My Wednesday

I'm sitting here eating a box of Andes Mints.  Actually, I'm trying very hard not to eat more than three  seven.  Not sure I'll make it though.  What's remarkable about the Andes Mints is not the mint itself.  It's the fact that Eric brought them home after we all vowed to cut back on sweets.  (Truthfully, the girls never took that vow - I took it for them).  Anyway, we're all trying to do better and last night, Eric snuck in a box of mints and showed them to me.  I gasped.  "Why did you buy those when we said we're cutting back?"  He, brilliant man that he is, said, "I'm putting them in the medicine cabinet.  You'll need them for medicinal purposes". 

Hahaha ...

Bless it.  Fifteen years together has taught that man that there are just certain times a home ought not be without chocolate!

So, despite the fact my head still feels like it will explode from all the allergies/pollen/maybe-too-much-dust-in-my-house, I have been very productive today. 

I woke Emma up early this morning because she was insistent on taking a shower in the morning.  This is new territory for us because she has always taken one at night.  I'm not sure what the deal is, but she seems to think she's more grown up if she showers before school.  That, and she said she wanted her hair to smell and look fresh for school.  ?? So, I woke her early.  She was ready in time, so I can't complain.

After I dropped the girls off at school (praise God one more time for Wednesdays when I don't have to work!), I went straight to the gym.  I have been terrible about going lately.  Terrible.  And I had to fight my van not to steer straight to Chick-fil-A.  Once inside the gym, I felt victorious.  I had a great workout, with the exception of the guy beside me that felt the need to give every.single.detail. of his court case in which a frightening, fatal attraction of a former girlfriend has him fighting to stay out of jail.  If I heard one time, I heard a thousand, him flip-flop from "I've been praying so hard about this" and "she caught me with 3 other women".  I wanted to stop the treadmill and scream "Hey buddy, riding the fence, are ya?"

But, I restrained myself.  And made a mental note, for my sanity's sake, to remember to buy myself some new iPod earbuds, for crying out loud! I've gone too long without them!

The good news is my frustration made me run longer and faster than I ever thought possible after a 2 month exercising hiatus.

I came home and whipped up 2 loaves of cinnamon bread (are you getting sick of me saying that, cause I'm getting sick of making it :) before I sat down with the book of Nehemiah.  (I was going to do laundry, but my attitude couldn't take it.)  I'm finally getting somewhere in my study.  It's taking me weeks to get through the background and history (I'm so slow with history), but I'm learning a lot.

I'm also reading this again ...

I read it every year at this time (Easter) and I always pick out a new favorite part.  So, I read that until time to pick up Olivia.

Olivia and I ran quickly into Target so I could get a new battery for my pedometer.  She made a tent in the cart with her coat ... imagine her lying down in the cart with her coat draped over the entire opening.  I couldn't see her.  She would occasionally say, "Just hand me whatever you're buying so I can put it in the tent".  I kept telling her I wasn't buying anything but a battery.  She then yelled, "For crying out loud, you need to buy something.  I have nothing craftable to work with under this tent!"

Craftable?

I became more determined than ever to make it out with JUST a battery.  I did, too, which is no small victory.

I was so proud of myself until I realized I totally forgot to buy new iPod earbuds.

My workout routine will be short-lived without those.  So much for productivity.

Getting Rid of Plan B

Wanna know how to get someone to stare at you like you're new (or atleast from another planet)? Tell them you cut out TV for your family.  Here's the most common responses so far ...

"What? Why? For how long?"
"Are you trying to save money?"
"What do you do all day?"
"I couldn't survive!"
"I feel so sorry for you."
"Are your kids mad at you?"
"Aren't you sheltering your girls a little too much?"
"How will you know what's going on in the world?" (the most common - as if we have no other technology available to us today)

Or, my personal favorite when my little brother came to stay with us last week.  Olivia: "Uncle JP, wanna watch me jump rope?" JP: "I may as well.  We don't have anything else to do around here." haha

With that said, I don't broadcast our decision (except on this blog :).  Often times, a conversation starts when someone says, "Did you see _________________ on TV last night?"

