Things That I Love

Pinterest.  At least this one's semi-productive.  There are all kinds of ideas on this website, but be prepared to spend a LOT of time looking.  I only do it when my kids are in bed or occupied with something else. 

Beth Sansone.  She is the most amazing teacher.  E.V.E.R.  Today she asked me to be the Elf on a shelf she has in her room.  Oh, the fun!!!  That naughty Elf stacked chairs on kids' desks, tipped over Mrs. Sansone's chair, scattered water bottles, threw a yoga ball away...he was one naughty little fella!

Time with the boys after school.  Right now, Drew and I are enjoying a nice conversation.  He's telling me what they're doing tonight in youth.  Which happens to be the wheel of doom.  Think Fear Factor...and that's what they're doing tonight.  :)  I love our church.

Bible study.  I am so thankful for a group of ladies that continue to meet!!!  I already know that after Christmas, we're starting Beth Moore's newest one.  James: Mercy Triumphs.  :)

My amazing family.  I love my parents (all 6 of them).  And my step parents.  And my sisters.  And my niece and nephews. 

Cold weather.  I am telling you...I could live in Alaska, and I would be in Heaven. 

Well...I gotta fix dinner.  Love to all. 

What's More Important?

A perfect house, or a messy one filled with laughter and love?
Time with family, or time spent doing trivial things?
Taking the time and participating in traditions, or making sure everyone is in bed on time every night?

I am only asking these rhetorically.  Of course, I know which is more important in each question, but my point is this: I have to remind myself of this daily.  I so easily get "sucked in" to needing to have a spotless really clean house.  I also feel the need to spend countless amounts of time doing things that don't matter.  Facebook, blogging, reading...instead of spending quality time with my kids.  Doing things that they ask me...like reading their favorite stories to them, or taking them to the library, or for ice cream...things like that.

My goal is to say "yes" more to them.  Like when they beg if they can please, please, please sleep in the playroom, because it's a special night.  Yes.  Or when they want me to make them hot chocolate.  Yes.  Or when they want to leave the house at 7:30 with a cat and both the dogs and go drive around looking at Christmas lights.  Yes. 

Get my drift? 

I'm nowhere near the perfect mom.  I say " no" too much.  I am guilty of all the things I listed above.  I pray every single day that I will enjoy the moment I am in with my kids...and I thank God that I have them here on earth with me.  I don't ever want to take a moment for granted.  Not one single moment.

 Do you want to join me in saying "yes" more?  This is the perfect time of year to start.  Why not start some new traditions?  I know that before long, these days will be nothing but a memory.  Why not live a little?

Love to all. 

:-(

I'm sad because our blessed Thanksgiving break is over.  It was, indeed, blessed.  The day was so incredibly peaceful.  I woke up to the sound of Crash whimpering at 6:30, so I took advantage of the time alone and got a jump start on breakfast.  I enjoyed some coffee by my lonesome and did some praying...mostly, some thanking. 

The family started coming downstairs one by one, and slowly, our day began.  We watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, and before we knew it, it was time to go to my sister's. 

Where we ate way too much.  But it was oh so yummy!

We went to some friends' house for that night...our friends David and Sunny invited us out to her mom's house.  It was a nice touch being with friends on that day...and there were lots of kids there, so of course, they all had a blast. 

The next day we decked our halls.  :-)  We ended the day at Zoo Lights, which was amazing this year. 

The whole break went like that, though...unrushed, peaceful, and full of quality family time.  We are so blessed. 

And then, at church yesterday, we had communion...which was the perfect end to this time off.  I absolutely love the way Brother Chuck does communion at our church.  He makes the whole service about the importance of communion, and I have never taken it there without crying.  I'm pretty sure the people next to me thought I was loco.  I was doing really well with keeping the tears in, until he had us close our eyes to pray.  The minute that my eyes closed, the tears started falling.  And falling and falling. 

It was just so touching, and I really felt an anointing in the sanctuary.  It's always so reverent.  It's a beautiful time together, as a church body. 

So, I think I'll end on that note.  And maybe my sad face title should be a happy face.  Because, really, God is so good.  I can't even comprehend His goodness sometimes.  But He loves us faithfully, unconditionally and completely. 

