9 Months of Hudson Bradley
9 years ago
Friday, December 25, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Sprained Ankles and Recycled Gum
The last couple of weeks have been so busy for our family!
The weekend before Thanksgiving we traveled to Victoria for a weekend of fun. It started with the girls' very first sleepover with Nicole. Needless to say they had a great time with their "best friend" and are ready to do it again as soon as Tammy can regain her stamina from being up half the night.
The next day we celebrated Ava's 4th birthday at magic bounce and Sarah took home a badly sprained ankle. All I can say is I don't know why my sister is never around to do her thing when disaster, I use that word extremely loosely, strikes with my children. On a side note Sarah is feeling much better now but is still hobbling around on occassion.
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving we headed back to Victoria and took care of holiday haircuts for everyone except David and a few other holiday related errands. The kiddos were so excited to spend more time with Nana, Papa, and Aunt Juli and we did our best to keep them occupied with walks and playground time. It was fun to see them play on the same school playground that I enjoyed as a child!
The weekend before Thanksgiving we traveled to Victoria for a weekend of fun. It started with the girls' very first sleepover with Nicole. Needless to say they had a great time with their "best friend" and are ready to do it again as soon as Tammy can regain her stamina from being up half the night.
The next day we celebrated Ava's 4th birthday at magic bounce and Sarah took home a badly sprained ankle. All I can say is I don't know why my sister is never around to do her thing when disaster, I use that word extremely loosely, strikes with my children. On a side note Sarah is feeling much better now but is still hobbling around on occassion.
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving we headed back to Victoria and took care of holiday haircuts for everyone except David and a few other holiday related errands. The kiddos were so excited to spend more time with Nana, Papa, and Aunt Juli and we did our best to keep them occupied with walks and playground time. It was fun to see them play on the same school playground that I enjoyed as a child!
Friday I did my annual Black Friday shopping. I am not one to stand in line for hours I just like to get up and be out and about. If I get a few good deals even better! Once the girls were up we picked them up and did a mall trip with my mom and sister. There Sarah and Claire managed to turn all of our stomachs by recycling gum from under a table. I don't have any clue what would possess them to even consider it but I am sorry to say they did. After the adults completely freaked out and I gave a lecture on germs we tried without success to forget the whole event had happened. But really how could you forget an event like that? I mean just the thought of it now makes me want to clean compulsively. EWWW! And why would I share this with you all? Simply because I am longing for one of you to tell me that my children are not the only ones to do things that I never thought I had to outline on a "We Do Not Do... List".
We had a crazy but blessed Thanksgiving and year and hope you and your family did too!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
A new arrival...
We had a new arrival at our house this morning...
Tuesday was a rough day at our house to say the least. It left me absolutely exhausted and the house a complete wreck. It started with the girls eating ALL the sprinkles I had in my pantry while I was getting my hair and makeup done and ended with me discovering they had raided the Halloween candy I thought I had hidden until I found about a dozen wrappers in their room and sticky candy remnants everywhere.
I had previously planned for our new elf friend to appear as soon as we got back from Thanksgiving. That plan was thrown out on Tuesday night as I decided that now was the perfect timing for one of Santa's elf's to pay our home a visit.
I was not familiar with this tradition until I read about it in Angie's
blog last year. I searched every Hallmark and Barnes and Noble within a 150 mile radius only to be told repetitively that they were sold out. So when I passed the display window at Barnes and Noble last week and saw it I marched straight inside to make the purchase even risking being late for preschool pick up.
It took the girls less than five minutes to spot our new friend this morning and start asking questions. David and I tried our best to hide our smiles and act surprised about the visitor. I pulled the book from the mantel and read it to the girls. In short, the elf is here on Santa's order to listen to all of their secret wishes and watch their behavior. He flies back to the North Pole each night, magically of course, to report to Santa and play with his elf friends. He returns each morning before they wake and stays until Christmas Eve when he returns with Santa to the North Pole until the next year.
It is such a sweet tradition and one I am sure the kids will look forward to each year and remember fondly when they are older.
So what are your Christmas traditions?
Tuesday was a rough day at our house to say the least. It left me absolutely exhausted and the house a complete wreck. It started with the girls eating ALL the sprinkles I had in my pantry while I was getting my hair and makeup done and ended with me discovering they had raided the Halloween candy I thought I had hidden until I found about a dozen wrappers in their room and sticky candy remnants everywhere.
I had previously planned for our new elf friend to appear as soon as we got back from Thanksgiving. That plan was thrown out on Tuesday night as I decided that now was the perfect timing for one of Santa's elf's to pay our home a visit.
I was not familiar with this tradition until I read about it in Angie's
blog last year. I searched every Hallmark and Barnes and Noble within a 150 mile radius only to be told repetitively that they were sold out. So when I passed the display window at Barnes and Noble last week and saw it I marched straight inside to make the purchase even risking being late for preschool pick up.
It took the girls less than five minutes to spot our new friend this morning and start asking questions. David and I tried our best to hide our smiles and act surprised about the visitor. I pulled the book from the mantel and read it to the girls. In short, the elf is here on Santa's order to listen to all of their secret wishes and watch their behavior. He flies back to the North Pole each night, magically of course, to report to Santa and play with his elf friends. He returns each morning before they wake and stays until Christmas Eve when he returns with Santa to the North Pole until the next year.
It is such a sweet tradition and one I am sure the kids will look forward to each year and remember fondly when they are older.
So what are your Christmas traditions?
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
LIfe is busy!
I really have had every intention of blogging regularly but I keep getting interrupted by this thing called life! It is sneaky and every time I start to sit down and gather my thoughts it causes one of my children to need a meal, make a mess, become sick etc. Funny how that happens, right?
We have been enjoying our time as a family lately with lots of trips to the park, fall festivals, and just hanging out watching football at the house. It has been so nice to just all be together. This weekend we headed to Katy for my cousins wedding! The wedding was beautiful and I had so much fun reconnecting with my cousins and visiting with old friends. The girls hammed it up on the dance floor with several new friends and I was really proud of all the little ones that were there. They were very patient and quiet throughout the whole ceremony, which was a full mass, and had lots of fun at the reception!
An interesting conversation was had Sunday at lunch and it has been on my mind ever since. Weddings bring about lots of different emotions from people. I think naturally it causes everyone to evaluate where they are in life. This by itself isn't too harmful until you begin to ponder where you want to be and just aren't yet and why. I could not help but empathize with the singles but probably not for the reason you think. The whole time I kept thinking everyone is waiting on something. There is always some part of your existence that you wish you could tweak a little. If it isn't marriage, it is kids, and if not kids then fulfillment in your career, or empty nesting, or retirement, and the list goes on. I know I for one am extremely guilty of not spending nearly enough time in the moment and just enjoying where God has placed me at THIS particular moment. Instead we find ourselves out striving for the next goal we have for ourselves in life with disregard and often disappointment in what God's plan may be. It was a good reminder for me to try and live just for today and what God is planning for me in this moment.
