It's been a while

Todd at his first NFL game and it was a great one!!

Jackson with his toy Todd made for him last year. He loves it b/c it has Todd saying I love you!

Christmas card failed attempt #1. Have I mentioned that this child is fast. Brad was taking the picture the minute my hand left the hat and he still beat us a few times!

I have not blogged in so long. Part of that is because I have not had much to say. I have been spending some time thinking about the many blessings I have and the fact that I am unworthy for all of it! However, the main reason is SICKNESS!! I am so tired of this family being sick. Jackson has been the worst of all. In November, he managed to lose 2 pounds due to stomach virus things. We are still having trouble with that sensitive stomach. Please pray that we figure this out. It has begun to really alter our lifestyle. We have to be so careful what he eats. Please pray we outgrow this soon!! I hope to post some more soon. Until then, here is my cute kiddos!

Melissa And Doug free giveaway

There is a contest going on to win a great puppet stage from Melissa And Doug company. I have always wanted one but could not afford them. You may want to take a look.
www.melissaanddoug.com Follow the links to the contest. It ends soon.

Read and Share The Story of Christmas

I had the pleasure of reviewing The Story of Christmas by Gwen Ellis. This book is in Thomas Nelson's line of Read and Share stories for children. This book is ideal for young children because of the simplicity of the pictures and the simple sentence structures. There are fewer words on each page and large pictures. There is also a question at the end of each chapter, which is good to engage the children. These questions can be appropriate for an older age child, too. Overall, I feel this would be good for children ages 2-6.

I really enjoyed the DVD that came with the book. The pictures are very child-friendly and colorful. There are also a few coloring pages that are mainly animals that are great for young children.

Overall, I think this would be a great book to help keep children focused on the birth of Jesus for Christmas. That is why I am giving this book a 4 1/2 star. I think the DVD makes the mark a little higher.

Questions Song Lyrics | Steven Curtis Chapman Lyrics | Christian Music Song Lyrics | NewReleaseTuesday.com

This song is amazing. So often I question things that happen. Steven Curtis Chapman released an album that is his raw emotions that surrounde the death of his daughter. These songs are such great reminders of the goodness that God has and that He is in control and beside us in all trials!

Questions By Steven Curtis Chapman

Who are you God
For You are turning out to be
so much different than I imagined

And where are you God
Because I am finding life to be
So much harder than I planned

Know that I am afraid
to ask these questions
But you know they are there

And if you know my heart
The way that I believe you do
You know that I believe in You
Still I have these questions

Like how could you God
How could You be so good and strong
And make a worls that can be so apinful

And where were you God
I know You had to be right there
I know You never turned Your head

You know that I am confused
By all of this mystery
You know I get afraid
But if you know my heart
As completely as I trust You do
Oh You know that I trust in You

Is it true
That for every tear I cry
You cry a thousand more
Because you weep for those that weap

And are You there, just holding Yourself back
From crushing all the pain and evil in this world
For reasons we just can't understand for now
But isn't there a day of redemption coming
OHHH
Redemption is coming
OHH

Quickly Lord, come quickly
Lord come quickly
OHHH

So who am I god
That you would raise me from the dust
To breathe Your life and Your love in me
You know that I believe
And make a world that can be so painful

Called To Worship

I have been reading a book titled Called To Worship by Vernon M. Whaley. This book takes you on journey studying worship throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Dr. Whaley has taken some familiar stories and some unfamiliar stories and related them back to our purpose: worshipping God.

Though this is a lengthy book ( 300+ pages), I found myself captivated by the points Dr. Whaley makes. This book is very good for people that do not know all of the stories because he discusses them at length. This was the only downfall for me. Sometimes the "background information" was too lengthy since I am familiar with most of the stories he discussed. However, I enjoyed reading them because he pulled out themes of worship I had not thought of prior to this book. Overall, I was very challenged and called to a higher need for true worship in my life.

