The new backpack is as big as she is but it gets the job done!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Strawberry Brumfield
Grace has been a Strawberry Shortcake fan by virtue of being my daughter. I liked Stawberry as a little girl and to this day, her show is so sweet and innocent. There is a Strawberry theme song at the beginning of the dvds that Grace watches and a couple years ago, I changed the words to "Strawberry Brumfield" and Grace's face lights up still when I do it. Here are two pictures from this morning of our very own Strawberry, heading out to another day of prek.
The new backpack is as big as she is but it gets the job done!
The new backpack is as big as she is but it gets the job done!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Simplify
Why is it so difficult to simplify? As Shawn would say...it is a conundrum!!! I am still dejunking, decluttering, organizing, and rearranging. I started 2 weeks and 5 days ago. Granted I have taken some breaks since then, but not many! A friend of mine said she did the same thing and then looked around and felt like it needed to be done again 1 week later. That sort of sums up how I feel. I thought I was finished with my closet (after donating 1 huge garbage bag full of clothes) but have worked on it for 2 hours this Sunday morning. I know it sounds CRAZY to spend so much time on this project but if I can ever get it completed, we will spend LESS TIME OVERALL digging, searching, shuffling through "stuff" because organization saves time. Once I finish the sifting and sorting, I will do some "putting in order" of all it. I am probaby 70% of the way there??? I think my stuff is multiplying. CRAZY! How can one family with a goal of simplifying have such a difficult time doing it??? I can't take it! (This part of the post is mostly for me because I need to vent about this!)
Last night, we had our first bonfire and hayride on the farm. We invited the Bruce's (with their 3 children), the Witherspoon's (with their 2 children), and the Hoisington's (with their 2 children). It warmed my heart to watch the kids play and make memories. At the beginning of the evening, Grace's little buddy (Henry) needed a chair to sit in. Grace had put her babydoll (in its carrier) in the chair beside her. Henry picked it up and sat down, then offered (in this really sweet voice) to hold her baby. The two of them go to prek together and met when they were about 6 mos old. They are SO CUTE together and play SO WELL. I watched as Noah John and his little buddy Jake played tractors and monster trucks in the dirt (in the dark, lit barely by the bonfire). They played for a long time and were precious. Their conversations were ADORABLE...at 2 they are close buddies from church and I hope with all my heart they grow up to be Christian buddies forever and ever. Grace played quite a bit with Anna, who is 7. They danced, twirled, played house (Anna was the mom), and goofed off and laughed a lot especially on the hayride. Grace seemed like a big girl and I can't imagine a better, sweeter role model than little Anna. Needless to say the s'mores were delicious and there was not a single marshmallow left at the end of the evening. I think both hearts and bellies were full...friendship is a wonderful thing.
When we got home, it was almost 10 but we all sat down on the porch and talked and petted the dog who has just gotten tame enough to pet this weekend which makes us really happy. The fact that he is part-mastiff and will probably weigh at least 100lbs has made me hesitant to get attached because he has been a very annoying, pushy puppy. While we were on the porch, Noah John pointed out a small tree frog on and we studied it for awhile. It was a vivid, light green color and looked more like a toy than a slimy frog. I think he was especially thrilled because the three bigger boys were searching for frogs in the weeds near the bonfire.
I had hoped to be at church this morning. I truly miss being with my church family on Sunday mornings now. I think one of the things I miss most is fellowshipping with the women in my Sunday School class. We are from different places and walks of life-some married, some single, some with children, some without, some with grown children, some with babies, some widowed, some in college...it gives new meaning to the body of Christ being made up of different parts! Anyway, I missed today because Grace woke up feeling bad and Noah John slept until 10:30! Shawn went on without us because he has security duty this morning. I think Shawn and I are going to attempt an apple cheesecake today (from Southern Living). Other than that, not much else is going on here today. Just the best of all days...a day with my family! The only thing on my agenda besides that cheesecake is to wrap up in blankets and swing on the front porch all while enjoying peace that only comes from God. The blanket in the picture was my mom's mom's (Flossie Bell). That's where Grace Elizabeth-Bell got the long name. I couldn't see naming her Flossie (my memaw didn't like her own name) Alas, I'm off topic. Here is the pic I promised.