Here are some random pics. Enjoy!
Sarah
Claire
Jack O.
Katy and her Dad
We have been enjoying our time as a family lately with lots of trips to the park, fall festivals, and just hanging out watching football at the house. It has been so nice to just all be together. This weekend we headed to Katy for my cousins wedding! The wedding was beautiful and I had so much fun reconnecting with my cousins and visiting with old friends. The girls hammed it up on the dance floor with several new friends and I was really proud of all the little ones that were there. They were very patient and quiet throughout the whole ceremony, which was a full mass, and had lots of fun at the reception!
An interesting conversation was had Sunday at lunch and it has been on my mind ever since. Weddings bring about lots of different emotions from people. I think naturally it causes everyone to evaluate where they are in life. This by itself isn't too harmful until you begin to ponder where you want to be and just aren't yet and why. I could not help but empathize with the singles but probably not for the reason you think. The whole time I kept thinking everyone is waiting on something. There is always some part of your existence that you wish you could tweak a little. If it isn't marriage, it is kids, and if not kids then fulfillment in your career, or empty nesting, or retirement, and the list goes on. I know I for one am extremely guilty of not spending nearly enough time in the moment and just enjoying where God has placed me at THIS particular moment. Instead we find ourselves out striving for the next goal we have for ourselves in life with disregard and often disappointment in what God's plan may be. It was a good reminder for me to try and live just for today and what God is planning for me in this moment.
Here are some random pics. Enjoy!
Sarah
Claire
Jack O.
Katy and her Dad
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Honesty
We had a great labor day weekend filled with swimming, grilling, playing (and working) outside, and visiting with family! I do not think the kids have ever been happier or dirtier for that matter than they were to have 3 uninterrupted days of outdoor time. I also had to remind D that when three children are covered in pine needles, mulch, dirt, sand and Lord only knows what else they must be pre-washed before they come in to the tub. Pre-washed of course sounds so much better than strip them down and hose them off whether they like it or not. There was not enough Comet to clean that poor tub not to mention the THREE times I had to change the water, or should I say the mud. Yuck!
Anyways.
Sunday we invited M to come play with the girls since the Krueger's were spending the weekend with Honey. There is nothing like 3 four year old girls and a box of princess dress up clothes! They had tons of fun and David and I barely heard from them the whole day. They were in and out of their room having "girl time" as Sarah was quick to inform me all day. There were a few tears shed though when M and Sarah bumped heads while jumping on the bed. M came to me in tears and Sarah promptly hid under the bed. While I cleaned up M and chatted with her about what happened Aunt Juli went to try and coax Sarah into coming out. On my instruction Juli informed Sarah that mommy knew it was just an accident but that she knew she shouldn't jump on the bed. Never did Aunt Juli guess it would start the conversation that it did in which Juli would ask Sarah whether or not she would jump on the bed again. With wide eyed four year old honesty Sarah would declare that yes she would and when asked why Sarah would exclaim " Well I know I'm not supposed to but it is so much fun!" Aunt Juli found the whole conversation simply hilarious and I did not have the heart to get on to her because I will take honesty any day. Besides that is why I refused to buy them an expensive bed or one that stood too high off the ground. I was way ahead of Ms. Sarah Grace on that one:)
Have a blessed weekend!
Anyways.
Sunday we invited M to come play with the girls since the Krueger's were spending the weekend with Honey. There is nothing like 3 four year old girls and a box of princess dress up clothes! They had tons of fun and David and I barely heard from them the whole day. They were in and out of their room having "girl time" as Sarah was quick to inform me all day. There were a few tears shed though when M and Sarah bumped heads while jumping on the bed. M came to me in tears and Sarah promptly hid under the bed. While I cleaned up M and chatted with her about what happened Aunt Juli went to try and coax Sarah into coming out. On my instruction Juli informed Sarah that mommy knew it was just an accident but that she knew she shouldn't jump on the bed. Never did Aunt Juli guess it would start the conversation that it did in which Juli would ask Sarah whether or not she would jump on the bed again. With wide eyed four year old honesty Sarah would declare that yes she would and when asked why Sarah would exclaim " Well I know I'm not supposed to but it is so much fun!" Aunt Juli found the whole conversation simply hilarious and I did not have the heart to get on to her because I will take honesty any day. Besides that is why I refused to buy them an expensive bed or one that stood too high off the ground. I was way ahead of Ms. Sarah Grace on that one:)
Have a blessed weekend!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
School is a Success
Last week was busy week for our family as we embarked on a new routine. The kids and I adjusted to the girls going back to school and starting ballet again and everything went frighteningly well. The girls were super excited about school not even making a mere mention of the fact that is was new and Jack left with me willingly making for a very peaceful ride home.
Jack and I had a quiet morning that consisted of me getting some household chores done that had been severely neglected and Jack enjoying some quiet time playing in the girls room with toys that they would never allow him to even look at let alone touch had they been there. He was in absolute heaven and so was I. Though he still barely speaks I could easily read the "Do we have to?" look in his eyes when I told him we had to clean up and pick up the girls. There is nothing quite like be able to investigate all the hidden gems of your sister's room without interference.
Here are some pics of the kiddos from last week. Make note that Jack is wearing a backpack and insists upon taking it every time I drop off the girls at school!
Jack and I had a quiet morning that consisted of me getting some household chores done that had been severely neglected and Jack enjoying some quiet time playing in the girls room with toys that they would never allow him to even look at let alone touch had they been there. He was in absolute heaven and so was I. Though he still barely speaks I could easily read the "Do we have to?" look in his eyes when I told him we had to clean up and pick up the girls. There is nothing quite like be able to investigate all the hidden gems of your sister's room without interference.
Here are some pics of the kiddos from last week. Make note that Jack is wearing a backpack and insists upon taking it every time I drop off the girls at school!
Monday, August 24, 2009
The End of Summer
Well my friends the end of summer has come and gone contrary to the fact that fall still doesn't even loom on the horizon in TX. Tonight many stressed parents are tucking their exhausted little ones into bed after an exciting first day of the school year. They have fretted over all the big and small things that come with the first day of school. They have filled out what seemed like millions of forms, met the teacher, had ice cream socials, and searched high and low for the correct school supplies, uniforms, tennis shoes and Hello Kitty backpack.
Ok. Maybe I was the only one searching for the correct Hello Kitty backpack. It was worth it though when we found it at the third Target we went to and it was met with a high pitch squeal "It is perfect!". Thank God because I was running out of Targets to search in the tri-county area.
