Pumpkin Patch (in December??)

In the midst of the Tummy Disaster '09 last week, O went with her class to the pumpkin patch. I had taken off work the previous week to go to the zoo with E's class, so I couldn't go on this one. O didn't mind .... because my Mom went with her instead.

And, I KNOW it was the highlight of my Mom's day.

Except it wasn't.

Apparently, my Mom didn't enjoy the muddy corn mazes as much as the children. ????

Also, my dad showed up for approximately 2 minutes - enough time to hug O and tell her to have a great day and then left. That short amount of time awarded him the 'BEST PAPA EVER' (O's words) when all my Mom got was muddy pants ;)

But, isn't that motherhood ??? (love you, Mom!)

Anyway, O had a great time with her friends and Mom took some pictures for me. What cracks me up is Mom doesn't know to change the date on her camera. Years from now, I will wonder why O was visiting a pumpkin patch in December. ha!

When you come home, you better not be married

O hasn't felt well for several days now with her tummy and last night we ended up at the Emergency Room. Really we just went to check out the flu-infested lobby because we were never able to see a doctor. I was told after two hours, it would be several more hours before we would be taken back to a room. So we left. O was falling asleep at the time and seemed to be calmed down. I think the worst thing about being a Mommy is not knowing when it's an emergency.

We did try to take her to Urgent Care beforehand (she had been screaming for an hour at home with pain) but were sent immediately to the ER since she was complaining of abdominal pain and would more than likely need an xray. I'm trying to be nice about it, but the truth is I wasn't nice at Urgent Care. It was 10 minutes to closing time and I don't think they wanted to see my baby. I don't usually lose it over things like that, but the women there were really rude. So, my Mama claws came out and .... well .... enough said.

This morning, O is still feeling poorly so I'm waiting on the doctor's office to open.

Good times.

If we haven't had the flu yet, it's possible we'll have it by the end of the day from all the waiting rooms. Please Lord, don't let it be so.

You know O feels bad when she doesn't care about missing school and get this .... doesn't want anything to do with trick-or-treating tomorrow night because she DOESN'T WANT to get any candy. O is the candy queen and her world usually revolves completely around who is going to give her some. Bless her heart.

She is missing her first Reformation Day celebration at school today (the children dress as biblical characters, play games and attend chapel that dramatizes the event). She doesn't care, but E was so sad O was not going to get to dress up this morning. Her sadness lasted only until she was able to get into her own costume.

And, now announcing QUEEN ESTHER ....

Complete with glitter, jewelry and a crown (Queen Esther wore glitter, right?) Oh, and make up! She asked me a dozen times for 'just a little more lipstick, Mama'.

While finishing her hair she said, "Wait until S sees me!!" (boy at school). Jokingly I said, "Just don't come home married" to which she replied, "Well, he is coming dressed as a king!!" ha!

(costume credits: Mawmaw (my Mom) for the dress. E saw it at Cracker Barrel and fell in love. Grandmothers are great for things like that. $4.50 crown from Me because I'm cheaper than Mawmaw :) Thanks, Mom! She was so excited this morning about this dress! Hey, here's an idea - you can buy the wedding dress and I'll by the veil! - years from now, that is.)

A Mommy Day

I woke this morning with a to-do list a mile long. I was a little grumpy, but quite frankly I am always a little grumpy in the morning. I am just not a morning person! In fact, I'm allergic. Why does this shock my family after all these years? Especially Eric. Just last night he said to me, "You know, if you would get up just ten minutes earlier I could spend more time with you in the mornings". At first, I was speechless and then I mustered up the courage to say, "Ummm ... I'm choosing sleep". We both cracked up and then I asked him why on earth he would want ten extra minutes with me in the mornings when I'm clearly not a morning person. He agreed and then the conversation took a turn for the worst when he began imitating me in the mornings. It wasn't pretty.

Okay, I'm getting off track ....

