Reflecting Place

Yes, I am thirsty....

2010-11-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite blogs is by Gen. She writes amidst thyroid cancer, a child with epilepsy, a job, a husband, 3 other children and fainting spells because of a not-responding pacemaker. Gracious. How does she do it? Her blog the other day was about thirst. Waking up thirsty is something that we all do/have done. Or, we have a child that calls out in the middle of the night, "Mama, I am thirsty." It makes so much sense that I am thirsty for God's Word. That I wake up in the night and I am scared and I am thirsty. I am thirsty for those Words that comfort me. Thirsty for His words that calm my soul. Yes, I am thirsty...often. Ready for God's words to quench the dry in my throat. He is the only one who can take the parched places and wet them. Without His words, I am a desert. Drying up everyday that I am away from Him. So often in my life, I have run through the desert. Longing for His Living Water and yet refusing to drink from the River of Life. Now, I am desperately running toward that River. I need the Rain. I need the life that comes from the Water that runs underground. I need HIM. Are you thirsty? Run to Him. Drop everything that you have and run to the Living Water. It WILL quench your thirst. He will satisfy the longing you have every morning when you wake up.

Today

2010-10-18T03:09:00.000-07:00

Today

Thankful Tuesday

2010-10-12T13:50:00.000-07:00

Thankful today for so many things:

-a grandfather with alzheimers who DOES NOT have kidney cancer
-a brisket marinating in the fridge
-a father/daughter date
-a house that is GOING to sell quickly
-a FATHER who provides all my needs
-autumn leaves falling
-cupcakes in the oven
-iced tea everyday
-an aunt passing down grandmother's 1950's cookware
-the freckle faced smile of a 7 year old
-the quiet love and acceptance of my wonderful husband
-ladies Bible study each Tuesday night and all of the prayers
-soft, furry kitty cats who sleep behind your knees

Thankful Thursday

2010-09-23T06:04:00.000-07:00

SO Thankful for:

birthday celebrations
God's faithfulness despite my unfaithfulness
clean sheets
cold weather coming
taco pile-up and all my mother-in-law's recipes
precious friends who KNOW you and still like you
purring kitty cats
friends in far away places
tom yum soup
homemade pound cake
a warm husband to snuggle with in the bed
old lace on a new dress

finding new friends on the internet who love sewing as much as you do

Tuesday Thankfulness

2010-09-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

Thankful for:

a husband who is sensitive to my needs
an eleven year old daughter tomorrow
a tiny baby girl, eleven years ago with black as night curls
birthday celebrations
a husband who takes days off to be with me
not living on the side of a cliff in Guatemala (www.holy experience.com)
Ann's willingness to go to Guatemala
iced tea
the smell of new paint
four faces quiet with sleep
Muddy's Bake shop
friends who celebrate events like "finished with chemo"
golden oreos

Thankful on Sunday

2010-09-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

bicycle rides through the park on my new bike
a newly spackled bathroom
cooler weather
singing in the car with Himself
pretzel M&Ms
reconnecting with an old friend
being able to FREELY love my JESUS
books to read
fancy chicken and rice
God WATCHING over our family and protecting us from the evil one
brown sugar body scrub
Anna and her blog...she's back and I am thrilled
sleepy baby eyes and milky smiles

Thankful on Monday

2010-08-30T05:30:00.000-07:00

for quiet in the mornings
for little talking toes
fall coming
long grocery lists
God's provisions
her curling hair, blowing in the breeze
his sun-bronzed skin
breakfast in a bowl
my van
His obedience to the Father that allows me to be close to HIM
for my comfortable bed and the fluffy covers on the top of it

Today

2010-07-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

View from the Kitchen Window:

SEWING GIVEAWAY!

2010-07-04T07:40:00.000-07:00

Hey EVERYONE!

Go to Sara's blog and register to win her GIVEAWAY!!! She has some really wonderful patterns and some FABULOUS ideas!

http://saranorrisltd.blogspot.com/2010/07/new-pattern-and-giveaway.html

Today

2010-05-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

Today, I will follow my Saviour, no matter what. Today, I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help. Today, I will refuse to let Satan win the battle. Today, I will trust in God's precious promises. Today, I will not cease to love God. Today, I will repeat God's grace words over and over and over again. Today, I will force myself to listen to the still quiet voice that calls my name. Today, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear NO EVIL. Today, God's rod and His staff comfort me. Today, inspite of the pain, I will cling to Him. Today, I will rest on His shoulder. Today. It is God's day. I will find my comfort there in His arms.