What I've learned about us thus far ....

** It is super easy when the weather is warm, schedules are busy and you don't have time to even look in the direction of the TV.

** Because of the above, rainy days are ... well ... not as easy.  Lying around asking yourself 'what now?' is a little irritating.  For the record, I nearly caved on a rainy day.

** My house is significantly messier because toys are getting played with more than ever.

** My girls aren't always sure what to do.  Having always turned to TV when we're burned out or tired, it's oftentimes hard to decide what to do.  If you've ever heard "I'm bored" before, try doing without TV. 

** Our Wii has been played more in the last month than last year total.

** Until this weekend, we had only watched one movie all month.

** We are reading books in record numbers and loving our library cards :)

** Evidently, our 'family time' was hugely ceremonial.  And when it's been that way since the first child came along, it's hard to live up to all the hype.  What I mean is this ..... we had a routine (though it looked different on weekdays than weekends, it was still a routine that included watching TV, homework, baths, mealtimes, reading books, computer time, etc.).  But, when it was time for intentional family time, we may as well have made a formal announcement (Let the family time begin! We will now enjoy each other if it kills us!) and then huddle around a board game, watch the girls perform a dance or really anything to prove we were having family time.

Here's the problem .... without the background noise of the TV distracting at least 1 family member, every second is 'family time'.  Therefore, my girls expect that hype .... that undivided attention all the time.  "Watch me! Watch me!" ensues.  They think every minute should be spent playing board games or over-the-top agendas.  The truth is, all the 'togetherness' wears me out some days.  I've played a lifetime amount of Candyland all in the past month! I like time alone and I'm more aware of how TV afforded me that time.

** As I said before, I even have less time on the computer.  When the girls are in bed, I can have that uninterrupted computer time, but since we've been stellar Grizwold's since sun-up, I'm usually crying to take a hot bath and crawl in bed with a book.

We need so much to find balance in this area.  My girls are learning how to entertain themselves more everyday, but it takes me saying "Go find something to do!" Then, I have to shake off the false guilt for making them do something by themselves. 

** This is a marathon and not a sprint.  I can't expect to have it figured out immediately.  As with anything, it takes 'tweaking' ... learning what works and what doesn't.

** Our convictions for our family are not someone else's.  We don't look at other families and think they should do the same.  No! Our decision has nothing to do with anyone else.

** I still know without a doubt we are being obedient to the Lord.  He is blessing our decision.  No doubt about it.

** When stepping towards obedience, the enemy likes to slip in beside you and make you doubt.  I am praying for protection for my family - for God to guard our hearts and minds and not let the world convince us we're missing out on something. 

I saw this played out a little last week with Emma's friends.  She was telling them she didn't watch a particular show anymore because we don't have TV.  One friend looked shocked and said, "I feel so sorry for you! I would just die!" Emma's response was "Don't feel sorry for me! I'm fine!"

Whew.  God is faithful to guard our hearts when turned toward Him in obedience :)

** Even in the midst of trying to figure all this out, my girls tell us (daily) they do NOT miss TV one bit.

** You will never be able to convince me God didn't have a plan when Olivia accepted Jesus as her Savior 2 weeks after we made the decision to unplug.  She was the very one we worried about and she was the one who said (upon telling her our decision), "Good cause Satan gets in my head through the TV". Coincidence? I don't think so.  She had been asking questions for so long.

** During our last week of Bible Study, we discussed obedience and how when most of us obey, we keep a 'Plan B' in place. You know, just in case God doesn't follow through with His promise, we'll have something to fall back on.  That lesson hit home when it reminded me I wouldn't cancel our satellite service 'just in case' we couldn't do what God asked us to do.

After that week, there was really only one thing to do .... cancel Plan B. 

** If we've spent money on cable or satellite service for 15 years, our budget can obviously handle that amount being paid out.  Instead of spending that money, we've decided to give it away each month to someone we all agree on.  THAT part has us all excited and has given us more motivation to stick it out.