One year ago

We were blessed to welcome Jackson into the world. He was such a blessing to us and a gift. He keeps us on our toes at ALL times. His laughter brightens our days. I think he will have some similarities to Todd but will have his own aspects, too. He loves to read books and climb into buckets. He likes cars or trucks and he loves the dogs and his brother. He is beginning to use lots of language. He says bye, momma, dadda, buba, dog, five, and has his own "words" for buddy, rocket, see you, and peek-a-boo. He can get anywhere he wants to go. He can clap, too.

Jackson, you were an answered prayer for many of us. You are blessed to have the best big brother you could have. May God continue to bless you just as you have blessed us!

3 months old

1 year old

troubled times

I have become a reviewer for Thomas Nelson books. I get to pick a book and read it and then post reviews of the book. I am just now on my first book. I will be posting a review of it soon, but this was too good to wait.

I have been feeling a little overwhelmed at times lately. I know so many people that have been struggling. I had considered posting this but had not gotten around to it. After reading my friend Tamara's post, I decided this would be a good time to post it. I am obviously not the only person feeling overwhelmed.

As I look over our daily e-mails, I am seeing so much sickness, death, children with difficulties, people taking their own lives, losing jobs, losing homes, etc. You name it and I seem to know someone dealing with it. It is often times like these that I begin to wonder where God is. Sure, I know he is in the midst of it, but where is his stance and why is all of this happening?

In the book I have been reading, it discussed the Israelites. In Jericho, there was a 15' high wall. It was impossible for the Israelites to penetrate the wall on their own. However, God knew that the land He had promised was on the other side. Then, they had to cross the river. How could they do these things? Was it an easy feat? I don't think so. They stepped out in faith. They trusted God and did as they were told. None of it made real sense to them. They did not wait for the obstacle to move, they just walked out in faith. They took the first step. Some days, that is all we can do is take the step. We don't have the energy to go any further.

That is how I feel right now. These problems are like that 15' wall or that river. There is NO way we can solve these problems alone. We must just step out in faith and let God take over. We have to continue to worship Him in full confidence that He is in control and on the other side is the land he has promised us.

As we step, we must not do it alone. We have to have support from those around us. I think that is the point of all of these trials. We have become so self-dependent. We do not think we need anyone else. We think we can do it alone. I think with all of our struggles, we are turning more to God and those around us. I believe God is thinking, "They are finally getting it". So, as we struggle, let's help one another and ask for deliverance from these trying times!

Depressing

Okay, I will warn you, this post is dark.....

I have to say, I am very blessed to not deal with depression on a regular basis. I have had a few times when I definitely felt myself sinking in that hole, but I do not struggle with that feeling. The times I had that feeling, it was awful.
Today, I got word that a young girl, 26, took her own life. She had a son that was Todd's age that she loved dearly. She was involved in his everyday activities and had even posted a picture of her and him on her facebook page this weekend and stated that life was not that bad after all. This story has haunted me for several reasons. One, I cannot imagine Brad having to tell Todd his mom had killed herself because things in this world were too bad. Two, the pain that the family is enduring is mind boggling. Three, how lost she must have felt to decide to end her life. It makes me sad to the core. I cannot fathom that feeling. I hurt for her. She had bipolar disorder and often struggled with it. On the outside, she was gorgeous. She had so much going for her. I just hurt for her. The thoughts that ran through her mind in those last minutes must have been terrible. She left a note, though I do not know the reason she gave yet. What was she thinking and how did she respond? I am saying many prayers for her broken family. I guess I just don't get it. I pray that I never do.
This story leads me to a question.. Why are so many young people choosing this as an option? Is it money, loneliness, hurts, sicknesses? I just wished I knew so that we could work to stop it. Just pray for those in her family.

