A Question and a Quote

We have been soooo extremely busy around here that I haven't had a chance to post since Sunday but I have of course made time to "blog lurk" or sometimes I feel like I am "blog stalking" anyway I probably would not have been sooooo busy if I took that little part of my last couple of days out.

Here is my question...
Does the pool count as a bath?

Here is my quote....
Raising Teenagers is like trying to nail Jello to a tree.

Having given this quote I must add that I adore my teen it's just, I never know who I am going to wake up to in the morning. His mood can be the best ever and 5 minutes later I am convinced that aliens invaded his body. :) Oh no!!! I just realized that this must be how my husband feels about me during a certain week out of the month, ouch! I better work on that, but back to teens. I have learned that if he wants to talk I better be ready because the first time I say no he won't come again. I have also learned, and really this applies to everyone. When they deserve to be loved the very least is when they need it the very most.(from Mom's bible study teacher, Jean) Chew on that for a minute and think when you might be having a really bad day and you have spoken unkindly to your husband don't you just really want a hug and someone to say it's gonna be all right?

It is a very interesting season of life I am in right now. I have a 3 yr old, a 5 yr old and 14 yr old. One starting K-5 and one starting High School. The little ones are so much fun but can keep me physically drained. The teen is so much fun but can keep me emotionally drained. Bottom line is I am drained and God has a keen sense of humor.. He is the only way I can make it through these days. :)

Blessings

Extra,Extra, Read all about it!!

I have been up for about 3o mins. just puttering around the house and lurking at blogs while everyone else here is sleeping. I know very soon the hustle and bustle of Sunday morning will begin and we will do our best to get out the door to church on time, with clean clothes, and happy hearts or at least that is what I always pray for.

As I was puttering around I thought I should probably get the newspaper for my dh. Now I don't know about you but I have this thing about getting the newspaper. I'll just say it I am flat out lazy about it and I just don't get it in the morning. If my dh is not running behind he will get it and read it with breakfast, otherwise it sits at the bottom of the drive way getting run over several times a day by my car and being beaten with the harsh summer sun. My dh will arrive home from work with the newspaper in hand so that he can read it. He has never asked why I don't get it he just gets it and proceeds to read the even flatter, yellow, dried out (almost crusty) version of the days news. Like that newspaper my bible often sits there on the desk not being picked up and read. When it sits there to long my heart begins to yellow, flatten and get crusty. How easy would it be to just pick it up and read God's wonderful, beautiful, love letter to me, yet it sits there because I have too much to do that morning.... I'll do it later.... then later comes and it doesn't get opened. Newspapers are words of information for that day yet the bible is life that is breathed into me with every word I read. Why would I pass that up? Father forgive me for thinking I am too busy and give me the desire to stop even for a few minutes to read your precious word so that my heart may be full and my actions will be pleasing and acceptable to you.

I think I will go get that newspaper, sit down with a drink and read my bible to prepare for this day.

Blessings

Oh, Where is my Hairbrush???

If any of you have seen Veggie Tales you have heard Larry the cucumber sing the song, Oh, where is my hairbrush? I must tell you that my dh and I share a hairbrush. I don't know how it evolved into that but after I lost mine several years ago I took a liking to his and we have shared it ever since. The only time we have a problem with sharing a brush is when one of us travels. I hate to admit it but I am HIGH maintainence when it comes to my hair so we have made an unwritten rule that if he is traveling for soccer tournaments with my son he has to leave the brush because any brush will do when you will probably wear a hat any way. When he travels for work of course I want him to take the one he likes best so it goes with him and I make do. Well I have to shout a big Thank you to my darling husband!!!! He left last night for California on a business trip and guess what I found in the bathroom this morning? I am sure you guessed it.... the shared hairbrush. What a sacrifice!!!! I am serious we are both passionate about this old plastic blue hairbrush.(crazy huh) Some ladies need flowers and romancing not me... just leave me my brush. :) Thanks dh you're the best!!!

(hey, at least it's not a toothbrush!!)

On to a teeny weeny lighter note.... my goal of 3 pounds this week was not achieved in fact I was far from it. I only lost .4 and for a first week on any diet that is pretty lame. I thought I was doing so good but I totally forgot some really important things I ate like, almost 1/2 bag of carmels, some cake and a little sausage stuff, you got the picture. Irregardless, I am pleased with a loss and plan to be more aggressive in my journaling this week.

Blessings

To Sell or Not To Sell??????

