A "wet" work in progress...

The potter never uses dry clay to form His masterpiece. It must be wet and pliable in His hands as He works it through His fingers and from palm to palm, pulling away what is not needed and folding in what is.

To be used by God, to grow in him, to become His masterpiece, we must stay wet and pliable in His hands. So the next time you experience a little rain shower in life, think of it as a shower of God's love, adding just enough water to keep you wet!

His timing is perfect...

His grace sufficient...

Blessings and prayers, my friends, on this beautiful Sunday!!!

*** The above writing was given to me on a card, by a friend several years ago. I keep it on my bulletin board, in my office, as a reminder of God's presence on those rainy days. ***

Treasures in the Dark...

Yesterday was a hard day for me. I had the day off from work, but that was about the only plus. I tend to be one of those people who keeps EVERYTHING bottled in and then one day it EXPLODES out. The waterworks start and I turn into a weepy mess. I guess since I was alone, just me and God, it was as good a time as any to let the emotions roll.

It started with taking my kids to school. Miss it just a little. Actually, scratch that, it wasn't the "taking to school" I miss, but rather being that "stay at home mom" of old. Being off from work yesterday just emphasized that loss. The guilt, the frustration, the missed events all surfaced yesterday. Add the fact that my hubby was gone taking care of business with his mom and her surgery... well, God and I had a cry fest. Actually, I had a crying fest, but I know God was listening and holding me tight. My God is so great like that!

Then, I sat down at the computer. I needed a little inspiration, a little word from the Lord. I had already tried to search my beloved Bible, but couldn't focus or concentrate on any Scripture. So, I asked for His Help. So has I was searching blog land, I went straight to Beth Moore's blog, in search of a little word from the Lord. In a round about way I connected to her Wednesday Bible study that she does on TV. She did not disappoint and once again God used her to speak to me in a BIG, BIG way.

Her opening statement?

"We've got to give God the time to turn some trash into treasure. Every single thing that happens to us, given time, God can turn those moments into treasure."

WOW!!!

Hello! It was as if God was saying "Baby girl..." (You know that is how Beth talks!) Anyway, "Baby girl, are you understanding ME? Are you getting the whole picture? You are where you are and if you will just be patient I will show you "WHY?" and turn your circumstances around into something beautiful. "

My friend Beth (I consider her a friend, because I have done 7 of her Bible studies, have seen her live 3 times and now I watch her on my computer. We are tight!), was talking about her own demons from childhood and the abuse she dealt with as a little girl, but I think God was letting me know that the verses she shared and the God given words she spoke were for ANYONE with a hurting heart, for whatever reason. We have all come to roads on our journey through life, that for whatever reason are hard to deal with. This is a cruddy world we live in sometimes. It is hard, as a mom, not to get bogged down with the hurts, fears and anxiety that wants to run rampant and load us down. It is hard not to look to the Lord and say "WHY? WHY this? WHY now? WHY me?"

I have dealt with changes all my life, some good, some bad and some just plain HARD. But many times, I can look back at what seemed to be a "dark" period in my life and see the beauty that came from it. Right now, I may be struggling with some situations I do not like. Some things that are not easy. But, God is telling to be patient, for He can and will turn my frustrations into treasures and blessings if I keep plugging along in faith.

Beth shared a verse that is a new treasure for me. A new little promise of hope for the "dark" moments.

"I will give you treausres of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know I AM the LORD." Isaiah 45:3

Isn't that great? Even when things don't seem as bright as we would like, those moments can still be turned into rich rewards.

I'm better today. Did life get easier over night? No. But my heart decided to change a little and try to be patient. Life still happens. It is sometimes going to be yucky. But I am going to chose to believe daily in my Heavenly Father who loves me enough to send His son to die for me. I am going to chose to wait patiently for those "jewels in my crown."

Inspiration to hold on? Read one of the best chapters in the Bible about FAITH. Hebrews 11.
I read it aloud yesterday and was humbled by the circumstances and the faith of those who have gone before me. God is good and HE takes care of His own. HE just asks me to believe and be patient...

Little things like this make me smile BIG!!!

First of all, to all who have been praying for my dear mother-in-law, she made it through her surgery and is home resting. Now we just have to wait for more test results and then later radiation if all goes as planned. Thanks for all the prayers and sweet comments.

Anyway, I stayed home from work today, since I had to do all the running around my hubby usually does for me (he was with his mom, of course)...like taking my kids to school. I hated it when I had to do it, but found myself teary eyed this morning while dropping them off. I miss my time with them, I really do. Going back to work has been tough, but God is teaching me a lot about myself, His grace and is giving me the strength to travel this road right now.