Four of my dearest friends had an even bigger first day of school than most because their babies entered kindergarten this year. It was hard for even me to believe as I listened to their harrowing tales. These four brought me lots of laughter and a few tears. I think they are a perfect representation of the masses that are out there going through the same thing.
The Mom whose son sheds tears over being away from her yet is ecstatic to wear his tie to chapel.
The Mom whose son bounds in the door without a second glance which is good because mommy's heart was broken.
The Mom who has been counting down for weeks and recently told me 48 hours to go!
And lastly, the Mom who has been the most nervous and with just cause because her little girl is such a home body. She knew it would be a struggle for both of them and it didn't help that Friday night she felt compelled to scrap all the plans they had made after a disastrous meet the teacher moment. It was for the best though and from what I hear she did fabulously today!
And then there are also those that will remind you that the whole task of sending your kid to school says as much about you as them. Like lets say for instance a insightful sister who taught school for several years and continues to remind us how we will be judged by the information we put on their forms, the lunches we make, and the random information our kids divulge while they are at school. Oh and your kid's backpack well that apparently speaks volumes about you and provides information upon sight as to your parenting style and the child's birth order. Thanks Juli since I was not anxious enough already.
I am doomed.
I love my little girls but let us be honest, I am far from perfect. There will be days when their lunch will probably be less than nutritious and I will consider it a success that they have one at all. I seriously doubt their sandwich will be cut into cute little shapes routinely or that I will always remember to place a wet wipe in it so they can clean their hands more efficiently. Things will be said to the teacher that may reveal some less than flattering things about us as parents. Or that will leave me pondering the notion of what television show they heard that word on or whether or not I should give Papa a call and let him have it.
That is life though and we all go through it. I think more than anything we all just want our kids to be appreciated for who they are and we all know that no one can do that like us!
Tomorrow I will drop the girls off at their first day of pre-k. Not an extremely monumental occasion but I do have a small amount of anxiety. I pray that they will make friends and that their teacher will recognize their uniqueness and not just see them as "the twins".
Blessings to all you parents, teachers and kiddos out there. I wish you nothing less than a fabulous school year!
Ok. Maybe I was the only one searching for the correct Hello Kitty backpack. It was worth it though when we found it at the third Target we went to and it was met with a high pitch squeal "It is perfect!". Thank God because I was running out of Targets to search in the tri-county area.
Four of my dearest friends had an even bigger first day of school than most because their babies entered kindergarten this year. It was hard for even me to believe as I listened to their harrowing tales. These four brought me lots of laughter and a few tears. I think they are a perfect representation of the masses that are out there going through the same thing.
The Mom whose son sheds tears over being away from her yet is ecstatic to wear his tie to chapel.
The Mom whose son bounds in the door without a second glance which is good because mommy's heart was broken.
The Mom who has been counting down for weeks and recently told me 48 hours to go!
And lastly, the Mom who has been the most nervous and with just cause because her little girl is such a home body. She knew it would be a struggle for both of them and it didn't help that Friday night she felt compelled to scrap all the plans they had made after a disastrous meet the teacher moment. It was for the best though and from what I hear she did fabulously today!
And then there are also those that will remind you that the whole task of sending your kid to school says as much about you as them. Like lets say for instance a insightful sister who taught school for several years and continues to remind us how we will be judged by the information we put on their forms, the lunches we make, and the random information our kids divulge while they are at school. Oh and your kid's backpack well that apparently speaks volumes about you and provides information upon sight as to your parenting style and the child's birth order. Thanks Juli since I was not anxious enough already.
I am doomed.
I love my little girls but let us be honest, I am far from perfect. There will be days when their lunch will probably be less than nutritious and I will consider it a success that they have one at all. I seriously doubt their sandwich will be cut into cute little shapes routinely or that I will always remember to place a wet wipe in it so they can clean their hands more efficiently. Things will be said to the teacher that may reveal some less than flattering things about us as parents. Or that will leave me pondering the notion of what television show they heard that word on or whether or not I should give Papa a call and let him have it.
That is life though and we all go through it. I think more than anything we all just want our kids to be appreciated for who they are and we all know that no one can do that like us!
Tomorrow I will drop the girls off at their first day of pre-k. Not an extremely monumental occasion but I do have a small amount of anxiety. I pray that they will make friends and that their teacher will recognize their uniqueness and not just see them as "the twins".
Blessings to all you parents, teachers and kiddos out there. I wish you nothing less than a fabulous school year!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Jack turns Two!
Our sweet baby boy turned two on Sunday! I can not believe that he is already two years old and no longer "a baby" though he will always be "my baby". We had a terrific time sharing him with all of our friends and family who made the party! Thank you so much for making it so special for him and us!
Now a little about our baby boy...
Jack is defintely all boy right now! It is all about trains, cars, airplane, helicopters and aggravating his sisters. He is still in love with Toy Story, the movie, and would watch it non stop if I let him. Night time calls for Woody, Buzz, and now Thomas (the train) to join him in his crib with blankie. He is a two year old who thinks he is four because he simply does not know any better. He is momma's baby and a little love bug. He is Sarah's "little buddy" and more often than not Claire's nemisis. He loves nothing more than sitting on the couch watching Noggin right in between his two sisters. He is daddy's shadow whenever there are tools involved. He is our sweet Jack O. whom we love more than life.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Exhaustion
I can usually rate the amount of fun my kids have had in one day by how tired I am at the end of it. Today they had way too much fun. By this evening they were running through the house deliriously laughing and I was chasing them trying to round them up and head them off to bed so I could do the same. It is absolutely beyond me how they can have so much energy.
Anyways.
Things here have been good. One day at a time I am starting to get the house more situated. We are currently about to wrap up the kitchen renovations this week!The pink laminate is no more and we are all really happy about that!
The girls teacher came to the house to meet them this week. She seems nice and super organized so I am praying for her and them that it will be a good year. And as exciting as that was Claire is much more excited about us registering her for dance!She is now asking me daily when ballet starts so we are all in for a long two weeks.
It is really good to see them so excited about all their upcoming activities and I am ready to get us on a regular schedule. We have been busy but as house renovations slow down and boxes are emptied I do find myself a little lonely. I am missing my mommy friends and having a little adult company. I was so blessed in having a wonderful group of moms in Victoria and I am praying daily that I will be blessed with a similar support system here. Until then the kids and I continue on our daily explorations which include The Children's Museum, multiple local libraries, parks, pools, mall, grocery stores, etc.
Enjoy the last weeks of summer!
Anyways.
Things here have been good. One day at a time I am starting to get the house more situated. We are currently about to wrap up the kitchen renovations this week!The pink laminate is no more and we are all really happy about that!