Another question I get most often is "How long will you do this? Forever?"

I have no idea what the answer is.  I do know that our reasons for doing this are still just as real to us today as the day we started.  I feel like we're in a fight with the world for our kids' hearts. Without the Lord, we can't fight the enemy.  But, WITH THE LORD, the battle is won.  And, this is what the Lord has asked of us.

We're not perfect .... far, far from it.  We fail and complain and feel 'entitled' frequently. But, we're praying God will sustain us and keep us going another day.

Well Looky Here, I Have a Blog!

I love Gerber Daisies! Eric knows this.  He brought me these flowers for my table and they are the only thing that resemble Spring today.

You wouldn't know by the remarkably cold weather we have today, but last week was gorgeous.  Temps in the 80s, flowers blooming and lots of lots of time outside for us.

But, with that comes intense allergies.  Geez.  I'm hoping today's rain washes all the nasty stuff out of the air :)

I haven't taken much time for blogging lately ... mainly because I haven't had time.  What I'm learning is that I did most of my posting when the girls were plopped in front of the TV.  Well, that is no longer the case, so I can never pick up the computer until after the girls are in bed.  That's when I'm usually dying to get a hot bath and crawl in bed with a book.

I've tried reading when the girls are playing around the house, but I find it next to impossible to concentrate.  I said to Olivia the other day, "I cannot read while you're talking".  She answered, "I know.  I can't read while I'm talking either.  I don't plan to stop though".

Hmmm.  I get no sympathy.

Here's the talker after her bath last night. 

I swear, I'm so in love with this girl!

So, we're alive and well for those of you wondering.  (You make me smile when you email me asking if we're okay :) I just haven't figured out a new schedule that includes regular blogging.  But, I will.

Sunday Letters

Dear Emma,

One of the hardest things to explain to you right now is how to dress modestly.  We spent some time shopping this week, trying to buy you some Spring/Summer clothes.  You, suddenly, care a lot about what I buy you to wear and our opinions clash quite a bit.  We both left the mall frustrated with each other because you just couldn't understand why some clothes are inappropriate. What a hard lesson to learn AND teach!

Dear Olivia,

I loved having to pay you this week for finishing a chapter book.  You wanted your money, just like your sister, and I was happy to give it to you.  You're reading A LOT!

You came downstairs dressed in a pair of pajamas that were my favorites when Emma was your age.  I looked at you and said, "Awww, those remind me of your sister!"  You said, "Mommy, if Daddy ever makes me get married and leave you, you can pull these pajamas out of an old dusty box and think of me and Emma". 

Huh?

Your Daddy and I laughed so hard at that (though you were very serious) and promised we would never make you get married and leave us.  We reassured you that you could live with us forever.  You smiled and said, "Good.  Cause I don't know if I could find a husband to cook me livermush every Saturday!"

May a boy never underestimate your love of livermush!

Dear Eric,

We have been so spoiled with your schedule lately.  Before this week, I can't remember the last time you traveled.  I know you were only gone 1 night this week, but the girls and I didn't know what to do with ourselves :)

What a busy week for all of us! On top of a wild schedule, we've all struggled with our allergies this week.  Probably more than ever.  Here's hoping for a stress-free, healthy week ahead!

Sunday Letters

Dear Emma,

Yesterday, you won your second soccer game of the season.  Yay! I was so proud of the way you played.  You are learning so much this season and enjoying the team you are on.

We have also been enjoying this beautiful weather.  You, Olivia and a neighborhood friend decided to wash bicycles to raise money for charity.  You were charging ten cents per bike, which I thought was an incredible deal considering the look of the boy's bike down the street.  He took full advantage of that deal.  You worked your tail off.  I think the other neighbors started feeling sorry for you and just started donating money.  Which was a great gesture considering, at the time, you hadn't decided which charity ;)

Dear Olivia,

You loved the bike-washing business Emma started.  You only hesitated for one moment when you stopped me to ask me what 'charity' meant.  I told you it meant you didn't keep the money for yourself.  You looked at me perplexed, then proceeded to knock on doors asking for donations.  Whew.  You are brave.

