Hot and Fresh

Bread that is. ;)

My dear mother and father-in-law got Jamie and me a bread machine for Christmas and a couple of nights ago I used it for the first time. I just made a really basic wheat bread loaf, and boy, was it yummy! The kids were still up when the timer went off, so we all enjoyed a bedtime snack of freshly made bread drizzled with honey. It hit the spot, and I may or may not have enjoyed some more after they were in bed. :) Poor Jamie had to enjoy the hot bread via picture texts, because he was working. I'll make sure he's actually home next time so he can enjoy a slice right out of the bread machine!

Trains and Subways

This past Sunday we had a bit of an impromptu family outing. We went to a nearby Outlet Mall that has a train. We took a ride in the train and then ate Subway for dinner (which is this 'ol family's version of fast food - and Sophia's been begging for a Subway meal for weeks!). Jamie had a gift card from Christmas and was blessed to find TWO new pair of pants at Gap for less than $25! That was such a blessing! I love having spontaneous fun with my family!

Waiting for the train to arrive

We are boarded and waiting to go!

It was pretty cold and rainy outside, but inside it was alright.

Riley wasn't so sure about the moving train... he held this rather concerned look on his face for most of the ride. :)

Sophia had her own concerns, mainly that her baby brother would fall off of the seat! She was gripping him like this pretty much the whole ride! She is a little Mama for sure.

4 Years!

Now...

Then...

Today is the 4th Wedding Anniversary of my dear sister and her sweet hubby. I imagine they would tell you these past four years have been a bit of sweet and sour, rose and thorn, highs and lows. God has allowed them to walk through some really difficult valleys since they've been married, but - He has chosen to bless them in some immense ways too! I remember when they got their dog, Molly. She is a beagle and just a great dog! I was super surprised, and knew it must be true love for my sister towards her hubby, because growing up she was the cat person and I was the dog person. :) I think her hubby has converted her - much to my delight!!!

The second huge, and might I say, even more blessed event (no offense Molly), was the birth of their first child last March! Cora is just about the sweetest thing around and I just love her to bits! Funny thing is, my due date for Baby Rose is the same as my sister's was for Cora, so I know these two girls will be bound for friendship!

Jeni and David, we love you so much and are praying for you as you continue on difficult roads. We beseech the Lord to sustain you until He chooses to relieve you!!!

Happy Anniversary. I (and Jamie) am blessed to have you as a sister and brother!

What a Man!

Remember how I worked for about four hours getting our room clean this past weekend?? Well, Jamie didn't help much till the end when we needed to flip our mattress. But, that was totally okay because he was on kid duty that whole time, which included taking them on a walk, doing dinner with them, getting them bathed and in bed - all by himself. So, I was fine to just have that time alone, even if it was spent cleaning. Once the room was all clean and I sat down to the computer to relax for a bit, guess what Jamie brought out to me!?! He made me chocolate covered oreos as a treat/reward!!! Of course I shared with him. :) What a man.

Proof Positive I am just a mess of a girl

As I sit down to write this post it is Saturday night and my entire respiratory tract feels like it is filled with dust. Working the mines again, you ask? Oh, no, just cleaned Jamie's and my room is all! And it only took me four hours! Four hours may seem like a lot just to clean a pretty small room. Well... when you only clean your room every, oh, year or so... four hours isn't so bad. :) All of you who know me well, know I am not exaggerating. I wish I was. My grown-up, 29 year-old self really wishes I was. Alas.

So, inspired by a certain little girl who will be becoming our roommate in a matter of weeks, it was time. Time to dust, collect trash, sort through a bunch of junk that didn't belong in our room, gather lost laundry from under our bed. It was time. I even had to dust the walls. Who knew dust would cling to the walls once there was no where else for it to settle!?!

I won't blame you if you are completely grossed out and can never even read my blog again. I mean, after finding out that Jamie and I argue last week, and now finding out that our room is continually forgotten/neglected when we clean the house, well... can you even handle us? :)

Unfortunately the cyclical mess that is our room bothers neither Jamie or myself enough for us to keep on top of it. But, we both adore the feeling and smell and, ahem, breathability, of a clean room. So, maybe, just maybe, this time we'll learn our lesson and we'll keep it clean! :)

Only two bags of trash! Not so bad.