The girls teacher came to the house to meet them this week. She seems nice and super organized so I am praying for her and them that it will be a good year. And as exciting as that was Claire is much more excited about us registering her for dance!She is now asking me daily when ballet starts so we are all in for a long two weeks.
It is really good to see them so excited about all their upcoming activities and I am ready to get us on a regular schedule. We have been busy but as house renovations slow down and boxes are emptied I do find myself a little lonely. I am missing my mommy friends and having a little adult company. I was so blessed in having a wonderful group of moms in Victoria and I am praying daily that I will be blessed with a similar support system here. Until then the kids and I continue on our daily explorations which include The Children's Museum, multiple local libraries, parks, pools, mall, grocery stores, etc.
Enjoy the last weeks of summer!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
PRAY FOR STELLAN...
Stellan is in the hospital and not doing well at all. They can not flip him out of SVT and are considering putting him on a ventilator because of his poor condition. Please pray for him and his sweet family tonight.
Hug your babies.
Hug your babies.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Together at last!
We are so thankful that we are finally all housed under one roof!
July 9th we moved out of our beloved home in Victoria. It will always hold many memories, especially since we brought all of our babies home there, but we were elated to finally close and move on to the next chapter.
David’s parents were sweet enough to let us stay with them until we closed the following Tuesday on our new home in Spring. God bless them because the kids gave us all a run for our sanity! It was definitely an eventful week for all of us and I don’t think David or I have ever felt more blessed to just be under the same roof .
David and I spent all day Tuesday and Wednesday unpacking and by Friday the house was pretty much in order. I still need to finish going through the garage and have a garage sale when it cools down but other than that we are comfortably residing in our new home! Thus far we have been so busy I haven’t even had time to blog and while we were waiting on our house to sell I just didn’t have the heart. I was sad and frustrated and none of you would have enjoyed listening to me whine about how we were on our ninth month living in separate places so I just decided to refrain.
Everyone keeps asking if the kids are adjusting well and thus far the answer is “Yes!” Jack had a rough first night but since then things have been easier and I am trying hard to establish some type of routine for them. The girls have asked about their friends but have been so busy they are not pressing the issue as of yet. Claire definitely has some anxiety about her new school and is asking LOTS of questions so pray for her and me since she does not always handle “new” situations well. And “yes” she is her mother’s child.
Other than that I spend my days organizing the house and our family schedule. We have been swimming several times in the neighborhood and I must say the pools are amazing, as are the parks and all the other amenities! It is a great area for the kids and that is why we chose it!
Look for more updates in the coming days!
July 9th we moved out of our beloved home in Victoria. It will always hold many memories, especially since we brought all of our babies home there, but we were elated to finally close and move on to the next chapter.
David’s parents were sweet enough to let us stay with them until we closed the following Tuesday on our new home in Spring. God bless them because the kids gave us all a run for our sanity! It was definitely an eventful week for all of us and I don’t think David or I have ever felt more blessed to just be under the same roof .
David and I spent all day Tuesday and Wednesday unpacking and by Friday the house was pretty much in order. I still need to finish going through the garage and have a garage sale when it cools down but other than that we are comfortably residing in our new home! Thus far we have been so busy I haven’t even had time to blog and while we were waiting on our house to sell I just didn’t have the heart. I was sad and frustrated and none of you would have enjoyed listening to me whine about how we were on our ninth month living in separate places so I just decided to refrain.
Everyone keeps asking if the kids are adjusting well and thus far the answer is “Yes!” Jack had a rough first night but since then things have been easier and I am trying hard to establish some type of routine for them. The girls have asked about their friends but have been so busy they are not pressing the issue as of yet. Claire definitely has some anxiety about her new school and is asking LOTS of questions so pray for her and me since she does not always handle “new” situations well. And “yes” she is her mother’s child.
Other than that I spend my days organizing the house and our family schedule. We have been swimming several times in the neighborhood and I must say the pools are amazing, as are the parks and all the other amenities! It is a great area for the kids and that is why we chose it!
Look for more updates in the coming days!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
House Stuff
We had more bad news on the housing front this week. Late Monday our deal with the potential buyers fell apart. I am still reeling a little and just not really sure what to say or do. Thanks to all of you who have called, emailed, or stopped me around town to give words of encouragement. If I was short or didn't return your calls promptly please excuse my bad manners. I am still wallowing in self pity at the moment. I swear I could see the end in sight only to have it ripped away.
Life just doesn't always go as planned does it?
Let me warn you that I am extremely self absorbed right now and just really sad. Something such as this probably shouldn't warrant this response but as of right now that is all I've got.
I muddled through getting the house back on the active market today and David and decided to reduce it a significant amount to try and garner interest. Hopefully tomorrow I should have it in shape to show again.
I am also upset that we will most likely have to pull the contract on the house we love in Houston before our option ends. What else can we do?
And I confess that I feel guilty feeling like this over a couple of houses and a hundred or so miles. I have whined, complained, and begged God to make this easier when in all reality there are far worse situations in life that others are asked to endure.
My selfishness lies in the fact that I am not bending to God's will very easily. So if that means giving up MY perfect house for HIS perfect plan I am ready. There will be some tears and moments of anger but I am only human and He will love me anyway. Thank God for that.
Life just doesn't always go as planned does it?
Let me warn you that I am extremely self absorbed right now and just really sad. Something such as this probably shouldn't warrant this response but as of right now that is all I've got.
I muddled through getting the house back on the active market today and David and decided to reduce it a significant amount to try and garner interest. Hopefully tomorrow I should have it in shape to show again.
I am also upset that we will most likely have to pull the contract on the house we love in Houston before our option ends. What else can we do?
And I confess that I feel guilty feeling like this over a couple of houses and a hundred or so miles. I have whined, complained, and begged God to make this easier when in all reality there are far worse situations in life that others are asked to endure.
My selfishness lies in the fact that I am not bending to God's will very easily. So if that means giving up MY perfect house for HIS perfect plan I am ready. There will be some tears and moments of anger but I am only human and He will love me anyway. Thank God for that.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Standing in the Middle???
So everyone has probably seen the controversial question that Ms. California Carrie Prejean was asked last week at the Ms. USA pageant. Yesterday in church our pastor showed a clip of an interview she gave last week to Matt Laurer on Good Morning America. I had seen her on Hannity and other shows but had missed this one until then. This is Ms. California Carrie Prejean with Matt Laurer...
After watching her give this interview the congregation clapped and I heard a few "Amens". And I began to ponder the question of why are so many people so unhappy with this woman and her opinion.