You had the best time playing at the park Friday with your school friends.  However, at one point you ran up to me and asked me for some anti-bac gel.  I asked you why you needed it and you said, "Because C (a boy from school) just held my hand and I have to wash it RIGHT NOW.  Daddy said boys have germs and I don't want to get sick.".

Dear Eric,

Boys have germs? A little much, no? For the record, I told her you were pulling her leg and 5 minutes later, she walked in front of me holding a different boy's hand.  Better stay on your knees with this one.  Maybe we both should.

Friday Favorites

The weather here today is GORGEOUS.  Goodness, I cannot tell you how much sunshine and 75 degree weather lifts my moods. 

I, of course, had the morning off and planned to spend most of it at B*rnes & Noble and Lifew*y.  Sadie had other plans, so I didn't quite make it there as early as planned.  I still had enough time to buy 2 books .... and with a gift card .... which made me SO happy.

I left there, grabbed lunch and picked up Olivia to head to the park with some of her friends from school.  She had no idea we were going.  Once we got in the car, I told her where we were going and she said I was the best mother in the whole wide world.

We'll see how long I keep that title ;)

All this sunshine has me thinking about some of my favorite things ....

Allora Handmade.

I really love her statement necklaces, though she makes other cute stuff as well.  Check her out ... love the new spring/summer colors.  I have the mustard color as well as the berry.  You'll love her blog as well.

The Pleated Poppy

Lindsey hosts What I Wore Wednesday every week.  Have you checked it out yet? Basically, women take a picture of what they wear every day of the week and then post them all on Wednesdays ... complete with where each item came from.  The idea is to encourage women to get out of their sweatpants/slouchy dress and use what they have to look great.  Most clothing is from Old N*vy, T*rget, etc. (which is probably why I relate :)  Check it out.

Go Go Squeeze

I realize this is very popular for babies, but Olivia loves it to.  It's applesauce in a pouch.  It's great for snack time at school, or in the car.  If you spend as much time in the car as we do, this is a great, healthy snack.  O's favorite is AppleBanana.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Minis

Do I really need to explain why these would be a favorite? Ummmm ... not quite as healthy as applesauce, but who cares, really?

I must go.  Olivia is begging to go back outside, which means I need to sniff some nasal spray and take a Zyrtec.  Small price to pay for some beautiful weather :)

Allergy, Eyes and How to Jump Rope

The girls and I left for school one morning this week while it was still dark.  The time change takes some getting used to.  Halfway to school, Olivia yells "Look, I see snow!"  It took us a second to figure out she was talking about the blossoming pear trees all over town.  In dawn's light, they all look like snow-capped trees.

Thus, the reason my girls have been struggling to breathe and sleep. 

Allergies.

Emma woke one morning last week with blood red eyes that were matted shut.  Eric took her to the doctor, who treated her for pink eye at first, but suspected an allergic reaction.  He ordered some allergy tests. 

Results today show that she is just as allergic to cats and dogs as Olivia and myself.  Plus her allergy to dust and pollen was off the charts.  Bless her.  She is struggling.  Oh, and she's allergic to timothy hay - which happens to be Hershey, the guinea pig's favorite food.

Sigh.

We just can't catch a break when it comes to pets around here.

The doctor loaded her down with allergy meds, including nasal spray and strict instructions to clear out all stuffed animals from her room.  We have to follow up in a few weeks.

But, on the bright side, Olivia received superb news from the eye doctor today. (This has been the week for doctor appointments, I tell you.)

Although she was SO upset with me because she had to get her eyes dialated, her doctor said her eyes are actually getting better.  Praise! This was wonderful news since we were told she may have to wear a patch after this appointment.  But, no patch.  I was beyond happy about that.