Once the floor was cleared off, I was left with this mess to sort through. My least favorite part of any cleaning project - sorting.

It is all done and our bed is clean and newly made with our new bedding set from Shirmy (our houseguest). She brought this all the way from China with her and we think the whimsical pattern is pretty fun! It sure brightens up our room.

Close-up of the pattern.

And so, tonight (Saturday night, that is), as I cough trying to clear my lungs of all the dust, my reward will be to sink in to a clean bed, in a clean room, next to my honey. I will breathe deep and hopefully sleep well (I am pregnant after-all, so that is always a gamble!). :)

Please tell me I'm not alone. Do you have a room or spot in your house that gets neglected regularly and is always a bear to clean once you get to it???

Humiliation --> Application

So, this post is rather embarrassing to share, but I feel like I must, for a few reasons.

1. I want to be able to look back and remember this event.

2. It is just too much, and I think you'll get a kick out of it, Jamie and I sure have!

3. It is FULL of real-life application, and I just don't want to forget the lessons my children teach me...

So, yesterday was a rough day for me physically - thus emotionally (hey, I'm pregnant). I was tired, my asthma was kicking my rear to the curb and I just felt overall yuck! This was contributing to my sensitive emotional state too. Jamie brought up a sensitive subject (- which was fine! it needed brought up) while we were all gathered in the kitchen eating an afternoon snack. My feathers instantly got ruffled (first bad response on my part) and I announced in my ever-patient, calm, ahem, manner that I would be going to my room because I didn't want to talk about such-and-such in front of the kids (because I knew I was not in a calm state). So, off I went to my room to sulk pray and ponder. Jamie soon came in so we could actually finish our conversation and meet some resolution. Well, I'd like to say we sat quietly holding hands, staring into each other 's eyes and worked through our conversation, but, that we be a lie. We argued. Yeah, are you shocked? It's not the first time we've ever argued either, wow, I know you're really shocked now! ;) Oh, and guess what, I can guarantee it won't be the last time (just being real folks).

At any rate, Sophia had been instructed to stay in the kitchen with Riley while we "talked." At some point we hear some pitter-pattering of little feet in the hallway and a see a sheet of paper thrown under the door and then hear Soph scamper off. We keep on discussing what was at hand, now trying harder to talk calmer and quieter, knowing Sophia was probably a little upset at hearing us argue.

Not but a few minutes later Sophia comes in our room and tosses two frames on our bed. One is our wedding picture, the other is our wedding invitation. She announces to us that she was worried we had forgotten that we were married. Whoa. Ouch. Okay... damage control time!

We talked things through with Soph and she was fine. Oh, and the picture she had slid under our door? It was a page out of her coloring book of a personified family of cactuses (cacti?). She had written "Mom" and "Dad" on the top and told me Jamie and I were to color the picture as a punishment for arguing.

Man, when did my little girl get so wise? So, after being throughly humbled and challenged by my five-year-old daughter, I am striving to stay calmer and have more self-control when discussing sensitive matters with Jamie. I'm thankful Sophia is able to see Jamie and I be real and that she knows first hand that even if we disagree/argue we work things out and we still love each other, and we will never forget we are married. But, I am challenged, none-the-less, to become a better example of how to deal with conflict without anger.

My baby girl. How I love her.

I completed my punishment!

The Frames

Me and my Honey. No, indeed, I could never forget I'm married to him! And I never want to!

Least Favorite/Favorite III

My least favorite part of winter (mostly melted snow, dead looking plants, mud)...

My favorite part of winter (being surprised by color and cheer on the inside!)...

Least Favorite/Favorite II

My least favorite part of my kitchen...

My favorite part of my kitchen...

Least Favorite/Favorite I

My least favorite part of baking...

My favorite part of baking...

Blog Fog

I chose a new background for my blog, which I really do like. But, I'm having some technical difficulties getting everything just so. I'm a super novice at this blog/html coding stuff. I just sort of figure it out as I go. I changed the color of my signature, but now it's showing both my old and new signature! I can't find the code in my template for the old one to delete it... So, for now there remain a few bugs, but I am feeling like I'm in a blog fog, so I'll try to fix it another day!

