Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Poolside

May is quite possibly one of my favorite months of the year.  School lets out.  The lightening bugs light up the tree line at night.  The sunsets seem more brilliant.  Eating dinner on the patio seems like the right thing to do.  I don't know.  I just love the month of May.

You know what else happens in May?  The pool opens.


We don't buy a lot of extra stuff around here.  When my kids want a new toy, we go to Targe', play with the toy in the box for about 10 minutes and then head home.


What?  Don't Hate.  Haters gonna hate.  (Thank you Duck Dynasty)



This is our second summer to put up a pool.  It is the best thing we do all year.  They are $279 at Wal-Mart and provide hours and hours of fun.  This year we had a yard sale to raise our pool money.

The sale was a big flop but we got a pool anyway. 


Poolside dining.  Not your run of the meal Country Club chicken strips and fry meal.  Ramen.  Poolside. 


And an unexpected visit from cousins makes it even more fun.  Late nights, late mornings, the smell of sunscreen, eating outside, it's all good.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

The Gift Of Inspiration

This week in our Ministry Of Motherhood study we talked about The Gift Of Inspiration.  Have you ever been inspired?  I know for me, all it takes is seeing one picture of a sparkling clean sink, and I am inspired to go clean mine.  Inspiration, both in word and picture, is a powerful thing.


It can be a simple next step.  Pointing their little hearts and minds towards God.  Telling them they are a great artist but not stopping there.  Saying, "I wonder how God is going to use your talent to bring Him Glory."

One thing God asks of us is to subdue the earth.  This is a picture of making your area of influence flourish.  Cultivating the ground around you.  The definition is a picture of bringing under control and I imagine adding beauty to the world around you.

When we point our children to God, we are inspiring a sense of purpose in them.  One question I've been pondering after reading this section of the book is a big one.  Do we really understand the significance of our lives?  That God has chosen us, you, me, specifically for His work.  We are His chosen vessels.  When we begin to realize this, the next phase is helping our children realize that they too are God's chosen vessels.

My favorite part of this section was Chapter 7.  The day when the household was a chaotic mess.  So much work to be done and the mundane duties of life were lacking luster.  A quick glance out the window took the breath away, and in an instant mother and daughter were running across a field to enjoy the beauty of a sky lit on fire with a sunset.

"Come, Look!"  Two words we need to add to our vocabulary.

"Come, Look!"  Two words that can trigger us putting down the work of our hands to go admire the work of theirs.

Stopping to look at the beauty puts a heart at peace.

"More important, we were at peace-no longer caught up in the irritating, mundane world but soothed by that God-given reminder of the Lord's power and presence."  MOM pg 81


"This act of directing their eyes and ears beyond the mundane to the wonders of God's work is one of the most important ways I can give my children the gift of inspiration."  MOM pg. 81


This week set a goal of saying, "Come Look!"  at least once a day.

Friday, May 18, 2012

HUGE YARD SALE



We are having a HUGE 4 family yard sale today at my house from 8am-1pm.


Lots of furniture, decor and cute stuff.


Swing by if you're out!!!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

The Gift Of Grace



My question has changed. 

For years, my main question has been, "What is the best way to train these boys? To discipline them so they will choose to do right."

We are on Week 2 of our Ministry Of Motherhood study.  You know what the biggest thing I took away from our discussion last night was?

My children are not perfect.  And, they are never going to be.  It was a good reminder for my perfectionist self.  Grace can be extended in love.

It is so easy to get in training mode.  The pattern where most of the words that come out of our mouths are correcting, rebuking and training.  How about speaking encouraging words for a change?  It is surprising how speaking nice words can turn the atmosphere around.

It keeps blowing me away to look at the life of Jesus.  So many times, when he could have slammed his fist down, ruling with a hard hand, he doesn't.  He chooses the way of Grace.  Extending kindness to one who does not deserve it.  No payback.  No fist pounding.