We had our house on the market for about 4 months, took it off for 3 months, put it back on for 3 months and now it has been off for 2 months. We did have a serious offer but they wanted us out too soon and we did not have another house picked out yet. This is the beauty of not having to move, you really can choose to say no. This is also a nightmare for our poor realtor. We have lived here a little over 15 years. It is a great house, it really does accomidate our family well. We live in a sub-division but our home backs up to a very well kept field with trees and a lot of space. ( the picture is of part of our yard and part of the field) We feel like we have the best of both worlds, a sub-division with neighbors yet when we are out back we feel like we are in the country. We are centrally located to just about everything we do and to my inlaws so I have to wonder if everything is so wonderful why on earth would we sell? Well I can't answer that question except to say maybe we just need(want) a change, something different to sort of begin another chapter of life in? I find it so hard to justify a want when it is not necessarily a need. I know we don't ever want to be house poor. I don't want to look at my children when they ask if they can do something and have to say to them no, too much money, lets just look at our pretty house. Decisions, decisions, oh well so much to think about, lots to pray about, and plenty to do. And so the saga continues........ to sell or not to sell?.......

On a hopefully "lighter" note. My weight watchers has been going well this week. I can't wait to weigh in on Thurs. My goal was 3 pounds seeing as it is my first week back in a while. Normally I will just be very thankful for a loss no matter what it is.

Have a great day!!

Blessings

Some of my flowers

I just wanted to share some of the flowers we have growing. We love to plant, water and watch things grow. My fil is a master gardner so he has given us a lot of plants and flowers over the years. I like to say I am going shopping when I go to their house because he is always ready and willing to give me a clipping of something. It is really neat to see things come back every spring. The new growth after a cold winter is so wonderful to watch. It is as if we are watching the birth of a new season. While I love to plant I hate to weed. I not only hate to weed in the garden I hate to weed my life of all the yucky stuff that I let grow inside and around me. Sometimes when I see grass growing inside the flower beds I try to pull it out knowing I am only getting the surface and for a while the flowers will remain pretty but underneath the grass is just growing thicker and will eventually choke out the pretty flowers. So many times I just tackle things surface level in my life and then before I know it I am being choked by the growing stuff underneath. Father may I only let good grow in my life and not let the roots of bitterness, anger, unhealthy friendships and such determine who I am.

1Peter 1:15-16 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written:"Be holy, because I am holy."

Blessings

Happy Birthday Aunt Pauline/ Just a few things

First I want to wish Aunt Pauline a Happy Birthday. She lives in Georgia and is a professor for one of the colleges there. She is extremely talented very theatrical. This is an old picture of her but you would never know it she really does look exactly the same. We hope you have a great day. :)

Here are just a few pictures of things in my home that keep me reminded of the one whom I belong to and his word. I love these tiles and the cute local store that sells them. I could spend a fortune there.

Blessings

Sunny Day inside and out

What a yucky post yesterday. I know that when I get that way I need to serve others because it quickly takes my mind off myself. I have a friend that is moving and I offered to keep her little boy while the packers were there. I also read some blogs and boy the things people are having to endure, from divorce, drownings, parents in ill health, I really was immediately brought back to reality and how grateful I am for all that the Lord has blessed me with and the fact that right now I am not in a valley is wonderful. My pastor used to say if you are not in a storm you either just got out of one or one is about to come so take the time out of the storm to prepare in his word for the next one. I woke up early and am ready to go to Weight Watchers to get back on track. I have found a few blogs about peoples journey to weight loss and they have been very encouraging to give me that extra push I needed.

When we went to pick up my oldest son at soccer camp we walked around the campus of Mississippi State and took the little ones to see the football stadium. We also drove to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to see the Bear Bryant Museum. It was really nice and all that he accomplished during his years at Alabama was incredible. These pictures are from that little trip. Hope this is a great day for all of you.

Blessings

Raining while it is sunny

Ever have one of those days when it is a beautiful day outside yet you feel like it is raining on the inside? That' s the kind of day I am having. I can't seem to shake it. I know have so many things to be sooooo Thankful for and I am I just feel a little blue. I don't really have a specific reason. I can't seem to get my day started. Don't even really want to get dressed, just want to get back into bed pull the covers over my head. Days like this are really a waist of precious God-given time . My head knows what I need to do but the body is not willing. I guess it is sort of a pity party which really are never any fun because you are all alone and no one brings any food. :) Oh well, this too shall pass. Maybe I just need a Venti Carmel Frap. from Starbucks, yeah that's probably it.
Hope your day is sunny all over,
Blessings

Good or Bad?