After dropping the kiddos off, I took off for Wally World. I had to pick up snacks for the teenagers tonight, in case the hubby didn't make it back in time. As I was traveling down the sweets isle, I got excited. Have I told you what one of my favorite all time candies is?

JELLYBEANS!!!

LOVE THEM!!!

Only I don't like just the plain old everyday kind. I like these...

Another thing that makes me down right happy are BOOKS! Love them. Have them everywhere...on shelves, tables, by my bed, etc... Love all kinds. Wish I had more time to read these days, but it doesn't seem to stop me from buying them. Especially when I find books by Christian authors at a bargain. I went to a flea market last week and bought seven books for 12.00. Yep! You read right... 12.00!!! I don't know when I will read them, but I couldn't pass up books by Smalley, Lucado, Higgs and Meyer...


I went to my scrap booking club last night. This is MY night, once a month. I go be creative and chat up a storm with friends for about three hours. So much fun! This was last night's creation...

I thought it turned out pretty cute...

I talked to my sister today on the phone. That ALWAYS brings a smile my way. Love my family!!!

I was watching Beth Moore on the computer this morning... Wow! I knew she was speaking just to me. Never fails, God uses her to bless my heart every time I hear her say a word. She is one beautiful lady inside and out!

I plan sharing a little more on my thoughts about this later, but I will share this verse from this morning's study...

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what He has promised."

Hebrews 10:35-36

Isn't that a great verse? It encouraged me to keep plugging along...

Happy Wednesday Friends! Keep persevering in confidence...

Prayers for the Mom-in-love...

As I mentioned before, my mother-in-law, had a mass in one of her breasts that was cancer. They have already removed the tumor, but she will go in tomorrow morning early for another surgery to remove some of the tissue around where the mass was. They will also be checking her lymph nodes at this time. They leave today and my hubby is going with her. Also my broth-in-law is flying in for the surgery. Please keep her in your prayers. May the surgery go smoothly and the healing process go by quickly. She will then start radiation treatments soon.

She is a brave lady and very loved. We know God holds her in his hands and we are blessed because of it.

It is as times like this, that I have to ask... how do people get through the "nitty gritty," yucky part of life without faith in the God Almighty?!!!

My Mommy Heart Cracked...

I woke up early this morning to head to Jordan's basketball game. I'm sitting there half asleep but feeling proud that I made it to cheer my little man on. I can't begin to tell you how much I love this guy... Love him, love him, love him!!!

Anyway, Kev had to stay and referee the other games, so Jorboy went with me. I had a shower gift to get at Wally World, so off we went. Jordan was excited about going to the store because he had money to burn... that boy can't save anything! He had already finagled his dad and I into paying any tax that went over his gift card amount, because you can't get a new game for "nothin' Mom."

We went, we found the games, we bought. He swiped his gift card and then the old faithful debit card got swiped too. He was smiling. I was happy. It was a good day. He played a good game, even getting the "white star" today which stands for Christlike conduct. Now he was happy because he had a new game to play the day away with... life was good, for the moment.

A very short moment...

We rounded the corner and there was the shoe department. My son loves a new pair of tennies... he had forgotten that there was a pair of shoes he had wanted when he spent his gift card on the game. So all of a sudden he wanted me to buy them.

OK. I'm a good mom, I think. I buy my kids the things they need, when they need them. He didn't actually NEED a new pair of shoes, he just WANTED them. Unfortunately for him, I had already bought him a new shirt and jacket the last time we were at Walmart together. And I had paid for the extra few dollars on the game. I told him "not today."

He didn't like my answer and my little man who only an hour before showed such patience, when the guy guarding him was physically beating on him, turned into a little green monster. There was whining, there were tears, there were many words that should have been left unsaid...and then he said it.

The phrase every mom dreads hearing, but knows it will come one day... the phrase that hits you straight in the gut. "OW!!!"

"I HATE YOU!"

CRACK! My mommy heart could probably be heard cracking in the next state. WOW! Did it hurt. This wasn't my first go around... my daughter has let me have it a few times, with apologies later, of course. But this was his first and no matter how many times you've heard it and even though you know they don't mean it... it just plum HURTS.

You would have been proud of me. I kept my cool and right there in the middle of the aisle I stopped and looked at him.

"What did you just say?"

"Mom...."

"What did you just say? Tell me."

"I didn't mean it..."

"Then why did you say it?"

"Because I was mad."

"Words hurt, and once they are spoken you can never take them back, even when you don't mean them..."

"I'm sorry. But I just wanted the shoes... Can't you just buy me the shoes?!!!"