And, Olivia was happy too - especially after I bribed her with candy to forgive me over the dialating thing :)

Speaking of Olivia, she allowed me to video her yesterday, which is so uncharacteristic of her lately.  In fact, she insisted I film a video on how to jump rope. 

"Because people need to know this stuff, Mama".

True words.


Jump Rope from Deidre on Vimeo.

Also, she is not lying.  Chocolate does make her jump very high!! It's a fact.

Don't Get Too Excited - It's Random

Ahhhh .... Wednesday morning, how I love thee.

I really need to stop talking about how much I love being home (as opposed to going to work) around my children.  Olivia tells on me.  As in she tells people at work that I hate my job.  Yikes! It's not that I hate it, I just really like being home.  When I'm not here, I feel like I'm behind.  God knows my heart (and our needs), so I'm trusting Him for what's right.

With that said, I have a lot of things to catch up on around here today.  I need to get going, so I think I'll just post a list of what's on my mind ...

**  Sadie.  I was ready to end our relationship completely yesterday.  Truthfully, I'm still ready.  I came home to let her out and she had completely eaten her collar.  Maybe I should pause so you can really appreciate the absurdity of that statement.  She ate her collar.  Off of her body.  She left the plastic clasp and that is all.  I don't even know what else to say about that other than to ask: do you realize how hard it is to let a dog out with no collar to attach a leash to?  And, at the time it was pouring rain? I can't talk about it anymore.  Moving on ...

**  Some of you have emailed to ask how Emma is doing at dance with her 'bully' situation.  Things couldn't be better.  In fact, she came home last night with a birthday invitation for the head bully's birthday party.  A sleepover.  She's not going, ofcourse {wink}, but Emma and I were both amazed.  God works it out.

**  Our last night of Bible Study was Monday night.  We finished Priscilla Shirer's Discerning the Voice of God.  It was, honestly, one of the best I've ever done.  Maybe because of the timing in my own walk, but every single week's work spoke to me very personally.  I loved it.  Highly recommend.

**  Now, I can dive into Nehemiah.  I'm not sure what God has for me in this book, but I know He has been relentlessly putting it before me for the past several weeks.  Now's the time.

**  I read this book Saturday.

Some of you know my inability to separate a book from reality when I'm reading.  Which is insane when I'm in the middle of a fiction novel, but maybe a piece of a puzzle God's trying to put together in my life when it's a book such as this one. 

I read about Under the Overpass on Rebecca Jo's book blog and was intrigued.  For me, it goes along with A Hole in Our Gospel and Crazy Love (though a much different and quicker read given the way it talks about this man's journey to connect with the homeless).  Here's the blurb on the back of the book ...

Ever wonder what it would be like to live homeless? Mike Yankoski did more than just wonder.  Mike's life went from upper-middle class to scum-of-the-earth repulsive overnight.  With only a backpack, a sleeping bag, and a guitar, Mike and his traveling companion, Sam, set out to experience life on the streets in six different cities:  Denver; Washington, DC; Portland; San Franscisco; Phoenix; and San Diego.

For more than five months the pair experienced firsthand the extreme pains of hunger, the constant danger of living on the streets, exhaustion, depression, and social rejection - all by their own choice.

I'm telling you the reactions these two men received from the majority of the churches they encountered in each city has kept me awake at night.  Not because I judge the church as a body, but because I am guilty. 

Read it.

**  I'm just now picking out my next memory verse.  It's Isaiah 30:21 ...

"Whether you turn to the right or to the left,

your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,

'This is the way; walk in it.' " 

Isaiah 30:21

Sounds too easy, doesn't it? But, definitely my desire.

Sunday Letters

Dear Olivia,

You melted my heart when you walked into my bedroom Thursday night, grabbed my face, stared into my eyes and said, "I am going to heaven with my Mama!"  Haha! Yes, you are!  You have been saved a week and don't mind a bit who knows it.  I love that you are so excited about it and are spreading the word. 

