What is an ex teacher to do?

Todd has always done well in school. Part of that is he is very smart and part of that is because teaching was my profession and I know various ways to help him overcome things. Unfortunately, he has a touch of test anxiety, which he gets from me. I hated tests and still the thought of them makes me a little nervous. He copes well and always listen to my advice. Hmm, how long will that last?

Anyway, Todd's lowest grade even on his report card has been a 93 and that was only a 9 week grades. His lowest yearly grade has been a 95. Like I said, the boy is smart. Well, this year when his progress report grade came home (at 2 weeks and again at 6 weeks), I was shocked to see he had a B in Social Studies and almost a B in reading. At 2 weeks, I blew it off thinking it was adjustment to changing classes and having multiple teaching styles to adjust to. He was also getting pulled for speech in Social Studies and we took care of that by dropping speech. But at the 6 week report, he had dropped to a B in Reading and pulled his Social Studies to an A but just by a point. He was also sent home with a test they take to see how much of the 4th grade material they know before it is taught. He was in the 96th percentile in the state in math and 88th percentile in Reading. He had almost mastered everything before it was taught. This raised a red flag to me. Why, if he knows the material is he making a B?

All of that to say this... It is hard for an ex-teacher to not get very frustrated at this. When I analyzed his progress report here were his grade.. Math 105, Science 100, English 100, Reading 89 and Social Studies 94. Here is the kicker the same teacher teaches both Reading and SS b/c that is his homeroom teacher. My first question to Todd was where was his desk and did he sit by someone he was talking to instead of listening. Long story short, something was not right so I set up a conference. In my opinion, she should have realized something was not right b/c he did so well on his test and his grades are so drastic, but she didn't. When I spoke with her she was not concerned and even commented on his good behavior and his intelligence. I had a hard time in that meeting. I found her to be a little cold and unconcerned about things. She had an attitude of he is doing better than most.

Anyway, she knew I was a little hot on her trail. I commented on the lack of study information for reading and skewed grades. She seems to have revamped some but it is not all done. I still have to basically re-teach everything from her class. I guess I am unofficially homeschooling in those 2 subjects. Report cards come out soon. If he makes a B in one of those classes, he will be crushed. I hope we have resolved it.
Being an ex-teacher can be a curse....

8 months.. can it be?

Dear Little Bit,

How can it be that you are already 8 months old? Time is moving so quickly! It does not help that you are in a hurry to grow up. You are getting a mind of your own. We say that you act a lot like Todd and you favor him, too. I think you are going to be extra busy like Jackson. There is no doubt you are going to make sure you get attention! This month has brought about lots of movement! You learned to crawl with perfection. You can go anywhere you want to go. However, that is not your preferred method. You wan to walk! You love for us to hold your hands and let you walk. The walker is no longer good enough. This is wearing me out because I do have things to get done in a day beside just walking you around! You can hold on to the side of your bed and not fall. You have also taken a few steps but you are not stable enough to do that yet. You are working on pulling up. The best thing is to hear you "talking" in the mornings. That sweet voice that is making so many sounds is great.

You love to explore things on your own. You are going to be very smart!



Your smile still melts all of our hearts!
Everything has to go into your mouth! That means I have to make sure things stay swept and picked up. You always seem to find things you are not suppose to have, like peanut butter!
You are getting so big and too quickly! You bring such love and laughter to our family! Love you sweet baby!

Strong Enough- Matthew West

I heard this song on the way to a doctor's appointment today and it brought tears to my eyes. It was as if Matthew West had been in my house back in 2007 when we lost our baby girl. Through my tears and wailing, I told my mom, "He must think I am stronger than I am". I was angry at times and then I felt a peace that I have never felt. It was a strength that I cannot explain. My heart had been ripped out yet I had the strength to go through the D and C and all of the follow up appointments. I felt His strength at that time unlike any other. If you haven't listened to this song before, please listen. It has a great message.