"You know, my friend, you might have been able to convince me of your need of a cute pair of ten dollar shoes... but not now."

"But mom..."

"End of story, my son, unless you want all of this to get really ugly."

Needless to say, he finally shut his mouth, realizing that Dad could get involved and he would lose more than a new pair of shoes.

Truth is, I didn't punish him. I didn't even tell his dad...yet. I could tell the minute he realized what he had said, that he really didn't mean to say it. It just slipped out in frustration. We went on to have a good day together, with him apologizing through out the day. He knew that he was wrong. He knew the shoes would still be there next week and that it wasn't worth hurting me over. He never meant to hurt me. He loves me. He needs me. And I'm grownup enough to know that, even when those three words hurt a lot. Being a mom is tough sometimes.

I should thank my son actually.

HUH?

Yep! For I realized that so many times I'm the child throwing the tantrum, asking away for things, and sometimes thinking this faith relationship is too plum hard. But fortunately I have a Heavenly Father who understands I don't mean it. That ugly words and doubts just slip out at times. HE knows I love Him. He knows I need Him. And His grace is a bandage that wraps me tight in love. His forgiveness is the super glue used to fix the cracks in my mommy heart. Thank the Lord for the miracles of forgiveness...

I think I will get off now and go wrap my own son in a hug of the Heavenly Father's grace...

Blessings and prayers, my friends!

May you feel the love of the Lord wrapped around you today!

Little Miss Goody Two Shoes...possibly forever....

The other day, I already posted about having a rough time at the Health department over a TB skin test reading. That story is long gone and over with, in fact the only reason I bring it up at all is because I was MAD. I mean steaming, hot, ready to explode... MAD.

I've cooled down since then and have even forgiven the poor people that work there and have to put up with who knows what all day... yep! I can be nice like that.

Anyhoo, back to why I bring it all up again...

When I was leaving the Health Department that afternoon, I called my hubby. I had to vent. You see, if you know me, then you know that I did not make a scene at the Health Department. I may have asked a few questions and they could probably tell I was not happy, but I left quietly. In fact I went straight to my car, grabbed my cell and called Kev.

I say "Hello. You will never believe what happened to me..." and off I went, venting away. But then I realized something. He had me on speaker phone at work. OH YEAH!

I might need to remind you here, that my hubby is a minister and works at a church, etc...etc...etc...

All of a sudden I hear one of the secretaries say "Kevin, you might want to tell her she is on speaker phone, so she doesn't say anything that might embarrass her later."

Hmm... thank you secretary!

My hubby replies "It is Mich, I don't have to worry about her. She would never say anything questionable."

Awww... I should be happy with that, right? In fact the next day when I was personally at the office, one of the gals complimented me on that, saying that it was awesome that he knew me so well and knew that I would never ever talk bad, even when upset. He could trust me with my mouth.

Yeah, there was a part of me that was thankful I hadn't let my mouth fly wide and let the profanity roll. But, if I am totally honest... I felt like I was in high school again, being called "goody two shoes." Is it possible at almost 40 years of age to still feel all "goodyfied?" (Word check does not like me right now.)

Truth is I did many things in high school that I regret. I went through a rebellious period that was not pleasant for me or my parents. But if I'm honest, profanity was never one of my hang ups. I wasn't the kid who talked one way to my parents and then went to school and used every bad word known to man. I just didn't.

Funny thing is that even when I thought it would be cool and would say a questionable word or phrase, it never came out right. I would end up uncomfortable and embarrassed. I've broken many a commandment, but number three has never been a problem. I even had to describe the theme of my post by using "potty mouth." Do people even still say "potty mouth?"

Move forward...

It is now 2010. I have a daughter who is thirteen and a son that is eleven. I was raised in a time when "shut up" and "stupid" were considered questionable words. (We had all the others too, we just wouldn't say these in front of the parents.) My kids are being raised with cartoons that talk about more than just "silly rabbits" and shows that have teenagers getting pregnant. Am I being too hard on them if I do not want them to say words like "crap," "sucks," "butt," "dang it," and so on...?

If I'm honest, I can't stand the words. I will see the most beautiful lady and then hear her talk and I cringe. nothing bothers me more than hearing a two year old say questionable words...nothing cute about it. Does that mean that I ride people about the words they commonly use or never watch a movie or listen to the radio. No. I know it is there. I know that those few words I mentioned above are used everywhere, by parents and children alike. Some of my favorite movies are unfortunately filled with them. I know I am not the norm. I know my kids probably talk differently when I am not around. I'm not naive...