Today

2010-05-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

View from the Kitchen Window:

More.......

2010-04-16T05:31:00.001-07:00

For every choice that led to shame
And all the love that never came
For every vow that someone broke
And every lie that gave up hope
We live in the shadow of the fall
But the cross says these are all
Places where grace is soon to be so amazing
It may be unfulfilled
It may be unrestored
But when anything that's shattered is laid before the Lord
Just watch and see
It will not be unredeemed

~Unredeemed, Selah

Fields of Gold

2010-04-16T05:13:00.000-07:00

Many years have passed since those summer days

Among the fields of barley

See the children run as the sun goes down

Among the fields of gold

You'll remember me when the west wind moves

Upon the fields of barley

You can tell the sun in his jealous sky

That we walked in fields of gold

~ Fields of Gold, Sting ~

What a haunting song.

It tells of sadness and times past.

How glorious that in God's love, even though the past may be difficult,

The future is immeasurably sweet because He is faithful.

He is able to do more than anything that I can imagine.

Praise God for His gift of time and His gift of memories.

Thank Him each day.

He Makes Everything Beautiful in His Time

2010-04-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

Today came a revelation. A revelation that I have been waiting for - for some time. It wasn't a revelation that I was looking forward to hearing. As a matter of fact, I dreaded it. However, God is ever good. He is infinitely more wise than I am. I am thankful that He knew before I did. He is THERE - in the middle of the bad. He is THERE in the middle of the misery. He says, "I AM that I AM." I am so THANKFUL that HE IS.
Have you experienced HIS PRESENCE? Have you known HIS HEALING POWER? Have you been in the midst of HIS LOVING ARMS? Because of HIS STRIPES, we are healed. All that is wrong is made right. I am so thankful for HIS PEACE. YAHWEH is HIS NAME. Go to HIM and be made whole.

Laurie's Give Away!

2010-03-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody!
My friend, Laurie, over at SewNso's Journal is having a really cool giveaway. If you enjoy sewing at all, then hop over to her sight and see the PRIZE! While you are there, see all the wonderful things that she sews and designs!!! It is a treat for the eyes!!!

http://sewnso.blogspot.com/2010/03/st-patricks-day-give-away.html

Thankfulness

2010-02-05T05:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some things I am thankful for:

-Coffee in the mornings
-Down comforters
-the sound of legos
-friends who make me laugh
-cold wintery weather (snow, ice, bare trees, quiet)
-The Mystery of History
-hot breakfast
-pizza on the menu for dinner
-sleeping kitty cats
-snuggly warm husband
-the promise of a future in heaven with Christ
-God's WORD
-time in the early morning to worship
-PRAYER
-the klik-klak of knitting needles and soft springy yarn
-the anticipation of a new niece or nephew in just a few short months
-my sweet friends Melissa and Melisse
-a hot oven

What are YOU thankful for?

Faithfulness

2010-01-18T08:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, God is faithful. Seems to be a theme I come to quite often here. He cares. He knows. He does NOT delight in making us miserable....He wants us to be full of His Joy, because He is faithful. God knew that my sister only needed ONE baby this time. So, their little family is preparing for a new little ONE with joy. Thanks Lord, that You know what we need before we do. Are you lonely or afraid? Are you struggling or in pain? He is faithful. He WILL see you through because it is His nature. What a precious promise to those of us who believe!

Twins, Again????

2009-12-17T05:15:00.000-08:00

My sister is expecting. She has three children. One singleton and then twins. She is about 5 weeks along. She is already REALLY sick. She felt the same way with the last pregnancy. She goes today to the doctor. Hopefully, they will do an ultrasound and we will find out whether or not there are two babies or just one. WOW! I am so excited. She is excited and yet worried all at the same time. God will provide. He is able to work things all out the way that they need to be worked out. PRAISE GOD for these new little lives. He is the Creator and He already knows their names! I want to help in any way that I can. Please, Lord, use me to make her load light.