I was anxious to drop the girls off at school and go running. I'm slowly making progess and couldn't wait to get there. Afterwards, I was going to shower and run errands that included finding finishing touches for costumes (2 for each girl because of trick or treating and Reformation Day - we are crazy!) and going to the grocery store. None of that happened because once we were in the school parking lot, O started crying with a very bad tummy ache. Bless her heart. She just couldn't go to school. She was crying even more because she couldn't, but I had no choice but to bring her home. She finally told me she needed a Mommy day.

Great! I love Mommy days!

We have spent most of the day hanging out and playing. She gets a burst of energy and then has to lie down for a bit. I'm trying not to worry about all I need to get done and enjoy the day with her. And, I really have enjoyed it! She is a hoot.

Just a few minutes ago, I was straightening her closet and she walked in with her hands on her hips. She said, "Check out this body. Satan doesn't make beauty like this".
May I remind you she is 4?

She cracks me up. She then looked at the pile of new clothes (actually E's hand-me-downs) I was hanging in her closet. When E was four, she had a love for all-things-ballerina and several outfits have cute ballerinas stitched on them. O took a look, turned up her nose and said, "You know I am never wearing this stuff".

You know, I believe her. I really do.

Daily Peek: Sunday School

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God

and his righteousness and all these

things will be added unto you."

Matthew 6:33

I have the privilege of expounding on this verse this morning to high school girls. It has come to mean so much more to me over the past few months.

Things aren't really things at all. Right now, things are comfort, peace, trust, wholeness, relationship, communion with God, joy and contentment.

But, I have to pursue such things. I have to chase after my Savior in a way that says, "Nothing or no one else will even come close to fulfilling me!"

Can't wait to share.

Mountains

We just returned home from our quick overnight trip to the mountains. Eric's parents bought a small house there last January and have spent the summer restoring it. It sits at the base of a mountain and is surrounded on three sides by beautiful trees. The front yard has a river running through it. It's a peaceful place to visit.

Once you get there.

Just before we left home yesterday, I started feeling really nauseous. I said clearly that I didn't want to go and I didn't feel well at all. Clearly. More proof of the fact I could be invisible because within minutes we were in the van traveling in the pouring rain to the mountains .... which includes 50 minutes of non.stop sharp curves. I thought Eric was trying to kill me.

I spent the entire drive with my head between my knees and staring at the floor board. All while crying and telling Eric I was breaking up with him.

Once we arrived at his parents' house, I made my way to the sofa and spent the next 5 hours there trying to keep the room from spinning. I got up only to make my way upstairs to bed.

Thank heaven I woke this morning to beautiful weather, feeling much better and deciding I wouldn't break up with Eric after all. (Al though he better never make me do that again! - yuck!)

I came downstairs to find E having her quiet time .... outside ..... in her robe and pajamas.


She wanted to sketch a picture of God's beautiful creation. And, it was a beautiful scene this morning!

O wanted to copy her sister and could NOT understand why E wanted time alone.


Why? Because E + O = NO quiet time at all. (Look closely at this picture ... does your quiet time include Strawberry Shortcake? Because O's does :)

O ran full blast the entire time we were there. I don't even think she stopped talking. In fact, I know she didn't because I slept beside her last night and she even talked in her sleep. She is a bundle of energy.We had a great time. I love the mountains so much and always wish we could stay longer.


See .... we're back together :)

This post wasn't meant to be so random

Whew! What a week!

Today is my day off, but what's even more exciting is my kids have the day off as well since it's a teacher workday. Because he doesn't like to be left out, Eric took the day off from work too. Yippee!

So, we're heading to the mountains for the night even though it's suppose to be raining. We just want to go to wind down from a very emotional and physically exhausting week.

We couldn't leave town until the girls went to a birthday party this morning for one of E's friends. Why rush to the mountains when you can spend 2 hours playing on a giant inflatable backyard obstacle course?

This is the same friend that wrote her a love note this week. They are both in the 2nd grade. For the love.