I just wonder if I'm the only mom out there that feels the stress. I mean, when I was growing up, we had it bad, temptations were all around. I think the difference is that today, kids don't know what to think. They are getting mixed signals. They have no idea what is really right and wrong, because everything looks grey at times. And because there is no respect left in our society, the mouths run more freely these days...among all ages.

So, I guess my question is; "What does it mean to have a potty mouth in the year of 2010?"

I am curious where all of you, my dear friends and mothers of your own darlings stand on this issue. What do you consider a "potty mouth" and worth a good "mouth washing?" Am I being too hard on my kids?

What's for Dinner?

OK, so it is Thursday. The day that makes you smile a little because it is one day past Wednesday and one day closer to the weekend. When did I start living for the weekend...oh yeah, when I went back to work. Anyway, even though it is Thursday night, almost Friday, I still have one more responsibility to see to, before I can sit myself down and relax...

Wait! Sitting at the computer to share with my bloggy buddies does not count as already "relaxing!!!"

And I will not have guilt over my dirty house tonight. I will save that for Saturday! After all, I had a long day of "working hard for the money" and I am certainly going "to treat myself right!" (I use to LOVE Donna Summer back in the day! Oops! Showing my age again!)

Anyhoo, I ran down to the store to see what I could cook for dinner...

I found this...

Ask me if I have guilt over not "slaving" over the stove and cooking a full course meal tonight for the family I love?

Nope.

For I only messed up two pans, four plates, four forks, a serving spoon and four cups.

And the best part is I got to blog while it baked!!! :)

Hey Friends!!! What's for dinner?

Gotta a little "Sunshine" down in my heart...

Does anyone remember that little Christian ditty that we all use to sing at church camp...you know before they had all the lights, videos and bands at camps...back in the day when it would just be the youth leader and his guitar, around the campfire and we would all be singing "kumbaya, my Lord?" That song that went a little something like...

I got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart

WHERE?

Down in my heart

WHERE?

Down in my heart

I got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart

Down in my heart to stay.

And then we would replace the "joy" with other phrases. My favorite was always the "peace that passes understanding."


Anyway, sorry you had to hear me type a little off key and I probably have too many "joys," but hopefully you got the idea anyway...


What is the idea? Truthfully, I have no clue except that I found myself humming it all morning. Funny, huh? And then I got on the computer and found out that I had been given a sweet little award from my friend Kat at Heart 2 Heart. She passed the "sunshine award" my way and it really brightened my day! Thanks friend! Made me want to sing "I've got the sunshine down in my heart." Or maybe I could say "sonshine." :)





Anyway, I'm suppose to pass this little award along, so that it might brighten someone else's day. Oh, how to chose, for I read so many blogs, for so many different reasons, but here is my list and why.


mimi - because it never fails, I post, she comments, no matter the content, she leaves me an encouraging word. And then I visit her blog and manage to laugh, cry and smile with her as I view her online picture album of her beautiful family. Her posts always put a smile on my face.

amber - my sister. She does make me laugh and cry often with her posts, simply because I can feel her heart. I thank God everyday for her and what an inspiration she is to me. (Amb, I'm afraid I couldn't help myself and had a Jim-Dad moment.) Oh, and since I know that my dad will read this, this award especially goes to him, for he is the true encourager and can brighten any one's day with a beautiful comment. I just didn't think he was into the whole bloggy award thing. But if you would like to visit him and read some of his beautiful inspiring words you will find him here.

elaine - WOW! This lady can write and has been blessed with a beautiful gift from the Lord. Her posts always leave me inspired and encouraged.

joyeful - I love reading her posts. From gorgeous pictures of her little darlings, to her heartfelt poetic prayers, to her creativeness, this bloggy girl always makes me smile. She really does have a joyful heart!

kari - This gal and her blog are just plain fun! I especially love her stories... She is a true pick-me-up when you just need a reason to smile.

kristen - I love this girl's spirit... her love for life spills over into her blog and I smile with each word. Whether she is showing off her kiddos or sharing something laid on her heart at church, she shines bright.

andrea - This woman is a true prayer warrior. Her encouraging comments and acknowledgement of prayer on my behalf, always is a true blessing.

Oops! that is more than five, isn't it. I could keep on going...

For those of you I didn't mention, you all really deserve this award too, for anyone who visits me and leaves a sweet encouraging comment from time to time, really does brighten my day...

When I started this online diary of sorts I never imagined what a blessing I would receive from it. Thanks friends for simply being there...

Valentine Hugs...

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love is in the air. A day to celebrate the relationships you have in your life. A day of small tokens of love to be given and remembered. A day to feel very blessed and be thankful for love shared. A day of picture moments that turn into hugs for the soul to cherish always.