Fear

2009-11-24T13:36:00.000-08:00

God is not a God of fear. He promises us power, love and a sound mind. When I am afraid, there is nothing to do but run to Him. Only in Him will I find peace. Only in Him will I find understanding. Only in Him will I find true acceptance. The fact is, nothing that I fear is greater than He. Beth Moore said this week on our Esther video that "If _________, then GOD!" No matter what happens, God is there. He hasn't left. He isn't planning on leaving. He has made a commitment to me and He will not back out on His end. I may run or I may cause Him pain, but He will never leave me nor will He forsake me. He is always there for me, even when I don't see Him or feel Him or understand why He allows something to happen to me. Whew. That is so hard for me. I don't want to see those around me going through great difficulty. I want them to be resting in His care. We all fall sometimes and then He picks us up and helps us with the scraped knees and bruised hands. He is there. His mercy is unending and He is faithful to the end.

Fill-in-the-blanks

2009-11-18T06:14:00.000-08:00

Outside my window.....overcast, with fallen leaves

I am thinking...about friends in need

I am thankful for...those who have walked this path before me, who are patient with my mistakes

I am wearing...white t-shirt and grey warm-up pants

I am creating....a Christmas dress for Libby

I am going..to get a haircut and for a walk

I am reading....The Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers

I am hoping.....that my children will obey today and that there will be no big problems

I am hearing...the little boys be EXTRAORDINARILY LOUD!

One of my favorite things...morning coffee and flannel sheets, yeah, I know it said "one""

A few plans for the rest of the week.....AWANA, date, Thanksgiving party and grocery store

Some Suggestions

2009-11-17T05:59:00.000-08:00

Something for you to do in your spare time:

www.holyexperience.com - Ann's blog - she will inspire you.

www.memoriesoncloverlane.blogspot.com/2009/10/waxing-leaves.html - self explanatory

www.portabellopixie.typepad.com/BOFpattern.pdf - free Christmas ornament pattern

www.explorefaith.org/reflections/181.html - praying the hours....LOVE this! what a way to spend time with God!

www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee/today.html#/quiz-results

Enjoy!

Fall

2009-10-20T05:46:00.000-07:00

Is it really fall? My little ones ask everyday...it is Halloween yet? It's funny, because we don't "celebrate" Halloween. Really. We do go to the Harvest Festival at church, and the kids LOVE that. Most of all, they just love to dress-up. Everyday is something different. Reed says, "I am going to be Spiderman." Aiden changes his dressing up in the same sentence, "I am going to be an army man, no, a guy from Harry Potter, no, a spaceman." Muireann can't decide what she wants to be, although at last guess, she was going to be a model (again), complete with trench coat and BIG sunglasses. I love to listen to them talk about why they want to be this or that.
I am just in LOVE with the cool weather, the falling leaves, the smell of woodsmoke in the air, children in corduroy pants and hot chocolate and hot cider. LOVE IT!

GOD

2009-10-15T16:46:00.000-07:00

Do you believe in God? Do you believe that He really CAN do anything? Do you believe that He answers you when you call Him? He does. He listens. He knows your pain. He is there in the darkness, even when YOU cannot see Him. Call out to Him. KNOW that He listens and that He cares. He will help. He will touch you. He will never leave you nor will He forsake you. He is your Father. Do you have an earthly father? Do you talk to him? Do you ask him for things? God is our eternal FATHER. He cares for you SO MUCH. Pour out your heart to Him. ASK for the IMPOSSIBLE. He is waiting for you.

Today

2009-10-08T03:41:00.000-07:00

ENJOYING:

quiet

early

coffee

chill

READING:

Resistance by Anita Shreve

The Book of Esther

COOKING

more coffee

General Tso's chicken (Much later today)

PONDERING:

our vacation that starts tomorrow

PRAYING:

for God's protection as we travel and for good rest tonight

Turner

2009-10-04T05:01:00.000-07:00

Would you please pray for Turner? He is dying of cancer. He is two. His mama is Sarah and his daddy is Keith. Will you lift them up? My heart is breaking for them.

Holy Experience

2009-10-02T04:39:00.000-07:00

Ann has a blog: www.aholyexperience.com. It is profound. Really. Her words move me. Her words are relevant and personal. She is a mother and a writer. She expresses MY feelings in words that I am unable to capture. Her blog is a weekend retreat for me in the middle of the day. I know that when I "visit", I will come away refreshed. I encourage you to visit her. Take your coffee or your hot tea and go read for awhile. God will talk to you, I promise.