Whether you believe in same sex marriage or not it seems to me that Carrie Prejean got it right. She gave her opinion and even stated she meant no offense to anyone else. She was true to herself and her God. This is a country where having different opinion is supposed to welcomed and encouraged. It is what makes America different than so many other nations.
As an American I respect her and her right to her opinion. As a Christian I am honored to count her as a sister in faith and someone who set a shining example of how we as Christians should behave in the face of adversity while sharing and honoring our testimony of faith.
I began to think of how many of us, myself included, often stand in the middle of political correctness instead of choosing sides.
Not long ago I posted about friend of mine and I having an in depth conversation about my faith. What I didn't post about in that post was that towards the end of that conversation he asked me a very pointed question. He asked me whether I thought because he didn't believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Savior, if I thought he would not be with me in Heaven. With tears in my eyes I touched his hand and told him that I was going to be perfectly honest with him as he had been with me throughout this long conversation. Then I told him "yes". I think he may have been a little shocked by the depth of my sadness and tears. It is one time that I can say I didn't stand in the middle instead I took sides.
I took God's side because I believe He created the world. I believe we have all I sinned. I believe He sent His son through the Virgin Mother Mary to be born into this world, live a perfect sinless life, and die a criminals death on the cross. I believe that He rose again on the third day and sits at His Father's side in heaven. I believe one day we all stand and be judged by Him. I believe that even though I am a sinner and far, FAR from perfect I will one day walk the streets of Heaven with my Savior because I gave my heart and soul to Him when I believed. I believe that the only way to the Father is through his Son and that the Bible is the Truth and the Living Word of God that implicitely states this.
I believe that Carrie Prejean was right when she said that we can't stand in the middle that we have to take sides. That doesn't mean being hateful or spiteful and isolating those who don't believe. It means walking with Him whom we were created for and letting those who don't know Him see what it is to be with Him.
I guess the only question remaining is which side will you choose?
After watching her give this interview the congregation clapped and I heard a few "Amens". And I began to ponder the question of why are so many people so unhappy with this woman and her opinion.
Whether you believe in same sex marriage or not it seems to me that Carrie Prejean got it right. She gave her opinion and even stated she meant no offense to anyone else. She was true to herself and her God. This is a country where having different opinion is supposed to welcomed and encouraged. It is what makes America different than so many other nations.
As an American I respect her and her right to her opinion. As a Christian I am honored to count her as a sister in faith and someone who set a shining example of how we as Christians should behave in the face of adversity while sharing and honoring our testimony of faith.
I began to think of how many of us, myself included, often stand in the middle of political correctness instead of choosing sides.
Not long ago I posted about friend of mine and I having an in depth conversation about my faith. What I didn't post about in that post was that towards the end of that conversation he asked me a very pointed question. He asked me whether I thought because he didn't believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Savior, if I thought he would not be with me in Heaven. With tears in my eyes I touched his hand and told him that I was going to be perfectly honest with him as he had been with me throughout this long conversation. Then I told him "yes". I think he may have been a little shocked by the depth of my sadness and tears. It is one time that I can say I didn't stand in the middle instead I took sides.
I took God's side because I believe He created the world. I believe we have all I sinned. I believe He sent His son through the Virgin Mother Mary to be born into this world, live a perfect sinless life, and die a criminals death on the cross. I believe that He rose again on the third day and sits at His Father's side in heaven. I believe one day we all stand and be judged by Him. I believe that even though I am a sinner and far, FAR from perfect I will one day walk the streets of Heaven with my Savior because I gave my heart and soul to Him when I believed. I believe that the only way to the Father is through his Son and that the Bible is the Truth and the Living Word of God that implicitely states this.
I believe that Carrie Prejean was right when she said that we can't stand in the middle that we have to take sides. That doesn't mean being hateful or spiteful and isolating those who don't believe. It means walking with Him whom we were created for and letting those who don't know Him see what it is to be with Him.
I guess the only question remaining is which side will you choose?
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Claire and Sarah
Claire and Sarah turned 4 last week and I can hardley believe that four years has come and gone. My baby girls have grown from these tiny preemies to beautiful, curious, intelligent little girls. Mommy loves them more than they will ever know!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Praying for Stellan
Let me start by saying the blog world is amazing. There are several christian women whose blog I follow and even though we have never met I feel a camaraderie with them as I watch them raise children and grow spiritually. One of these women's name is Jennifer and she has a wonderful blog over at http://www.mycharmingkids.net/. I was heartbroken for her when I read yesterday that her baby Stellan was sick last night and that his condition had turned dire very quickly. Stellan, as some may know, is the baby that the doctors told Jennifer would never survive the womb. Jennifer and her husband decided to let God be the guide instead of the doctors and Stellan was born healthy last fall. He is 4 months old and until the last few days had shown none of the problems he had in the womb since his birth. If you are unfamiliar with their story I am providing a link to her blog and ask that you please say a little prayer for Stellan, Jennifer and her husband and the rest of their children today.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
"Not Me!" Monday
Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.
And so I bring "Not Me!" Mondays back to my blog! Here we go...
It was not me who let my sweet baby girls get their ears pierced this last weekend because they has been relentlessly asking for the last two weeks after a friend of theirs at school got her ears pierced. And I certainly did not shed a tear or two that night when I realized how big they are getting and how quickly it is all going. Not Me!
It was also certainly not me who explained to them before we ever got to the piercing place that "NO!" boys do not get their ears pierced only to have to re-explain later that yes the man that went before them did get his ears pierced but that Daddy and I still did not think it would be acceptable for Jack to get his pierced.
"When he is bigger?" Sarah asked.
"No Sarah, not while he lives under this roof!".
Surely my almost four year olds are not this quick to pick up that way of the world is not the same as the way of our house? Surely not!
Have a fabulous Monday!
Faith
I have a friend who has been weighing heavily on my mind and heart now for some time. In January I had an amazing opportunity sit down with this person and share my testimony of faith in Christ. I knew well before that time this friend has some serious questions about Christ and God and I had been waiting and praying for a while that the Lord would open a door for someone to share their faith. I was blessed one night to find myself given that opportunity and the conversation we had that night was both amazing and a little sad because I know there are so many questions that are still not answered for this dear friend of mine.
The neatest thing about this conversation was that it left me wanting to be able to answer all of those endless questions more academically. I talked to a family member who I often go to when I have faith based questions and she quickly gave me a reading list for the next year. What I have found is a piece of myself that yearns to study and understand not only Christ but the history, geography, etc that was surrounding him during his life. I had no idea how many secular references there were of Him, His birth, His death, His life from scholars and historians of His time. It simply amazes me and leaves me wanting more!
