If any of you have kids and want pictures done, CALL THIS GIRL!!! She really wants the practice, and SHE IS AMAZING! I've heard this girl will do about anything for a good shot. :o) She came a few weeks ago after VBS, and even though we were almost rained out, she got in these awesome shots before it started pouring. As she was leaving, I let her borrow the big umbrella so that she wouldn't get her camera wet, and it turned inside out on her!! I felt so bad, but she kept smiling anyway. :o)
Not only is she a great photographer, but she also loves the Lord and is mature in her faith for someone her age...for someone my age! She's spoken in church before after a youth trip, and I was amazed at the depth of her insight. After that, I began following her work on her blog, which, by the way is titled Proverbs 31:30 because her desire is to be that kind of woman (look it up if you don't know what I'm talking about!)! Sometimes she shares what's going on in her spiritual walk on her blog, too, and it's always so awesome to see God working in her life.
Thanks Whit! You're amazing!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Meet Roman!
The Gonzalez family has grown! We welcomed Roman into our family today. The boys faces lit up when I asked them what they thought about having a dog! I guess having a dog is part of being a boy.
I've asked a friend to take some pictures of the boys with him sometime soon!
I've asked a friend to take some pictures of the boys with him sometime soon!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Berry Picking....YUM YUM!
My boys and I have taken a few adventurous trips these past weeks. Our first trip was with some friends to a field across the road from their house with wild blackberries growing rampant! We trudged out about 6 PM on a Tuesday evening and ended up with about 6 or 7 cups of blackberries! We had blackberry cobbler, blackberry pancakes, blackberries in our cereal and just plain old blackberries and milk! Our only mistake was not wearing long pants into the thorny bushes, but even through our battle scars, we had a good time. Owen doesn't want to go again because he got cut up a bit more than he wanted to.
Our next excursion was to a nearby Blueberry Plantation! Whatever we picked was only $2.50 per pound! The bushes we picked from were all the way in the back, and since these particular ones hadn't been cut back last year, they were tall enough to give plenty of shade. Tonight I made Blueberry Crisp. I'm going to try to freeze some of these berries instead of being a piggy and eating them all at one time! :o)
Our next excursion was to a nearby Blueberry Plantation! Whatever we picked was only $2.50 per pound! The bushes we picked from were all the way in the back, and since these particular ones hadn't been cut back last year, they were tall enough to give plenty of shade. Tonight I made Blueberry Crisp. I'm going to try to freeze some of these berries instead of being a piggy and eating them all at one time! :o)
Friday, May 8, 2009
He's growing up!
Tyson learned to ride his bike without training wheels this week. He's been practicing for about a month, but yesterday he finally got it down! We are so proud of him. When I figure out how to get the videos off of my camera and onto my computer, I'll post one.....
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Anyad Si Eman Ym
Gniod saw I tahw tuo erugif ot ouy ekat it did gnol woh? Repap no etirw to si ti naht yaw siht epyt ot redrah neve sti. Edoc ni sgniht etirw ot yaw nuf a s'ti tub, od ot drah si ti. Sdrawkcab delleps erew yeht fi seman ruo yas dluow ew woh ees ot nuf saw ti dna, sdrawkcab seman ruo gnitirw erew ew. Loohcs gniod erew I dna syob eht elihw yadot tsop siht etirw ot aedi eht tog I.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter!
The story's so familiar.
We've heard it all before.
Sometimes it seams like nothing's sacred anymore.
Despite our best intentions,
Somewhere along the road
We've come to take for granted
This truth that we've known.
May we never forget
The cross and the blood,
The price that was paid so that we might live.
May we never forget
The cost of His love.
He'll never forsake us
He'll always forgive.
May we never forget.
So let us decide right here, right now
To refresh our memory
Of how it felt to be lost,
And how it feels to be free!
May we never forget
The grace of our God,
The wealth of His mercy outpoured.
Forgive us Lord!
Forgive us if we ever forget!
I will glory in the cross
Lest His suffering all be in vain!
If we ever forget
Your cross and Your blood
The life that You gave us that we might live,
If we ever forget
The cost of Your love,
You'll never forsake us!
You'll always forgive!
May we never forget!
We've heard it all before.
Sometimes it seams like nothing's sacred anymore.
Despite our best intentions,
Somewhere along the road
We've come to take for granted
This truth that we've known.
May we never forget
The cross and the blood,
The price that was paid so that we might live.
May we never forget
The cost of His love.
He'll never forsake us
He'll always forgive.
May we never forget.
So let us decide right here, right now
To refresh our memory
Of how it felt to be lost,
And how it feels to be free!
May we never forget
The grace of our God,
The wealth of His mercy outpoured.
Forgive us Lord!
Forgive us if we ever forget!
I will glory in the cross
Lest His suffering all be in vain!
If we ever forget
Your cross and Your blood
The life that You gave us that we might live,
If we ever forget
The cost of Your love,
You'll never forsake us!
You'll always forgive!
May we never forget!
Friday, April 10, 2009
A new kind of vegetable?
Tyson asked if he could eat leaves today. Apparently his Uncle Dustin and Uncle Michael pretended to eat them at the park last month at the March birthday party. So all this time, Tyson's been thinking about whether or not he should eat leaves, too.
Later Tyson heard me telling Dustin that this would be a good thing to blog about. He made it known then that he doesn't like it when I put things like that about him on my blog. :o( He's too young to already care!