The gift of grace.  I wandered when parenting took such a sharp turn towards harshness.  I see it in my own life.  Just a couple of days ago, my 4 year old grabbed my leg while I was holding a cup of cream coffee.  My first response was one of anger and a mean tone.  My first response was to lash out at him.  That is not Jesus.  That is my flesh, plain and simple.  I apologized to the little dude. 

"Words are powerful; the Bible is full of that message.  The whole universe came into being because God spoke the words."  pg 41, Ministry of Motherhood
I have a new question I am asking.

How can I love these boys well? 

And because if one question is good, a handful are better, here's what else I am pondering. 

How can I extend a motherly touch that will bless them? 

Will I be willing to be available to talk with them?  The temptation is to feel like all the Lego and Spy Gear chatter is meaningless.  If I choose to believe that I am a fool.

After spending a week looking at the example of Grace found in Jesus, one thing is certain.  If I am going to model Jesus' example it will mean I extend kindness to those who do not deserve it, and I will love them and serve them.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Toilet, Tub & Towel Tuesday

I'm just gonna cut to the chase. I wasn't doing diddly squat on Kitchen Tuesdays. Seeing as how I don't make my own yogurt or sprout my own grains, I finally figured out an entire day devoted to the kitchen was equaling a day off of housework for me.  Sure I had grand visions of roasting chickens, making broth, yada yada yada, but at the end of the day it was still usually me serving up Ramen noodles for lunch and a taco salad for dinner.


I've been thinking I should try Toilet, Tub and Towel Tuesdays for awhile.  But I didn't want to commit, ya know?  It's hard to get pumped about for real cleaning the bathroom on a regular basis.  I've become a big fan of the Windex the sink and toilet right before company comes method.


Today I bit the bullet.  I set the time for 30 minutes to see how long it really takes me to clean the bathrooms.  I know how long it takes me but setting the timer is exciting so I can re-remember that it doesn't take me 17 hours.  We have a pretty big master bathroom.  I'm not going to talk about what I swept up here on national television, but believe you me, it was gross.  Shower shoe worthy.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
It took 20 minutes to clean the master bathroom and get it swept and mopped. We have a stand up shower in our Master Bath. The easiest way I have found to clean that shower is to clean it while I'm in there. With shampoo and a wash cloth.  It works.  The other little bath you see in the pictures, I can get that cleaned in under 10 minutes.  So, we'll see.  Toilet, Tub and Towel Tuesday may be a keeper. 

Monday, May 14, 2012

True or False


There's gonna be a McDonald's in heaven? 

Did Noah part the Red Sea or God?

Was it made out of cheeseburgers?

The next one's a little too gross to post on the el bloggo...

God likes to listen to White Flag by Chris Tomlin?

Does God have jazz or jam music in heaven?

Does God have guitar heroes in heaven?

Does God have charity up in heaven?

(the above are questions I overheard my big boys pondering out loud during quiet time)

And now for my list...

When I walk through the door from walking and pop 5 cream puffs in my mouth the calories don't count?

I get to go out to dinner with my Bible Study ladies tonight and I am so excited I just about can't see straight?

I'm keeping an eye out for what kind of natural learning goes on under my roof and was surprised when the boys looked up and found where Papua New Guinea is on the globe?

Every afternoon we shut phones off and have quiet time and I re-put my pj's back on, that is unless of course I never got out of them in the first place?

Duck Dynasty is our families new favorite show?

If you guessed TRUE for my list then you got em' all right.  It's quiet time around these parts right now, and we're coming off a fantastic morning and a fantastic weekend.  Friday evening we grilled and had some of our best friends over and the girls won at cards.  That kind of victory is always sweet and I try to be very humble about our wins, ahem, not.

Saturday we spent the day with Shane's family.  It was such a fun day! We ate great food, my brother-in-law grilled the best dang Tequila Lime Chicken you ever tasted (it was a Kroger brand marinade and so great!) we got to visit, let the cousins run wild and play and we were introduced to Duck Dynasty.