Here is one of my country boy, sitting patiently inside the screen door.
Reigning it back in, I want to close on a serious note. I would like to say a few things about September 11, 2001. I recall the day of the attacks vividly, yet my recollections must not even touch those who lost their loved ones on that dreaded day. I would like to take just a minute to recount the day. I was a first year teacher at John Sevier Middle School in beautiful East Tennessee. The school is located very close to Eastman Kodak Chemical Plant. I think because of that, the school was put on lockdown. I was in a room without wondows. I remember telling the students to stay away from the door and get down on the floor. I remember thinking something like...here I am my first year teaching and I must act like I have it together and stay calm. I did remain calm on the outside but on the inside so many thoughts were swirling around. I was confused and I didn't clearly understand what happened. A colleague told me there had been a terror attack on the twin towers. She said an airplane crashed into one of the buildings. She had tears in her eyes as she said it. I was so young and clueless I couldn't even remember what the twin towers were or where they were, despite the fact that I had been there my senior year in high school. Now I'll never forget what they were or what they stood for. Lives were lost. Security was questioned, both homeland and privately. Knees fell to the floor as prayers went up. Tears streamed down faces. Screams echoed. Children asked, "When is daddy coming home?" Phones rang. Mothers legs buckled in grief. Fathers cried out WHY but answers were never good enough. Anger resonated. Grief crippled. Service men and women were heroes. As the next few days transpired, I gave the students an assignment to draw a picture capturing that horrid day. If I can find them, I will scan a few. They are sobering and scary. They are red and angry. They epitomize the 'get back up on your feet' stance that Americans took in the days that followed. I hope I can find them! I have come across them from time to time over the last 10 years and I always stop and stare at them and think back to that day. I believe our country is safer today, which I find comforting. I regret that extremists believe such lies and harbor such hatred that they would kill innocent people and even themselves. In the end, for what? For what eternally? We must pray for their eyes to be opened to truth.
Last night, we had our first bonfire and hayride on the farm. We invited the Bruce's (with their 3 children), the Witherspoon's (with their 2 children), and the Hoisington's (with their 2 children). It warmed my heart to watch the kids play and make memories. At the beginning of the evening, Grace's little buddy (Henry) needed a chair to sit in. Grace had put her babydoll (in its carrier) in the chair beside her. Henry picked it up and sat down, then offered (in this really sweet voice) to hold her baby. The two of them go to prek together and met when they were about 6 mos old. They are SO CUTE together and play SO WELL. I watched as Noah John and his little buddy Jake played tractors and monster trucks in the dirt (in the dark, lit barely by the bonfire). They played for a long time and were precious. Their conversations were ADORABLE...at 2 they are close buddies from church and I hope with all my heart they grow up to be Christian buddies forever and ever. Grace played quite a bit with Anna, who is 7. They danced, twirled, played house (Anna was the mom), and goofed off and laughed a lot especially on the hayride. Grace seemed like a big girl and I can't imagine a better, sweeter role model than little Anna. Needless to say the s'mores were delicious and there was not a single marshmallow left at the end of the evening. I think both hearts and bellies were full...friendship is a wonderful thing.
When we got home, it was almost 10 but we all sat down on the porch and talked and petted the dog who has just gotten tame enough to pet this weekend which makes us really happy. The fact that he is part-mastiff and will probably weigh at least 100lbs has made me hesitant to get attached because he has been a very annoying, pushy puppy. While we were on the porch, Noah John pointed out a small tree frog on and we studied it for awhile. It was a vivid, light green color and looked more like a toy than a slimy frog. I think he was especially thrilled because the three bigger boys were searching for frogs in the weeds near the bonfire.