Later Tyson heard me telling Dustin that this would be a good thing to blog about. He made it known then that he doesn't like it when I put things like that about him on my blog. :o( He's too young to already care!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Because you DO care! :o)
"Well anyway"....apparently I unintentionally made a few of you feel guilty with my last post. The only one I really wanted to feel guilty was my sister because I just expect her to comment on every single post I write. (I really should cut her some slack though since she's pregnant, right?) That's really hypocritical of me since I don't comment on everything she writes, but from now on, I resolve to comment on every blog I read. Thank you to Whitney and Dustin for your faithful comments. Keep them coming! :o)
If you're wondering what time it is, it's 3:55 AM on the computer clock as I write this.....yes, Tyson woke me up again. Second time this week.....last time was Sunday at 1:30 AM ....it's LAEP week for crying out loud!! I don't have time to be awake!
Well anyway, this post is about vinegar and all the things I have found that I can use it for. I've never actually researched what all it can be used for, but these are ways that I've discovered for myself. Yes, at first it is stinky, but after a few minutes, the smell goes away. I've heard that vinegar is a natural deodorant/disinfectant, but I've never really researched it.
1. Cleaning fresh fruits and veggies.
My MIL, Carol, called me one day and said she'd read a study showing that if you use vinegar diluted with water to clean fresh fruits and veggies, you will kill more bacteria than just using water or soap and water. We eat a lot of those around here...I'm a little psychotic about my kids eating healthy. Carol knew this and thought I might find it helpful. Little did she know that it was just the beginning of my relationship with this miracle product. I got a spray bottle and filled it with a 50/50 water and vinegar solution and put it under the kitchen sink with my other kitchen cleaning aids.
2. Cleaning the onion smell off of my cutting board.
I tried it one day when I was trying to make my cutting board not smell like the strong onions and garlic I had just cut up. I had always used bleach before, and it kind of worked, but vinegar worked even better.
3. Cleaning the stinky boy's bathroom.
I have 2 boys...3 if you count my husband....and the little ones make boy messes on their bathroom floor. I wanted them to learn to clean it themselves but was paranoid about them using chemicals, so one day I handed them the bottle of vinegar from underneath the kitchen sink and they got to work cleaning their own bathroom. They've gotten really good at it now, and I let them keep the vinegar in a place where they can access it any time they make a mess. (I stopped using that bottle in the kitchen...germs! Gross!) I still clean once a week with real chemicals, but the smell the rest of the week in their bathroom is much better!
4. Cleaning Tyson's bed if he has an accident.
My mom told when I was first potty training the boys that if I put vinegar over a spot on the mattress where they had an accident, it would take the smell away. So ever since that's what I've done. Tyson sleeps on a plastic sheet underneath his regular sheet so that if he does have an accident, he can pull of his sheets, spray the plastic one with his vinegar bottle, and wipe it down. Then we use Lysol and let it air dry.
5. Carpet stains
A friend once told me that if I had a stain on the carpet, vinegar would help bring it to the surface to clean it easier. I'm not sure if I believe that or not.
6. Cooking
They say vinegar has many health benefits, so eat it in your salad dressings.
Do you have anything in your house that you've found works in unusual ways? Nikki, I'm guessing you do because I saw a book in Sherry's house that was titled, "How to Clean Just About Anything." If she hasn't shared that with you, shame on her! :o)
I talk way too much for 3:55 AM!
If you're wondering what time it is, it's 3:55 AM on the computer clock as I write this.....yes, Tyson woke me up again. Second time this week.....last time was Sunday at 1:30 AM ....it's LAEP week for crying out loud!! I don't have time to be awake!
Well anyway, this post is about vinegar and all the things I have found that I can use it for. I've never actually researched what all it can be used for, but these are ways that I've discovered for myself. Yes, at first it is stinky, but after a few minutes, the smell goes away. I've heard that vinegar is a natural deodorant/disinfectant, but I've never really researched it.
1. Cleaning fresh fruits and veggies.
My MIL, Carol, called me one day and said she'd read a study showing that if you use vinegar diluted with water to clean fresh fruits and veggies, you will kill more bacteria than just using water or soap and water. We eat a lot of those around here...I'm a little psychotic about my kids eating healthy. Carol knew this and thought I might find it helpful. Little did she know that it was just the beginning of my relationship with this miracle product. I got a spray bottle and filled it with a 50/50 water and vinegar solution and put it under the kitchen sink with my other kitchen cleaning aids.
2. Cleaning the onion smell off of my cutting board.
I tried it one day when I was trying to make my cutting board not smell like the strong onions and garlic I had just cut up. I had always used bleach before, and it kind of worked, but vinegar worked even better.
3. Cleaning the stinky boy's bathroom.
I have 2 boys...3 if you count my husband....and the little ones make boy messes on their bathroom floor. I wanted them to learn to clean it themselves but was paranoid about them using chemicals, so one day I handed them the bottle of vinegar from underneath the kitchen sink and they got to work cleaning their own bathroom. They've gotten really good at it now, and I let them keep the vinegar in a place where they can access it any time they make a mess. (I stopped using that bottle in the kitchen...germs! Gross!) I still clean once a week with real chemicals, but the smell the rest of the week in their bathroom is much better!