Sunday church was so good.  There is nothing like worshipping together with church family.  We got to eat Mexican food for lunch, which was followed by a nice long nap.  Last night we sat on the patio, the kids played, I read, then we ordered pizza and watched Duck Dynasty.  Yes I am obsessed and thank you for asking. We went for Marble Slab with Nana, Papa and Mamaw and topped it all off with couch bed night and lots of snuggles.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Glow In The Dark Bath

$1.00 for a package of Glow Stick bracelets from The Dollar Tree will have the kids saying,

"You're the BEST MOM EVER!!!"


I scored some serious cool points with the kids Sunday evening.


The best dollar of fun money can buy.



Fill the bath with water, break the glow sticks to activate the glow and let the kids have fun in the dark.



For the most surprise, build up the surprise all day.  You want them anticipating something really fun tonight.  Don't let them come in until the big reveal.  Have the water ready and let them have a grand entrance.  They'll love it.



Thursday, May 10, 2012

Motherhood As A Ministry?

Do you know the startling statistic that 2 out of 3 young people are leaving the church?

I'm talking about church raised 20 somethings who leave home and leave the church with it.

If you have 3 children, statistics say that 2 of them will leave the church when they are in their 20's.

It is time for us to wake up.  As Christian Mothers we have a huge opportunity to try to make a difference.  There are no guarantees but that is no excuse not to try.  As I think about my role as a Mother do you know what keeps coming to mind?

Speak truth directly from the pages of Scripture to my children.  My words may return to me empty, but God's never return to Him empty.  They accomplish the purpose He desires.  Even if they are 2 years old and don't understand.  Even if they are 17 and you think it's too late to start.  You know what my wise friend told me?

Satan's word is TOMORROW
God's word is TODAY

The enemy knows if he can plant the seed that it is too late in your mind he's got you.  He knows if he can make you feel like you've already failed, you will say what's the use in trying.  You stand defeated when you listen to the lies.

Start small.  Put a Bible on your kitchen table.  Tonight after dinner read a Psalm.  Read it during dinner.  Read it at breakfast as they eat cereal.  Read any part of Scripture.  Don't get caught up in reading the "right" passage.  Well, Leviticus may freak em' out a bit, but whatever.

Try reading from Psalms.

Proverbs has 31 Chapters.  Today is May 10th.  Read Proverbs 10.

So, Motherhood as a ministry?  I think so.  We have opportunity to make a difference.  Start today by reading Scripture out loud to your kiddos.


Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Emergency Budget Meeting

We had to have an Emergency Budget Meeting when I found out shakes at Sonic are half-price ALL SUMMER LONG after 8pm.   May, June, July, and August just got a new line on the ol' budget.  It's under the Mama's upping the calcium intake this summer for early osteoporosis intervention line.

Apparently Summer started early this year because the dealio is in full swing.

I've already got my pineapple shake on one time. You have got to try it. Trust me. Take 8 quarters and try one. If you like fruity, not too sweet and tropical you'll love it.  It is like the beach in a Styrofoam cup, only not.

Oh, and by the way, if you're coming to the study tonight (which I am SO EXCITED ABOUT), it's alright if you show up at 8:06 because you had to swing by for your After Moon Delight.  Also, if you're coming tonight, you may want to bring your Bible, pen and paper.

Please tell me if you try a pineapple shake and love it as much as I do.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Want to come over?



I'm opening up my home tomorrow night at 8:00pm

If you are a Mama and in need of encouragement you should come

For the next 6 weeks we are going to go through the book

The Ministry Of Motherhood

From the time I saw double lines on the pregnancy test I've been reading parenting books

They often leave me feeling stressed, condemned and feeling like a failure

Not this one

It points you straight to Jesus

What did His Ministry on earth look like

How did He disciple His Twelve

There are no extremes on the pendulum with this kind of approach to parenting

Look to Jesus

Take a breath of relief as grace starts to take over the reigns

As Kindness and Gentleness start to fill your sails

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If you can't come on Wednesday nights I'd still love for you to join the discussion

Thursdays will be a day where you can come here and post comments on what spoke to you

I'll post highlights from the Wednesday night discussion

If you live out of town and are feeling alone and uncertain about your role as a Mom

Please order the book, read along and join the discussion

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There are several places to order.  www.wholeheart.org, www.half.com, www.amazon.com

Go ahead and order so we can start reading and discussing.