Okay, hands down the funniest thing you did all week:  You found my old touch-screen cell phone.  Ofcourse, it doesn't work, but you have played with it relentlessly since you found it.  You've been 'texting' everyone you know.  You told us Wednesday night at dinner you had texted Naomi from the Bible. We all looked at each other, trying to hold in the laughter.  I asked you if she texted you back.  You whipped that phone open and said, "Yep.  She said 'The Lord your God is with you'."  Hahaha.  We howled.  Then, you texted Levi because you wanted to know how he felt about having his name changed to Matthew ?? As if that wasn't enough, you texted Ruth to ask her why she married Boaz.  The stories go on and on.  You are a hoot.

Dear Emma,

I had the best time with you Friday night! You are so cool to hang with.  I'm so glad we had that time together.  I have apologized to you a dozen times this week for not being able to spend quality time with you.  I have been so sick with headaches, yet you were so sweet to make sure I was okay. You have written me several notes telling me you're sorry I'm sick and that you're praying for me.  I have no doubt you are! I just love your heart. 

Dear Eric,

What can I say? You have stepped in this week and picked up my slack.  Thank you.  I know when I'm out of commission, it must take a toll on you, but you never complained.  I'm praying for a better week, aren't you? Thanks for taking such good care of me and the girls.  I love you.

Mom/Daughter Date and a Soccer Game

I know I've been a bad blogger this week.  I actually tried to post yesterday, but my internet was down so that decision was made for me.  I haven't had a chance today until right this second, and I have to admit, I'm looking very forward to taking my hot bath and crawling in bed with my book.

This week has been a little odd for me.  Because I struggled with a migraine for more than 2 weeks, I felt like I had lost time with my family.  I felt so disconnected.  In fact, one day I was walking down the hall at school and spotted Emma's science project hanging outside of her room.  I stopped to check it out and realized I hadn't ever seen the finished product.  Eric helped her finish it a week before and helped her get it to school.  I've been so sick with a headache, I never saw it.  Ugh! I felt horrible about that. 

So, I've been spending the last few days soaking up my kids.

Friday afternoon, I let Olivia have a friend over after school.  Listen, if you ever need a pick-me-up (or comic relief), then just plan to spend the afternoon with 2 outgoing 5 year olds.  They were hilarious.  Olivia's friend has a huge imagination, so the tales she was telling made my mouth drop open a few times.  Then, I made a mental note to wait a year or two before I let Olivia go home with anyone for a playdate.  Heaven only knows the tales she would tell :) Ha! Kids are hysterical.

Last night, Emma and I had a date.

I finally caved and took her to see 'Never S*y Never' (story about Justin B*ieber).  I'm a little weird about letting my kids get too attached to something/someone (think Mil*y Cyrus), but I had been told this movie was really good. 

And it was! If you haven't seen it, you should.  What a great story.  Olivia is dying to see it now, so I'm hoping it will come to the $2 theatre here so I can.

Emma and I filled up on popcorn and chocolate, so neither of us were hungry after the movie.  We went to T*rget instead (where we ran into Lisa B!).  I wanted to get a new notebook for my bible study I'm starting next week on my own.  (I'm diving into the book of Nehemiah and am really excited about it - that's another story I'll tell later, but I'm amazed at how persistent God has been about me studying that book).  Anyway, I needed a new notebook for my notes.  Does anyone else do that?

Emma and I browsed around Target and Old Navy before we both admitted we wanted to go home.  Olivia and Eric were already home and playing Wii, so we did that before turning in early.

Because today was game day! Emma started a new soccer season today, with a league we've never played in before, so we were ALL excited to go to the first game.  Her coach is a good friend of ours - we actually used to be neighbors - and his daughter and Emma have been close friends since they were 18 months old.

They won their first game 2-0! She felt a little intimidated since she's never played in this league before, but she did great.  We counted today and this is actually her 7th soccer season.  Wow! Time flies.

Olivia had fun, too, but honestly this weather (rain, high winds, pollen, etc.) is wreaking havoc on all of our allergies.  Olivia hasn't felt that great this weekend.  She read during the game :)

So, that's our weekend so far.  I'm praying for a better week than the last two!