4. Cleaning Tyson's bed if he has an accident.
My mom told when I was first potty training the boys that if I put vinegar over a spot on the mattress where they had an accident, it would take the smell away. So ever since that's what I've done. Tyson sleeps on a plastic sheet underneath his regular sheet so that if he does have an accident, he can pull of his sheets, spray the plastic one with his vinegar bottle, and wipe it down. Then we use Lysol and let it air dry.
5. Carpet stains
A friend once told me that if I had a stain on the carpet, vinegar would help bring it to the surface to clean it easier. I'm not sure if I believe that or not.
6. Cooking
They say vinegar has many health benefits, so eat it in your salad dressings.
Do you have anything in your house that you've found works in unusual ways? Nikki, I'm guessing you do because I saw a book in Sherry's house that was titled, "How to Clean Just About Anything." If she hasn't shared that with you, shame on her! :o)
I talk way too much for 3:55 AM!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
For those who care....
Well thank you to all my loyal readers who love to hear from me. On my last post when I asked what you'd like to read about, a whole 2 people responded....I feel so loved.
So the most requested thing that I was asked to write about was the cute things that Tyson says.
He calls Louisiana, "the Lusiana."
He calls pancakes, "pan-a-cakes."
Whenever he says anything that he's been thinking about for a while he says, "Well anyway..." before it. Usually he says it as the start of a conversation. :o)
He sings a lot....more than Owen by far. He sings while he's on the toilet, too. :o) His favorite song is "Nothing But the Blood." I recorded him singing it, and it's currently my ring tone on my phone.
He calls mulch, "vulch."
He tells this knock-knock joke all the time... but he changes up the animals and sometimes he forgets to interrupt you.
"Knock-knock
Who's there?
Interrupting cow.
Interrupting.....
MOOO!"
His favorite toys are balloons....whether they are blown up, not blown up, or blown up with helium...they are his favorite thing to play with. That's not really a cute thing he says, but its cute to watch him entertain himself for hours with a single balloon.
When he's playing hide and seek, instead of saying, "Ready or not, here I come!" he says, "Ready or not, have some fun!"
One day he may read this post and be embarrassed by all of these things, but for now, I'll cherish his cuteness. He's growing up way too fast!
So the most requested thing that I was asked to write about was the cute things that Tyson says.
He calls Louisiana, "the Lusiana."
He calls pancakes, "pan-a-cakes."
Whenever he says anything that he's been thinking about for a while he says, "Well anyway..." before it. Usually he says it as the start of a conversation. :o)
He sings a lot....more than Owen by far. He sings while he's on the toilet, too. :o) His favorite song is "Nothing But the Blood." I recorded him singing it, and it's currently my ring tone on my phone.
He calls mulch, "vulch."
He tells this knock-knock joke all the time... but he changes up the animals and sometimes he forgets to interrupt you.
"Knock-knock
Who's there?
Interrupting cow.
Interrupting.....
MOOO!"
His favorite toys are balloons....whether they are blown up, not blown up, or blown up with helium...they are his favorite thing to play with. That's not really a cute thing he says, but its cute to watch him entertain himself for hours with a single balloon.
When he's playing hide and seek, instead of saying, "Ready or not, here I come!" he says, "Ready or not, have some fun!"
One day he may read this post and be embarrassed by all of these things, but for now, I'll cherish his cuteness. He's growing up way too fast!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
i dunt no haow tu spel rele gud.
It's been a while since I last posted... been busy cleaning up from a certain birthday party. :o)
So the ideas that I've thought of to blog about.....
1. All the things I use vinegar for in my house besides cooking
2. My recently discovered reason why I love eating...hint, it's not because I like the taste of food so much.....I really don't have a very good sense of smell or taste
3. Cute things Tyson says
4. Lil Owen's piano lessons
Let me know if you're interested in any of these, and maybe I'll post about them later...
Also, check out this video that Whitney posted....it's hilarious....at least to me....some of you may find it inappropriate.
I'm writing this on Owen's computer, so I have no automatic spellchecker....i dunt no haow tu spel rele gud.
So the ideas that I've thought of to blog about.....
1. All the things I use vinegar for in my house besides cooking
2. My recently discovered reason why I love eating...hint, it's not because I like the taste of food so much.....I really don't have a very good sense of smell or taste
3. Cute things Tyson says
4. Lil Owen's piano lessons
Let me know if you're interested in any of these, and maybe I'll post about them later...
Also, check out this video that Whitney posted....it's hilarious....at least to me....some of you may find it inappropriate.
I'm writing this on Owen's computer, so I have no automatic spellchecker....i dunt no haow tu spel rele gud.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
I must be insane
Little Owen will turn 7 on Monday, so tonight we're having his party with all of his friends. We had 8 kids come over and 7 of them spent the night. That's right. I had a total of 10 kids at my house tonight. It was complete madness. I was so thankful that my mom came and helped out for the party part of it all. She helped serve the food and clean up, Big O did the games outside, and I took care of battle wounds and broken things.....like the piano bench....