Here are a few of my Valentine hugs...



The keeper and protector of my heart...

The "baby doll" that made me understand what unconditional "mommy love" really was, with her first heard heartbeat...

My little man who stole a piece of my heart, with his first cry...

Flowers of beauty. Not only my favorite color, but were bought from a church to raise money for a mission trip to Ecuador. I get to enjoy their beauty now, while others this summer will hear the beautiful sound of my Savior's name for the first time.

The aroma of a warm apple pie, made for me by a loving lady, my mom-in-law. Yummy... Beats candy! Although we all got plenty of that too!!!

Sweet notes of love made with a "sincere" young heart... definitely one of my favorite things!!!

(Only don't say anything to him about it, for all this mushy stuff embarrasses him to no end!!!)

The lesson theme I taught my Kindergartners in Sunday School today. A lesson I need to hear over and over myself...

The fact that Valentine's Day is on Sunday this year means so much. Celebrating the greatest love of all...

(Noted, underlined and emphasized!!!)

Here's wishing you, my friends, a Happy Valentine's Day filled with your own picture moments and lots and lots of hugs...

Blessings...

Rambling Update...

I would like to say first thing, "THANK YOU!" for all the prayers, support and sweet comments left on my last post. I feel blessed.

That being said, I feel like I need to update my last rambling monologue.

Well, it DID FINALLY SNOW. I left work Thursday afternoon to a rainfall of white. I hurried to the store to buy the needed supplies, you know the milk, bread and peanut butter, just in case the electricity went out. The store was CRAZY!!! Everyone having the same idea as me, I guess. I came home, got my camera out and took some pictures. It was BEAUTIFUL.

I then cooked Chicken Spaghetti for dinner. YUMMY!!! We watched the "Survivor." Loved it, because it is all returning players, so I already knew who to cheer for. LOVE Colby from 10 years ago in Australia.

Kevin went out to check the snow...still snowing. He and the kids throw a snowball at each other and then come back in. Plenty of time to play tomorrow, right? It is still coming down...

I woke up early to check the TV for school closings. Our school wasn't listed. I tried another channel, still not there. I went to the computer...NOPE. Surely there must be a mistake. This was like a bad joke on a mommy who didn't want to go to work, with two kids that certainly didn't want to go to school...

We had to bust a move...

We had to do all the stuff we didn't do the night before...

Jordan is mad, while writing names on Valentines. Doesn't help that he sees the schoolbus pass on the "clear" road. He huffs and puffs some more. Kayla decides there is no use in even fixing herself up and declares it a glasses, sweats, ponytail kind of day. (So thankful I made her do her homework last night!) I did the only thing I could in this kind of situation...I TOOK PICTURES FOR MY FRIENDS IN BLOGGYLAND!!! :)

This is my backyard...




Unfortunately this is the road that somehow forgot to freeze on country roads and bridges so school buses could not get through, therefore cancelling school and making my home a HAPPY home this Friday morning.

This is the picture of the four wheeler that caused the whole problem in the first place. I told my hubby it was his fault. (HAD TO BLAME SOMEONE!!!) Just like a woman who carries an umbrella, and therefore it doesn't rain. I told him, since he went to the camp and got the four wheeler, because the roads were going to be bad, that it is his fault the roads were clear. Sounded good to me! :)

Here is a picture of my happy campers. See Jordan is so mad, he isn't even wearing his coat. WAIT! Before you turn me in for being a bad mommy, the coat he wanted to wear was in his dad's truck. They are So HAPPY...




Well, life went on... we went to work and school. I was loaded down with teacher gifts. Nothing like feeling appreciated. Of course my family loved them all, for they were all different kinds of chocolate. For those who don't know, I'm allergic to chocolate, so like I said, MY KIDS WERE HAPPY! Maybe that made up just a little for the lack of snow today.

Oh, did I tell you, the snow was melted by the time they got home from school...

We then, went and took my in-laws their Valentines, because we weren't sure of our Saturday schedule. Roses for Grandma and Chocolates for Papa. Papa said he might give her a bite. :)

For all of you who have prayed for my Mother-in-law, THANKS!!! We appreciate the outpouring of love. She is doing well and is in good spirits. Kevin went with them to the specialist on Thursday. She has a surgery scheduled soon and radiation treatments will follow for now. The mass was small, the size of about half a thumbnail, which is good. However, they do have to go in and remove some more tissue around where it was. This is her second time around going through all of this, so she kind of knows what to expect. Yet, it is never an easy thing. I appreciate you continuing to keep her and the family in your prayers.