I was talking to his parents' yesterday and because we know how much they like each other (as friends - they've been in class together for 4 years!), I reminded his father as they grow older, E will not be allowed to date. We're not dating in our home .... just courting. (Yes, there is a huge difference). Anyway, they have the same rules in their home which I think is so refreshing to hear. I talk about this topic so much at church and most of the girls think I'm insane. So to hear there are more families setting the same boundaries pleases me so much. So much.

How did I get off on this subject?

Moving on ...

Yesterday, O and I skipped school and went on a field trip with E's class to the zoo.

We walked what seemed like 462 miles, but the girls had a blast. O was a big hit with all of E's friends. I'm not even sure she had to walk that much because she had a lot of 2nd grade fans carrying her most of the time.

Isn't she beautiful?

Okay, we're heading out the door to .... ummmm .... rest.

If you're reading this (somewhat boring) post and you are prompted to do so this weekend, please remember my family in your prayers. We're going through some heavy things right now (each of us in my immediate family - among other things, my parents are traveling now to Tennessee to be with my uncle who suffered a stroke this morning). God is the ultimate Comfort and Healer! We know this and want to rest in that promise over the next few days and weeks.

Have a great weekend!

He Keeps Me

(This post was written yesterday, but in my exhaustion, I forgot to click 'publish post'.)

I was lying in bed at 5:30 this morning and realized quickly I was already in a foul mood. We'd had a really busy weekend and heading into a busy week and I hadn't been awake 60 seconds before I was bitter. Resentful. Mad, even.

I was beginning to feel anxious about all I had to do today and Eric was zipping his suitcase for a short trip out of state. Among many other obligations, the girls had soccer games at the same time I had bible study. With Eric out of town, I would have to rely on my in-laws and I was already stressed.

I decided right away to pray before my feet touched the floor. I prayed the Holy Spirit would fill every part of me and change my attitude ... and quickly. I spoke Scripture and asked God to take away any anxiety I had, knowing full-well who it was coming from. The enemy is crafty, is he not?

Eric came over to the bed and right away knew I was already struggling. He covered me and prayed over me as well and afterward, I felt encouraged. I was ready to get up.

In the shower, I noticed something peculiar on my left side. What is that? Has it always been there? Should I be concerned?

Almost immediately, I said OUT LOUD "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind".

Fear. What are you trying to do to me today? It wasn't even 6:00 am yet.

I started getting dressed and was reminded of 'the strange place' again. I felt again and shrugged it off ... this time talking out loud to the Lord, "God will perfect all that concerns me".

No fear.

After finishing my hair and make up, I was surprised to think of it again and this time called Eric into the bathroom with me. I calmly explained what I felt and he looked too. He said, "There is something there, but I'm not sure what to make of it."

Fear. Overwhelming fear. And, now tears.

I told Eric I felt like I was in the middle of an all-out spiritual attack this morning and satan is trying to relentlessly tempt me. Distract me.

For the record, I'm not one to talk about the enemy. I just don't like it. I'm too much of a wreck in the first place without forcing myself to think of what evil is meant towards me every hour. It just isn't common for me to acknowledge him in my life and how he works. I believe too much credit is given to him and he doesn't need that much of my vocabulary.

However, he is real and there have been a few times in my life that I shutter to remember when I realized how much attack was meant to harm me and to stop me.

Of course, I know the end of the story (and he does, too) and it includes him being defeated each and every time by the King of Kings. My sweet Savior is careful and purposeful in fighting for me in every battle waged against me.

So, today when I often had thoughts of quitting the whole day, staying under the covers and finding a replacement for bible study, I instead prayed 2 Corinthians 10:4:5 all day long "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ". I asked Jesus continually to help me to walk with Him each moment of the day without fail because the enemy was no doubt seeking to destroy me with any hint of distraction.

God is faithful!

As a result, and to God be the glory, I am crawling into bed completely worn out but thankful God saw fit to carry me through my day. My girls are tucked safely into bed after having a great time with their grandparents. I just came from bible study where we were able to open God's Word and talk about our victorious Lord who defeats the enemy every.single.day on our behalf (praise you, Father!). And, I am going to sleep now without any fear - knowing I am fine. You know why? My Savior is staying up and he'll keep me while I rest.