I had hoped to be at church this morning. I truly miss being with my church family on Sunday mornings now. I think one of the things I miss most is fellowshipping with the women in my Sunday School class. We are from different places and walks of life-some married, some single, some with children, some without, some with grown children, some with babies, some widowed, some in college...it gives new meaning to the body of Christ being made up of different parts! Anyway, I missed today because Grace woke up feeling bad and Noah John slept until 10:30! Shawn went on without us because he has security duty this morning. I think Shawn and I are going to attempt an apple cheesecake today (from Southern Living). Other than that, not much else is going on here today. Just the best of all days...a day with my family! The only thing on my agenda besides that cheesecake is to wrap up in blankets and swing on the front porch all while enjoying peace that only comes from God. The blanket in the picture was my mom's mom's (Flossie Bell). That's where Grace Elizabeth-Bell got the long name. I couldn't see naming her Flossie (my memaw didn't like her own name) Alas, I'm off topic. Here is the pic I promised.
Reigning it back in, I want to close on a serious note. I would like to say a few things about September 11, 2001. I recall the day of the attacks vividly, yet my recollections must not even touch those who lost their loved ones on that dreaded day. I would like to take just a minute to recount the day. I was a first year teacher at John Sevier Middle School in beautiful East Tennessee. The school is located very close to Eastman Kodak Chemical Plant. I think because of that, the school was put on lockdown. I was in a room without wondows. I remember telling the students to stay away from the door and get down on the floor. I remember thinking something like...here I am my first year teaching and I must act like I have it together and stay calm. I did remain calm on the outside but on the inside so many thoughts were swirling around. I was confused and I didn't clearly understand what happened. A colleague told me there had been a terror attack on the twin towers. She said an airplane crashed into one of the buildings. She had tears in her eyes as she said it. I was so young and clueless I couldn't even remember what the twin towers were or where they were, despite the fact that I had been there my senior year in high school. Now I'll never forget what they were or what they stood for. Lives were lost. Security was questioned, both homeland and privately. Knees fell to the floor as prayers went up. Tears streamed down faces. Screams echoed. Children asked, "When is daddy coming home?" Phones rang. Mothers legs buckled in grief. Fathers cried out WHY but answers were never good enough. Anger resonated. Grief crippled. Service men and women were heroes. As the next few days transpired, I gave the students an assignment to draw a picture capturing that horrid day. If I can find them, I will scan a few. They are sobering and scary. They are red and angry. They epitomize the 'get back up on your feet' stance that Americans took in the days that followed. I hope I can find them! I have come across them from time to time over the last 10 years and I always stop and stare at them and think back to that day. I believe our country is safer today, which I find comforting. I regret that extremists believe such lies and harbor such hatred that they would kill innocent people and even themselves. In the end, for what? For what eternally? We must pray for their eyes to be opened to truth.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
See ya Summer :(
I wrote this a few days ago (late August)...figured I better post it before fall is in FULL SWING!
This summer is winding down. It's sad for me think about because next August, Grace will start kindergarten! The things people tell you like, "rock them while you can, they grow up fast" are true to the core. I look back and think...I wish I had played in the floor with the kids more, I wish I hadn't flipped out over that, I wish I didn't spank over that, I wish I didn't or I wish I did ....blaaah. I think it's especially hard to be a stay-at-home mom who chose to be at home but who had some big struggles w' strong-will, tempers, etc (being home is harder than I thought but I wouldn't trade it for anything). I remember when I quit teaching 5 years ago. I thought I was taking the easy path. Little did I know that being home round the clock with my sweet children would sometimes push every button I have. My imperfections have been brought to light :( but the good part is it has given me the opportunity to try to get better in my weak areas. I am thankful I have been able to rock and talk and sing and teach and make messes and play but I'm ashamed of all the times I chose the wrong things as priorities! I understand now why there is a DEGREE in early childhood development and when you stay home, you basically should get that degree by experience! I also understand better why having a daily relationship with God is so important. Who else would I turn to this morning and say, "Please help me to not scream. Amen." And who else would rejoice wholeheartedly when Noah John says, "Pray to the Lord, mommy" before I tuck him in at night? So there are pros and cons to being a full-time mom and wife...but I've decided mostly pros!