Spend some time with Him today...and be blessed.  Love to all. 

traditions

I love them.  I have my favorites that we do during this time of year.  Do you? 

What are yours?

One of ours started last night.  We celebrated Thanksgiving with my Dad and Sandy.  We always go out to his house the Friday after Thanksgiving at around four and eat an early dinner.  The boys always play football outside while we clean up inside, and they walk around, admiring his thousands of Christmas lights.  After everything is cleaned and leftovers have been divided, we head to the Zoo for Zoo Lights.  And last night, we were not disappointed.

They were beautiful.  It seemed so much better this year...so if you are thinking about going, then I encourage you to go.  There were more lights, I think maybe because News Channel 3 sponsored it, and there didn't even seem to be that many people there.  I'm sure there were...but it didn't seem like it.  They used to give carriage rides, but when they brought in the ice skating rink they did away with that and made the tram free for everyone.

It was wonderful.  :)

Some more of my traditions start this week.  Tuesday night is the Christmas tree lighting on the square, and Friday night is our parade.  I'm bummed because Todd is working on Tuesday night.  He even asked me about it ahead of time, but I answered without looking at my calendar.  I don't know if he can change it or not, but I'm going to see if he can.  If he can, then great.  If not...then we'll be okay, although I will miss him.  (Sniff, sniff.)

I'm hoping to see my best friend this week...I might ask if her and her kids will go with us Tuesday night if Todd can't change it and if her husband is working.  I know her daughter is older...but I ran into them last year, so hopefully that will work out. 

So yesterday was the most wonderful day ever.  :)  My sweet hubby started helping me get Christmas decorations out of our attic the minute he was dressed.  (He'd gone out at eleven and again at one-something, not returning until three a.m.)  We got most of it done...the important stuff, anyway.  Our tree is up and all the living room is finished.  I have some tweaking to do in the kitchen and dining room, and we have to put up our staircase bannister holly and get the outside finished.  And I need to pull out the Christmas dishes.  :)  I love this time of year!  Love, love, love it.  It is my most favorite. 

Speaking of this time of year, I recently heard about a book that I'm going to buy today.  It's called Untangling Christmas.  You can go HERE to take a look and see what's about, if you're interested. 

It's all about getting organized and realizing and focusing on what is important this Christmas season.  There's even a section on "traditions" and some ideas for new ones. 

Right up my alley. 

Some of our other traditions include driving around looking at Christmas lights, and special seasonal events that will (hopefully) take place at our (still kinda new) church. 

What are some of your traditions? 

Feel free to share them.

Until then...I have to go.  I have pies in the oven for some of our shut-ins from church.  We're delivering Thanksgiving meals to them today. 

Enjoy your day!  Love to all!

black friday, schmack friday

I don't get what the big deal is about black Friday.  All I do know is that I heard a lot of talk about this today.  Much more about this subject, in fact, than about the love of Jesus.  That makes my heart so incredibly sad. 

I kept on thinking to myself, "What if people got this excited about sharing the love of God?  What if we made it a planned effort to make sure people did know about Him?"  Or what if, at the very least, we let people see Him alive in us?  In the way we live, speak, think, and act?

I'm not bashing black Friday...at least I don't mean to.  I know that it is super exciting for some people to save so much money on some big ticket Christmas gifts.  But the whole thought of all of it just makes me more than a little sad. 

When did finding the perfect gift take such priority in our lives?  When did conversations revolve around asking everyone what they wanted for "the big day"?  What ever happened to just giving a gift...and if you liked it, great...and if not, then you'd better act like you did?

I guess I'm like this because I don't like to shop.  I know for some people it's a rush, saving all that money, and there have been years that Todd has participated in those deals.  I never have...because of my dislike of shopping.  And those years, it was great that Todd could save money, so that it stretched what we had to spend.  At those times, I was thankful for a husband who would brave the crowds for his kids...because if it were left to me, I would just pay full price rather than having to deal with the throngs of people.

But still, I don't get it. 

One of my favorite parts of gift giving is taking my time and picking the perfect gift for one of my loved ones.  How do you like to give gifts?

I know that I am different.  I know that my mind works differently than most people's.  I'm thankful God made us all that way. It's just that I'm a very simple person.  That's all. 