Todd Funny

Todd is such a literal child. This quality makes him hilarious at times. 2 years ago you may remember that the staph infection made it's debut. Everyone was going crazy that we would all die from it. the school had sent out numerous sheets explaining how they were sterilizing and keeping things clean. I was teaching this year so I was able to hear all of the conversations taking place at school. They were encouraging ridiculous amount of hand washing and sterilization. It had become such an ordeal that the central office ran out of paper towels. They became a hot item. So, the new spill was keep your hands sanitized but use only one paper towel because they have to cut down trees to make those. Now, fast forward 2 years to yesterday. As I pulled up to the patio to drop Todd off, I commented that they had chopped down the shrubs. Now, I wish I had a picture of before and after of these shrubs. They were huge and now they are a stub. At this point, Todd is quiet. He is a nature loving soul that hates to think of any animal or tree being destroyed. Suddenly, very matter-of-fact, he says, "The school must have needed paper towels". Then, we pull up to see the shrubs on the other side of the porch look the same. He groans and says, "The must have REALLY needed paper towels". Inside I was cracking up but he was as serious as he could be. I admit, I didn't say anything because if I had told him the truth he would have been very upset. Literal children are so much fun!

New Look

I wanted a new look for the blog. As I looked at the different choices, I saw the pretty pinks and greens. I was going to do one of those because I don't get to use those colors in my house. It was then that I saw this background. I immediately thought of my boys. They are my little monkeys that are everywhere. Jackson is walking everywhere and Todd has always been busy. So, I will keep my little monkey's on here for a while. I hope you like them!

Humble

Humble.. that is not an easy word for many of us. I have always considered myself a pretty humble person until recently. God has opened my eyes to the truth about humility.
The dictionary describes humble as the following:
1 : not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive
2 : reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission
3 : ranking low in a hierarchy or scale

I guess I have always looked at humility like the first definition. I am not assertive by nature nor am I arrogant (most of the time). It was the second definition that really caught me: offered in a spirit of defence or SUBMISSION. Whoa! You mean submission has something to do with being humble?

This is how the dictionary describes submissive:
1. a : to yield oneself to the authority or will of another : surrender b : to permit oneself to be subjected to something
2 : to defer to or consent to abide by the opinion or authority of another

I don't struggle with being submissive to Brad. I am blessed with a wonderful, loving man. His spiritual leading is amazing. He follows God's leading in his decisions.


However, can I say I am always submissive to God? Absolutely not! I have doubted Him. I have questioned Him often and quite frankly, I have been angry with Him and have chosen my own way. Why? When will I ever learn? Will I ever let go of that control completely? Many times I find myself going to God in times of trials. I will say, "If it is Your will". But many times I am really meaning, "Make Your will the same as mine and then things will be good". I am trying to get to a point where I can accept all of the things in my life as HIS will. That can be so hard! I came across this chapter. I do not often put an entire chapter on here, but it all spoke to me.

Psalm 25 (New Living Translation)

1 O Lord, I give my life to you. 2 I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. 3 No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
4 Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. 5 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. 6 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. 7 Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord.
8 The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. 9 He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. 10 The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.
11 For the honor of your name, O Lord, forgive my many, many sins. 12 Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. 13 They will live in prosperity, and their children will inherit the land. 14 The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. 15 My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies.
16 Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress. 17 My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all! 18 Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins. 19 See how many enemies I have and how viciously they hate me! 20 Protect me! Rescue my life from them! Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge. 21 May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you.
22 O God, ransom Israel from all its troubles.

So many times, I have felt verse number 17. It is verse 5 I need to do.. ALL DAY LONG. I am so thankful that I am given mercy!
I could not write on being humble without adding James 4:10. This is a great scripture that I can't read but sing!
James 4:10 (New International Version)
10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Well, I will stop my personal sermon. I am really working on being humble to God!

various thoughts

Okay, so it has been a while. I have really been in deep thought lately. I have found myself really searching what God wants me to do on several things. I will post on that later. For now here is what is going on..

Jackson turned 10 months and I can't believe it. Time is moving so much quicker with him than Todd. He is officially walking. It cracks me up. Todd did not walk until 13 months but he skipped the teetering stage. I am trying to get video of him to post b/c it is so cute! He is full of energy and is very determined. I am going to have my hands full.

Todd started 2nd grade. I can't believe I have a 2nd grader. To all of my high school friends.. Didn't we just wear ugly chorus dresses and eat outside for lunch 2 years ago? It has not really been 14 years ago!! I am really starting to think I am getting old.