The last month has been so nice. We have enjoyed each other, the kids have (most of the time) been easier and fun. It's an answered prayer. Anyway, here is a picture I want to share but I also want to share something from a study I'm in right now. To paraphrase, the author says that sometimes we have to look backward in order to correctly more forward. Does that make sense? So we've been digging into past stuff from our family lineage to understand why we're sometimes prone to make the same mistakes etc. Looking back can be therapeutic as long as you don't stay there...you have to move forward with faith and fun and in my case, hopefully, get better at this parenting stuff... See if you get the connection in this photo :). Happy late summer. Happy early fall. We have had a blessed one. God is the blesser. The giver. Our hope. Our center. He is our beginning and end! Alpha and Omega.
Last but not least, Shawn and I took the kids to Chucky Cheese to bid a final farewell to summer 2011. I don't think the kids will be asking to go back anytime soon. It was ok but mostly we all enjoyed being together. The games were too old for the kids. We had to lift Noah J up to play them and when he rode a ride he wanted off after about 3 seconds because he was so distracted (it reminded me of Vegas for kids!?). Anyway, it was a fun night...just not what we expected. It ended at Outback. We tried Chic Fil A but it was 9 and they were closed to which Grace said, "Ahh...nits and nats!" I don't know where she heard that but it was funny.
He was buckled into this one so he could not get off after 3 seconds!
Next post will be a farm post...between pumpkins, mums, and baking, how can I not!
This summer is winding down. It's sad for me think about because next August, Grace will start kindergarten! The things people tell you like, "rock them while you can, they grow up fast" are true to the core. I look back and think...I wish I had played in the floor with the kids more, I wish I hadn't flipped out over that, I wish I didn't spank over that, I wish I didn't or I wish I did ....blaaah. I think it's especially hard to be a stay-at-home mom who chose to be at home but who had some big struggles w' strong-will, tempers, etc (being home is harder than I thought but I wouldn't trade it for anything). I remember when I quit teaching 5 years ago. I thought I was taking the easy path. Little did I know that being home round the clock with my sweet children would sometimes push every button I have. My imperfections have been brought to light :( but the good part is it has given me the opportunity to try to get better in my weak areas. I am thankful I have been able to rock and talk and sing and teach and make messes and play but I'm ashamed of all the times I chose the wrong things as priorities! I understand now why there is a DEGREE in early childhood development and when you stay home, you basically should get that degree by experience! I also understand better why having a daily relationship with God is so important. Who else would I turn to this morning and say, "Please help me to not scream. Amen." And who else would rejoice wholeheartedly when Noah John says, "Pray to the Lord, mommy" before I tuck him in at night? So there are pros and cons to being a full-time mom and wife...but I've decided mostly pros!
The last month has been so nice. We have enjoyed each other, the kids have (most of the time) been easier and fun. It's an answered prayer. Anyway, here is a picture I want to share but I also want to share something from a study I'm in right now. To paraphrase, the author says that sometimes we have to look backward in order to correctly more forward. Does that make sense? So we've been digging into past stuff from our family lineage to understand why we're sometimes prone to make the same mistakes etc. Looking back can be therapeutic as long as you don't stay there...you have to move forward with faith and fun and in my case, hopefully, get better at this parenting stuff... See if you get the connection in this photo :). Happy late summer. Happy early fall. We have had a blessed one. God is the blesser. The giver. Our hope. Our center. He is our beginning and end! Alpha and Omega.
Last but not least, Shawn and I took the kids to Chucky Cheese to bid a final farewell to summer 2011. I don't think the kids will be asking to go back anytime soon. It was ok but mostly we all enjoyed being together. The games were too old for the kids. We had to lift Noah J up to play them and when he rode a ride he wanted off after about 3 seconds because he was so distracted (it reminded me of Vegas for kids!?). Anyway, it was a fun night...just not what we expected. It ended at Outback. We tried Chic Fil A but it was 9 and they were closed to which Grace said, "Ahh...nits and nats!" I don't know where she heard that but it was funny.
Next post will be a farm post...between pumpkins, mums, and baking, how can I not!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
De-junking
Every fall for at least 3 years, I have gotten the intense urge to de-junk, reorganize, siffer through "stuff"...and this fall (though a tad early) is no different except that this year, the kids are here instead of with mom (which makes it slow-going).
