Birthday Boy

Yesterday was Todd's 4th birthday. That is so hard for me to believe. I have been organizing pictures and have come across those pictures of him when he was so tiny and unable to do much or share his opinions. Now, he is so active and share his opinions plenty. He is such a joy. I love the fact that he has developed into his own person. He definately acts some like me and some like Todd, but there is also plenty of Todd in the mix. I am thanful every day that God gave me the blessing to be Todd's mommy. (I will have birthday party pictures after Sat. We will have the party then).

Cars Movie

Okay. I do not know how many of you have seen the Cars movie, but since Todd is a boy, he was dying to see it. It was good and had a good story line (priorities, friendship, putting others first, ect). However, why do you put a curse word in a G rated movie.. not just once but twice? And, why do you put in a few suggestive comments? I know it was for adults, but it aggitates me. Todd loves this movie and there are things in there I do not want his exposed to.

The producers of the toys undershot production. I looked on e-bay. Toy cars that were $3.17 are going for up to $48! I can not believe that. Boy are we in a have to have it know society! I told someone the other day, they will be out again soon. Todd will learn the importance of patience! Although, his birthday is Monday and that is all he wants.

School

I went to visit Wal-mart the other day and realized they are clearancing out the summer merchandise and moving in school supplies. I had gone to the store alone (doesn't happen very often). As I passed this isle, I became very sad. Todd will be attending preschool this year and next year he will be in school. That is so sad to me. I love to go places with Todd and talk to him. Sure a break is nice now and then, but I love his company! Once he starts school, the amount of time we spend will greatly lessen since 5 year olds have to have homework. I hate that school starts so early in the summer and goes so late in the spring. There is not much "summer break" now. I have to wonder how this is effecting kids today. Is it good for them to have this sort of schedule or is it creating bigger problems. Just curious on your view points. I will post mine later.

VBS

We are having VBS this week. Brad and I are in charge of something totally different this time. In the past, we have always done the lesson part because other people did not want to do that. This year, we were asked to do the games. We have had a blast!! No wonder people like the games. The kids love them. They have all had great lessons that are taught and it is fun. However, I remember when we went to VBS. It was a highlight of the summer. That is not the case now. Why? I do not understand why VBS has lost it's influence. Many churches have gone to a one day VBS. I am not sure if that is any more effective. Perhaps VBS is becoming a time of the past. That is so sad to me.

Amazed

I am often so amazed at how people handle difficult situations. I guess that is when you see a lot of people's true character. I am so proud of my cousin, Julie. She just turned 29 and has been very ill for quite some time. She was recently told her only way to live was to have the gastric bypass surgery. (She has a lung disease that is slowly killing her. She is overweight and they think that if she lost weight it would help her lungs recover). Because of her health problems, most doctors will not take her on as their patient. She has told them she will definitely die if she doesn't try something, so why not try it. She has found a doctor that will do it but is not very qualified for this high risk scenario. However, she is a christian and her husband is a pastor. My cousin has taken this situation with arms pointing upward. In every situation, she knows it is God's plan and she is at peace with that idea. I ask that you pray for her and the doctors that will be with her. I just hope that in adveristy that is much smaller than hers, I can point upward instead of question God.

Pool Time!!!

Today Todd and I made our first trip to the pool for this season. He was afraid of the "big pool" last year. He loved it today. We stayed for 2 hours and he was TIRED. He loved it. The funny thing is, a man took our photo without me knowing. Shortly after, he asked could he use it for the paper. Great! Out of all of the people at the pool, he wanted us to be in the paper. I agreed, only because we were in the 5' section so you could not see my body. Anyway, I anticipate many trips to the pool. We had a blast!

Favorite Verse

I have many favorite Bible verses. They often change depending on what guidance or encouragement I need at that time. However, there has been one verse that I have liked for some time. It is Micah 6:6-8.
"With what shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before the exhalted God?
Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?
Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

I sang a chorus song that was based on this verse in high school. I loved the song and enjoyed singing it, but it followed a very dramatic song about the crusifiction in our song line-up. The two paired together got my attention each week. Just thought I would share it with you.

What is your favorite verse, story, or parable in the Bible?

Recess

I read an article this morning that stated that some schools are taking away recess from kids. Obviously, the kids are really upset and so are many parents. I would have to agree. That is a time that kids can relax and have interactions with their friends. I would think that inappropriate behaviors would take over if they did not have that outlet. Plus, you hear everyday about the rise in childhood obeseity. Why would you take away one time to help target that? I hope that Todd gets recess. Something tells me he will need it or we will get LOTS of phone calls!

Wow!!!

The other day, Todd and I went to Lowe's. I loaded up a flat cart with 3 bags of soil (each 40 lbs), 3 bags of mulch (3o lbs each), and 1 bag of rocks (50 or more lbs). I was stopped looking at a flower and looked up and Todd had pulled the cart down the isle. I could not believe it. He was able to push it, pull it, and turn it, un-assisted. Now that is a strong child. He only weighs 42 lbs. He pulled over 250lbs by himself!!! That is over 6 times his weight!! Think about that. Think about how much you would have to pull to be 6 times your weight. There is NO way I could do that!