Don't hate me for this post...I'm just speaking my thoughts.  After all, that's what a blog is for, isn't it? 

Are YOU braving the crowds tonight?  Tomorrow morning?  If so, I will be thinking of you while I rest peacefully in my warm, cozy bed.  ;-) 

What are some things your kids are asking for this year?  Mine have their lists all ready for Santa...and I am happy to say that they are pretty simple this year.  They even put candy on their lists, if that tells you anything.  I am grateful for a simple year.  That is what I love the most...a list free of crazy, electronic gadgets.  

The thing I have on my agenda that is at the top of my list for tomorrow is my house...and getting it all prettied up for Christmas!  I have tomorrow and Saturday to do just that...part of both days.  I intend to use them to my advantage. 

Love to all. 

Turkey Day!

I am so thankful for this day...a day to give God thanks for Who He is in my life. 

He is love, joy, peace, comfort, healer, physician, provider, friend, fortress, strength, the only One I can always turn to.  The gift I am most thankful for is the one that only He can give...life everlasting.  Life will never come without its ups and downs, but I am thankful that He is there to carry me through when I can't walk on my own. 

He is the best Friend I have. 

He alone can satisfy my every need. 

He is the One who created this amazing family that I have...my sweet husband, my kids...and the blessing of good health.

He knew how boring we would be if He created us all the same, so He made us all with unique qualities and characteristics...and my crazy kids keep us laughing. 

He gave us many (many, many) people to love on in our extended families. 

He gave us the gift of friends...my heart is so happy and full of love for all the dear ones in my life who've sent me 'happy Thanksgiving' texts this morning. 

I hope you have a wonderfully blessed, happy Thanksgiving.  I know I will.  Love to all, my friends!

Happy Thanksgiving

At this moment, all is quiet in my house.  I'm watching Something To Talk About with Julia Roberts and Dennis Quaid.  I think it's from the mid-nineties.  The music is terrible, but it's something to make noise in my quiet living room. 

Todd is working tonight.  Graham, Jonah and Noah retired to the upstairs to watch one of their recorded shows.  Drew is laying down with a cool rag on his forehead (his stomach hurts), waiting on me to wake him up so he can move to Todd's side of the bed until he comes home. 

Even all the animals are sleeping.  And yes, that includes Evil Knievel.  Speaking of him...is it mean to rename a dog after he's three and a half months old?  I really don't like his name...which is still Crash.  EK is just a nickname.  And if it's not mean...do you have any mischievous looking dog name recommendations?

If so, send them my way.  I really can't force myself to call him Evil.  And Crash isn't much better.

Other happenings...I am on ebook number three!!  I absolutely LOVE not having to have a light to read my book!  The other day I was multi-tasking...folding laundry and reading at the same time.  I've gotten some free books off Amazon, and I've bought three now.  The most expensive one so far was $10...the other two were less than $5.  Not bad, huh?

Tomorrow morning includes several traditions for us.  One is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  I am such a child at heart...I still get so excited over this parade.  :)  Love it!  The other is our Thanksgiving day breakfast.  It's cheese and sausage biscuits...which taste almost exactly like sausage balls.  Yum!  I can't wait for tomorrow.  I wonder if I'll be able to talk the hubs into a Thanksgiving night movie? 

We'll see, I guess.  I don't know how he'll feel about that.  There are a couple that I want to see, one of which is Jack and Jill, the new Adam Sandler movie.  I love him, and I've heard it was okay for kids to see. 

As much as it kills me to admit it, the puppy is growing on me.  He proved himself to me all day yesterday while I was home, sick on the couch.  He stayed by my side all day...and never had one accident during that time.  He also loves to cuddle.  I hope he stays little enough to do that, though...he's grown in the two weeks we've had him.  And three different people have commented on how big his paws were.  Yikes.  I really don't want him to be big.  Especially because he loves to sleep on the couch. 

If I don't write again tomorrow, I hope you all have a blessed, happy Thanksgiving.  I know I will.  Love to all!