Anyway, Todd does not like school. He never has. If given the choice, he would be homeschooled so that he could stay home and work on challenging work. He is smart and gets bored. On the way to school this is the discussion we had..

T: When did you start school each year?

M: We started either late August or early September.

T: Why do we have to start so early?

M: That is just the way it is now.

T: Why? All we do is start by reviewing what we did last year. Couldn't we just start later and skip that?

M: (Silence at first) Good point, Todd.

Finally: I was going to share a sweet picture of the 2 sweet boys that God has blessed me with.

Day 2

Okay, I have so much to post about but I don't have much time. So, here it is. I have officially started a diet. Really, I have got to do something and my baby excuses are gone. I am on day 2. I will keep you updated. Why does this have to be so hard. I am always made very aware of my lack of discipline. I am sure God is teaching me a lot.

The Label

Many of you may not know, my original major was elementary education. At the end of my junior year, I was in a position where I needed to take some extra classes to stay full time but I could not graduate early due to pre-student teaching and student teaching having to be in separate semesters. I was advised to pick up an additional major of ESL or special education. For my high school friends, you know Spanish class was not my area of talent. (Anyone remember all of the craziness in that class?) So, I picked Sp. Ed. I was only doing it to be "more marketable". I did not know that it would be my passion years later. However, no one told me I would stick out like a sore thumb one day.

I plainly remember my first job, which I was not passionate about sp ed at that time. I was standing in the hall of a middle school open house talking to another teacher. A parent walked up to us and said, "You all must be the special education teachers". I was a little angry. I looked down to double check that I didn't have mismatched shoes or socks. I wanted to know if I had a special ed sticker on my head.

I also wasn't told that other teachers look at "us" differently. Every school, I had to prove myself. I later realized, some sp ed teachers are lazy and get into the field to do nothing. Therefore, we often get a bad reputation.

Anyway, all of that mumbling to get to my current story. I went to Walmart to shop. That was stupid, I know. I was talking to a teacher I worked for last year before I got my full time position. She was out on medical leave. As we were talking, a lady my age walked up with a bag of instant potatoes wanting to know how to make them and were they healthy and was there something else healthier because her kids were huge (my word not hers) and needed to lose weight. It was obvious she was unable to read nor comprehend. For the next hour, I was helping her get salt, noodles, cheese, etc for some recipe on the back of a box of whole grain noodles. She had passed numerous people to get to me. Had it been 1999, I would have been offended and been looking for the label, Special Ed teacher, on my head. However, I now see it as a chance I had to help a lady. Todd and Jackson could not have been any better. I got more looks in that hour than I get in 10 trips to Walmart. Some looked at me like I was crazy. Others looked at me like I was sick and some looked compassionate. At the end of our trip, she looked at me and said, "you must go to church". I told her I did. We exchanged the names and denominations of our church, which happened to be the same. She then said my church must have many nice people, which we do. Then she began telling me that she had tried to get help in another store and no one would help. My heart almost broke for her. How challenging must it be to try to fix healthy food when you can't read or understand the food pyramid.

After we were done, I was able to talk to Todd about helping her and that being the nice thing to do. We also talked about the fact that she knew we were Christians because we helped her. We were all tired but I was thankful I had that label on my head and that God had provided me with the abilities to help her!

These verses came to mind when I was helping her...

Matthew 25:34-40. (Where Jesus says what you did for the least of these you did for me.)

Random comments

I do not know if anyone even reads this anymore since I never have time to update it. I will write an update to see if anyone responds.

Life has been busy lately. We have had vacation, VBS, swimming lessons, doctors appointments, and daily life and the summer has just begun! I will hit the high parts.

Brad, Todd, Phillip 3, and I went for a couple days to Six Flags. The park closed the first day due to weather but we still had fun going to the movies and playing in the hotel pool. Then, we had a blast at the park all the next day.

Jackson is changing so quickly. He is about 20 pounds and is full of energy. He is pulling to standing and is starting to cruise. His smile will make your heart melt and his laugh makes Todd and I crack up! I think Todd says it best. "I am glad you had a baby because he is really cute."