I began this yesterday, and worked for almost 7 hours "reorganizing." We went to bed afterwards with stuff piled in both mine and Shawn's bedroom and in Grace's room. You know...it gets worse before it gets better.
I used to think our 1800 sq foot home was so small that we should move to have more places for our stuff, but then we started house-shopping. I saw houses the same size as ours (but on a little 1/4 acre lot and definitely older) for the same price as ours. Umm, no thanks. I also saw big houses that were definitely NOT the same price as ours. Umm, no thanks. I told Shawn I really didn't want to go back to work to afford a lifestyle and meant it with all I have. We decided to stay put. Then, separately, I decided things had to change. Not that I had ever let it go completely by any stretch. It's just that as my kids get older, they get more stuff too, even their clothes take up more space because they're bigger. Who would have thought? :)
I'll probably never be a minimalist (that would be too cool), but I had a grandmother who was (because back then, it never registered to her to do anything different). She was also enviro-conscious. She didn't do it to be cool, or to prove any political points. She did it because it was (and still is) common sense to save and reuse because it makes for less waste, thus less trash bags, thus less money out of her own pocket, as well as less "junk" to deal with and handle in the long run.
SO, LEST I LOSE MY FOCUS... (I've broken up near-bloody Easter egg fights twice during this quick post)...I find it a fun challenge to siffer through then keep the things we use and appreciate. I won't discuss the whole 'I-begged-for-an-attic-but-our-builder-did-what-he-wanted-schpeel'. I sure would love a place to stash my Christmas tree and decorations. And Shawn's granddad's flag from the navy, and other things that I don't get rid of in the dejunking process. Oops, I gave my word. I won't discuss the missing attic.
I have to go. Grace has asked me to put a 3D puzzle together with her. Umm, yes! This is her last year before kindergarten. I hope and pray we use the time well. I just wish this ear-piercing screaming would stop. Sibling rivalry stinks. BAD. Why can't they just play and be happy? It would make it a lot more fun for me too!!!
Anyway, it's been a fun half hour. My blog is my therapy. Easter eggs (found in the dejunking process) are strewn everywhere. I'm going to make a game of it and remember a quick MOPS message I read this morning: "roll with the punches." I will feel SO much better and will be able to think more clearly when I am finished with this process. And AFTER I FORCE myself to "roll with it"...the eggs are going up (but not in an attic) until April. Period.
PS I bribed with "whoever gets the most eggs gets to pick the next activity"...and guess what was chosen? Moon dough. Any of you with little kids understand. I need not say more.
I began this yesterday, and worked for almost 7 hours "reorganizing." We went to bed afterwards with stuff piled in both mine and Shawn's bedroom and in Grace's room. You know...it gets worse before it gets better.
I used to think our 1800 sq foot home was so small that we should move to have more places for our stuff, but then we started house-shopping. I saw houses the same size as ours (but on a little 1/4 acre lot and definitely older) for the same price as ours. Umm, no thanks. I also saw big houses that were definitely NOT the same price as ours. Umm, no thanks. I told Shawn I really didn't want to go back to work to afford a lifestyle and meant it with all I have. We decided to stay put. Then, separately, I decided things had to change. Not that I had ever let it go completely by any stretch. It's just that as my kids get older, they get more stuff too, even their clothes take up more space because they're bigger. Who would have thought? :)
I'll probably never be a minimalist (that would be too cool), but I had a grandmother who was (because back then, it never registered to her to do anything different). She was also enviro-conscious. She didn't do it to be cool, or to prove any political points. She did it because it was (and still is) common sense to save and reuse because it makes for less waste, thus less trash bags, thus less money out of her own pocket, as well as less "junk" to deal with and handle in the long run.
SO, LEST I LOSE MY FOCUS... (I've broken up near-bloody Easter egg fights twice during this quick post)...I find it a fun challenge to siffer through then keep the things we use and appreciate. I won't discuss the whole 'I-begged-for-an-attic-but-our-builder-did-what-he-wanted-schpeel'. I sure would love a place to stash my Christmas tree and decorations. And Shawn's granddad's flag from the navy, and other things that I don't get rid of in the dejunking process. Oops, I gave my word. I won't discuss the missing attic.