I'm thankful for...(part 2)

the sound of my kids' and their friends voices in my front yard playing a brisk game of flag football.
a cozy (clean!) home to come home to after spending an afternoon with the crazies driving around.
a son who knows where the sausage is in Kroger.  And that he likes to go in alone.  :)
answered prayers over my family...immediate and extended. 
God's provision for our safety today as a lady pulled right out in front of me, almost making me rear end her.
kids that like to bake. 
chocolate cupcakes.  :)
friends. 
boys that will help me out around the house without complaining.
the question, "Mom, can I do anything for you?".
a husband who works tirelessly to provide for our family.  I will miss you tonight, honey!
a quiet evening at home.  I'm thinking we might find a movie to watch and have some yummy comfort food.
pets.  Our lives would be so boring without Andy the Wonderdog, Twinkles, Skippy and Evil Knievel.
books!  We just got home from the library.  :)  My happy place.  I got a whole bag full.

And lots more...but once, again, I'll stop for now.  Enjoy your evening!  Stay warm and kiss your babies tonight.  Love to all. 

I'm Thankful For

a loving husband that takes care of me when I feel under the weather.
a mom who understands why I can't help her cook tonight, and is not mad at me. 
a sister who stepped in and took my place at Mom's house tonight.
a mom-in-love who works in the school's health room every Tuesday.
a mom-in-love who leaves the health room to come pick up the boys' lunches when I call in sick.
a puppy who cuddled with me all day on the couch while I took my many naps.
chex mix.  It's the only thing that tastes good to me right now.
a good book to read.
a comfy couch to sleep on.
a warm bath when I am freezing.  (Last night, not right now.)
a tenderhearted boy that picks up on when I'm not feeling good and keeps on coming to check on me.


And lots more, but for now, this is all.  Love to all.

You know your day might not be the best when...

You're up half the night with a stomach ache.  :-( 

Your eyes pop open at 4:48 a.m., realizing that, yup...you still don't feel great. 

Evil Knievel has been out of his kennel for ten minutes, and he is already on your last nerve. 

You see that it's raining.  Pouring, actually.  Again.

You wake up your kids 20 minutes early (because they tell you to), and they don't get up.  And they're still twenty minutes late coming down the stairs. 

You consider treating the pup like a baby and laying him down for his nap every couple hours.  Just because he bugs the daylights out of me.  And Andy the Wonder Dog. 

You look forward to a night out...with your mom, cooking for the big Thanksgiving meal on Thursday.  :-)

Actually, I think it'll turn out okay.  At least, that's what I'm praying.  Happy Tuesday and love to all. 

Thanksgiving Feast and Monday Stuff

Today was a blessed, fast day.  We were really short handed at work, which made for a very fast-paced day.  I'm so thankful that two of the amazing assistants insisted on being with me the entire time...and eating their lunches after all the kids' lunches were over.  They even let me sneak out five minutes early so I could be at Jonah's and Noah's Thanksgiving feast.  I love the people I work with.  I'm blessed to be a part of an amazing school. 

Jonah's and Noah's Thanksgiving feast was so much fun.  The only thing missing was their sweet teacher, Beth.  She had to stay home today because she is sick.  I feel so bad for her...this is one of the funnest things they do in third grade, and she had to miss it.  I was happy to see another teacher's mom in there subbing, though.  She is the sweetest lady and reminds me of my mom.  She's a fun sub and the kids love her.  Jonah and Noah even gave her a goodbye hug before I checked them out early. 

GASP! 

Yes, I am so that mom.  I love checking my kids out early any time I can.  I can't let them "skip" certain days anymore, since I work there and all, so this makes up for it.  I will take any excuse I can get...field trip days, field days, class parties...I'll take any day I can get.  I love checking them out early.  Today it was a whole two hours.  Especially since the teacher wasn't there...all the more reason.  :)

I cooked dinner tonight...an actual thought-out, time-put-into-it, dinner.  Too bad it's making me feel sick to my stomach.  :(  I think I need some Prilosec.  Or Pepcid.  Something like that.  BLAH. 

Well, our first Christmas movie of the season is almost finished.  The boys were channel surfing earlier, and saw that Snow Buddies was on...so, Todd and I are watching it.  Yup, you read right.  Todd and I.  Not any other humans.  Just the furry ones, Todd and I.  They're all upstairs playing a video game.  Since it's been rainy today and all. 

Enjoy your evening!  We will.  :)  Love to all!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

I used to not mind the rain. 