Okay I have to admit that there are really a lot of things that I don't know about. A LOT!! One thing that I have never learned is how to detect a good cantaloupe or watermelon. I have bought my share of really bad fruits. Now I obviously know not to buy it if it is mushy but beyond the "mushy meter" I just can't tell. I was at the store the other day and I saw a woman thump a cantaloupe. I watched closely as I thought this might be the day I find out the secrets to good fruit inspection. She thumped it with her fingers. I waited and saw her thump a few more than she carefully picked up the "Chosen" one. I still did not know what made that one better than the rest but I thought I would give it a try. After she walked away I scanned the area to make sure no one was around and I began thumping the canteloupes. Guess what? Nothing happened. I heard nothing, I saw nothing but any one that may have viewed my escapade would not have been the wiser. Because I thumped and nothing thumped back I decided I had the right one. Bought it went home and it was bad. I guess I will continue to seek out the answer to fruit inspection but I know one who is an expert on that and that is our Lord. When he thumps me I quickly know what is inside and so does everyone else. Do I complain and have a pitty party? Do I run to my phone rather than the throne? Or do I quietly tell the Lord that I will endure all that he has for me knowing that it will grow me closer to him and accept the trial gracefully. I am thinking about all of these answers and I would have to say that mostly I complain.
Forgive me Father. I know my inside doesn't always match my outside. I pray that next time you are doing "fruit inspections" I will "pass" and be worthy of a "Well done good and faithful servant."
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience. kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 6:22-23
Blessings

"I want to be like him"

As I have posted earlier my oldest son is in Starkville, Ms for Soccer camp. My middle son was excited that he would be gone because it means he can go in Chandler's room and wear his stuff and sleep in his bed. Basically he has outwardly transformed himself into Chandler. Of course the clothes are a little big seeing as there are 9 years difference between the two but that does not matter to Carson he is just in heaven pretending that he is his older brother. As I ponder on the events of the last two days watching Carson I realize that really I am no different than he is. If I am really honest I would have to admit that there are people that sometimes I want to be. A skinny attractive person, a spiritually more mature person, a better mom, a better wife, a better friend, a better housekeeper, a better dresser. There are so many qualities that I wish I had that when I see someone that has just one of these qualities I am fooled quickly by the enemy into thinking that she must have all of the qualities that I desire. She must have it "all together". While I might be able to outwardly display some of the appearances and qualities of this "all together" woman I will never be her. Just as Carson is pretending to be Chandler he will always be Carson, uniquely made by the Father. These past few days have been a gentle reminder that I too am uniquely created by the God of the universe how dare I compare myself to anyone else. Do I think God makes mistakes? Absolutely not!!! He knew me before I was born and formed me in my mother's womb as He did all of us. I pray that I will ponder only on the truths of the bible and God's word and not the lies of the enemy.
Blessings

Happy Birthday Adam/ Soccer & Mothering

Well it has been pretty busy around here so I have not had a chance to blog but I have had a chance to lurk at other blogs which is always fun. First, today is my nephew, Adam's, birthday. Happy Birthday Adam. He is the one I have been telling you is going to be deployed over seas very soon. I found this picture of him and my niece at Halloween dressed as an army guy and then I have his current picture as a Real Army guy. I hope you have a great day Adam:)
Second, we have been in Starkville, Mississippi for Olympic Development Camp (soccer) to watch our oldest sons last 2 days of camp and then bring him home. Well he was chosen with 35 other players from different states to be held over and stay til Sunday to train with the regional coaches. This was out of 360 players. We are very proud. We also feel very blessed. He has been at this camp the last 2 years and has not been chosen to even play in a pool game which is where they evaluate each states games and choose players to be on one of two teams that play each other for further evaluation. This year we prayed that he would make it to a pool game and the Lord answered our prayer with 3pool games. I was still surprised when they called him to stay over. They choose the regional team from these 36. Anything after that first pool game was just gravy to him and us. We are praying that he do his very best that is all we can ask for at this point. There was really a lot of talent out of North Carolina and Florida. It was fun to watch these games and see our child excel in something that he has worked so hard to do. As a mom though, my heart ached as he walked to his dorm. We were told that he was now under the authority of the regional coaches and he was gone. We barely had any contact with him during the camp and now we had minimal contact with him before he was moved to the next dorm. It was glimpse for me as to what life will be like when he goes to college. This whole natural pulling away stuff is killing me. Mothering is the only job that you work yourself out of and I am not liking that too much. I think about how I just wanted to sit and talk to him and have him tell me everything that happened this week, how he was feeling and all then I am gently reminded that this is what the Father wants with me. He is patiently waiting to talk with me and hear my desires and concerns but often times I am too busy to make the time, Oh Father forgive me.
Remember he is waiting for you too. Sit with Him and be refreshed as we go into our busy day.:)
Blessings