Owen wanted an Army party, so all the guys dressed up in camouflage and came ready for battle. The first game was shooting the terrorist. Owen painted a head on a tree and they took turns shooting it with the paintball gun. Then they came in and ate pizza (nothing army about that, but that's what the birthday boy wanted). After dinner it was dark, so we gave them their glow sticks around their necks (so we could count how many were in the back yard in the dark) and returned for more target practice. The next game was to shoot a water gun at a candle and blow out the flame. This was when we had our first injury. While they were all running around in the dark waiting for their turn, one of the boys knocked another one in the head. He was pretty upset for a while, but more mad than hurt. While they were outside doing that, my mom cut up the cake to serve, and I realized a little while ago that we forgot to sing Happy Birthday and let him blow out candles! We'll do that tomorrow and put the candles on his pancakes...that's still cake right? He wants apple pie on his real birthday. :o)
We were supposed to have another game after the cake and presents, but that's when the piano bench got broken, so I just decided to let them run around in the yard for a while and get out all of their cake energy. They came inside about 2100 hours to get ready for bed and watch a movie. The only girl that came left then (her brother stayed and she wanted to stay but we told her that girls can't spend the night with boys until they're married :o). They watched "Over the Hedge" and "Pinocchio." I fell asleep during the first movie sitting in the recliner while Big O did his schoolwork and supervised from the kitchen table. His brother came around 2200 hours. Around midnight, the movies were all over, I woke up, and we turned out the lights. By then only my boys and a few others were still awake, but they had no problem going right to sleep. They are all so cute lined up like sardines in a can on the living room floor. My cousin who is 10 is the oldest one here, so I let him sleep on the couch. The others range in age from 5-8. For the most part, all of the boys have been really well behaved...I stressed out a lot beforehand about them misbehaving, but so far it's not been too bad.
My mom looked for the hole in my head before she left......
Owen wanted an Army party, so all the guys dressed up in camouflage and came ready for battle. The first game was shooting the terrorist. Owen painted a head on a tree and they took turns shooting it with the paintball gun. Then they came in and ate pizza (nothing army about that, but that's what the birthday boy wanted). After dinner it was dark, so we gave them their glow sticks around their necks (so we could count how many were in the back yard in the dark) and returned for more target practice. The next game was to shoot a water gun at a candle and blow out the flame. This was when we had our first injury. While they were all running around in the dark waiting for their turn, one of the boys knocked another one in the head. He was pretty upset for a while, but more mad than hurt. While they were outside doing that, my mom cut up the cake to serve, and I realized a little while ago that we forgot to sing Happy Birthday and let him blow out candles! We'll do that tomorrow and put the candles on his pancakes...that's still cake right? He wants apple pie on his real birthday. :o)
We were supposed to have another game after the cake and presents, but that's when the piano bench got broken, so I just decided to let them run around in the yard for a while and get out all of their cake energy. They came inside about 2100 hours to get ready for bed and watch a movie. The only girl that came left then (her brother stayed and she wanted to stay but we told her that girls can't spend the night with boys until they're married :o). They watched "Over the Hedge" and "Pinocchio." I fell asleep during the first movie sitting in the recliner while Big O did his schoolwork and supervised from the kitchen table. His brother came around 2200 hours. Around midnight, the movies were all over, I woke up, and we turned out the lights. By then only my boys and a few others were still awake, but they had no problem going right to sleep. They are all so cute lined up like sardines in a can on the living room floor. My cousin who is 10 is the oldest one here, so I let him sleep on the couch. The others range in age from 5-8. For the most part, all of the boys have been really well behaved...I stressed out a lot beforehand about them misbehaving, but so far it's not been too bad.
My mom looked for the hole in my head before she left......
Friday, February 27, 2009
You dont have to read this post....seriously...don't!
My cousin, Nikki, tagged me to show you where I blog...so here it is in all of its glory and clutter....
And this is how it looks when I have students come for lessons.....
Notice the cords on the floor hanging down from the top of the armoire. (I had to look up how to spell that...took way too long. :o) One day I'm going to scream over cords...that's my life as married to Mr. PC.....
And yes, I still have my Dicken's village up because it's still winter...it's not a Christmas scene it's a winter scene with snow....something unheard of here where we live. (Tomorrow my tea Sri Lankan set will go back up becaues March is really not winter anymore.)
Of all the places in my home, I think this is one of the worst....I have 2 horrible rooms (mine and the laundry room) and this desk....outside we have the horrible garage and the screened in porch....and down by the lake...who am I kidding? The whole outside is a mess! All of these places make me feel like I am so unorganized and I hate that!! I'm not the most organized or neatest person in the world (Michael got all of those genes from Granny), but I like to pretend that I am. So now you know.
I'm tagging Pam (who comes to my house every week but has never seen the inside. :o), Whitney, Elizabeth, Patti and Megan. The rules are that you cannot move anything from where it was before you take your picture...if you have a laptop, take a picture of it where it is right now!! Anyone else who wants to play, consider yourself tagged. :o)
And this is how it looks when I have students come for lessons.....
Notice the cords on the floor hanging down from the top of the armoire. (I had to look up how to spell that...took way too long. :o) One day I'm going to scream over cords...that's my life as married to Mr. PC.....
And yes, I still have my Dicken's village up because it's still winter...it's not a Christmas scene it's a winter scene with snow....something unheard of here where we live. (Tomorrow my tea Sri Lankan set will go back up becaues March is really not winter anymore.)
Of all the places in my home, I think this is one of the worst....I have 2 horrible rooms (mine and the laundry room) and this desk....outside we have the horrible garage and the screened in porch....and down by the lake...who am I kidding? The whole outside is a mess! All of these places make me feel like I am so unorganized and I hate that!! I'm not the most organized or neatest person in the world (Michael got all of those genes from Granny), but I like to pretend that I am. So now you know.