Glorious FALL!

2009-10-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

What a time of year! The leaves are changing. A hint of cool is in the air...a teaser for us here in the South. In a few days, it will be warm again, but this little bit of cool is enough to revive an exhausted "summer heat" heart. I have friends who really hate the winter, but I am so thrilled that God has given us Autumn and Winter. He is there in the midst of the change. He shows His creativity and His joy in the falling leaves and in the cool crisp air. It is invigorating. I have so much energy and love to cook and clean. I feel all the summer "ICK" just dropping away. Hooray for football, pumpkin pie and corn husks!!!! My friend Laurie posted this recipe for Pumpkin Pie Supreme. I hope you enjoy it!

Pumpkin Pie Supreme

Mix:
1 Spice Cake Mix
1 egg
1 stick margarine
Set aside 1 cup

Press the rest into a 9x13 pan. Follow directions from a large can of pumpkin for pie, but use CONDENSED milk instead of evaporated milk. Pour over cake. Add 1 cup chopped nuts to the 1 cup of mixture that was set aside. Sprinkle over the top of pumpkin.

Bake at 425 degrees for 15 mins, then at 350 degrees for40 minutes!

Thanks, Laurie!

Prayer

2009-09-18T06:09:00.001-07:00

May I just encourage you to pray? Ask for God's love. Ask for His wisdom. Ask for help for a friend. The power of prayer is unmeasureable. ASK.
Then THANK. Thank the God of the universe for His unfailing love. Thank Him for His most precious gift - Jesus Christ.
Pray - it will change your life.

40...can it be?

2009-09-17T05:23:00.000-07:00

wearing my dad's police boots
Easter baskets
foster brothers
camping trips
sunday school with the LaCroix's
ECS
harvest festivals
band
fall drama, spring musical
friends
traveling to the Grand Canyon
high school graduation
Florida trips with my precious family
St. Louis trips with my precious family
Mid-South Bible College
singing
cheering
dating
"societies"
Caryn, Melissa, Jeana
ensemble
PMT and Guatemala
MARK BAKER
wedding
Ren
Muireann
Reed
Aiden
Sarah
Leah
smocking
LOVE
40 years..............Thanks, LORD!!!

Sewing.....

2009-09-04T16:02:00.000-07:00

Bought white lawn today for making a Christmas dress for my niece. I washed it, starched and ironed it, and hung it to wait for cutting out! I have to get my pattern out and trace it off. I have Christmas ideas just bouncing around in my head! I think I am making a "Frannie" from Children's Corner. DELICIOUS!
Are you reading Isaiah 58? Is it changing you? What do you think? Let me know in the comments section.

Isaiah 58

2009-09-02T20:46:00.001-07:00

If you are up for a challenge....try reading Isaiah 58 everyday for a month. I am starting tomorrow on this journey. I can't wait to see what is in store. "Studyinbrown" says that it is life changing. She also says that you should try to read different translations so that you get a fuller picture. If you don't have several translations around your house, then look up biblegateway.com and use their site to read! For other questions, go to www.studyinbrown.com Look at the top of her page and you will see the Isaiah 58 prompt!!! Let's do it!

New Blog Background!

2009-08-21T08:18:00.000-07:00

Check out all this new stuff!!! Hope you like the new look. The children and I are headed to the pool. Anything to ease these DOG DAYS of summer is appreciated. We have such wonderful friends who have invited us to come to their pools anytime. We go to one particular friend's house every Friday. We take a picnic lunch and stay all day. We are all brown, tired and happy at the end of the day. THANKS, dear friends!

Sleep

2009-07-30T03:41:00.000-07:00

I am just wondering, what is it in a 12 year old's life that keeps him from sleeping. His lack of sleep is KILLING me. I am falling into bed in the evening. I am barely waking up in the morning. He is outdoing me on both! Lots of activity, or no activity....he just isn't the "sleepy teenager" that I was expecting. I was never a big sleeper when I was a kid...well, until my thyroid went wacky.....but I was never a sleep all Saturday long type. I would stay out very late, and still only be able to sleep until 10 am. After Himself and I were married, we would stay up late on a Friday night. Saturday morning, I would be up at 7:30. He would sleep until noon. You can't make someone sleep. I guess it is a good thing he likes to read.