And then, we were bombarded by a puppy's life. 

So now, I'm not so crazy about the rain. 

It's also going to make for an interesting day of all the little third grade Pilgrims taking all their food items into school this morning.  And the car line...oh my goodness gracious...the car line.  I might as well plan on leaving at 8:30, because it's always backed up on rainy days. 

But you know what?  I love my life.  The Lord has blessed us richly...way more than we could ever ask for or deserve.  I'm so thankful that we don't have to earn His love.  Because if we did, we would never earn it.  I am so thankful for His love.  I am so thankful for my family.  I am thankful that we get to spend a rainy, yucky Monday together.  It doesn't get much sweeter. 

Hope you all have a blessed day.  Love to all. 

James 1:17  All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change. 

Thank You, Lord.

a little fun, a little disappointment, a little sick

It's been an okay weekend.  I have a sinus infection that is hanging on and making me feel a little blah.  In spite of that...I am thankful and I am blessed for my beloved family.  I'm also incredibly thankful for friends who invite BOTH the older boys over to spend the night even though technically, her son is Graham's friend.  It came at a great time, because combined with that and my four hours of sleep the night before, I was exhausted.  (And yes, Breaking Dawn Part I was totally worth the four hours of sleep I got.  It was ahmaaaazing!)

But guess what I did???  I went to bed at nine and read my book on the Kindle app I have on my tablet...and I didn't even have to turn the bedside lamp on!  I know, right?  I love reading books on that thing...so much so that I finished my first book and bought my second one this morning before church.  :)  LURVE!!!  (Yes, I still love and occasionally talk like Madea.)

The boys and I went to my dad's house to help him and my sister finish putting up his Christmas lights.  I was so sad to discover that we won't be seeing him for Thanksgiving this year.  :(  Him and my stepmom decided to go to Branson to see all the Christmas lights, and they'll be leaving after lunch that day.  It won't quite be the same without the tradition of eating with him that Friday after Thanksgiving and going to see the Zoo Lights.  I'm a sucker for some family traditions, for those of you who know me.  I know I see him all the time, and for that, I am thankful.  This year is, apparently, just a year for change.

Graham and Drew have a new business venture.  They're making and selling survival bracelets.  You can buy them for $10-12 and they're selling theirs for $5.  So, if you would like one, you can let them know.  Or me, since I'm the mom.  :)

Well, that's about it for our weekend.  I am so excited for our two day week this week!  Jonah and Noah have their third grade Thanksgiving feast tomorrow.  They will be going to school dressed as pilgrims.  Jonah said, "Mom, there is no way I can wear a long sleeved shirt all day.  Can I take something I can change into?"  My words back to him: "Deal with it."

He is such a turkey. 

Speaking of...can't wait to eat mine on Thursday!  Woohoo!  I hope you all have a wonderful Monday.  Love to all!

A Little Weird? Anyone?

My puppy, when I claim him, is cute.  And spastic.  He also pees on the floor quite often, which makes me mad.  But now that I bought more paper towels to clean up with, maybe I won't be quite as frustrated.  Anyway, the puppy (whom I've considered renaming Evil Knievel) likes to chew on the rubber handle of his rope toy.  Most puppies like the rope...not EK, though.  He likes the handle.  Weird.

Today is Thursday.  I was short on help at work today, but thankfully I had two moms who came to volunteer.  Kids were loud.  Ketchup was splattered to Kingdom Come.  And I left the cafeteria with a smile on my face and a "thank You, Jesus" in my heart.  Weird, huh?

Andy the Wonder Dog is currently napping upstairs.  He didn't bark when I came home.  I think he's sacked because of all the playing him and EK did in the backyard this morning.  They were chasing each other.  And ended in a Mexican standoff, until EK ran under the trampoline.  I don't know if Andy is tired or just mad at me still.  I feel like I've somehow betrayed him by getting another dog.  I know.  It's weird.

I had another little darling give me a chocolate Lindor truffle today!  I'd eat it right now...if it weren't in the pocket of my apron at school.  :-(  That one's not so weird, but I thought I would share it with you.