It happened!!

Well, something happened today that I knew would happen eventually... Todd got in trouble in Sunday class!! For those of you who do not know, Todd is VERY active and determined. Both can be great qualities, but not when it goes against what you are wanting him to do. We have rehearsed how he is to act in class many times and he failed to do it today. His teacher said, "He was a little wild today. We had to give him a choice and he made the wise choice". UGHHH. I hate those akward moments. He and I talked and then I had him apologize to her. He also missed out on some play time with his friends because he had already played with them instead of listening to his teacher. I was so frustrated that he acted up. I found myself saying, "You know better!!" Then, it was as if God cattle-prodded me. Isn't that what we do when we go against God's will? I could hear God saying, "Carrie, you know better!!" I learned early on in my parenting trials 2 important things about raising Todd... 1). He got his traits from me and Brad, and though we might not like the traits he has inherited from us, that is who he is. God made him special and it is up to us to help raise him to use those traits for God's glory. Both energy and determination are vital to serving the Lord!! 2). Through Todd, the Lord is teaching me numerous lessons! Praise God that he is patient with us just as we must be patient with our children!!!

Boys will be boys!

Today was a nice day to work in the yard. The high was 72 and there was a slight wind. I went to help my mom load and unload soil and mulch to put in her new yard. I stayed and helped her for awhile. Todd was playing when I found lots of worms. He loved to hold them and then put them back in the soil. Then, he asked to bring his trains outside and play. I agreed. I knew he was having a really good time. We could hear him having the trains talk back and forth and laughing. After close to 2 hours, I decided to go home. I went to help him load up his trains and they were covered in mud. He had found a pile of mud and the trains made "train tracks" in the mud. I had to go and hose them (and him) off. Well, I guess you can say he is creative!! He would live outside if I let him.

Remember those days?

This weekend has been so busy. Brad and I agreed to help with an after-the-prom lock-in at church. Boy, did that bring back memories!! The pressures to have a certain dress, to look a certain way, and pretend to be someone most girls aren't. It was really funny to hear them talk about their night. As usual, the ones that went as friends had more fun. However, what made this so much fun is we played volleyball and basketball for hours. I was so sore the next morning it was rediculous!! We enjoyed being a part of that special night for the kids. I would not trade with them for anything. I am glad to be done with those teen years!!!

Angry and disgusted

I do not watch Dateline very often. However, Brad and I watched the first time they aired the show on sexual preditors. They aired the 4th addition to that show tonight. It makes me so mad and so sad. These nasty men are after under-aged girls and sometimes boys for sexual favors. Of course it is all set up. They are now arresting the men on the spot. Here is my deal, it is obvious they are just after these young people and they are totally unable to make the correct decisions for themselves. You know there are women that would be willing to do the same things in every part of the country. It is just sick!!! I cannot stomach the thought of how often men do this and get away with it and FOREVER alter a child's life.

I have seen so many bad things on the news come from myspace recently. I decided to log on and see what it is like. No wonder kids are getting in trouble. There are young children doing poses to impress others. Many of these kids claim to be bisexual or homosexual. Brad and I have said that in the very near future, our computer will be moved to the living room where we are able to see what is going on at all times. It is amazing how young kids are getting exposed to inappropriate things on the internet. I pray that the police are able to arrest more and more of these men to save our children.

Characteristics

There are many traits in Todd that I love. He is affectionate, passionate , laughs a lot, eager to help (unless he is tired), and really funny. He is also very stubborn. Yes, that is challenging at times, but in his teen years I will be glad he is so strong-willed! But if I had to choose my favorite trait, it would be his tender heart. Since he was young, he has loved babies because they are "sweet and cute". He also hates for other children to cry or be upset. He wants us to be happy with him. Numerous mornings if I have not been smiling, he wants to know why I am not smiling. He also loves to help. I am so blessed to have a child that has such a tender heart!! I hope that he continues to have that kind of heart as he grows older. What is your favorite traits in your child/children? I would love to hear your thoughts on how special your children are!!!

My Brother

O.K., it is out to my brother that I have a blog. He is not into this sort of thing so he has been teasing me since he discovered it. I decided I would make him known to everyone. Here is a picture of him from college, I believe. He is trying on an Alabama shirt that he wore when he was younger. Attractive!!

Putting all of that aside, I really do have the best brother ever. I have always idolized him. No one could get me to laugh like him. I cherish the memories of our childhood together. Sure we had our fair share of fights, but we couldn't stay mad at each other long. I am very blessed to have had such a geat brother. (Maybe the kind words will make up for the picture!!!!)