We've been busy this morning with a lot of play! Let's see, this morning I've facilitated a tea party, acted as major of a Little Pe0ple Town, worked hard treating illness and injury as a doctor... whew. It's been fun though to actually have the energy to play all morning with my kiddos. Now we approach nap time and I'm thinking some Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread baking just might be in order - after I play doll house with the daughter. It's a grey, dreary day outside, but inside it's warm and moods are cheerful!

What are you up to today?

A hodge-podge

Happy Friday all. I continue to be heavy-hearted and prayerful about all the people in Haiti. I've been telling Sophia a lot about it too. We've had the globe out and have talked through what it might be like not to have clean water or a hospital to go to if you were hurt or sick. Jamie and I will be figuring out what we can afford to give this weekend. I know so many people are in financial straights right now, we are too - so it feels overwhelming to think that our measly couple dollars could actually do anything to bring relief. But, I rest confident that God knows our hearts, and that's all that matters! I know God has the ability to bless the generosity of His Church and multiply our contributions, no matter the size or method.

I read quite a few blogs and there is a lot of ways to help right now! Whether it's giving money to an organization you trust and believe in, doing something crafty, praying - praying - praying, raising awareness, actually going to Haiti to offer physical aide, etc... I really believe there is something each of us can and should do to help if we are sensitive to the Spirit and listen - He will guide us!

So, how are you feeling about this? I have a lot more thoughts, along the lines of how it seems folks rise up and help so readily and call on God and pray like never before, when a catastrophe like this happens. But, I've been really convicted about my every day. Am I compelled to always be sacrificially giving to those in need? Do I feel the urge to help in practical ways on a daily basis, those people and situations God has laid on my heart? Am I burdened to pray, really pray for The Church and the Lost each and every day? I haven't worked out my thoughts and feelings on all this yet, but I don't think I'm hitting the mark, not like God really desires me to. And the biggest issue, isn't what I'm doing that others could actually measure, but the condition of my heart in relation to all of this.

I'm rambling. My thoughts and heart have just been so stirred up by all of this. What are your thoughts?

Praying you have a blessed weekend! Hug those you love extra close!

Can you even imagine?

Can you begin to imagine having your best friend and/or spouse taken from you in a moment; the person for whom you depend and with whom you share life - dead or missing, or clinging to life? Can you?

Can you even imagine what it would be like to be just post-giving birth, with a helpless little newborn in your arms, and you have NO medical care, safe shelter, food or water available to you? Can you?

Can you imagine being separated from your children, knowing they must fend for themselves and that the young must care for the younger? Can you imagine being a little five-year-old girl, all of a sudden in charge of taking care of younger cousins and siblings because, frankly, there is no one else? Can you?

Can you imagine the horror of seeing your spouse, children, parents, siblings, friends, perish right in front of your eyes?

Can you imagine the all-consuming fear of not knowing if your spouse, children, parents, siblings, friends are alive or are suffering - trapped under rubble or desperately seeking medical attention?

Can you imagine, already being counted poorest of the poor, having all you owned destroyed, ruined, taken?

Can you imagine not having clean/dry clothes or shelter, safe water or sufficient food?

Can you imagine needing medical care for yourself or seeking it for someone else, and having almost NO options available to you?

Well, can you?

If you can, even the slightest, I urge you, I beg you, please help. All across the disaster zone in Haiti- RIGHT NOW- are people, people like you and like me, with loved ones, dead, lost and suffering, who need our help, and they need it now!

You might think you don't have enough to share, but you do, I do. Jamie has no job, we have no income, but we will find a way to donate something, because even if we have to buy less groceries for a week or so and eat cereal and beans for multiple meals, this is WAY more than the folks have in Haiti right now. Please, find a way to sacrifice and give.

Please pray. Might it be a constant groaning of your spirit each moment of each day, beseeching our Lord and Savior to be near those who are suffering and to those who are doing their best to offer aide.

Above all, might our Lord Jesus be glorified, even amidst such horror and loss. Might HIS name be lifted and might souls be saved.

***

Wanting a visual of Haiti to remind you of it's exact location? Click here to be taken to a map.