I like to come home every day and watch the cooking channel on television.  My favorite show is the Giada show...Everyday Italian.  I am planning on using one of her recipes when we make Big Daddy his birthday dinner next month.  Graham likes to watch these shows with me.  He loves to cook and will actually be doing most of the birthday dinner himself.  Another not-so-weird one.

In the few minutes that I've been writing this post, Evil Knievel has stopped gnawing on the rubber handle to watch a Macy's commercial on tv, and he came over to lick the bottom of my shoe.  I don't even want to know why he wants to do that.  Weirdo. 

Well...I am going to take a little siesta so that I don't pass out in the middle of the movie tonight.  :)  Love to all.

Happy Thursday!

I know I don't say that often...the Thursday part, I mean.  With my aversion to them and all.  After yesterday, I know that today will be the turnaround.  :)

Have I mentioned that we watch Home Improvement in the morning?  I love this show.  And Tim Allen.  It's gotta be the all-boys thing.  I love how he's always getting into trouble of some sort.  It reminds me of a couple of people in my house.  Maybe that's why we like it...because we can relate. 

I'm glad we stayed home last night.  I went to bed early (for the third night in a row, right around nine).  I finished up the series of books I was reading from the library, so I started reading my first book on my new touchpad.  :)  I like it.  Love it, actually...I can adjust the font and the size of it, I can even adjust the background color.  I was only able to read for about fifteen minutes once I laid down, because I was already falling asleep.

I'm hoping I can hold myself together all night tonight, because I have plans at midnight!!!!  Any guesses?

My best friend, her daughter and I are going to see the 12:02 showing of Breaking Dawn.  :) 

Just because we're cool like that.  And it's funner at midnight.  Drew asked if he could go.  (Smile) 

Well, laundry is calling my name.  Again.  It does that a lot.  I also have to wake Jonah and Noah up a little early so that I can drive Graham and Drew to school.  Drew's ankle hurts really bad and he doesn't feel up to walking to the bus stop this morning.  (Because of his fall yesterday.)  So, I'm driving them. 

Have a great day!  Love to all. 

a little run through of my (now) comical day

My alarm clock went off.  Once.  Twice.  Three times.  On the fourth go-round, I finally managed to roll out of bed.

Breakfast was easy...but quick, since I wasn't the only one who couldn't get up.  (Ahem, Drew.)

I dropped the older boys off at school at 7:05 for FCA.

I drove home. 

And turned around, when Drew told me he forgot his backpack in my car. 

Smile.

I woke up Jonah and Noah.  And let the dogs out in the backyard for the fourth time since 6:20 or so.  (My floors are a muddy mess...or were, anyway.)

Breakfast was easy...and laundry was calling me, so it was a quick affair.  I had a little gentleman offer to carry the basket up the stairs for me.  Since right now, going upstairs involves stepping onto a chair and climbing over the baby gate that is keeping Evil Knievel from going up them to further torment the felines that are living up there. 

I dropped the boys off at school....after turning around to get the jackets that Jonah and Noah forgot...and lecturing a couple extra's on when it's appropriate to laugh and cut up...and when it's not.  This morning was NOT appropriately timed. 

I came home and settled down to finish up my Bible study homework.  And was having a grand 'ole time, when the phone rang.  It was the middle school, informing me that Drew had fallen down the stairs.  :-(  He was okay, but shaken up.  I took him some sweet tea and gave him two Motrin's.  He didn't want to come home...just wanted some medicine because his already bruised leg was hurting him.

I finished part of my Bible study homework and had to set it aside so I could eat lunch before work.  Then I got to work and noticed that today was their Thanksgiving meal day.  And I had already eaten lunch.  Part of the problem of my job is that I never get notified of anything.

Work was uneventful (if you can call a room full of hundreds of kids uneventful). 

A little angel brought me a Lindor chocolate truffle.  And she gave me the best hug ever.  :-)

Then, another little angel brought me some of her sweet mommy's homemade salsa and chips.  And I got another sweet hug. 

My day was brightened.  Smiles and hugs have a way of doing that.  Things get forgotten and suddenly, there is a bright spot. 

God is so good that way.  He knew that I needed to be loved on (just a little) today, and look what He did.  Kids don't bring me things very often...but today, I was blessed doubly. 

A coincidence?  I don't believe in them.  A God thing?  Most definitely. 