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Click Here to read reviews of this wonderful book

p.s. if you are interested in joining this group either in person or online do you mind sending me a quick text, call or email just so i can know how many to expect


Friday, May 4, 2012

She is...

She perseveres.

She bears up under trial.

She endures.

She has an endurance toward people and circumstances.

She is associated with hope.

She has a quality of character that does not allow her to surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial.

She is constant.

She has a constancy toward God.

She has a quality of mind and it is tranquil.

She is tolerant.

She is gentle.

She is patient.

“The times we find ourselves having to wait on others may be the perfect opportunities to train ourselves to wait on the Lord.”
~ Joni Eareckson Tada


Psalm 40:1, Psalm 86:15, Isaiah 40:31

Thursday, May 3, 2012

The Recipe

Remember last weeks Menu?

The one where none of the options looked that great?

Well, I tried the Love and Serve and it was good.  Today I'd like to share the recipe.  I'm still tweaking it, but this is a strong start for you.

1 hot shower
1 outfit (can be comfy, just need to be dressed)
1 pair of shoes
1 smile
1 go to bed earlier
8 glasses of water (you can start smaller and add more if you need to)

Add all of these in.  Mix well.  Gradually add in some out loud Scripture reading.

If you've been tired and worn out, chances are you are tempted to be grumpy about it.  Chances are you're tempted to feel sorry for yourself.  Chances are you are tempted to let discontentment set in.  That is one course you can choose to take.  The results are usually not pretty for anyone involved.

The second option is to take inventory of what you can do, what you can change.  When I am tired and worn out, a hot shower is the first thing that makes a difference.  Shampoo your hair and get yourself dressed.  Putting shoes on makes a huge difference.  It signals to your mind that even though I'm home, this is my realm and there are tasks I need to put my hands to.

Drink more water.  Not part of the list we like but if you are dehydrated it takes a toll on how you feel.

Get yourself to bed earlier tonight.  If you can rest during the day, find a time to make the house quiet and rest.

Smile.  Smile at those around you.  Smile when you speak to them.

When your ambition is to love those around you things start to change.

When you seek how you can bless them things change.  If you keep focusing on what you don't have and what you think you need, you'll stay miserable.

When you decide you're going to make your bed, get dressed and be nice, the atmosphere changes.

Last, but certainly not least, read the Bible.  Read Proverbs 3 (since today is May 3rd).  Read I Peter Chapter 1.  Read I John.  Anything.  But open your Bible and read it.  Read it out loud.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

You Hear That?

Do you hear that?   That, my friend, is the sound of a completed school year!  Tonight I finished my grading for the year and we are done.  Four sweet letters, done.

What a relief to have completion. Shane threw out the gauntlet last week. Woman, if you finish grading by next Thursday, I'll give you a girls night out with Mexican food. Oh I was all over that like a fat girl in a half price candy store. Finished up a day early.

Here is my 1st grader.  Such a hard worker this year.



Here is my 2nd grader.  I'm so proud of the hard work these boys put in this year.  They've memorized scripture, learned math, spelling and reading.


And this little guy, we'll he marches to the beat of his own drum.  He'll be very happy to have his brothers freed up so he doesn't have to entertain himself with Mama's jewelry box.


I am so thankful that God helped us finish strong this year.  We'll chat more about school next time.  I'm a whirlwind of thought on all things school right now.

But for tonight, we are celebrating baby!  It's 8:22pm and the boys are still dirt covered and in the back yard.  That's what I'm talkin' about!