Daily Peek - GAME DAY, BABY!!!!

I'm crawling into bed after a long, but very fun day. Today was a treat since we were able to travel to Eric's alma mater (NC State) and attend a football game. We have such fun memories of when we were dating and newly married tailgating at the games. (Here's a fun fact: did you know Eric used to be a NC State cheerleader?? He was! They were National Champions, actually and that fact almost made me NOT date him - ha!)

Anyway, we went along with a girl that used to be in our youth group who now goes to State. I was excited to spend some time with her. On that note, you know the single worst thing about teaching high school girls?? You miss them like crazy when they graduate. Yeah, I hate that part.


We prayed the rain away and had a gorgeous, hot day for the game. I met up with one of my oldest friends, Jennifer (who indirectly introduced me to Eric). Here she is with her daughter. (Sidenote: Jen was standing on her tip-toes for this picture. When did I become amazon woman?)

Here's a picture of Eric, me and Uncle Larry standing behind me in the red.


Except that's not our uncle. In fact, we have no idea who this man is, but he apparently wanted in the picture. The least he could of done is smile. Geez! I'm thinking this should be our Christmas card photo this year. If he was smiling, I would totally send this out. Not even kidding.

I grew up a huge Carolina Fan. I have done my best to influence O since Eric has already taken E to the dark (NC State) side. I have succeeded and anytime the Wolfpack are mentioned in our house, O professes her love for the Heels. It's precious, really.

So, I was hoping to keep my baby on the right track by the end of the day. She's a tough one, so I knew I had a good shot. We even offered to buy the girls new NCState t-shirts once we entered the gate, but O wasn't interested.

That's my girl.

But, then something strange started to happen.

Maybe it was when the hat changed ownership.



Or maybe when Mrs. Wulf showed up.




Traitor.

We really had a fun day. We haven't been to a game since E was 2 years old, so it was neat for them to experience that with their Daddy. E had the time of her life.


And O?

Well, let's just say I've got my work cut out for me. She may have crossed over to the dark side.


Tone it down, O. You look too happy. Say it with me, "Goooooo Heeeeeeels!!!"

Daily Peek - AWARDS

E got in the car this afternoon with a huge smile on her face and wearing this ...

She received the Christ-like award in her class.

What did I do? Ofcourse, I rolled down the windows, blew my horn over and over and said, "Make room! Make room! E won the Christ-like Award!!!!!"

Both girls laughed hysterically and joined in.

Then, O shouted, "My sister won the Christ-like award so get out the way before we run you over!!!"

Ha! How's that for Christ-like?

I'm soooo proud of you, E!

Laughter

Isn't it fun to have a good laugh every once in awhile? Even laughing at something God is doing because the realization that He is actually at work in a small detail of your life tickles you?

I talked to a lady this week that is a very.serious.person. Very. She loves the Lord and her speech is most often seasoned with Scripture, but she just doesn't get humor when mixed in with talking about the Lord. In fact, she finds it repulsive.

Reminds me of a comment I heard years ago from Lucy Swindoll at a Women of Faith conference. I was very young in my walk with the Lord and fighting that battle of losing my old self in order to be holy. I was struggling with the thought of giving up 'fun'. Know what I mean? Lucy said, "The more you try to walk with the Lord, don't be such a stick in the mud! Who wants to hang out with a stick in the mud and better yet, who would want your God?"

Ain't it the truth?!

I have never forgotten those words and I heard them over ten years ago.

Around our house, we laugh at everything. We laugh when we finally get something God has been trying to teach us, we eventually laugh when we've messed up and we even laugh when a situation is particularly hard. The laughter comes after many tears, but laughter nonetheless.

Watching Eric's walk with the Lord has taught me so much about my own. I can be a very intense person and have a tendency to want to stay too serious for too long - somehow thinking that shows reverence and respect to the situation. Eric, on the other hand, will crack up in the midst of the tough season as if to recognize God's getting ready to show off.