Always the Director, Never a Bridesmaid

Yes, I am alive. 

I think.

I was so tempted this morning to lock my family inside the house.  In fact, Olivia and I crawled in bed with Emma this morning and I mentioned the 3 of us staying like that all.day.long. and sleeping.  Emma gave it some serious thought, but Olivia said it sounded like the most boring thing ever.

So, we got up and got dressed.

I feel like I have lost time.  Not just because of our busy schedule lately, but because I have been battling headaches like never before.  Maybe it's not the worst one ever, but in the midst of it, it sure feels like it.  I know I've been writing about that a lot, so feel free to 'be bored' yourself and stop reading.

For those of you that stick around to read, I have to tell you about the most beautiful bridesmaid and flower girl you've ever seen.

See? I told ya.  My girls were so excited about being in Katie Beth's wedding.  This was Emma's first time being a bridesmaid and believe me, she took the job very seriously.  She even read a book on 'how to be a good bridesmaid'.  Ha! I know you're not surprised.

She was a great one! The only problem was the fact she looked 16 years old.  But, very beautiful.  Both of them were.

I never know how to explain who Katie Beth is to people .... she's my pastor's daughter, my friend Rita's, daughter, a girl in my SS class .... but, she should have been my daughter :)  She has been coming to my house to stay since she was 5 years old and has become a huge part of our family.  She has been on family vacations with us and babysits my girls .... so, again, she should've been my daughter.

And, she had the nerve to get married this past weekend :)

Isn't she beautiful?

The wedding was BEAUTIFUL just like I knew it would be.  We had a lot of fun.  I know they will be very happy, as their desire is to put the Lord first and seek His will. 

I should add here that I was the wedding director.

I do not direct weddings.

I was hoping to be a bridesmaid, but that didn't pan out.  So, I directed it.  The only reason I can come up with is because I am bossy.  In fact, that's the reason I was given.

Can you believe that?

This is the 4th girl out of my old high school girls' Sunday School class to get married.  Two more will marry this summer.  Which means one thing.

They never listened to me. 

I must not be too bossy :)

Grace In The Middle Of Chaos

One thing is for sure ... this has been a super-busy week.  We knew it would be.  We prepared each other ahead of time, promising to look out for one another and take one day at a time.  That's exactly what we did.  I have the best family.  Truly.

In fact, I crawled in bed last night exhausted, but overwhelmed with gratitude over my family.  I couldn't stop the tears as I thanked God for being so gracious to me.  I have a husband that loves me well.  If I told you all the things he does to make sure the girls and I are taken care of, it would make you sick, but it's true.  He is a true, godly servant to us.  Period.

I have spent a huge amount of time over the past few months with a couple of friends in struggling marriages, one of which is so grim, I'm tempted to run and hide myself.  I think I've been given (again) a glimpse of what my life could be and the thought makes me shudder.  I have been that woman just wanting to end it all because of a situation, too overwhelming, the thought of living another day just seemed like too much.  But now, who am I that the Lord would show me such favor? May I never take my beautiful life for granted.  That's just who God is ... He rescues and restores and He did both for me in a big way.

I love Him so.

As if all that isn't enough to praise God for .... much bigger things happened here this week.

My sweet Olivia asked Jesus into her heart Wednesday night!

I want to write more specifics about it later so we'll have the full details recorded here.  It was a sweet, happy time and she is just so proud of herself :) She is telling everyone, which makes me happy.

I'm a tad emotional this morning (can you tell?).  After a long, busy week, God reminds me of His Grace showered down in the middle of the chaos.  I love that.

I found this note from Emma in my mailbox this morning.

This is 'classic Emma'.  When things get too busy, she pulls in the reigns and let's us know it's time to 'make some time'.  She also lets me know when the cake plate is void of cinnamon bread :) We were even out of sweet tea, for crying out loud! That's another big no-no here.

After I read her note, it took me all of 5 seconds to start baking.  The cinnamon bread just came out of the oven.  She'll have a surprise when she gets home .... with a chocolate chess pie to go with it.