I'm tagging Pam (who comes to my house every week but has never seen the inside. :o), Whitney, Elizabeth, Patti and Megan. The rules are that you cannot move anything from where it was before you take your picture...if you have a laptop, take a picture of it where it is right now!! Anyone else who wants to play, consider yourself tagged. :o)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
This may be the Prednisone talking....I feel very preachy today .....
I was challenged this morning. These passages are all from the Holman Christian Standard Bible translation, emphases mine.
Watch out, brothers, so that there won't be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that departs from the living God. But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today , so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception. (Hebrews 3:12-13)
For the person who has entered His rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from His. Let us then make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:10-11)
Basically what comes between these passages talks about the children of Israel who did not believe the Word of God through Moses and who rebelled and disobeyed in the wilderness. Because of their unbelief and disobedience, they were not allowed to enter "God's rest," their Promised Land. As New Testament believers, our "rest" comes from obedience to God's Word, too. But that's not easy!! Sometimes I am so weak....I don't do the things that I know I should. I stumble and fall and have to get up and try again. I get so discouraged sometimes because I seem to make the same dumb mistakes over and over again.
So I was very encouraged by this passage after having had my toes stepped upon....
....We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. (Hebrews 4:15-16)
When I try to do it on my own, I fail miserably. It's God's mercy and grace that has and will continue to save me. The faith that I have to obey Him comes from Him, too (Ephesians 2:8). I cannot live the way He desires of me in my own power....only by His grace.
Watch out, brothers, so that there won't be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that departs from the living God. But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today , so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception. (Hebrews 3:12-13)
For the person who has entered His rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from His. Let us then make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:10-11)
Basically what comes between these passages talks about the children of Israel who did not believe the Word of God through Moses and who rebelled and disobeyed in the wilderness. Because of their unbelief and disobedience, they were not allowed to enter "God's rest," their Promised Land. As New Testament believers, our "rest" comes from obedience to God's Word, too. But that's not easy!! Sometimes I am so weak....I don't do the things that I know I should. I stumble and fall and have to get up and try again. I get so discouraged sometimes because I seem to make the same dumb mistakes over and over again.
So I was very encouraged by this passage after having had my toes stepped upon....
....We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. (Hebrews 4:15-16)
When I try to do it on my own, I fail miserably. It's God's mercy and grace that has and will continue to save me. The faith that I have to obey Him comes from Him, too (Ephesians 2:8). I cannot live the way He desires of me in my own power....only by His grace.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
An answer to prayer
The past few weeks we have battled bronchitis here in our home. Tyson had it first and now I have it. Little O has a cold and I'm monitoring him carefully to make sure he doesn't get bronchitis, too. Needless to say, school was a wash 2 weeks that Tyson was on albuterol. Last Friday I was so frustrated that I started seriously considering putting them in school this week. So I started talking to Owen and asking God if this was His answer to my prayer that life could settle down some for us. I thought I probably shouldn't make any rash decisions while we are all sick, but school has been very hard for me this year. I have to work almost every afternoon and I feel like I'm not able to give their schooling the attention it deserves. It would be so much easier if I could work while they're at school, and then I could play with them when they get home.
This morning I got up late, but I decided that I should spend my time with the Lord anyway. When I turned to the last chapter in 2 Timothy (where I am in my scheduled reading plan), the title of the first section was "Fulfill Your Ministry." Before I even started reading, I knew that God was about to answer my prayer. This is what the passage says.
1 Before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom, I solemnly charge you: 2 proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will accumulate teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new. 4 They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5 But as for you, keep a clear head about everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 In the future, there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.
I know that my ministry at this time in my life is primarily to my children. It's hard to accept that at times when there is so much more that I wish I could be doing....but God has pointed out to me over and over that their lives are so very precious to Him and He has given them to me for only a short season. I pray that they will not "turn away from hearing the truths and turn aside to myths." Right now, God has given me the responsibility to lay a strong foundation, to "train them up in the way they should go so that when they are old they will not depart from it." This part of the race is very hard for me, but I know that "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
This morning I got up late, but I decided that I should spend my time with the Lord anyway. When I turned to the last chapter in 2 Timothy (where I am in my scheduled reading plan), the title of the first section was "Fulfill Your Ministry." Before I even started reading, I knew that God was about to answer my prayer. This is what the passage says.
1 Before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom, I solemnly charge you: 2 proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will accumulate teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new. 4 They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5 But as for you, keep a clear head about everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 In the future, there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.
I know that my ministry at this time in my life is primarily to my children. It's hard to accept that at times when there is so much more that I wish I could be doing....but God has pointed out to me over and over that their lives are so very precious to Him and He has given them to me for only a short season. I pray that they will not "turn away from hearing the truths and turn aside to myths." Right now, God has given me the responsibility to lay a strong foundation, to "train them up in the way they should go so that when they are old they will not depart from it." This part of the race is very hard for me, but I know that "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
It's 1:17 AM.....