Mercy

Jackson can be very strong-willed. He also knows how to push people's buttons. Last night was one of those nights for him. After we got home from church, he decided to refuse to get out of the van. He climbed in the back corner and began to buckle himself up. I was trying to get Luke out and get them all in the house and ready for bed. Jackson knew this and was very aware that Daddy was not home to help with the battle. He decided to dig his heels in and refuse to obey. I was in no mood to deal with it so I told him if he didn't get out and carry his book in I would throw it in the trash. Now, this book is his favorite book. It is a free book that is on display at Home Depot that depicts all of their tractors, lawn mowers, weed eaters, etc. He loves this book! As you can probably guess, he refused to do as I asked so I marched in the house and threw it in the trash after pleading with him to do as I had asked. He wouldn't.

Shortly after walking in the door, a man from church called to ask a question. When I got off the phone, I knew Jackson had quit the fit. I walked in his room and he had the book looking at it in awe of its greatness. I asked him if he had gotten that out. He stalled and Todd chimed in, "I got it out." I took it back and told Jackson that he had not obeyed. I went on to explain to Todd that he had disobeyed after numerous chances. The book would have to be thrown away. As I walked into the kitchen, Todd followed. With a shaky voice he began to plead Jackson's case. The following is our conversation:
T: "But it is his favorite book"
M: "I know it is but he has to learn to obey."
T: "Can't you give him one more chance?"
M: "I gave him 4 chances and he didn't do it. He is out of chances."
T: "I know he has to learn his lesson, but can't you teach him with something else?"
M: "Why. He heard what I told him."
T: "He will miss that book so much. I don't think I stand to see him be so sad."

Then, I looked up and Todd's face was so pure and loving. He was almost crying over this. It was then that I realized he was so full of mercy.

Isn't that the way our Father is. He ask us to obey and we look right at him and stomp our feet and refuse. We think we know better. Yet, he is forgiving and gracious.

Romans 9:15-17

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ For he says to Moses,

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”^[a]

¹⁶ It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. ¹⁷ For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”^[b]

^{So, in the end, I agreed to allow him to earn it back by obeying and going to bed the correct way. He did that so he know has the book back today. Todd is relieved and has no idea that he made me reanalyze my father's mercy!}

Isn't he cute?

So, I just realized that my g-string picture is showing up on other people's blogs as my most recent blog. I decided I didn't want all of the blogger world to think I was into the pink John Deere g-string. I decided this is a much better picture. He reminds me of Fred Flinstone in this picture.

Really???

I have to apologize for this post now. Jackson loves tractors, especially John Deere. I thought I would go online to find him some underwear to try to bribe the potty training. I entered my innocent search of " tractor underwear for kids" and this is what showed up...

Seriously? A G-string for men and women? I literally laughed out loud! I could only find men's and women's g-string. So, if any of you need a pair of g-strings, they are available but none for cute little 2 year olds that love tractors. Unbelievable!

I know several people who have been listing 1000 gifts based on a book. I decided I would do that because I could always do with a little more positive thinking. I bought my cute notebook to use. As I was about to begin the list, I realized that every gift I was going to list that day had to do with my children. I then realized that the notebook I purchased and 3 divided areas. I sat for a moment and then I decided that I would write the 1000 reasons I love them so much. I am writing 3 a day. Now, I am being very specific so that I can come up with 1000. I am also sure that I will duplicate somewhat in those 1000. I am excited to do this and then give it to them one day.

The Little Ones

I have to say that I am loving watching these two boys interact lately. Since Todd was so much older that Jackson the interactions were much different that Jackson and Luke's interactions. I can't help but smile at Jackson saying, "I'm going to get you" to Luke and Luke's entire body moving with pure happiness. They keep me busy all day long but how I love them so!

Dougnuts

One of our elders read this Sunday in a sermon focused around the Lord's Supper. I thought it was great. It is a little lengthy but worth the read.

Push-ups for Doughnuts

There was a certain professor of religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States. Dr. Christianson taught a required course in Christianity at this Particular institution. Every student was required to take this course regardless of his or her major.

Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the Gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing more than required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.

This year Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going on to Seminary. Steve was popular, well liked and an imposing physical specimen. He was the starting center on the school football team and the best student in the class.

One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could

talk "how many push-ups can you do?"

Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."

"200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christianson said. "Do you think you could do 300?"

"I don't know," Steve replied, "I've never done 300 at a time."

"Do you think you could?" again asked the professor.

"Well, I could try," said Steve.

"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said Dr. Christianson.

Steve said, "Well... I think I can... yeah, I can do it."

Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."

Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. Now these weren't the normal kind of donuts, these were the big fancy kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited that it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class.

Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked,

"Cynthia would you like one of these donuts?" Cynthia said, "Yes please."

Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you please do ten push-ups so that Cynthia may have a donut?"

"Sure." Steve jumped down from the desk, did ten quick push-ups, and then returned to his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk.

Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe do you want a donut?"

Joe said, "Yes."

The professor asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?"

Steve did ten push-ups and Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle. Steve did ten push-ups for each person before they received a donut. Dr. Christianson continued down the second aisle until he came to Scott.

Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good of physical condition as Steve. Scott was popular and never lacking female companionship. When the professor asked, "Scott would you like a donut?"

Scott's reply was, "Yes, if I can do my own push-ups."

Dr. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them."

Scott said, "Then I don't want one"

The professor shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have the donut he doesn't want?"

With perfect obedience Steve started to do the push-ups.

Scott yelled, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"

Dr. Christianson said sternly, "Look, this is my class, these are my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it" And he put a donut on Scott's desk.

Now by this time, Steve had begun to perspire and was starting to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to get up and down. As Dr. Christianson started down the third row, many students were beginning to get a little angry.

Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?"

Jenny's answer was a firm, "No!"

Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?" Steve did ten...Jenny got a donut.

By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say "No" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks. Steve also had to put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There was a pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face and

his arms were beginning to turn red because of the physical effort being put forth.

Because Dr. Christianson could no longer bear to watch Steve's hard work go for all these uneaten donuts, he asked Robert, the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push-up to make sure he did all ten in each set.

As the professor started down the fourth row, he noticed some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. He did a quick count and saw that there were now thirty-four students in the room. He started to worry that Steve

would not be able to make it. He went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of the row, Steve was really having a hard time. It was taking a lot more time to complete each set.

Just then, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room. He was about to enter when at once all of the students yelled, "NO!! Don't come in!!" Jason didn't know what was going on.

Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come."

Professor Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?"

"Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut."

Dr. Christianson said, "Okay Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of

the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?"

Not even knowing what was going on, Jason said, "Yes, I'll have a donut."

"Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?"

Steve did ten very slow and labored push-ups. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.

Dr. Christianson finished the fourth row and started on the visitors seated by the radiators. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. Sweat was profusely dripping off of his face and there was no sound except his heavy breathing. By this time, there was not a dry eye in the room.

The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very well-liked. Dr. Christianson went to Linda and asked if she wanted a donut.

Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."

The professor quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?" Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda.

The Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan "Susan, do you

want a donut?"

Susan, with tears streaming down her face pleaded, "Dr.Christianson, why can't I help him?"

Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, explained, "No, Steve has to do it alone. I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone here has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered up inferior work. Steve told

me that in football practice when a player messes up, he has to do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to the party unless he paid the price by doing your push-ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes.

Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?"

As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.

Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said, "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, plead to the Father, 'into Thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the understanding that He had accomplished all that was required of Him, He yielded up His life for us. And like some of those in this room, many leave the gift on the desk, uneaten."

Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile.

"Well done good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding, "Not all sermons are preached in words."

Turning to the class the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God spared not His only begotten son, but gave him up for us and for the

whole world, now and forever. Whether we choose to accept His gift to us, the price for our sins has been paid. Wouldn't it be foolish and wouldn't it be ungrateful just to leave it laying on the desk?"