Now, we just have to plan that date :)

Wednesday Mornings Rock

I love Wednesday mornings.  Especially if Eric is in town and can take the girls to school.  I have a morning to myself .... to do whatever I want.  Though on this particular morning, I will be running lots of errands that include a chiropractor visit (for my headaches that will not stop!) and dentist appointments for the girls.

Speaking of the girls, they were both so sweet this morning.  I have a monitor in Olivia's room so I can hear her from my bedroom (that is downstairs) in the middle of the night.  I heard her making her bed this morning and singing "Shake your booty, toots".  Cracked me up.  She was so happy this morning, and I promise, we're all better off when she is :)

Okay, it seems like forever since I've been able to sit down and write a sensible post.  I don't have that kind of time this morning either, so I'm just going to list a few random things we've been up to.

** We went to the mountains this past weekend with Eric's parents.  It wasn't nearly long enough, but we had a great time.  Can't wait to go back.

 These two pictures make me want to hum the MASH theme song ...

** Our sweet Katie Beth is getting married this Saturday.  KTB is my friend, Rita's daughter.  Although, I'm very excited for her, I am NOT thrilled about her moving away.  She is a big part of our family and the thought of not seeing her makes me SAD.  Eric said last night, "Can you believe after Saturday we won't see Katie Beth for a long time".  Ahhh, stop it.  I hate it.  (Sorry, Katie Beth!)

 **  In a weird turn of events, our puppy Sadie was so sweet yesterday.  Her sweetness is very timely, actually, because my neighbor came over to ask me if she could have her.  I had to pause for a long moment before I said 'no'.  All afternoon, I worried about why she asked me.  Does she think we aren't good dog owners? Does she hear me complain? We only complain when inside our home (and on this blog and Twitter, ofcourse - haha).  Oh well, I can't worry about it.  My girls would never recover if our next door neighbor was raising their dog.

**  Have any of you read Dan Woolley's book Unshaken yet?

Dan works for Compassion and was in Haiti when the earthquake hit in 2009.  He was trapped in an elevator shaft in his hotel after it collapsed.  I read this book in one day.  It's such a good story.  Check it out if you haven't already.

**  Our journey with no TV:  I had to look back to see when we started this road with no TV in our home.  It's only been 2 weeks.  Our plan was to have no TV during the week and watch an hour on weekends.  Well, guess what? Our TV hasn't been on at all.  I guess it helps that we've been so busy, but seriously, the girls never ask.  In fact, I asked them yesterday if they miss it and they both still said "NO!".  I'm amazed at that, actually.

I haven't missed it at all.  Well, if I'm honest, we had some bad storms Monday night and I had to cancel Bible Study.  I had a massive headache and couldn't read anything (I hate that!), so I thought then how nice it would be to just relax and watch something.  I didn't, though.  We played Candyland instead.  I really think this may be easier than we think.

Some things I've noticed since we cut it out:

1) My girls will tell you they like it because they are getting more of our attention and they have more time to play. (Their words yesterday).
 
2) My house is staying in a mess because they are playing with their toys more.  (I'll take that trade anyday, though).

3) All of us are reading more than we ever have.

4) Attitudes are better and we're not stressed out.

I still say we're doing what God would have for us right now.  I believe when you change something you have always done, it takes time to become the new 'normal', but I'm confident God will bless our efforts.

Okay, I must go.  Chiropractor calling my name.  If you feel like it, could you pray for my headache to go away.  This one has lasted since last Thursday night.  I'm ready for some relief.  Have a great Wednesday!



Siesta Scripture Memory - Verse 5

I won't go into all the details of why I need my next verse, but doggone it, I do.  In fact, God showed it to me a month ago and I wrote it in my spiral to memorize already.

"No weapon that is formed against (me) shall prosper;

and every tongue that shall rise against (me) in judgment

thou shalt condemn"       Isaiah 54:17

See there.  God takes care of everything.  He defends!