He cares about every little detail of our lives...the stressful, the mundane, the stuff that makes us crazy...and when we earnestly pray and seek His word about how to handle a tough situation, He turns things around.  Not always in the way we plan, but in the way He plans.  And His plans are far greater than ours.   

Today in my Bible study homework, I read about how He is enthralled by us. 

I don't know about you, but I feel treasured and loved by Him. 

I also feel in desperate need of some quality family time.  We have been gone every night this week, and the same will be true for tomorrow night as well.  So, because my hubby doesn't feel well, and because I just think we need it, we are staying home from church.  I plan on making an easy dinner, and a pot of decaf coffee.  We might watch a movie.  We might not...but whatever we do, we will do together. 

Sounds like Heaven.  Hope you enjoy your evening as much as I plan on enjoying mine.  Love to all. 


(Disclaimer:  Don't feel bad for me regarding my day...I was just letting you get a glimpse into my "real", crazy, not-at-all-perfect life.  I am thankful that I can write all this with humor, and with a heart that is thankful that this is all I have to deal with in my life.  I know that this is not at all the case for many of my friends, and I am not downplaying that at all.  I realize that my life is blessed, and I am humbly thankful for that.)

to love or not to love

Please be nice to me.  Especially when I am nice to you.  Even when I don't feel like it.  (This is meant for the people I don't know who are rude to me when I tell them our policies at school regarding lunch visitors.)  You can hate the message, but don't hate the messenger.

I do NOT love cupcakes for birthdays.  At school, I mean, for birthday treats.  I love the cookies and little individually wrapped treats.  And donuts...we love donuts!  So easy to pass out...and not messy.

I don't love red drinks.  They stain floors...just think of what they do to the insides. 

I love having the opportunity every day to love on my kids.  And all "my" other kids.  Well...most days, anyway.  ;-)

I love the sounds of a puppy snoring.  It means he's not doing anything bad at the moment.  I also love friends who loan me their dog kennels.  This thing has been a lifesaver. 

I love that my kids have jam packed calendars.  Most of which takes place in the mornings or afternoons before school.  I am so thankful that my kids love going to school.

I do not love hearing about some of the ugliness that goes on.  I pray that God will always guard their hearts, their minds, their eyes and their ears.  As I write that, I'm thinking of a song I sang as a child. 

"Oh be careful little ears, what you hear!
Oh be careful little ears, what you hear!
For the Father up above
is looking down in love.
Oh be careful little ears what you hear!"

I know He will guard them.  I pray they always walk with Him and in His ways. 

Well, I have to go sign people in as lunch visitors.  Love to all.

updates

Crash (the dog) had a really bad night Thursday night.  It resulted in my sweet stepdad seeing me very frustrated and a teary phone call to my husband.  I wanted to take him back.  He was torturing Andy the Wonder Dog and he kept peeing all over the downstairs.  I had had it, and Todd told me he would get in touch with his previous owners.  Which he did...and then couldn't get again.  I think they were avoiding us.  I agreed to give the mutt one more week's worth of chances and make a final decision after the week is over.

He's done much better, and I'm managing to tolerate him.  Sometimes.  When he starts bugging Andy, I put him in his kennel.

Friday was a holiday.  We made our annual trek downtown to watch the veteran's day parade.  :)  It was so much fun...and our friends even went with us, making it even more fun.  I took lots of pics, but I'll have to share them later. 

We did the usual weekend things over the weekend, ending with a middle school youth bonfire last night.  Except that it was extremely windy outside and the bonfire had to be held and contained in fire pits.  It worked, though, and the kids didn't mind at all.  They still roasted hot dogs and marshmallows for s'mores, then they all ran around and played hide and go seek. 

Good times were had by all. 

That brings us to today!  I need to go to the grocery store for lunch and dinner things, but I'm going to try and stretch what we have until midweek.  I am sure my husband will appreciate my efforts of not spending a small fortune at the grocery store.  :)  I am dressed and waiting to go to a Young Life banquet that we were invited to tonight.  I can't wait for some adult time...and with my husband and good friends, too!  My sister, Lisa, is taking care of the boys.  We're going to drive by and get Wendy's for them to eat, then they're going to eat at her house. 