How often we forget that God gives us grace so freely. I pray that none of us leave that gift lying there but that we grabbed it like a child at Christmas!

6 months already

My dear little Koala,
My mind can't fathom that you are already 6 months old. You entered this world in your own fashion and have captured our hearts! You have 2 brothers that can't walk past you without speaking, hugging, or kissing you and you love them just as much! Your personality is coming alive! You love to move! Grandma calls you spoiled because you love to be held. You probably are spoiled but that is okay! You are "talking" and laughing all of the time. You remind me so much of Todd in your looks and personality. You are easy going and happy most of the time! I love just sitting and playing with you because you are so fun! You smiles and laughs make me smile! How I love you nuzzling under my neck to sleep! I know those days are coming to an end soon so I am savoring them all!

You are growing up quickly! Here is your newest accomplishment: sitting up. You are so proud of this accomplishment! Now laying down is not much fun! You are also flipping in both directions, getting up on hour hands and knees, and pivoting on your stomach to reach things. I know crawling is in your near future!

You are not always happy, though. You do have a temper sometimes. This usually happens when you are asleep and lose your pacifier. We would love for you to go back to sleeping through the night! We do not like getting up 5 times a night!

You began eating food this month. You eat pretty well. If your brothers are in the room though, they are more exciting than the food.

So, little one, continue to work hard and enjoy life. We have been so blessed by you! We love you dearly and look forward to your continued growth!
love,
your momma

9 years.. can it be?

So I am way behind on blogging and probably don't have any readers but I am going to write here anyway so that I can keep a record of this stuff. I can not believe that Todd is 9! How is that possible. Didn't I just graduate high school? My how time is flying.


My dear first born son,

I cannot believe that you are quickly approaching your teen years. After working with teens, teaching teens, and being a teen myself, it scares me to death! I am not ready to endure those defiant times. For now, I will be enjoy the stage you are at now!
You are still that sweet boy with the most gorgeous eyes. Some girl will fall in love with those eyes one day. I pray for that girl daily just like I pray for you. I pray that you find a girl as special as you are! I pray that you and she will be strong in Christ. For now, you are an amazing christian. The day you were baptized was such a beautiful day! I am honored to call you a fellow christian and son! I am so proud of the boy you are developing into!
You are so great to your brothers. I tell them daily how blessed they are to have you as an example. I pray you continue to be that example because you have two boys that idolize you and copy your every move. God knew how great you would be for those boys. How blessed they are!

Oh , how I love that you still are crazy about your Momma! You still love to hug me and sit in my lap. I know the day will approach soon where those are not the norm so I am soaking them in at all times. Each hug makes me smile from ear to ear.
You are really discovering who you are. How I smiled when you came in the room after working on this hair for so long. You are so confident yet so shy. You are smart yet quiet about it. My son, I love you dearly! I had no idea how much my heart would be filled with love on the day they delivered you. You are such a special boy and I love you, Mostest!

14 years ago...

I was young. Some would argue that I was too young. My parents loved Brad but tried to get me to wait another year (partly b/c of my age but mainly b/c my brother had gotten married the year before and 2 weddings back to back was too much). I knew I was making the right decision. I was right!



I have always loved this picture. The Bible has our names on it. My mom and dad had a picture like this and we decided to do it, too. What a great way to start a marriage!
We had no idea when we drove off that day what we would be faced with: job loses, financial struggles, struggles with our faith over a youth ministry job that we were betrayed on (another long story), a miscarriage after 3 years of trying to conceive, 3 amazing boys (one a huge shock), and many other ups and downs. But, through it all, we have remained loyal to one another. Our love and faith has grown so much in those 14 years. I love him now more than I did on that day, though I didn't think it was possible. God blessed me so much that day. I look forward to another 14 years!