When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings
Fifty points to whoever can name this song, another 30 to whoever can name who sings it, and 20 more if you can name what movie it's from....and no cheating by googling!! :o) Angela....it would kind of be unfair for you to play....can you not tell everyone the answers until they've had a chance to guess? If you know who wrote it without googling, you can win. :o)
Tonight I'm trying something new to help me fall asleep...hot chocolate made with milk. When I drink it before bed, I usually fall asleep in my recliner. Warm milk makes me sleepy. So between that and counting my blessings, hopefully I'll be asleep before it's time to wake up.
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings
Fifty points to whoever can name this song, another 30 to whoever can name who sings it, and 20 more if you can name what movie it's from....and no cheating by googling!! :o) Angela....it would kind of be unfair for you to play....can you not tell everyone the answers until they've had a chance to guess? If you know who wrote it without googling, you can win. :o)
Tonight I'm trying something new to help me fall asleep...hot chocolate made with milk. When I drink it before bed, I usually fall asleep in my recliner. Warm milk makes me sleepy. So between that and counting my blessings, hopefully I'll be asleep before it's time to wake up.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Pardon all the CAPTIALIZATION!!!!!
I've been waiting for WEEKS to tell everyone...ANGELA IS GONNA HAVE A BABY!!! I'm so excited for her! I've been excited ever since she told me they were trying! It's so awesome!!! I'm going to be an AUNT!!!!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Free stuff.....still!
Jessica over at Don't Give Him Crackers has 5 giveaway drawings still open. The last giveaway closes on Saturday, February 14th.
Monday, February 9, 2009
The Letter "T" for me....
Angela assigned me the letter "T" for Alphabet Tag. "T" is for "Third of October," which is my birthday.
TEN THINGS ABOUT ME THAT START WITH THE LETTER "T"
1. Thirsty-that's what I've been all day!
2. Tired- I've been that, too....probably has something to do with this cold I'm fighting off (or possibly the lack of sleep a few nights ago.....).
3. Tyson-my favorite 5 year old in the whole world!
4. Three- the name of one of my favorite books by....
5. Ted Dekker- my favorite author!
6. Two-the number of siblings Owen and I have, and also the number of children we have.
7. Thrifty- something we have to be right now that comes easily to me.
8. Talkative- I am when I've been cooped up in the house too much. ;o)
9. Timely-I hate being late!! So much so that when I am, I get a bit....
10. Testy! Just ask Owen...I turn into a monster when my schedule does not go as planned. (I read that to him and he said, "No joke! You grow fangs and horns, and you turn all red!")
That was fun...and not too hard! Anyone who wants to play along can leave a comment, and I'll assign you a letter.
TEN THINGS ABOUT ME THAT START WITH THE LETTER "T"
1. Thirsty-that's what I've been all day!
2. Tired- I've been that, too....probably has something to do with this cold I'm fighting off (or possibly the lack of sleep a few nights ago.....).
3. Tyson-my favorite 5 year old in the whole world!
4. Three- the name of one of my favorite books by....
5. Ted Dekker- my favorite author!
6. Two-the number of siblings Owen and I have, and also the number of children we have.
7. Thrifty- something we have to be right now that comes easily to me.
8. Talkative- I am when I've been cooped up in the house too much. ;o)
9. Timely-I hate being late!! So much so that when I am, I get a bit....
10. Testy! Just ask Owen...I turn into a monster when my schedule does not go as planned. (I read that to him and he said, "No joke! You grow fangs and horns, and you turn all red!")
That was fun...and not too hard! Anyone who wants to play along can leave a comment, and I'll assign you a letter.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
It's 3:17 AM as I start writing this post.
I can't sleep....this happens sometimes....one of the boys will need something in the middle of the night and then 2 hours later, I'm still awake....thinking.....
about my Sunday School class
about a friend who needs to be in Sunday School
about a friend who just had a baby
about all the babies I'm going to meet this year
about that light on the stupid air freshener that keeps blinking
about how stupid that air freshener is when it scares me and blows a puff of fresh air when I'm least expecting a mouse-like noise in the room
It's very quiet....the only sound I hear is my husband's deep, regular breathing...
the kind of breathing I should be doing!
about how glad I am that my husband doesn't snore
about Tyson...is he getting better? (he's been sick)
about whether or not I should have called the doctor today since I can't call again until Monday
about how precious my husband and children are
about the blinking light
about the light that just came on outside....probably because that dumb white cat came in the yard again
about the dumb white cat who thinks our yard is his home
about the dogs who are not ours but who like to get into our trash
Should I just get up for the day and take a nap this afternoon? Nope, can't. Have plans.
Oh, elusive sleep!
Now it's 3:23.
about my Sunday School class
about a friend who needs to be in Sunday School
about a friend who just had a baby
about all the babies I'm going to meet this year
about that light on the stupid air freshener that keeps blinking
about how stupid that air freshener is when it scares me and blows a puff of fresh air when I'm least expecting a mouse-like noise in the room
It's very quiet....the only sound I hear is my husband's deep, regular breathing...
the kind of breathing I should be doing!
about how glad I am that my husband doesn't snore
about Tyson...is he getting better? (he's been sick)
about whether or not I should have called the doctor today since I can't call again until Monday
about how precious my husband and children are
about the blinking light
about the light that just came on outside....probably because that dumb white cat came in the yard again
about the dumb white cat who thinks our yard is his home
about the dogs who are not ours but who like to get into our trash
Should I just get up for the day and take a nap this afternoon? Nope, can't. Have plans.
Oh, elusive sleep!