After we left the grandparent's house, we parted ways. Kevin and Jordan went to the basketball games, while Kayla and I did a little shopping, then stopped by for some cheese dip from our favorite Mexican restaurant and then curled up in the living room and watched "FAME."

I had been dying to see it. I remember sneaking around watching the show when I was younger, singing the theme song. However, I was kind of let down. Still loved the music and dancing, but I didn't think they let me really get to know the characters, like they did on the old show. So, I'm glad I watched it, for old time sake, and enjoyed a movie night with my favorite gal, but I probably won't buy it. Oh well...

I think I will end this rambling post with a confession. My Girl Scout cookies came in today. Please tell me that half a box is a serving size and meant to be eaten at one time. Oh well, they only come around once a year...

Well, friends, hope you have a beautiful weekend. All of you that still have snow on the ground, throw a snowball or two for me...

Blessings...

Here I go rambling again... (And I have a HUGE prayer request!!!)

So it has been a while since I really shared what was going on in my neck of the woods.



Well, I will tell you what hasn't been going on... SNOW!!! My poor kids keep watching the Arkansas map and realize that half the state has had their share of the white stuff, missing gobs of school, while my kids are still plugging along, making those grades. I keep telling them that when everyone else has to make up those school days, they will have the last laugh. Although Mr. Weatherman did say it might come our way Thursday or Friday, so we shall see...



I just got home from youth group... 107 people there tonight. WOW!!! We are really excited about the growth of our group.



Well, Kayla did pass the dreaded Social Studies test from a few posts back. My "drama queen" knew her stuff evidently well enough to pass. Funny thing is, teacher conferences were this week, so her daddy finally met the "wacky" teacher he had heard so very much about. As he and Kayla were talking to her about Kayla's grades, he asked to know the "breakdown" of what she made. In other words, like a normal dad, he wanted to know why her grade had dropped from an "A" to and 88%. First, the teacher didn't have the breakdown of the grades, and she was the only one he saw that day who didn't and then second, she couldn't tell him what Kayla made on her test. Actually, that isn't quite right... she knew that she made something like a 249 out of 274 (we are not even sure about the numbers), to which the teacher told Kevin and Kayla that they would have to figure it out because she wasn't the math teacher. HUH?!!! Needless to say she didn't leave a very good first impression with my hubby.



We had our big fundraiser for camp this weekend. Exciting. We have a Mayberry dinner theater. We served steak and potato and then had this drama group from Mississippi come in and perform. It was a lot of fun. The kids made around two thousand dollars in tips. Not sure about how much they made off the tickets. The countdown to camp has started. Love youth camp!!!



Here is a picture of Kayla and I at the Mayberry dinner. Yes, I look tired...because I WAS!!! Anyway, my hair is pulled back, but you can kind of get an idea of the new hair color. A little darker, brighter highlights. I will have to try and remember to take a "good" picture, when my hair is "fixed." I'm still not sure if I "love" the new do, yet. AND YES! I AM STARTING TO SEE HOW MUCH SHE LOOKS LIKE ME!!! (By the way, we had to wear white, with bluejeans.)










Oh, I almost forgot. The progress reports came out. The grades are in. Kayla made all "A's" and the one "B" in Social Studies. Jordan made all "A's" except for an 88% in Math. Very proud of my young chickeroos.

Shhh... I feel like I need to whisper even in my thoughts. I can't believe it but I can hear my kids having a conversation in the next room. They are actually sharing, talking...NOT FIGHTING!!! Oh, they do love each other after all!!! What that does to a mommy's heart!

Last, but certainly not least, I had asked for prayer a few posts back for my dear mother-in-law. She got her test results today and the mass was cancer. I am not sure what the road ahead looks like, but I know the journey will not be easy. Please keep her in your prayers as well as our family.

Blessings freinds! I am so thankful for the extra loving support I find here everyday. Thanks for letting me vent. Thanks for laughing with me on this journey we call life. Thanks for being prayer warriors on my behalf. I am blessed to have met you!!!

Broken into Beautiful

Today was just a normal day. However, on my CD player a song came on that literally spoke to my heart. It held one of those beautiful messages that just brings about healing for the soul, as if God inspired the words just for me. It was sung by Mandisa and the song was called "Broken Into Beautiful." So I came home and YouTubed it. I couldn't find Mandisa singing it, but did manage to find another video of the song.

So, if you are a mom (or dad) who sometimes feels overwhelmed, stressed, useless and totally unworthy at times, this song is for you. Listen to it and feel the healing power of God's grace sweep over you.

Hope you are having a beautiful week wrapped in the Heavenly Father's love...

Delight...