***

There are many places and ways to give. Here are two organizations I know offer both physical aide and spiritual hope. They are trustworthy and come recommended by me as an avenue of your giving.

1. Compassion International - click HERE

2. Samaritan's Purse - click HERE

The Joy of the Lord

So, here's the thing, today, well, the past few days, okay, let's be really honest, the past 8 weeks or so - have been really rough. It is starting to wear this woman down. I am feeling beat up emotionally, physically, health-wise, pregnancy-wise, mama-wise, wifey-wise... I would give a big toe to go escape to a plush hotel room for a few days, especially if the cleaning/organizing fairies visited my house while I was away! I do have a feeling the big toe exchange would not feel worth it upon my return and resultant need of said big toe. Alas, I digress... (see, I'm not just worn, I'm going crazy!) :)

Amidst all of this though, somehow I'm finding the strength to turn to The Word each night before I fall asleep - sometimes as I fall asleep, I won't lie! Inspired by a Sunday school lesson I taught last week to Soph's class, I've been reading the book of Nehemiah. The story in Chapter 8 is about how Nehemiah, who was acting as Governor of Jerusalem, had Ezra, one of the priests, read from the Book of the Law of Moses (the Bible) for all the people to hear. As the people heard the Law being read they were saddened and started weeping and were mournful over their sin. The end of this story really struck me. Ezra tells the people,

"This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (bold is my addition)

Did you get that??? The JOY of the Lord is your (my!) strength. At first Ezra's instructions seemed so odd to me; I mean, these people were grieved over their sin, wasn't that the right and good response? I guess to me it seems that God wanted them to learn that His Joy (NOT their sorrow) would be their strength, and the joy comes from what? All I can figure is that God had chosen these people and loved them and forgave their sins... and that should produce joy! Sound familiar? It does to me! I am also chosen and loved and forgiven by God. I can choose to wallow in the difficulties of life and the resultant sin they produce in my life (I tend to struggle a lot with patience and having a quiet, joyful spirit when I'm super stressed and worn down) and be grieved and mournful, or I can embrace the JOY of the LORD and let it work in my life to produce a joyful spirit that will, in turn, produce good fruit for my day!

So, today I am trying to make a choice, a good choice, to meditate on the JOY of the LORD and let it strengthen me. I just keep saying, over and over in my head, "The Joy of the Lord is my strength, the Joy of the Lord is my strength." And you know what? It is!!!!

Sunday Afternoon Fun

The past couple of months have been great fun, full of celebrations and traveling and being with family- but we've also been away from home a lot, our normal routine has been all but a distant memory, and we've been plagued with one illness after another. So, it's been nice to settle back into home the past week or so and just have a normal routine. Unfortunately, I feel like all we've been doing is getting through each day instead of making the most of each day. This is due to us still being sick on and off and tired! Also, when Mama is tired, well, the day just tends to take a whole different spin. So...

...what a blessing Sunday was for us! After two nights of great sleep, all four of us took a sleeping nap (which NEVER happens anymore). After waking up from my nap I actually had energy and felt creative! I spent a couple hours just creating and having fun with Sophia and then Riley. It was wonderful! This is one of my favorite parts of being a Mommy - playing and learning with my kids.

So, if you ever are in charge of entertaining kids around Soph's age, try out some of these activities! They are simple, fun and also contain a lot of teaching/learning opportunities!

1. Activity #1: Dye white flowers. Sophia got to pick out her color of food coloring for the water and then put the white flowers in. I know this works with Queen Annes' Lace, but I've never done it with Baby's Breath, so I'm crossing my fingers that those Babies will turn purple! :) This created the opportunity for a really simple science lesson.

2. Activity #2: Using flower petals (in this case red rose petals) to draw with! If you have some cut flowers in the house that are just about ready to be tossed, let your kids pick off the petals to use. What a great way to teach about how dyes are created and used! - Sophia actually discovered a few days ago that when rubbed on paper the red petals created a lovely purple dye, so this activity was really her idea!

3. Activity #3: Play with snow... inside! Pretty self-explanatory. Bundle up with an extra sweatshirt and some gloves, send some pour soul outside to gather the snow, spread it on a large cookie sheet with sides, and PLAY! Riley even got in on this activity and had a blast, mostly eating it! :)