Now it's 3:23.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Pajamas, Q-tips, and Somethine Must be in the Water
Little Owen has woken up twice in the past week wondering where his pajamas went....he's been waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and leaving his pajamas in there on the floor, but he doesn't remember doing it when he wakes up. So funny!
I stopped using Q-tips in my ears recently because my friend got a horrible ear infection from using them. The doctor told her that it's really easy to damage the inside of your ear, even with a Q-tip, and that is what happened with her. She was in immense pain for over a week, so I stopped using them so that it wouldn't happen to me. Now I feel like my ears are gross all the time. Yuck!
I know 10 people who are expecting right now...what's up with that?!
I stopped using Q-tips in my ears recently because my friend got a horrible ear infection from using them. The doctor told her that it's really easy to damage the inside of your ear, even with a Q-tip, and that is what happened with her. She was in immense pain for over a week, so I stopped using them so that it wouldn't happen to me. Now I feel like my ears are gross all the time. Yuck!
I know 10 people who are expecting right now...what's up with that?!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Are you as cold as I am?!
Owen turned the sprinkler on last week when it froze overnight. The boys had so much fun playing in the icicles. I even let loose and started school late because I know that there aren't many opportunities like this where we live.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Free stuff!
Jessica over at Don't Give Him Crackers! is having a giveaway every day this week! Check out her site for more details!
Friday, January 30, 2009
How to Effectively Waste Time.....
Note: Owen came up with the title....that's what he thinks of this post anyway.
My sister wanted each of us to write something in our own handwriting and link up to her blog to show it to all of our blogging buddies. If you want more on that, visit her post.
If you want to play along, link up to her site through Mr. Linky....it was kinda fun!
Thirty years from now, our grandkids will look at these posts and wonder what this strange script is....they won't know how to write because they will only ever have to type things out.
My sister wanted each of us to write something in our own handwriting and link up to her blog to show it to all of our blogging buddies. If you want more on that, visit her post.
If you want to play along, link up to her site through Mr. Linky....it was kinda fun!Thirty years from now, our grandkids will look at these posts and wonder what this strange script is....they won't know how to write because they will only ever have to type things out.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Which voice will I listen to?
I was praying this morning that I would have the faith that I need to get done what needs to be done. I prayed like the man who needed Jesus to heal his son, "Lord, I do believe. Help my unbelief!" Then the words to the chorus of this song popped into my head. It's one of my favorite Casting Crowns songs and if you've never heard it, click here.
Oh what I would do to have the kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves.
To step out of my comfort zone into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand.
But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me,
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed.
The waves they keep on telling me time and time again, "Boy, you'll never win! You'll never win!"
Chorus:
But the voice of truth tells me a different story.
The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid."
The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory."
Out of all the voices calling out to me,
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.
Oh what I would do to have the kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone.
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand.
But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me,
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed.
The giant keeps on telling me time and time again,
"Boy, you'll never win! You'll never win!"
But the stone was just the right size to put the giant on the ground,
And the waves they don't seem so high from on the top of them looking down.
I will soar with the wings of eagles when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me!
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.
Oh what I would do to have the kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves.
To step out of my comfort zone into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand.
But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me,
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed.
The waves they keep on telling me time and time again, "Boy, you'll never win! You'll never win!"
Chorus:
But the voice of truth tells me a different story.
The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid."
The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory."
Out of all the voices calling out to me,
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.
Oh what I would do to have the kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone.
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand.
But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me,
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed.
The giant keeps on telling me time and time again,
"Boy, you'll never win! You'll never win!"
But the stone was just the right size to put the giant on the ground,
And the waves they don't seem so high from on the top of them looking down.
I will soar with the wings of eagles when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me!
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Fun at home
I was challenged at MOPS this week to have more fun at home. I am a fuddy-duddy/fun-sucker by nature, so having fun is something that I have to plan. I am not spontaneous or carefree or creative...those are just not the gifts God has given me. But children need fun and since they never leave me to go have fun at school, I need to start planning fun.
So, this afternoon I made cookies with Tyson. A very special family in our church gave us a jar of Holiday Mint Cookie mix for Christmas, and since all the holidays are over, today was a good day to use it. Tyson loves to cook, so I got him busy mixing the dough. The directions said to use your hands, and I don't really like getting my hands messy, so that was a really good job for Tyson. (Unfortunately, Tyson's not keen on getting his hands messy, either, so I'm not sure how much fun that part was for him.)
After we mixed the dough, the directions said to make the dough into balls...again, involving getting your hands dirty. Tyson was busy washing the dough off of his hands, so I had to get my hands messy after all. I got finished with the first pan of cookies and realized that the flour in the bottom of the bowl hadn't gotten mixed in very well (because the adult in the room didn't help mix!) so I had to get my hands really messy and mix it up myself. By that time, Tyson was back to finish rolling the dough into balls, and we found a good compromise. I washed my hands and then used spoons to make globs of dough, and Tyson used his ballmaking-skills to make the dough globs into nice neat little balls (commenting as he did so that this was not making his hands THAT dirty and that teacher in K3 had taught him how to make good balls out of playdough and that's why he was so good at it now. So cute. :o)).
He did a really good job and the cookies turned out wonderfully!