Delight thyself in the Lord; and He shall give you the desires of thine heart. Psalm 37:4

To "delight"means to:

to please, give pleasure to or be pleasing to

a feeling of extreme pleasure or satisfaction

joy: something or someone that provides a source of happiness

I pray that I will "delight" in the Lord. I know that when I am resting in His tender loving care, that His desires become my own. Leading to pure joy and rest.

Drama... A Brother's Definition

OK, I realize that this may just be one of those "you had to be there" moments and that unless you know my children personally, you may not think this is funny at all. However, I'm going to tell my little story anyway. Just pretend you thought it was cute and giggle a little and I'll be a happy camper.

Anyway, my daughter, bless her little heart has a BIG social studies test tomorrow. The teacher, is making Kayla take it, even though she missed the last two days of school, because of the tummy bug. So Kayla missed the class lectures and has a NINE page study guide which she got today. HELP! She is really is a nervous wreck...

I did what any good mom would do and told her to just do her best and try not to worry and then helped her study. It was over Greek Mythology and a bunch of other Greek history... anyone feeling her pain about now? So here we are learning everything from Greek gods, to Alexander the Great to Plato. Yep! Really fun stuff and a lot of it too! (Already praying...)

So, I was going along asking her questions from her study guide, when I asked her what the word "Drama" meant. At that precise moment Jordan walks in the room. Upon seeing his sister struggling with the correct wording for the definition he exclaimed without missing a beat;

"Kayla, that's an easy one... the answer is YOU!"

Between the look on Kayla's face and his quick smarty pants remark, I was in tears from laughing so hard. In fact it was so spontaneous that even Kayla herself smiled.

(For family knows that Kayla is the DRAMA QUEEN of the family. Have NO idea where she gets it from either! :) Can I blame it on my sister? HEE! HEE!)

Just one of those priceless moments in a sibling's life...

But then, I guess you had to be there.

Lord, I thank you every day for the smiles my children bring me. What did I ever do to deserve such blessings?!!!

What to do with the key to happiness...

I know you probably thought I was going to have some great tidbits of wisdom from the title of this post, but actually I just wanted a little help from my friends...literally.

I posted a few days back about going to the flea markets in town with my daughter. We love looking for little treasures here and there. I found an old chest that I LOVED, but I didn't want to fork over the 60 buckaroos at this time. Maybe if it is still there in the future I might... Well, anyway, as I said before, I love a bargain, I love things that have a history, I love things that are old and have a story of their own to tell.

Well, I found me a little something the other night. I saw them, loved them, bought them. They cost me a little over ten dollars. They are old and rusty. They look like they have a story to tell. Who knows, they may have been made this year and just made to look old, but either way I thought they were cool.

What did I get?

What do you think? Can you read what the one key says?

Anyway, now that I have them, I'm debating on what to do with them. What do you think? Any suggestions? I would love to hear them...

Hmm... I now can say I hold the key to "happiness." "Hee! Hee! Good thing I really and truly know what that really is. I think that is why I like the keys in the first place...just another reminder of who really does hold the keys to life. So thankful I believe in the power of the Almighty God himself.

Prayers and blessings...

The hubby borrows my "Supermom" cape!!!

First things first...


My little girl is sick. Well, actually she is not so little anymore, but of course she will always be my girl. Anyway, she officially came down with the tummy bug early this morning at around 3:00 a.m. It was weird, because I woke up sensing that something was wrong, and then all of a sudden I heard the "Mom!" from the hall bathroom. So I grabbed my "Supermom" cape, and flew to her side...well actually I stumbled in the dark and then had to backtrack to find my glasses, but I finally made it. Of course, now that she is older, I'm really just there for moral support and to wipe the brow with a warm cloth, but hey, I can honestly say I did it like a pro.

She was then tucked into her bed, nice and cozy. With a bottle of water (check!), a comfy blanket (check!), a bucket by the bed (check! check!) and the lamp light left on, she quietly closed her eyes and I stumbled my way back to my bed. I laid my head on the pillow, shut my eyes for what seemed like just seconds (it was actually thirty minutes) when I heard "Mom!" Once again I made the journey in the dark to the light filtering from the bathroom. Once again, I stood and wiped in moral support. Once again, I tucked her into bed. Once again I laid my head on the pillow. Not sure how many times... but seconds later the alarm clock makes it's presence known. UGH!!!

With tired eyes...shoot! with tired EVERYTHING, I hurriedly got dressed and ready for work. And I had to bust a move, for I honestly slapped my clock a half dozen times before I could manage to swing my feet to the floor. I'm surprised that I didn't kill the thing. Can anything be more annoying than an alarm clock in the early morning?!!! And then when I couldn't get the thing turned off due to the sticky Koolaid residue... well let us just say, the clock should be counting it's blessings right now, thankful to be still alive and ticking!!!