Bumble Bee

I just love this time of year!! I enjoy being able to be outside. I also enjoy it not being 100 degrees. Most of all, I enjoy flowers and bumble bees. I know most people do not like bees. I do not enjoy them stinging, but I can't help but look at them and marvel at them. It is so amazing that a creature like that can fly. Scientists have been confused about the bee. They claim a bumble bee should not be able to fly. He is too large for the proportion of his body and wing size. I think that is a neat thought. When I first went into teaching, I wore a bumble bee necklace. I did that to remind me that many kids I would encounter would have been told by many people they would never be successful or make anything of themselves. I would often reach for that necklace and say a silent prayer for my students. I still think of them regularly and wonder if they were able to fly like that bumble bee or did too many people convince them otherwise. I hope they are flying high and proving those people wrong!!

Where does the time go?

I have begun keeping a 5 month old baby girl one day a week. As many of you know, we have tried to have another child for over a year. I know that God is in control of this scenario, but it still makes it hard. As I was holding this little girl, it brought back so many wonderful memories of Todd at that age. I miss the days that he would fall asleep in my lap. I often think I would have done things differently had I know that was going to be my only child to hold and cuddle. Do you regret not cherishing those moments?

I do love the age Todd is at now. He has such a great sense of humor and is very loving. There is nothing sweeter than the words "I love you, Mommy".

A day to reflect

I strive to think about Christ on a regular basis, but it is days like today that I seem to really reflect on His sacrifice and the meaning and emotion behind it. I was thinking today how Mary must have felt during this time. I have a son and I cannot fathom the pain she must have endured. I wonder if she was like "Why me", "Why my son", "Take care of this some other way", or "I don't care about everyone else". I cannot imagine! I also can't imagine what that was like for God to endure. Christ having to look down on His mother in such pain would have been so hard to do. Christ's death, burial, and resurection is something that sometimes becomes so mundane. It pains me to even admit that. It is not that I forget how that forever altered my life or how precious that event was, I guess I forget how painful that must have been for those He was closest to. Yes, for me it meant eternal life, but for them, at that moment, it was total pain, heartache, and confusion. I want to try to rememeber that event as a whole, not just part of it. It truly was the ULTIMATE SACRAFICE for me!!

Reaching Out

I have been thinking a lot about those that are lost in this world. I recently bought Casting Crown's Life Songs C.D. It has really made me think!! I love the messages to all of them and I enjoy the upbeat music, though this one is mellow. I have copied the words to one of their songs that I love. Sometimes I feel I have to know all of the Bible to convert someone to Christ. I forget that the same God is by my side that helped so many people in the past convert others. This song is such a great reminder to show Christ's love and all of the rest will fall into place in His time! My challenge to you is to show someone that love!!! Let me know if you have a chance to show that love this weekend!

Love Them Like Jesus
Written by Mark Hall / Music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

This song is a sequel - an answer to the questions posed in "Here I Go Again". When I fear what to say, I've taken my eyes off Jesus. He will restore. He will rebuild. He will answer the questions. My place is just being there, loving them, and pointing them to the Father.

Matthew 11:28-29 / I Corinthians 3:7 Isaiah 55:10-11 / 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 2 Corinthians 12:9 / 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 16-18 Hebrews 4:14-16 / Matthew 11:28

The love of her life is drifting away
Their losing the fight for another day
The life that she's known is falling apart
A fatherless home, a child's broken heart
You're holding her hand,
your straining for words
You trying to make - sense of it all
She's desperate for hope,
darkness clouding her view
She's looking to you

Just love her like Jesus, carry her to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves her and stay by her side
Love her like Jesus
Love her like Jesus

The gifts lie in wait,
in a room painted blue
Little blessing from heaven be there soon
Hope fades in the night,
blue skies turn to gray
As a little one slips away

You're holding their hand,
your straining for words
You trying to make - sense of it all
Their desperate for hope,
darkness clouding their view
Their looking to you

Just love them like Jesus, carry them to Him
His yoke is easy, His burden is light
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus

Lord of all creation holds
our lives in His hands
The God of all the nations
holds our lives in His hands
The rock of our salvation
holds our lives in His hands
He cares for them just as He cares for you

So love them like Jesus,
Love them like Jesus
You don't need the answers to all of life's questions
Just know that He loves them and stay by their side
Love them like Jesus
Love them like Jesus

The Mess

Have you ever wondered what is going through children's minds? I often wonder what my 3 year old is thinking. He can explain a lot of things but when he is quiet and it is obvious he is pondering something, I wonder what it is. He has started doing something the last few days that I just do not get. He loves The Lion King. We happened to purchase the sound track years ago. He loves it! That is all he wants to listen to and he has many songs memorized. There is one song that has very dramatic music and he has begun to dump things out onto the floor during this song. I mean EVERYTHING... trains, crayons, puzzles, ect. I have been helping him pick these up and that hasn't made him think twice before dumping them out. So, today, he had dumped out trains, crayons, and plastic Easter eggs. I turned off his music and made him pick all of it up! It took him forever, but he managed to get it done. When he was done he said, "Mommy, that took forever. I'm not going to do it again." I explained that was why I wanted him to pick it up so he would realize how long that mess takes to clean up. I just wonder what he is thinking as he dumps all of that out!