Blessing

When I look at this picture, my eyes become blurry with tears. I see 3 amazing boys that were given to me as the greatest gift possible.
I look at Todd and see the most beautiful eyes. They are a constant reminder of my God because no one else could create such beautiful eyes. They also remind me of his kind spirit and love for others. It reminds me of Matt. 22:37 because he loves with every ounce of his body.
I look at Jackson and see such a love for life. He is constantly flashing that smile that helps me get a glimpse of what God meant in Matt. 18:3 where he refers to being like little children to enter the kingdom of Heaven.
I look at Luke and see God's perfect plan. It makes me sick at my stomach to think how upset I was the day I discovered we were having another baby. Luke has been such a blessing. As I hear his voice and see his smile I am reminded of Proverbs 3:5; trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding!

Psalm 127: 3-5 (the Message)
Don't you see that children are God's best gift?
the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Like a warrior's fistful of arrows
are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
with your quivers full of children!
Your enemies don't stand a chance against you;
you'll sweep them right off your doorstep.

A wake up call

Brad has been out of town since early Sunday morning. That was never easy when he traveled, but now it is something I dread. Our household is busy enough with 2 adults at night but only one adult is insane.

2 nights ago, the 2 youngest kids would not go to sleep! I was working to get them to bed so that I could fold the laundry piled on my bed and do the dishes so that I could go to bed. Finally, at 11:45, they were both in bed. That means I got to bed at 12:30. Then, they both woke up at 6:20 grumpy and tired.

It is no secret that I need my sleep. My body eventually will get sick if I am without sleep for long. I also get VERY grumpy myself without proper sleep. Add that to the stress of getting everything done by myself and you get a momma that made lots of mistakes yesterday. I lost my patience way too much. At the end of the day, I was questioning why God thought 3 kids in our family was the right thing. I felt like I was in over my head and couldn't survive. I also felt like Luke did not get enough attention because Jackson was getting into so much trouble.

I then remembered this verse. I had to search for it because I could not recall the chapter and verse: Proverbs 19:21
"Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails." (NIV)
"We humans keep brainstorming options and plans,
but God's purpose prevails. " (MSG)

Yep, it s not about me on this Earth. It is his plan that prevails. The Message fits me perfectly. I am always trying to plan and brainstorm when I really just need to rely on Him and His plans!

As I read this chapter, verse after verse was relevant to me right now. I found it so funny that I laughed out loud and thought, "Okay God, I heard you loud and clear!" I think that is what I like most about having a relationship with God, he keeps me inline and always has the right thing to say at the right time!
Proverbs 19:3 This is so "in your face" This is the message translation
People ruin their lives by their own stupidity,
so why does God always get blamed?
vs 8 The one who gets wisdom loves life;
the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper. (NIV)
vs 11 A person’s wisdom yields patience;
it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense (MSG) -This one really hurt!
vs 18 Discipline your children while you still have the chance;
indulging them destroys them. (MSG)
vs 20 Listen to advice and accept discipline,
and at the end you will be counted among the wise (NIV)
vs 29 The irreverent have to learn reverence the hard way;
only a slap in the face brings fools to attention. (MSG)
So, this little book was full of sayings that were relevant to me right now. I got that wake up call and hopefully God didn't think I fit verse 29!

This makes me happy!

In Due Time

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."
1 Peter 5:6

I have written this scripture before and I have reflected on this a lot. I was drawn to this scripture when Luke was in NICU and I have gone to it often since then. When things don't go as I think they should, this verse pops into my head. I love the fact that this verse mentions God's hand and being lifted up in due time. I love that phrase.. in due time.

How will I pay for this... in due time
When will I get the answers about Luke's health... in due time
When will you heal a friend's mother from cancer... in due time
When will you heal a young girl from cancer.. in due time
When will we find out if my grandmother will get financial help.. in due time
When will we get a bigger house.. in due time

You get the point. My Father is in control and it is in His time. I am so glad it is! As you know, we thought we were done having children but God (and Todd) had other plans. I cried like a baby when I discovered we were pregnant again. However, it was in His timing. I am so thankful for this gift!