There are still days that I would love to see my baby girl that we lost. There are still days that I wonder what she looked like and how she would act. I wonder how we would be with a girl. I wished I could buy those adorable dresses! Then, I see these type pictures and realize that, though the loss of Faith was so hard, I cannot imagine my life without my Jackson. I love these boys more than life itself! If Faith had lived, Jackson would not have been here.

Lord, please forgive me when I doubt Your plans. Help me to walk in Your ways not mine. Thank you for loving me despite my weaknesses and despite my anger toward You during trying times. Help me to cherish the ones I love and draw me Home someday to see those that have gone before me! In Jesus' Holy and magnificent name, Amen!

Take it for granted..

His laugh

His smile

His constant motion

His kisses

His hugs

His crying

His spit up

Saying no 100 times a day

Watching him pull up

Watching him laugh at the dogs

Watching him chase his brother

These are all things that I take for granted and did not see on Friday.

As many of you know, Jackson had thrown up once Wed. evening. All day Thurs., he seemed completely fine. Thurs. night, he threw up again. By the next morning, he was not wanting to wake up and he was close to being non-responsive. He would look at me when I called his name and then his eyes would roll back in his head and he would fall back asleep. He was like a rag doll. I called the Dr and they asked "How far are you from the office and do you have a car so that you can leave now. Come on, we will be ready." I somehow got things ready quickly and took off to the office. When we got there, they had a room ready for us. After looking at him, he was slightly dehydrated. I am still not sure how that happened since he only got sick 2 times in 2 days. He was a sock baby. As I looked at him so pitiful, I was reminded of how blessed I am. I am so thankful that he is feeling better. It was a scary few hours! I hve held both boys a little tighter since then!

Random thoughts

Life has been so hectic lately. I feel as though I can hardly breath some days. Brad is traveling quite a bit right now. I am just thankful he is not still working in Chicago Monday-Thursday every week like he was 2 summers ago. Anyway, I will write a few things that have been running in my head.

This economy crisis is driving me nuts! I know so many people that are loosing their jobs and there is no real end in sight. I really feel for those that are feeling the hits. I know some of you that read this are in that boat. Please know that I pray for you often! I have been in a position of stress due to money.

I cannot believe how fast Jackson is growing up. He crawls, sits himself up, says Ma-Ma, and pulls up to his knees. This will be our last child, unless God decides something different. I really kind of wanted him to stay a baby at least the normal time. Instead, he is quick to grow up. I have always heard, "Time goes fast once you have children" and it really does. Well, some days seem like they will never end :).

Well, now that I have bored you all, I guess I will get back to work. I have so many things to do. Blogging and Facebook should not be on there.

Update

Okay, just in case anyone reads this, I will update you. Jackson is now 6 months old. He is SO active. He is already crawling and is moving anywhere he wants to go. He has also started pulling himself up to sitting position in his bed. He is working on doing that on the floor, too. He wears me out!! He is much smaller than Todd was. Jackson was 26 1/4" and 17 lbs 2 oz. Todd weighed 20 lbs 8 oz and was 26 3/4" at the same age. Todd looks a lot like my baby pictures. I was on the small side if you can believe it. I think part of it is because he is so active and he has had so many eating issues. He is in the process of getting off of his acid reflux medicine. We will be transitioning him to soy formula soon (we hope)! I am loving the interactions between Todd and Jackson. They are priceless. Tonight, Todd and Jackson were chasing each other crawling. They ended up crawling behind the couch. Both were laughing so hard, they couldn't move. Anyway, I will leave you with a few pictures. Maybe I will update more soon!

My 2 boys!!

He was unsure of the photographer. He cuts his eyes often. I think it is because his mom is a teacher!

I look at this picture and can't believe this is my baby Todd. He is growing up so fast but he has the heart unlike anyone I know! He is so gentle and tender!

This is Jackson on the go. The Boppy pillow was no challenge for him Don't you love the fat rolls!!