During the conversation my friend commented to me something to the effect that they hoped the question they were about to ask wouldn't shake my faith. I immediately responded to ask away. I remember stating that although I don't know the answer to every question I was alright with that. I admitted that when it came to Jesus I was secure in Him even if I didn't have all the answers. And though until that point I had hoped to give this friend a significant insight in to their own heart, I think instead they gave me one. They showed me more about my faith and encouraged to me to dig deeper in to my quest for Him, to understand and know Him, to love and honor Him, and to have a life and heart that chase after Him. I thank them and pray daily that Christ will reveal himself more thoroughly than I had ever prayed He would in their life!
The neatest thing about this conversation was that it left me wanting to be able to answer all of those endless questions more academically. I talked to a family member who I often go to when I have faith based questions and she quickly gave me a reading list for the next year. What I have found is a piece of myself that yearns to study and understand not only Christ but the history, geography, etc that was surrounding him during his life. I had no idea how many secular references there were of Him, His birth, His death, His life from scholars and historians of His time. It simply amazes me and leaves me wanting more!
During the conversation my friend commented to me something to the effect that they hoped the question they were about to ask wouldn't shake my faith. I immediately responded to ask away. I remember stating that although I don't know the answer to every question I was alright with that. I admitted that when it came to Jesus I was secure in Him even if I didn't have all the answers. And though until that point I had hoped to give this friend a significant insight in to their own heart, I think instead they gave me one. They showed me more about my faith and encouraged to me to dig deeper in to my quest for Him, to understand and know Him, to love and honor Him, and to have a life and heart that chase after Him. I thank them and pray daily that Christ will reveal himself more thoroughly than I had ever prayed He would in their life!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Waiting
UPDATE
OK. Sorry everyone evidently I was unintentionally cryptic with this post. I didn't realize it until my inbox started filling up!
I LOVE that song and it speaks to me because David and I both feel as though all we can and have been doing for months is waiting and praying. Waiting for our house to sell. Waiting for the right one to come along to purchase. Praying that we make good sound financial decisions. Praying for the kiddos to adjust to Daddy being gone. Praying to find the right preschool, church, community, pediatrician, etc and waiting for the Lord to reveal them to us.
It is frustrating to have to wait and not something that I am personally very good at. My type A personality just wants to put all my ducks in a row and embark on this new adventure but 5 months later we are still living in separate cities/states with no sign that that is going change any time soon. I am waiting and not nearly as patiently as I wish I was but faithfully I will continue to wait. I want to be bold, confident and mostly obedient to His will and timing. We have complete faith that His will was for David to move around in his career but selfishly I really want to feel like a family again and right now I am all struggling with that. I want my husband back!
Thanks to all of you who emailed me, or called in concern. I didn't even know some of you kept up with my mindless rambling I call a blog. Thanks for praying for us and please continue to do so!
Amy
OK. Sorry everyone evidently I was unintentionally cryptic with this post. I didn't realize it until my inbox started filling up!
I LOVE that song and it speaks to me because David and I both feel as though all we can and have been doing for months is waiting and praying. Waiting for our house to sell. Waiting for the right one to come along to purchase. Praying that we make good sound financial decisions. Praying for the kiddos to adjust to Daddy being gone. Praying to find the right preschool, church, community, pediatrician, etc and waiting for the Lord to reveal them to us.
It is frustrating to have to wait and not something that I am personally very good at. My type A personality just wants to put all my ducks in a row and embark on this new adventure but 5 months later we are still living in separate cities/states with no sign that that is going change any time soon. I am waiting and not nearly as patiently as I wish I was but faithfully I will continue to wait. I want to be bold, confident and mostly obedient to His will and timing. We have complete faith that His will was for David to move around in his career but selfishly I really want to feel like a family again and right now I am all struggling with that. I want my husband back!
Thanks to all of you who emailed me, or called in concern. I didn't even know some of you kept up with my mindless rambling I call a blog. Thanks for praying for us and please continue to do so!
Amy
This song has been a constant in my life this last week. The lyrics are absolutely amazing and every time I turn it on it reminds me to have patience and wait on the Lord. He is there and has big plans for us all. I think the chorus "I am waiting on you Lord" is my theme right now. There is nothing else I can do but pray and wait for my Lord to put all the pieces into place. Whatever he has in store will be His perfect plan and that gives me peace.
Tonight a prayer request. Please pray for peace and patience for David and I. We have some concerns right now with our family that call for God's grace and our patience .
Please enjoy this video and if you haven't seen the movie "Fireproof" I encourage you to rent it soon. It is a fabulous testimony of our need to have God intricately woven into our marriages!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Everything is a little clearer...
You ever just have one of those months where suddenly life in general just seems a little clearer? A little better?
Maybe, it is the spring weather (remember my northern friends it IS already spring down her).
Maybe, it is all the praying, reading, and listening I have been doing to/with God.
Maybe I am just learning to cope a little better.
All in all, I am really not sure but something feels different about life.
In January I made a commitment to God and myself to stop letting all the imperfect moments in life get to me. I was in one of those places where it just seemed like life was so full of the imperfect moments that I couldn't see anything else.
Instead I wanted to acknowledge all the wonderful moments that my life was filled with. About that time Danielle finished the new "look" for my blog and I decided it was time to rename it "Overflowing with Love". That is what I wanted my life to be filled with, love. Love for my husband, my kids and my Savior.
I often find myself concentrating on the rough patches/moments instead of concentrating on all the good in my life and, maybe even worse, missing out on how He is using those difficult times and molding them into something great.
I am a perfectionist and a little OCD. I felt God tugging at me to let him control and mold my life. So I handed him a little bit more of me than I have given him before and as usual he is doing a much better job than I. Life is not perfect. I am not perfect. There is still much more I need to give but I am giving more and more and seeing the beauty of letting him be in control.
We had a moment at out house today that definitely reveals God's work in my life. Today I awoke to a VERY unpleasant smell and the realization that the plumbing was not functioning at all. Nice, right? Yeah. The toilets wouldn't flush and then a horrible amount of of smelly "stuff" started backing up in our shower. Surely you get the picture. So I called the plumber and they couldn't get here for 5 hours but I told them I would take it. We quickly set up a temporary solution where the girls went potty in the training toilet and David and I survived.
By survived I of course mean David could take a trip to the backyard and me to the neighbors;)
At about 2 the kids went down for a nap and David and I found ourselves spending some quality time together dancing to the radio in the living room. I was pleasant! To say I was not at all disturbed by the smell and state of the house would be a lie but I was dealing. Rather well in fact. I was not ranting like a lunatic that I was getting nothing accomplished or pouring over our finances to figure our where the small fortune would come from to fix this problem. I was dancing with my husband, enjoying the peace and quiet.
My anxiety stayed in check and I was, gasp, happy!