Lord, thank you for not allowing me to get in your way! Thank you for the promise of lifting us up in due time. Help me to remember these words and to learn to praise you while I wait for your timing and forgive me in the times I just can't wait! In Jesus' precious name I pray, Amen!

His timing has allowed this baby to come a long way! In due time!

My friend's business

I am so excited for my friend who is starting her own business on Etsy. She is making necklaces that look really cool and come with scriptures. So go over to Tamara's blog to see her site. It is really neat. I hope to win a piece but if I don't win, I will be purchasing a piece! Great job Tamara!

Miracle

My friend, Tamara wrote about miracles in her post. The discussion dealt with miracles today. I wanted to write about a modern miracle.

My nephew was born 6 years ago. When he was born he had some complications that made them run some blood work (I don't remember all of the details). When they got the results back, they told my brother and sister-in-law that he had some kind of digestion disorder and that they would be required to feed him every 3 hours his entire life. If they did not, he would die within minutes. They referred them to a specialist and began the every 3 hour feedings. Now as a new mom, that is so hard to imagine: every 3 hours for life. That would mean you would never sleep because if he skipped, he would die. We were all so stressed and heavy hearted. They went to the specialist and they did additional blood work. They told my brother there had never been a false positive on this test so not to get his hopes up. It wasn't going to happen. Now, I am a believer that God loves these scenarios! We all began pleading for prayers and hitting our knees like never before. 1 week later, they went back for all of the results. When they arrived, 3 medical geniuses met them. They were blown away and could not explain medicine. He came back clear from the disorder. The first case ever. The doctors tried to explain but were stumbling upon their words. My brother looked at them and said, "The explanation is quite simple. God did it". The men smiled and responded that it had to be a miracle.

I truly believe it was a modern miracle. I felt like I was sitting at His feet witnessing something miraculous. My nephew is healthy as ever: a gift we were given by our Father!

A smile means so much

This picture is blurry because our camera batteries were dying but it was a moment that couldn't wait on new batteries. Brad had been working for days to get Luke to smile at him. He had been smiling at me for a while and would not crack even a grin at Brad. He would talk and talk to him each evening in hopes to get a smile. Well, 2 nights ago, Brad was talking and this is what Luke did in response. He smiled many more times and has done it since easily. I grabbed the camera and snapped that first smile.

This story got me thinking about my heavenly father. He works and works on me to get me to pay attention and take delight in him. He doesn't give up! He tries everything he can think of to get me to look and take joy in him. Then, when I finally lock into him, I can't help but smile. And His response is joy beyond description.

I also love the way Brad's hand is holding his head. It reminds me of my father holding me. Brad's hand is huge compared to his head and it is protecting him from harm (like basketballs being shot on the goal in the house). Not only does my father want my attention, but he is holding me up trying to protect me while I gaze upon his face.

I came across this scripture:

"The LORD makes firm the steps

of the one who delights in him;

though he may stumble, he will not fall,

for the LORD upholds him with his hand. "Psalm 37:23-24

Wow. What powerful words. He holds me even when I stumble. Thank you, Lord because I stumble a lot!

And then there were 3..

So, it is no secret that we had planned on only having 2 children. We had always said when you get 3 kids you are outnumbered and can no longer play one-on-one. Well, God had other plans for our lives. He decided to bless us with Luke. He is a blessing and don't think otherwise. However, I had no idea how difficult going to 3 children really would be. Some days, I find myself coming and going. With Luke and Jackson being only 27 months apart (another problem), it is very difficult. Then, throw in an 8 year old that has homework and sports schedules and you get one tired momma! I love them so much and cannot imagine my life without them, but this has been difficult. I feel like someone is always getting ignored. Poor Luke has cried more than either of the other 2 boys because I am bust taking care of something else. I know things will calm down soon. Until then, I go to sleep the minute my head hits the pillow at nights and during the day if I get a chance. (Kristin, I can't imagine life with 4 kids and homeschooling. God bless you!)

But then, I look at this and I smile and thank God for the blessings and the wisdom to do it His way!