decided to bring that man in again to get his payment they would be able to go back and pull out that document and show that debt had been forgiven. This may happen with the same servant several times. And each time that document would be shown to the king. Sooner or later the king would begin to remember that particular debt had been forgiven and he would quit trying to "retry" that servant.

The same thing happens to us. Just because you have forgiven someone doesn't mean that Satan won't try to make you "retry" that person in the court of your mind. But you can pull out that document and say "Nope, I have already forgiven them for that". That's how we really let go. And you will know that you have truly forgiven someone when the thought of them or the sight of them no longer causes you to get angry or you to start plotting what you should say or do. Instead, you begin to feel sorry for them, to pity them, and hope that things turn around for them.

WHATEVER YOU HAVEN'T FORGIVEN IN YOUR MATE, FORGIVE IT TODAY. SAY FROM YOUR HEART "I CHOOSE TO FORGIVE" This is the dare for today. I don't have any BIG thing or things that I haven't forgiven Frank for. For me, it's more of the little things. Sometimes I say that I have forgiven or let them go and I really haven't. I am just saving them as ammunition for later.

The Lord has really been working on me over the past year about true forgiveness. And even though it has not been easy, it has been freeing. Not spending my time thinking about those that wrong me. Not playing out situations in my mind and what I would say. It instead makes me seek to understand more of their position. Why it happened in the first place. What was my part in it and how can I change it?

Great marriages are not made by people who never hurt each other. Only by people who choose to "keep no record of wrongs" Wow!

One Thing

2008-11-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

Lord, it is with a heavy heart that I come this morning. I am so disappointed and confused by it all. I am saddened for the state of our nation and for the hearts of the people in it. I am broken for the additional millions of lives that will never be, all because the decision has been made that choice is more important than life. At what point will we stop now? Will those who are elderly and wasting away in nursing homes be next? After all, we have already decided that human life has no value. I am also saddened, Father, that we as a nation only felt like THIS election was important. Elections in the past didn't matter so much. It didn't matter to vote then. Why is that? Do we really care about our voices being heard, or just who was running? I am fearful, Lord, for what this means for us as a nation. I know You tell us not to fear, but right now I am struggling. I am reminded in Your Word when at different times you gave the people over to themselves. In Ephesians 4:19 You said, "Having lost all sensitivity, they were given themselves over to sensuality...". And also in Acts 7:42 "But God turned away and gave them over to the worship of the heavenly bodies." I fear this is where we are. How can we continue to pray for You to bless us and protect us when we have taken You out of everything? Yes, I do believe You have finally just given us over to ourselves. Will this man bring the healing that some feel he will? No. Only You are the true Healer. One thing I know is that You are in control of everything, Lord. You had this planned from the beginning. This is not a surprise to You. And You see all the way to the finish line. Your Word also tells me that You work all things... all things... together for good to those who love You. And that you have used all kinds of people throughout history, from the very beginning of time, to show Your power and might and to bring about Your perfect will... even though they didn't know it or were unwilling to participate in Your plan. Daniel 2:21 tells me that YOU set up kings and depose them. Not us. It has been easy, Lord, to speak of your sovereignty and trusting in You until now. Now is when the talk has to become the walk. Now is when the hope has to become belief. Help us to stand strong. Help us not just to be able to discern the truth, but also the lies. Lord, please remember that there is a remnant. There is a remnant still in love with You and still willing to stand for You...

Fair 2008

2008-11-04T19:35:00.000-08:00

Tonight I took the boys (plus Jack's buddy Cameron) to the fair. I also met my good friend Teresa, who is the mom of Wyatt's best buddy, Connor. I loved the fair growing up. Still do. The rides (love to ride them ALL btw), the food smells, eating the food. Well, I didn't get to eat all the goodies that I normally enjoy, but it was still fun. My Jackson is a rider just like his mom. He will ride anything!! Anyway, a good time was had by all!

More Fair Pictures

2008-11-04T19:33:00.000-08:00