It's contagious.

In fact, something I have found so endearing about Eric (when it used to annoy me to no end!) is when our Pastor preaches a sermon and in the middle of it, possibly in the middle of a verse, Eric lets out a huge laugh. (And, yes everyone around us turns to stare.) God's word and the committment it makes to Eric's life gets him so tickled. I love that.

Serving God is an absolute blast! The most fun I've ever had.

"Then was our mouth filled with laughter,

and our tongue with singing:

then said they among the heathen,

The LORD hath done great things for them."

Psalms 126:2

FYI - I think what prompted this post was a 'follower' who stopped 'following' and then sent me an anonymous comment explaining why. She said she was encouraged when I would post about the lessons God has taught me, but felt it a contradiction when I make jokes about my children. I will say that you certainly have a choice whether to read or not. I do joke a lot (definitely my personality) and at the same time love my children with everything in me. This blog is first and foremost a journal of our life and with that comes some hilarious stories in my opinion. I try to come across true to who I am in 'real life', so read or don't read - completely up to you.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

I sat down to post several times over the past two weeks, but just couldn't bring myself to do so. I don't have anything profound to share, but decided today to post a list of things that are on my mind. So, here goes .... warning, this is completely random, but it has been two weeks, right?

** Flu Season. Oh.my.word. I believe it's one thing to experience flu season while you are safe in your own home and can pretty much manage the germs (you know what I mean by that, right?), but an ENTIRELY different ballgame when you work in a school. Good grief! The H1N1 virus is spreading fast throughout our school - even E's class - and my OCD self is about to have a breakdown. I sat beside a little girl in my class yesterday and asked her about the letter 'C'. She answered me by coughing right in my face. That same girl was out sick today. For the love.

When the kids in my class left today, I sprayed the entire room down with Lysol (the flu killing kind) until the room looked like a white cloud.

** Because of the flu, I have given E and O strict instructions about how NOT to spread germs while in school. I told them not to hug their classmates which was absolutely fine with O. I even watched her walk into her class today and announce, "I cannot hug anybody so don't come near me!" She has absolutely no problem with this rule. E on the other hand has been distraught and while choking back tears will ask me over and over the date she can once again hug everyone she knows. Always drama.

** E has been begging to learn a foreign language .... specifically French. Here is where I realize the differences in my oldest child and myself. I'm positive when I was 7 years old all I wanted to do was play Barbies and Price is Right. Not the same.

After researching the best product, I want so much to purchase Rosetta Stone French, but really can't justify selling my vehicle at this point to pay for the software. I was in shock to learn the price one night when I was just going to hop into Barnes & Noble and pick one up before dinner. Does anyone have any ideas? I tried Ebay, but it is still expensive.

** We are finally having cooler temperatures and I cannot tell you how happy that makes me. I love, love, love Fall (everyone does, right?).

** Our bible study is going well and I'm learning so much. I enjoy more than anything that Eric is going through the study with me at home. It's so neat to talk things over with him. I asked him the other day why he decided to do it and he said, "I don't want you to get closer to the Lord without me coming along. We need to grow together." Love that man.

God is using this study to work in some tough areas in my life. I knew He would and I'm trying not to fight Him on the transformation. It's not always easy, though.

** As I unpack the girls' lunchboxes each day, I'm finding E has hardly touched her food. I have asked her about it every day and she always says the same thing, "I think I've been talking too much". She thinks. This morning, she decided to come clean with Eric. When he asked her if she planned to eat her food today, she confessed she's been spending her lunchtime in the restroom ... posing.

Posing.

In front of the mirror.

By herself.

Really, E? Posing?

If you know me at all, you know that at least a dozen Sunday School lessons went through my mind when she shared that information. At least a dozen.

I may or may not have shared a few of them with her on the way to school ...... spending our day honoring the Lord means also honoring him with our time ..... the TRUE mirror is the word of God .... blah, blah, blah.

We'll see if she ate today's ham sandwich.