You may be wondering why I only did something fun with Tyson and not with Owen, and I'll have to tell you it's because Owen would rather be reading a book....just like his mother. :o) So while Tyson was taking his bath tonight, I played two games of checkers with Owen. I won the first game and he won the second. Yes, a 6 year old beat me at checkers, and no, I did not let him win.
So, this afternoon I made cookies with Tyson. A very special family in our church gave us a jar of Holiday Mint Cookie mix for Christmas, and since all the holidays are over, today was a good day to use it. Tyson loves to cook, so I got him busy mixing the dough. The directions said to use your hands, and I don't really like getting my hands messy, so that was a really good job for Tyson. (Unfortunately, Tyson's not keen on getting his hands messy, either, so I'm not sure how much fun that part was for him.)
After we mixed the dough, the directions said to make the dough into balls...again, involving getting your hands dirty. Tyson was busy washing the dough off of his hands, so I had to get my hands messy after all. I got finished with the first pan of cookies and realized that the flour in the bottom of the bowl hadn't gotten mixed in very well (because the adult in the room didn't help mix!) so I had to get my hands really messy and mix it up myself. By that time, Tyson was back to finish rolling the dough into balls, and we found a good compromise. I washed my hands and then used spoons to make globs of dough, and Tyson used his ballmaking-skills to make the dough globs into nice neat little balls (commenting as he did so that this was not making his hands THAT dirty and that teacher in K3 had taught him how to make good balls out of playdough and that's why he was so good at it now. So cute. :o)).
He did a really good job and the cookies turned out wonderfully!
You may be wondering why I only did something fun with Tyson and not with Owen, and I'll have to tell you it's because Owen would rather be reading a book....just like his mother. :o) So while Tyson was taking his bath tonight, I played two games of checkers with Owen. I won the first game and he won the second. Yes, a 6 year old beat me at checkers, and no, I did not let him win.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Saving my brainpower for another post instead of a fancy title...
I've recently been thinking about all that I do... wife, homeschooling mom, piano teacher, ministry assistant, choir member, orchestra member, T&T records keeper, MOPS mentoring mom, cook, maid, taxi driver, child psychologist, referee...need I go on? Sometimes I get overwhelmed and I wonder what I can cut out....Owen and the boys?....how could you ask such a thing?!.....homeschooling? No, God has made it clear that for now that's what we need to do. Work? Well, we need to eat and so I guess I'll have to do that for a while longer, too....Church?....again, no.
I went through the whole list and asked God what I could just quit doing and you know what He told me? STOP WHINING!
"And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. "
None of my responsibilities have changed, but from here on out, I want to have a different attitude about them. If I am faithful to do what He has called me to do and if I am doing it for His honor and glory (NOT MY OWN), then He will be faithful to empower me to do it. His grace is sufficient. He didn't say it would be easy, but He did say that He will use this to make me more like His Son for His glory. And isn't that the point? To glorify God.....
I went through the whole list and asked God what I could just quit doing and you know what He told me? STOP WHINING!
"And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. "
None of my responsibilities have changed, but from here on out, I want to have a different attitude about them. If I am faithful to do what He has called me to do and if I am doing it for His honor and glory (NOT MY OWN), then He will be faithful to empower me to do it. His grace is sufficient. He didn't say it would be easy, but He did say that He will use this to make me more like His Son for His glory. And isn't that the point? To glorify God.....
Friday, January 16, 2009
Pictures
Here are a few pictures that I've taken over the last few months.....
My precious boys getting ready to go on a 5 hour car ride to visit family in Georgia....
My beautiful mama and me getting ready for that same 5 hour drive.......
Dustin sleeping after driving for hours and hours....
Tyson getting ready to sleep in the tent he got for Christmas from his Grammy and Paw Paw
Owen doing the same.....
My precious boys getting ready to go on a 5 hour car ride to visit family in Georgia....
My beautiful mama and me getting ready for that same 5 hour drive.......
Dustin sleeping after driving for hours and hours....
Tyson getting ready to sleep in the tent he got for Christmas from his Grammy and Paw Paw
Owen doing the same.....
And here is a picture I found of the boys after Tyson got stitches and before he got rid of the bunny....I found it in the same folder as the picture of Owen that I posted last time.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Tagged
WELL it's been a while since I've posted, and since I have both time and a subject, now is as good as any. :o)
My cousin Nikki tagged me for this post and here are the rules:
1. Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer
2. Select the 4th picture in the folder (no cheating -- cropping, editing, etc.)
3. Explain the picture
4. Tag 4 other people to do the same.
This is my wonderfully talented husband, Owen in a very natural pose. He was playing one day when I had the camera out (2-16-08). I'd forgotten about it until I was tagged for this post, and I'm glad that I have a good reason to share it with all of you. He is very photogenic don't you think?
I will tag Pam, Whitney, Tessa and Patti because I'm sure that all of them will have great pictures to post!
My cousin Nikki tagged me for this post and here are the rules:
1. Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer
2. Select the 4th picture in the folder (no cheating -- cropping, editing, etc.)
3. Explain the picture
4. Tag 4 other people to do the same.
This is my wonderfully talented husband, Owen in a very natural pose. He was playing one day when I had the camera out (2-16-08). I'd forgotten about it until I was tagged for this post, and I'm glad that I have a good reason to share it with all of you. He is very photogenic don't you think?I will tag Pam, Whitney, Tessa and Patti because I'm sure that all of them will have great pictures to post!
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