Remove Promptly

Okay, I am behind in blogging but this came to me tonight and I decided to share.

Brad has been out of town since Monday so I have been home with the boys alone. I was trying to get some laundry done today and things have gotten in the way.. take Todd to school, feed the baby, eat lunch, pick Todd up from school, do homework.. you get the point! I had a new jacket in the load and as I was moving it over to the dryer, I decided I needed to check and see if it could be dried. I read the tag and it said "Wash in cold water, Remove Promptly, and dry on low setting. Now, I have seen these words frequently but I had to laugh because today promptly was not going to happen. Then, I started thinking about how many times I would like to be removed promptly and it doesn't happen. Sick- remove promptly, no job- remove promptly, bad economy- remove promptly, depression- remove promptly, pain- remove promptly, death- remove promptly. You get the point. There are many times in life I have wanted and will want God to remove me promptly. However, he laughs and says, not today. Because just like me today, there are things that are still to be done. I need to be taught compassion, patience, trust, faith, joy, and love. It was then that I was drawn to these scriptures..

2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 (New International Version)
3We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. 4Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
5All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.

James 1:1-3 (New International Version)
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

1 Peter 1:5-7 (New International Version)
5who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Some of these verses are very hard! I am still striving to get to the point where I count it as "pure joy" and thanking God for not removing promptly!

Abs of steel and you might be a teacher's kid if...

No, I'm not referring to me. I think that is what Jackson is working on at an early age. He has sat in his swing many hours. When he wasn't sleeping, that was the only place we had a chance of getting any rest. He has spent quality time talking to his mobile. However, it is almost time to say goodbye to the swing. Look for yourself...

Before: Calm, sleeping baby.

Now: Pulling himself to the sitting position using the toy bar!

He actually pulls himself all the way to sitting up. He hates to lay back and this swing does not sit anymore upright than it is now. He cracks me up!!

On another note, Todd is obviously a teacher's child. Today, Jackson was screaming. He has been doing that all day. He is teething and is in pain. Todd was playing the Wii. I overheard Todd asking Jackson to please quit crying. I finally got the bottle ready and went to get Jackson. I said to J, "Are you driving your brother nuts"? Todd looked at me and said, "Yes, he is crying and I can't focus"! I almost busted out laughing. Focusing on the Wii is very important!

My boys

Last night, Todd was laying in the bed and asked for Jackson to lay beside him. We all 3 piled in the bed to talk. I love these moments. I love the time that we can just sit back and enjoy one another and not worry about a schedule. We have had a lot of time together since Todd was off for "snow days" Tuesday through Friday. Today, I am going through Todd withdraws. I love to spend time with him. I love his personality. His laugh brightens my day. I can't wait to see what Jackson will be like as he matures. In the meantime, I will sit back and enjoy every moment of my two boys!

Wake up call

Have you ever had those moments with your kids that is God waking you up and teaching you a lesson you needed? Well, I had one of those moment last night. Todd came in from school and things were going normal.. homework, Ar book, etc. We were on the "go to church schedule" which is a mad race since we start at 6:30. Due to the early time, we meet Brad at church. Long story short, Todd lost his chance to play the Wii on Wednesdays because he would not get off when he was supposed to get off, which was making us run late to church. We get in the car and he starts asking if he can earn his time back with good behavior. We have allowed this under certain circumstances, but he obviously was not learning the lesson by earning it back. I told him no. That set off the bomb of temper! Many minutes into his fit and losing the Wii for today, he says," Why can I not earn it back?" I quickly and angrily reply, "Because we don't get second chances in life to earn things back!" Suddenly I realized what I had said. It was at that moment that this scripture popped in my head..

Romans 3:23-24 (New Living Translation)
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.

Ouch!! That really hurt. Who am I to say that we don't get 2nd chances. If that is the case, I was done with long ago. Thankfully, the Lord has poured out His mercy upon me and I have a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc chances!

Well, I am sure you all want to know if he got to earn his Wii back. He can earn back the Wednesdays by following directions. He did not earn back today because it was totally out of anger and lack of self-control. I did correct my no 2nd chances, but I explained that mistakes have consequences and that his consequence would be to have no Wii tomorrow. I explained that his 2nd chance was to prove he could handle it on Wednesdays.