I then went to work. Everyone was cranky! Everyone is fighting getting sick. I literally got thrown up on twice. I don't get paid enough to be thrown up on by someone elses child...I could have been at home today and done it for free!!! I told my coworker to spray me down with Lysol. I may one day contract something from inhaling so much Lysol. But at least I can say I am technically germ free. I also had to change a poopy diaper that was anything thing but solid. You know the kind that leaks out the side of the diaper and gets EVERYWHERE?!!! Yep! It was one of those days!!!

But then, the most amazing thing happened. I went home for lunch, after stopping by the store for soup, crackers and Gatorade for my baby doll. Upon entering the house, I realized that something had transpired while I was away. The hubby had borrowed my "Super Mom" cape. While I was away at work, he had not only taken care of our sick one (he was a sweetheart for staying home from work this morning to keep an eye on her), but he was inspired to clean my kitchen, and do some laundry.

Hello? You guys still there? I know you must all be sitting silent in total shock. I mean, I am one blessed gal, and I know it, but it would have been so easy for this daddy to rest a little more in his big, comfy, recliner this morning, saying the "cape" just wasn't his size at all. Kudos to the Kev!!! I can't begin to tell you how giddy I was... Of course he still owed me for saving him last night from a lifetime of embarrassment and my hubby doesn't embarrass easy. I'm still giggling over the splitting pants... Hee! Hee! Hee!

Anyway, the baby girl is on the mend. She finally made her way out of bed an hour ago and is chugging away on some orange Gatorade and downing a few saltines. She received a phone call from a friend a few minutes ago, and there was laughter, so maybe things are looking up...

So, since my kitchen is already clean, and I only got a precious very few hours of sleep last night, I think I will let the cape rest. I could spend the night debating on how I could get the hubby to borrow and use it's super powers more often. But, I think I will just blissfully enjoy the moment.

Although I think the cape looks mighty fine on him. Mighty fine indeed... :)

Rambling...

So Mich, what is up with you lately?

Well, friend, I am so glad you asked...NOTHING.

I spent the weekend either sick or resting. Thanking the Lord that I am better today.

I got my hair done Saturday. Same old style, just a darker shade. Still not use to the darker highlights next to my face. Hmm...

Went to work today, "crying" seemed to be the order of the day. But God was good, for I, believe it or not had lots of patience today. Scary. I wonder what He is gearing me up for.

Our church called an interim pastor, which is great. Takes some of the extra pressure off the hubby. Now our church can start looking for the pastor God has for us.

One of the girls in our youth group, who graduated last year, found out she is pregnant. My heart breaks for her and the hard journey that lays ahead. But, I am going to love on her constantly and remind her that she is not alone. Other than that I feel helpless. Like a second mom, who somehow failed a little in her counsel of this young one. Lord, wrap this child of your in your arms today, for she is so very scared and mad at herself right now.

My daughter and I went to the flea markets in town after I got off work. Love browsing the aisle, looking through other peoples trash and discards and finding treasures. I'm picky in what I buy, but I love pieces that have character, tell a story of their history and just make me smile. My house is not matchy matchy. I surround myself with things that I like and somehow they just go together. The older the piece, the better, I say. Except for the couches and chairs. I really could use a new couch...

Kayla on our little shopping spree, found a booth with jewelry that was all marked a dollar. The girl went wild. As I have said before, she is quirky in her fashion sense, but somehow it all seems to flow.

The guys are at Upward, our basketball program at church. Jordan is loving it. I think anytime you can mix learning scripture with a sport your child loves, then it is GREAT.

Since the guys are gone and it is "fend for yourself" for dinner, night at our house, I think I will go put the pj's on, curl up in the big chair, with a big bowl of cereal and watch my shows. Yep, I must admit my weakness, but the Bachelor has me hooked this year. This guy means business, he keeps sending the girls home, left and right and that fascinates me. So, Monday I'm hooked.

Oops! Kev just called. I have to be "Super wife" and go rescue him. I think he said he needs me to bring him some clothes...something about splitting his pants. Hee! Hee! that happened to me just the other day. My favorite jeans. You know the ones that you have had forever and a day, they are so very soft and have holes at all the right places? Yep! They finally said "bye! bye!" I miss them... Nothing like comfort clothes. Have I told you about...

Oh, almost forgot! Sorry honey, just chatting with my friends... Super wife to the rescue...

Now what did I do with my cape?