What is in Store...

2009-07-15T05:36:00.000-07:00

I never know what is in the future. I never know from one minute to the next what is coming. The future could be good, or it could be bad. When the future arrives, how will I respond? In panic? With tears? In frustration? Jeremiah 29:11 tells me that "He KNOWS the plans that He has for me....plans for welfare, NOT for calamity, to give me a FUTURE and a HOPE." I want my responses to the future to be for His glory. They are NOT always that way. I want my responses to be from a heart that is not afraid. Fear is paralyzing. Fear makes me run away. God doesn't want me to run away, He wants me to run toward HIM. He gives the peace that surpasses ALL understanding. Help me, Lord, to run to you in my times of fear.

Help

2009-07-10T05:59:00.000-07:00

God always finds the time for me. In my darkest hour, He is there. He does not abandon me. He walks quietly beside me. He waits for my heart to turn to Him. He doesn't yell or scream. He just waits. He knows. He is there. I am filled with joy. Have you listened to Him?

Bring the Rain

2009-07-03T05:13:00.000-07:00

When I do not expect it, God gives me His peace. He leads me beside the still waters. He quiets me with His love. He rejoices over me with singing. There are times when I just need to sit. Times when I just need to listen to His voice. He doesn't have to yell. I just have to be listening. Help me, Lord, to listen to Your voice. I need You. I cannot make it without You. I am humbled that You love me without fail.

God

2009-07-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

God is great.
God is good.
Let us thank Him.....
for so much more than food,
for His grace
for His mercy
for His unending love
for His willingness to love even the most horrible sinner
for His passion to draw us to Himself
for His kindness that leads us to repentance
for His gentleness in times of grief
for His precious, precious peace.

Thank Him much and often.

With God....

2009-06-20T03:42:00.001-07:00

I am a bit perplexed with life these days. I do not understand how God can take a life that is so miserable and make it into something good. HE is really speaking to me these days, but I find so much background noise that has to be turned down or gotten away from. I WANT to hear what HE has to say to me. A side note is that sin NEVER EVER only affects just one person. I am living through that and trying to get to the other side. How do you help a person who wants to continue to sin? PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. That is the only solution I have right now. I want to fix all that said person's personal demons, but I don't have that right or ability. Listen to my prayers, Lord. Answer my desperate cries. This is WAY too much for a person. I am glad that I have you.

My blog

2009-05-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

You know it has been too long since you blogged when....you see YOUR OWN blog on someone else's page and you go to visit that "new" blog because it sounds like something you would be interested in!!!! HA!
We are off to ballet dress rehearsal. I am looking forward to spending time with my friend. She and I haven't spent much time together lately and so this should be fun. Tomorrow is the recital and I can't wait to see my 4 children dancing. It is something that they are really good at doing. DH's parents were supposed to be coming, but DH's mother is very sick. We will get to see them at a different time.
Short, but sweet.

A New Blog Entry for Dawn

2009-04-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

Dawn, my dear friend, is working on being green. I am at a place in life where green is good, but not necessary. I will say that I am willing to grow an avocado plant in my kitchen so that we can share oxygen and carbon dioxide. I am also willing to NEVER put my fallen leaves in bags on the curb. WHO came up with that idea? Leaves turn into mulch. They fertilize the earth and the earth grows. Using up black plastic garbage bags and sending them to a landfill doesn't exactly shout "GREEN" to me. Anyway, those are my contributions.
Dawn is my inspiration. SHE is awesome at going green.

SNOW!

2009-01-28T11:21:00.000-08:00

Snow is fun. Snow is more fun if there is more than an 1/8th of an inch! This, however, has not hindered the children one bit. They have made snowcones. They have had snowball fights. There are at least two snowballs in the freezer "for later, Mama!" There is at least an inch of water on the kitchen floor. Most of the kitchen utensils (ladles, butter knives, spatulas) are buried somewhere in the front yard.....just enough snow for them to "disappear"! Don't get me wrong...I really do love snow. I LIVE for the winter. DH tells me that snow is bad when it is there all winter - rusted out cars, dirty snow, etc. But, if I lived in Lillehammer, I wouldn't have to worry about cars and dirty snow....I would just put cross-country skis on all the children and send them to the store for me! :)

Now, the only thing that would make this snow better REALLY would be a nice blazing fire, a cup of coffee, a Diana Gabaldon novel and QUIET. I haven't found the quiet yet, so ...off to piano with 4 Baker children and two Stout children. Life around here is never dull.