And if I can find a moment of happiness even with raw sewage pooling in the shower you know God has to be at work!
Maybe, it is the spring weather (remember my northern friends it IS already spring down her).
Maybe, it is all the praying, reading, and listening I have been doing to/with God.
Maybe I am just learning to cope a little better.
All in all, I am really not sure but something feels different about life.
In January I made a commitment to God and myself to stop letting all the imperfect moments in life get to me. I was in one of those places where it just seemed like life was so full of the imperfect moments that I couldn't see anything else.
Instead I wanted to acknowledge all the wonderful moments that my life was filled with. About that time Danielle finished the new "look" for my blog and I decided it was time to rename it "Overflowing with Love". That is what I wanted my life to be filled with, love. Love for my husband, my kids and my Savior.
I often find myself concentrating on the rough patches/moments instead of concentrating on all the good in my life and, maybe even worse, missing out on how He is using those difficult times and molding them into something great.
I am a perfectionist and a little OCD. I felt God tugging at me to let him control and mold my life. So I handed him a little bit more of me than I have given him before and as usual he is doing a much better job than I. Life is not perfect. I am not perfect. There is still much more I need to give but I am giving more and more and seeing the beauty of letting him be in control.
We had a moment at out house today that definitely reveals God's work in my life. Today I awoke to a VERY unpleasant smell and the realization that the plumbing was not functioning at all. Nice, right? Yeah. The toilets wouldn't flush and then a horrible amount of of smelly "stuff" started backing up in our shower. Surely you get the picture. So I called the plumber and they couldn't get here for 5 hours but I told them I would take it. We quickly set up a temporary solution where the girls went potty in the training toilet and David and I survived.
By survived I of course mean David could take a trip to the backyard and me to the neighbors;)
At about 2 the kids went down for a nap and David and I found ourselves spending some quality time together dancing to the radio in the living room. I was pleasant! To say I was not at all disturbed by the smell and state of the house would be a lie but I was dealing. Rather well in fact. I was not ranting like a lunatic that I was getting nothing accomplished or pouring over our finances to figure our where the small fortune would come from to fix this problem. I was dancing with my husband, enjoying the peace and quiet.
My anxiety stayed in check and I was, gasp, happy!
And if I can find a moment of happiness even with raw sewage pooling in the shower you know God has to be at work!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Pray for Us
I am making it short and sweet tonight. Please pray with all your might that our home will sell quickly so we can feel like a family again. I have some kiddos who are really missing their daddy and need to spend more time with him.
Please pray for the house to sell quickly every time you think of us.
New Haircuts
We have a new short haircut and Mommy loves it!
We also now have a monkey that can climb up on the furniture and jump on it! His mission, straight to the girls' room after we get back from dropping them at school to jump on their bed and play with all the toys they thought he couldn't reach. LOL;)Friday, January 16, 2009
Thanks...And a Mom Story
I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who has prayed for me this week;) By God's grace Jack took a turn for the better on Wednesday and decided to sleep more than 2-3 hours at a time. Mommy broke her record of 4 hours of sleep a night for the first time in a week! I woke up a much happier person and more prepared to care for three kiddos.
This is one of those weeks where I look back on the week, breathe a sigh of relief, and feel proud to have survived. Do I wish I could have done it with a little more grace and a few less tears? Yes. However, I am still proud to have reached out to some of my Christian sisters to pray me through this. I love you guys:)
This is just a little update on my current situation. As you already know Jack slept. Woohooo! Our foundation is not cracked the cracking in our ceiling is just your normal settling. Thank God! I was terrified we were not going to be able to sell. The ceiling is only going to be about half as much as we originally thought to fix! It will put us out of showing for a week or so but I am confident that God has a plan that will one day reunite our family under one roof. Until then I pray that he continues to give me the grace and courage to guide the kiddos through this time where they really miss Daddy. David traveled safely to and from OK this week and I seem to have gotten my anxiety a little more under control. Lastly, our car situation is no longer a complete financial disaster.Whooo...
Now for my mindless blog of the day. I was having a splendid morning wandering aimlessly through Target when I received my laugh of the day from a woman who could have been me 5 years ago. I would surmise by her appearance and judgemental expression over my child that she has not been blessed with any babies of her own as of yet. It took me a minute to read her expression and then the disgust in the shake of her head to figure out exactly why she was looking at me that way. I quickly followed her gaze and realized in an instant that she was disapproving of my sons lack of shoes. I admit it, Jack O. had no shoes on and it was about 46 degrees outside. Here he was happily sitting in my Target basket eating Starbucks banana bread and waving big blue around shoeless. I started laughing. I laughed because she didn't know that this was the most perfect moment in my world all week. He was happy. He was quiet. His diaper and clothes were clean (well except for a few banana bread crumbs) . And I was making my way through Target in record time accomplishing picking everything up on my list and stocking the girls spring wardrobe with some of the cutest and most reasonably priced clothes I had seen all week. Needless to say the least of my worries was whether or not he had any shoes on even if it was 46 degrees outside. All you moms out there know that there are just some battles with your child that are not worth fighting and trust me this was one of them. You see my precious son had already taken his shoes and socks about 6 times that morning and tossed them from the basket and it was just not worth the fight. Hence the reason I stuffed them in my purse about half an hour before she saw me. I mean really he was eating and playing gleefully and I was shopping uninterrupted in Target for about an hour. What more could a mom want!?!?! She of course doesn't know this yet but her time is coming! I can't tell you how many times I said or thought "I will never...when I have a baby." Three words. Famous last words!
With Love~ Amy
This is one of those weeks where I look back on the week, breathe a sigh of relief, and feel proud to have survived. Do I wish I could have done it with a little more grace and a few less tears? Yes. However, I am still proud to have reached out to some of my Christian sisters to pray me through this. I love you guys:)
This is just a little update on my current situation. As you already know Jack slept. Woohooo! Our foundation is not cracked the cracking in our ceiling is just your normal settling. Thank God! I was terrified we were not going to be able to sell. The ceiling is only going to be about half as much as we originally thought to fix! It will put us out of showing for a week or so but I am confident that God has a plan that will one day reunite our family under one roof. Until then I pray that he continues to give me the grace and courage to guide the kiddos through this time where they really miss Daddy. David traveled safely to and from OK this week and I seem to have gotten my anxiety a little more under control. Lastly, our car situation is no longer a complete financial disaster.Whooo...