Nothing too exciting going on around here today. My sister, Sandy and her family left early this morning for a quick stop to Starbucks and then a long 9 hour drive back to their home. We enjoyed getting to see them even if for a short while. :) My dh and oldest son left for olympic development soccer camp this morning and the little ones and I went to church. We have been home with the blinds closed and doing nothing except for watching tv and playing cards. Trying to keep it really low key today.
We spent yesterday at my in laws a going away of sorts for my nephew, Adam. He is in the Army and will be stationed overseas. He is leaving for training this week for a month and then he will leave the states. It was very hard to say good bye. In the bible it says that we are not promised tomorrow(proverbs 27:1) I am guilty of living my life just the opposite. I am guilty of thinking that I'll mend that relationship tomorrow, I'll write that note or make that call tomorrow and I know that the Lord could call me home at any moment yet I still live that way. Having to say good bye to my nephew really reminds me of that verse. I have been and will continue to pray fervently for him and his safety but I need to remember that I too have people here in my home, extended family members and friends that need to be prayed for fervently just to get through another day and sometimes just to make it through another moment. Maybe they are not facing being in a country full of enemies but they face the enemy of anger and bitterness, lonliness, fear, being led away from the Lord and his holiness, and living a life full of selfishness and discontent. So as I have commited to pray for Adam as he is off fighting for our country I am also going to commit to pray for myself, family and friends, that we will lead lives that are pleasing to the Lord and though we will have struggles I will pray that the Lord will give us peace and endurance to make it through those struggles.
I was looking in the book of Psalm in the bible and I came across these verses. I will leave you with them:
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. he alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2
Blessings

Some pictures from the 4th

Here are some pictures of the 4th at my in laws house. The kids really love the pool. They also like feeding the fish in Pepere's pond.
Blessings

Happy Birthday Helene

Just want to wish my sister in law, Helene, a great birthday. Helene is a high school teacher and really enjoys it but I am know she also enjoys her summers off:)
She keeps the most immaculate house. She is in the process of redecorating her living room and so far all the furniture it in she is just waiting on accents. It looks great as it is right now. I am so sure she will appreciate the photos of her, one as a child and the other her high school graduation picture. :) :)

We spent yesterday at my mother in laws house. The pool looked so inviting, everyone swam but me. Just one of those days when I could not get in. I am sure I will be swimming this weekend though. I fixed one of my broken cameras and took tons of pictures. I had them put on discs and had a horrible time last not just trying to save them to my computer. Hopefully I will figure it out today.

The following verse has just played over in my head since last night. I thought I'd share it with you.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
I hope you all have a great day in the Lord.
Blessings

Check out my Slide Show!

Happy 4th/Vacation

I hope everyone has a great 4th. We went to the fireworks presentation here in our town last night. They had music, food, fireworks and tons of people. We, however, waited til dark and drove over and found a great parking space, watched the fireworks, and probably made it home before most people made it to their cars. The kids loved it and minus the mosquitos flying into my van, so did I.
My digital camera is broken so I used a store bought one for our vacation and finally got the pictures back last night. I thought I'd post about that even though we have been home well over a week. We went to Hilton Head, Sc. My sister in law and brother in law have a condo there and let us use it. On our way down we stopped at my sister, Sandy's house and picked up my nephew Austin. He really gave my oldest some much needed company as my two younger ones are 9 and 10 years younger than him. The condo was a great with plenty of space and had everything we needed. It was located right on a golf course. The resort had a service where you called the dunebuggy office and told them you needed a ride to the beach and within 5 minutes a van arrived with a driver that helped you load your stuff in and drove you to the beach. The same on the way back. I can't believe we went to the beach and left with absolutely NO SAND in my van!!! We had to cut our stay a little short because of the soccer Regionals so we really soaked in the beach everyday that we were there. My dh took the kids to play minature golf one day. The last night we were there we took a trolley down to Sea Pines and walked up a light house. This area had plenty of little shops, music, and a huge playground for the kids. It was very family friendly. We loved it and hope to go back soon. Thanks Diane and Jimmy for letting us enjoy your condo:)
I pray you all have a blessed day and remember all the blessings the Lord has given us on this very special day in our country.
Blessings,

Just another busy day/Happy Anniversary Helene & Bruce

Well the guys came back from Oklahoma and were really excited to have at least won a game. They finished 1-0-2 but it was a good time once the rain stopped. My dh was able to get some great pictures. Here is one that one of the photographers took during the game against Texas. My sister and her family passed through on their way to Nebraska. They spent 2 nights with us. On their way back they are going to stay 2 nights again. My kids love to have their cousins around. They all played baseball all day yesterday with my dh and their Uncle Steven. Our dog, Dallas, would catch the ball and chase down the runner. She got a lot of them out. It was pretty funny to watch.
We have already been to the Doctor this morning for my oldest son. Then we had to drop of perscritions. We then hurried to the local bookstore to pick up the required summer reading for school. Hey the book only has 537 pages, piece of cake, especially for a kiddo who is not very fond of reading.
My sister in law and brother in law are celebrating their 33rd anniversary today. We hope it is a sweet day for both of you. :)
Blessings