I have to go. Grace has asked me to put a 3D puzzle together with her. Umm, yes! This is her last year before kindergarten. I hope and pray we use the time well. I just wish this ear-piercing screaming would stop. Sibling rivalry stinks. BAD. Why can't they just play and be happy? It would make it a lot more fun for me too!!!
Anyway, it's been a fun half hour. My blog is my therapy. Easter eggs (found in the dejunking process) are strewn everywhere. I'm going to make a game of it and remember a quick MOPS message I read this morning: "roll with the punches." I will feel SO much better and will be able to think more clearly when I am finished with this process. And AFTER I FORCE myself to "roll with it"...the eggs are going up (but not in an attic) until April. Period.
PS I bribed with "whoever gets the most eggs gets to pick the next activity"...and guess what was chosen? Moon dough. Any of you with little kids understand. I need not say more.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Grace's first sleepover
Grace has a friend over tonight. Some tidbits that I want to share while we wait to go outside.
Grace: "Lily, you can wear the pink dress bc pink's your favorite color. I'll be queen. You be princess. There will be no princes."
Lily @ the prince comment: "yuCK" with a disgusted emphasis on the last part of the word.
Noah: "I'll be prince."
LOL
And next...before they put makeup on each other. Grace came down the hall and this is what she said, "Mom, Lily wants to know if she can have your real credit card for juuuuuuuust a minute."
Huhlarious. They have changed clothes 4 times already and we've just been home a little over an hour! These little girls are so cute.
Matching pjs!
Now it's the next day and I can say, Grace's first experience of having a friend spend the night went well! No big problems at all. Just lots of giggling :).
Grace: "Lily, you can wear the pink dress bc pink's your favorite color. I'll be queen. You be princess. There will be no princes."
Lily @ the prince comment: "yuCK" with a disgusted emphasis on the last part of the word.
Noah: "I'll be prince."
LOL
And next...before they put makeup on each other. Grace came down the hall and this is what she said, "Mom, Lily wants to know if she can have your real credit card for juuuuuuuust a minute."
Huhlarious. They have changed clothes 4 times already and we've just been home a little over an hour! These little girls are so cute.
Matching pjs!
Now it's the next day and I can say, Grace's first experience of having a friend spend the night went well! No big problems at all. Just lots of giggling :).
Monday, August 15, 2011
Parenting
Today is one of those days I ask myself if it would be better for the kids if I just went back to work already. They wouldn't fight as much (since they would be in separate rooms at preschool/daycare). I would have more patience for them (since I wouldn't be with them so many hours of the day). Ahhh!!! See, I have failed yet again at disciplining 101. Or whatever it is. I feel like it's graduate level discipline but the kids are just 2 and 4! Sigh :o. I woke up happy as a lark and ready to love and care for my family. Hot breakfast by 7:10. Check. It began to spiral from there but I kept trying. The kids sat on stools near me as I played hymns on the piano. I planned a picnic lunch on the deck. I even prayed in the middle of a tantrum (the 4th BIG and I mean big-defiant-blowup for the day). I seriously tried. I failed. It stinks. It stinks not just because I wanted an easier day but because I wanted a day that glorifies God. Have I mentioned I hate satan?
I asked God for some scripture because today has D.R.A.I.N.E.D. me. You know when you can't discern His voice because while you're praying, the kids are throwing fits (okay, just the girl child) and when you open your eyes, the fit intensifies. After I prayed, this is what came to my memory. It's from the book of Isaiah, but it came to me in the way of a song I sang at church as a kid.
There will be peace like a river, peace like a river, peace like a river in my soul.
-excerpt from Isaiah 47:17-18
I learned recently that the Bible says whatever we ask, if it's in the will of God, HE will do. So, I ask for peace. Not just inside me in my quiet moments but more than that...I need it when dealing with my kids IN THE MOMENT. Rivers flow. They twist. They turn. Yet Isaiah equates peace to a river. I guess that means we are to experience peace no matter how many twists and turns life takes...constant flowing peace.... I JUST read about 5 different scriptures in Isaiah about peace. God says we can have peace and that He will not take it from us. It is a gift that Christians have because Jesus Christ suffered on a cross to give it to us. It doesn't mean always leading a peaceful life. It means having peace in our lives. Oh, do I ever need it now. And do my kids ever deserve it. And I need forgiveness too. First I must forgive myself :( which is the hard part. And I must re-enroll in that course on discipline that I obviously missed along the way!