All My Heart

Jackson has gotten where he watches every move of Todd's. If he hears his voice, he begins the search. When Todd speaks to him, he gives that grin that melts hearts. Yesterday, Todd spent a lot of time talking to Jackson explaining homework and the benefits of it. (No, he really doesn't like it but says it's for learning.) Jackson was just looking at Todd as if he was taking it all in. Later that night, Todd was explaining the art of walking and that he would fall some, but it would be OK. After minutes of discussion, explanation, and modeling, Todd looked and Jackson and in the sweetest voice said these words that would blurr my vision.. "Jackson, I love you with all of my heart. I would love you with all of my body but I save that for God and Jesus. They are the most important but you are next" I could not believe that. Not only was he saying something so sweet to Jackson, but he was expressing his love for Jesus. That was a moment I hope is forever etched in my mind and a relationship that I hope continues throughout their lives. God has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams!

Misc. ramblings..

This was a busy week! I had something going on every day. I had to take Todd to the dentist this week because he had 2 permanent teeth coming in behind his baby teeth. We though they would push them out, but they got tighter. Due to our insurance, we had to visit a general dentist before we could see the pediatric dentist. After much prayer, the general dentist referred us to the pediatric dentist. Thinking it would take a month to get him in I called the same day. They informed me they had an opening then. Long story short, Todd had 4 teeth pulled (so his big teeth would have room), a small cavity filled (guess brushing wasn't good), and his 6 year molars sealed. He ended up getting a busted lip from sucking on it when it was numb. He was a real trooper and never complained. I am so lucky to have such a great kid! The only thing he said was "I will be glad when they are done so I don't have to worry about it anymore!"

We also got Jackson's 3 month pictures done. I was so happy with them! He smiled and acted much older than he is. time is going so fast!

We also had our nephews spend the night. This is the first time the youngest has spent the night at our house and the first time either one has since we had Jackson. They were so good!! They all had a good time. Brad and I laughed at the thought of having 4 kids. You would never get to rest! The Wii was there favorite thing to do. They loved playing Mario Kart!

One Year Ago today...

It was a year ago today that I received a phone call that shook my world. I was told that my dear friend had passed away in her sleep. I remember how I felt. My legs gave way and I felt like I was going to pass out. Immediately, I wondered why. How could God take her and leaver her 3 young children behind? How could he take the rock for her family? How could he take the supporter of our church? I admit I was angry and confused. I could not put my hands around this.

A year has passed and there are days I still wonder why. I see the eyes of her children and wonder how this was part of God's plans. I just want to hear her voice. I want to see her tiny figure bouncing into church. I want to see her at our ladies dinners. I want to talk about the life of being a minister's wife again. I want to have her friendship again. Unfortunately, I will not have these things on earth. I will have to look forward to the day when we can all be home together! I long for that day. A day where there will be no sadness, no fear, no worries, no pain. Oh, what a happy day!

I am a fan of Steven Curtis Chapman. I always feel his lyrics are encouraging. I came across a song from a while back and boy did it speak to me tonight. Like my friend Kristin says, he was so speaking to me! If you do not know this song, click this link. It has reminded me again that He is the one in control and I need to give it up to Him even when I don't understand!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_GQsVQikXE

Christmas

I am so behind these days! We had a great Christmas this year! My parents have kept the kids on the 23rd the last few years. That is very helpful for Santa and they get to be wild at their house for a night. Then, we all come over on Christmas Eve in time to open presents and then eat dinner. We stay until bedtime and let the kids play with their new toys. It is great! As usual, we are so blessed to have so much!

On Christmas Day, we stay home and enjoy the toys. Because of the age difference, we did Santa in two rounds. Todd was round one and Jackson was round 2. It was a great day! I hope you all had a nice Christmas, too.

Our Little Santa!

Santa has come!

A Happy Boy!

Me and my Christmas present!

The best gifts ever!