Now for my mindless blog of the day. I was having a splendid morning wandering aimlessly through Target when I received my laugh of the day from a woman who could have been me 5 years ago. I would surmise by her appearance and judgemental expression over my child that she has not been blessed with any babies of her own as of yet. It took me a minute to read her expression and then the disgust in the shake of her head to figure out exactly why she was looking at me that way. I quickly followed her gaze and realized in an instant that she was disapproving of my sons lack of shoes. I admit it, Jack O. had no shoes on and it was about 46 degrees outside. Here he was happily sitting in my Target basket eating Starbucks banana bread and waving big blue around shoeless. I started laughing. I laughed because she didn't know that this was the most perfect moment in my world all week. He was happy. He was quiet. His diaper and clothes were clean (well except for a few banana bread crumbs) . And I was making my way through Target in record time accomplishing picking everything up on my list and stocking the girls spring wardrobe with some of the cutest and most reasonably priced clothes I had seen all week. Needless to say the least of my worries was whether or not he had any shoes on even if it was 46 degrees outside. All you moms out there know that there are just some battles with your child that are not worth fighting and trust me this was one of them. You see my precious son had already taken his shoes and socks about 6 times that morning and tossed them from the basket and it was just not worth the fight. Hence the reason I stuffed them in my purse about half an hour before she saw me. I mean really he was eating and playing gleefully and I was shopping uninterrupted in Target for about an hour. What more could a mom want!?!?! She of course doesn't know this yet but her time is coming! I can't tell you how many times I said or thought "I will never...when I have a baby." Three words. Famous last words!
With Love~ Amy
Monday, January 12, 2009
"Not Me!" Mondays
If you were able to catch my last post you would know that I have had a rough couple of days. The main reason for this is lack of sleep. I am one of those people who requires my nightly eight hours or I just do not function well at all. What you might ask could possibly be keeping me awake at night? Hmmm...
It is definitely not me who has been up the last 8 nights now with our son who simply refuses to sleep from the hours of 2am to 5am in the morning. I have not tried everything from changing his bed time, nap schedule, giving Tylenol (maybe he is teething???), rocking him, trying to get him to sleep in our bed, white noise, letting him cry it out, etc. It was not me who at three o'clock this morning sat on my bedroom floor and sobbed uncontrollably over the ear piercing screams coming from my son's room and the realization that this was another night down the tube.
It was not me who called my friend Tammy this morning and "thought" out loud to her that I couldn't do this another night and that I might have to sleep in my car tonight just to get more than 2 hours of sleep in a row and 4 hours all together. It was not me who thought after I hung up that the idea of sleeping in my car wasn't half bad. I did not then go through the logistics of how I could do that safely for both my kids and me. That is a crazy idea and not something I would ever truly consider. Right?
Surely not!
It was not me who could have been found wondering the aisles of Walmart in tears yesterday because I was too stressed and too tired to even see straight. I did not have to call my friend Jenn L. and have her talk me through the tears and tell me that even though it doesn't feel like it God really is on my side. Certainly not!
It is not me that is sitting here at this computer at 10am and wishing it was time for bed already.
Nope not me!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Prayers Needed
I have been stressed lately. I fill like my plate is just overflowing with to do lists that I never seem to be able to complete. I am aggravated with myself for letting life stress me out in such a manner and that only makes me stress out more. It is a vicious circle and I have been praying numerous times a day for help because I feel like I am a train wreck that can't be stopped.
Many of you know that I struggle with anxiety and panic attacks. I take a daily medication to try and keep things under control but the more stress that builds in my life the less likely I am to effectively ward off the most severe of these attacks. My biggest fear is the fear of having these attacks in public or anyone knowing what a mess I truly am.
This would explain why in the midst of grocery shopping today the tears over took me and I had a minor meltdown in the middle of Walmart. I am sure I left plenty of other customers wondering what in the world had happened to that lady in the detergent aisle that was a complete wreck. The whole time I was was praying for God to help me calm myself and get through this moment. I prayed over every worry I was having and begged God to help me let go of them.
I hate that I am a worrier and control freak. I started searching the bible today and do you know just how many times we are told not to worry? More than I could count. My favorite verse of the day is one I found in Philippians chapter 4
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
I really needed this reminder today. I needed to hear His word, His encouragement, and feel His love in a moment where I felt alone and extremely overwhelmed. I was also reminded that I need to not only pray but I need to ask others to pray with/for me. I love you all so much and I need your help.
So please pray for me!
Pray that I can pass control of all situations to Christ and lay them at his feet. Pray that I will find a peace in this that consumes me and allows me to be the wife and mother that my husband and children need.
Amy
Many of you know that I struggle with anxiety and panic attacks. I take a daily medication to try and keep things under control but the more stress that builds in my life the less likely I am to effectively ward off the most severe of these attacks. My biggest fear is the fear of having these attacks in public or anyone knowing what a mess I truly am.
This would explain why in the midst of grocery shopping today the tears over took me and I had a minor meltdown in the middle of Walmart. I am sure I left plenty of other customers wondering what in the world had happened to that lady in the detergent aisle that was a complete wreck. The whole time I was was praying for God to help me calm myself and get through this moment. I prayed over every worry I was having and begged God to help me let go of them.
I hate that I am a worrier and control freak. I started searching the bible today and do you know just how many times we are told not to worry? More than I could count. My favorite verse of the day is one I found in Philippians chapter 4
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
I really needed this reminder today. I needed to hear His word, His encouragement, and feel His love in a moment where I felt alone and extremely overwhelmed. I was also reminded that I need to not only pray but I need to ask others to pray with/for me. I love you all so much and I need your help.
So please pray for me!
Pray that I can pass control of all situations to Christ and lay them at his feet. Pray that I will find a peace in this that consumes me and allows me to be the wife and mother that my husband and children need.
Amy
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Christmas with the Culberson's
Christmas with the Culberson's consisted of 12 kids (ten of them age five or under), 8 very tired parents, 2 grandparents, 2 great grandparents, 1 great aunt (Linda~we love that you came to brave our chaos), 2 dogs, 2 cats, an incredible amount of food, and lots of fun and laughter!
Yes. We are all very brave but believe it or not, it is so much fun! Ryan and Ivy came in from France and it was so fun to watch all the little cousins playing together once again. God blessed us with some wonderful family time and many of you know after this year it was something I am sure we all yearned to have!
We love you all!
Christmas with the Teeters Family
The kids had lots of fun at Nana and Papa's spending time with them and Aunt Juli. Oh...and they opened a gift or two also....Yeah...just a few;)
Jack's favorite gift from my parents had to be the rocking horse Papa made him! Finally he has his own and doesn't have to share with those sisters.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day at our house was filled with fun and chaos, just how I like it! The girls has a blast opening present and "helping" Jack open his. The hit of the year was the little tykes car Jack got from Santa. He couldn't take his eyes off it and sat in it almost the whole time we opened gifts. I loved watching the kids experience the season and the girls are finally starting to understand the real gift and reason we celebrate it:)
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