So frustrated.
The end.
PS This is a picture of the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized.
I asked God for some scripture because today has D.R.A.I.N.E.D. me. You know when you can't discern His voice because while you're praying, the kids are throwing fits (okay, just the girl child) and when you open your eyes, the fit intensifies. After I prayed, this is what came to my memory. It's from the book of Isaiah, but it came to me in the way of a song I sang at church as a kid.
There will be peace like a river, peace like a river, peace like a river in my soul.
-excerpt from Isaiah 47:17-18
I learned recently that the Bible says whatever we ask, if it's in the will of God, HE will do. So, I ask for peace. Not just inside me in my quiet moments but more than that...I need it when dealing with my kids IN THE MOMENT. Rivers flow. They twist. They turn. Yet Isaiah equates peace to a river. I guess that means we are to experience peace no matter how many twists and turns life takes...constant flowing peace.... I JUST read about 5 different scriptures in Isaiah about peace. God says we can have peace and that He will not take it from us. It is a gift that Christians have because Jesus Christ suffered on a cross to give it to us. It doesn't mean always leading a peaceful life. It means having peace in our lives. Oh, do I ever need it now. And do my kids ever deserve it. And I need forgiveness too. First I must forgive myself :( which is the hard part. And I must re-enroll in that course on discipline that I obviously missed along the way!
So frustrated.
The end.
PS This is a picture of the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Labor of Love
Shawn's birthday was this week, so the kids and I made a red velvet cake to celebrate. (The recipe was from Bakerella's Blog and I have to say...the best cake I have ever made. I will be going back to her blog).
Looks like paint! TWO bottles of red food coloring...thankful none of us have red dye allergies!
No, you can't cut into the screen (I'm a wee bit proud of it hmm?)
A way to my man's heart is definitely without a single doubt...through his stomach. Slice number one was served to him and you would have thought he was king. (I can't over-estimate the way his heart and stomach are connected).
I can say with all honesty that Grace did a whole lot of the work on this cake, even the blending. I measured; she poured. She mixed, stirred, blended to her little heart's content. She has culinary genes :) (Shawn's grandpa was a chef on General MacArthur's Navy ship and Shawn's mom is an excellent cook who passes up Paula Deen by a small margin). I mixed the icing because at that point, said sous-chef was napping. Noah John helped dump a bottle of food color in ("WOOK at that!")
He also asserted himself enough to get an occasional stir in...BUUUUT mostly Grace had it all under control.
In case you're wondering, we only bake in swimsuits and rubber-boots in the summer. The cleanup after is a dip in the kiddy pool ;) lol.
Happy end-of-summer ya'll. Praying for a mild fall. Join us.
Looks like paint! TWO bottles of red food coloring...thankful none of us have red dye allergies!
No, you can't cut into the screen (I'm a wee bit proud of it hmm?)
A way to my man's heart is definitely without a single doubt...through his stomach. Slice number one was served to him and you would have thought he was king. (I can't over-estimate the way his heart and stomach are connected).
I can say with all honesty that Grace did a whole lot of the work on this cake, even the blending. I measured; she poured. She mixed, stirred, blended to her little heart's content. She has culinary genes :) (Shawn's grandpa was a chef on General MacArthur's Navy ship and Shawn's mom is an excellent cook who passes up Paula Deen by a small margin). I mixed the icing because at that point, said sous-chef was napping. Noah John helped dump a bottle of food color in ("WOOK at that!")
He also asserted himself enough to get an occasional stir in...BUUUUT mostly Grace had it all under control.
In case you're wondering, we only bake in swimsuits and rubber-boots in the summer. The cleanup after is a dip in the kiddy pool ;) lol.
Happy end-of-summer ya'll. Praying for a mild fall. Join us.
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