What have YOU been up to?  I am so excited for Thanksgiving...it'll be here before we know it, and I can't wait to spend some quality time with family and friends.  I also can't wait for the five day break that comes with it! 

Enjoy your evening at home...and I will enjoy my evening out.  :)  Love to all.

Happy Wednesday!

We have a new member of our family.  His name is Crash.  As in Crash Bandicoot...from the Mario and Sonic games?

I am not sure how I feel about him.  I smacked his nose so hard yesterday that I might have bruised my fingers internally.  :-(  He was tormenting Andy the Wonder Dog, and he is NOT going to do that. 

He's actually doing pretty good with going outside, though.  Only a few little accidents here and there, and at least that's on hardwood. 

So, what else is going on...

I have a field trip today with Jonah and Noah.  We're going to the zoo! 

Graham also has a "field trip"...it's an emerging leaders conference for FCA.  He's either coming home afterward or going to a friend's house until after the other boys get out of school. 

Poor Drew will be the only one in school all day...but Graham said it's like payback, since he was absent two days last week while all the other boys went. 

Tonight is church and I am so ready!  We missed Bible study last night because the DVD was all scratched up.  I have missed doing Bible study homework this week...I'm always ready to jump back in after a little break. 

I cannot wait until Friday!  It's Veteran's Day, and we are doing our annual parade downtown with my sweet Daddy.  I'm sad that my sister Trisha can't go with us this year, though. 

That's about it...laundry is calling! 

Love to all and Happy Wednesday. 

Scripture

James 1:17 All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change. 

James 2:1  My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.

Isaiah 26:3  You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.

Romans 8:35, 37-39  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Philippians 4:6,7  Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.  Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and mind as you live in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 2:6,7  And now, just as you have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him.  Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him.  Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Psalm 91:2,4  This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God and I trust Him.  He will cover you with His feathers.  He will shelter you with His wings.  His faithful promises are your armor and protection. 

Isaiah 46:10  Don't be afraid, for I am with you.  Don't be discouraged, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. 

Psalm 37:4  Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:5  Commit everything you do to the Lord.  Trust Him and He will help you.

Proverbs 16:3  Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed. 

Galatians 6:9  So let's not get tired of doing what is good.  At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. 

John 8:12  When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, "I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. 

1 Corinthians 10:23  Everything is permissable, but not everything is beneficial.  Everything is is permissable, but not everything is constructive.

Colossians 3:23  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. 

Proverbs 15:4  Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. 

2 Chronicles 30:27  ...and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, His holy dwelling place. 

Psalm 25:15  I continually look to the Lord for help, for He will free my feet from the enemy's net. 

Galatians 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.  Against such things there is no law. 

Hebrews 11:6  And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. 

no title Thursday

This week is going by so fast...as usual in my house.  We've had a couple sick kids.  Tuesday Graham came home sick, and yesterday Drew stayed home.  I don't know if it's a stomach virus or not...but the only symptom is nausea that comes and goes. 

I am keeping Drew home again today.  :-(  Hopefully his teachers will take pity on him and be kind to him when he gets back to school.  They were the other couple of days he missed earlier in the year. 

Hopefully today will go by quickly and Drew will be better.  I don't like it when any of my kids are sick, but when Drew is sick it's really quiet around my house.  He is the loud one.  :) 

On to other things now...

Today is a brand new day...and with it the opportunity to be a blessing to someone.  I pray this all the time...that God will work through me and allow me to be a blessing or an encouragement to someone in need.  I have days that I am so the opposite of that, though.  But every day is a new start.  Every day we have the chance to love on someone.  Whether it be through a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, a helping hand...we have the chance to be or do something kind. 

Isn't that awesome??

I love the idea of "paying it forward". 

I am making this my goal through the months of November and December.  I love a challenge and I am challenging myself to do or say something kind to someone at least once every day for the next two months.

One group of people I am targeting the most is my own family.  Did you know that it's a proven fact that we are nicer to complete strangers than we are to our own families that we live with?  How sad is that???  Don't forget to start with them!   

Care to join me?  I thought I'd do a different spin on the "I'm Thankful For...".  It's not hard and it doesn't have to cost anything.  The best things in life are free, after all. 

Think about it...and comment on here if you're interested. 

Love to all.