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!