Daniel and Ren

2009-01-07T04:55:00.000-08:00

Our ladies Bible study group is studying Daniel this year. We completed the first half of the book last fall. Last night, we started the second half. I am so excited about Daniel. I love having a study to do each day in my book. I only wish there was more information so that I really could have 1o or so days worth of work. We have spread out the lessons and videos so that instead of being a 12 week course, it is taking us 9 months. I really feel like I get to know the information so much better that way. We have a great group of ladies who come and worship together. We pray for one another and enjoy visiting with one another before and after our study. I am so thankful that God has given us His Bible. What a treat! I love how I have read something many times, and yet something new always pops out when I read.
We are deciding to send Ren to Veritas starting next week. This is a HUGE step for me. I have always had him at home and it is a little daunting to think that I am sending him out to be under someone else. Not that I think that someone else can't teach him, just he can be such a difficult student. I haven't ever wanted to subject anyone else to that. I will be praying that he will listen and learn and really love being with other kids and really love the learning. He is SO smart and has SO much ability. I want to see it put to good use.

Catching Up!

2009-01-03T05:56:00.000-08:00

It is so fun to be finding friends in lots of places on Facebook. I am finding people that I haven't talked to in YEARS! There are also those that I would love to find, but can't. It is amazing to me how important it becomes (as I get older) to find those who are able to "remember" with me. I know it seems silly, but getting older brings with it a wanting to be around those who spent time with you when you were younger. It seems when you are young, you spend your time wanting to "get away"- to prove that you don't necessarily need anyone. You want to establish yourself and become independent. Then, you grow up, get married, have kids and watch the kids grow. Then, you discover that you crave finding your old friends. You want to connect with those who shared your "back then" life. I am so thankful that God has placed so many wonderful friends in my life. I am so glad that He is bringing so many of those friends back into my path. Thank you, Lord.

2009!

2009-01-02T05:06:00.000-08:00

I am starting the new year with a praise to my heavenly Father. Without Him, I am nothing. Without Him, all would be naught. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him all above ye heavenly hosts! Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen!

Thankful for.....

2008-11-19T05:31:00.000-08:00

The children have been making a "Thankful Tree" this year. We made a huge tree on the wall and each day, they are adding leaves with "I'm thankful for...." written on them. They are enjoying it and I am reminded of the things that I am thankful for. There are many who have done the "1000 things to be thankful for", and while I haven't done that, I am so thankful everyday for what has been given to me, to my family and to those that I love. We are so blessed to live somewhere where our faith is free, our bellies are not empty, and we can choose an education if we want. Those are only the top of the barrel of thankfulness. I am thankful for a sweet husband who has a wonderful job. I am thankful that his work ethic is such that I am able to be home with our sweet Littles. I am thankful for parents who are still living. I am thankful for those who have "gone before me". I am thankful that those who come behind me will find that they were loved and wanted. I am thankful that I have Someone who cares about my every breath. I am thankful for each day that is given. And I am especially thankful right this moment for the two little boys sitting in my floor playing UNO - they are such a blessing to me.

A Word to the Wise

2008-09-24T13:04:00.000-07:00

Never ever, and I mean NEVER EVER let your children share hats, helmets, brushes, bows, or anything else that might mean that you get a case of head lice! YE GADS! We discovered our "friends" about a week ago. It has been a week of endless lice searching. We have washed the sheets, pillowcases, blankets, comforters and towels EVERYDAY! We have vacuumed the car, the house and the mattresses. We have shampooed with every thing that there is to shampoo with and we comb our hair every night with the tiny little comb that gets out lice eggs. There will be at least 9 more days of this. I am not sure I EVER realized the complexity of head lice. I truly live in fear of seeing crawling little creatures in my own or my children's hair. Himself shaved the heads of the boys and I cut off about 5 inches of MG's hair.
Traumatizing is a good word for the last week.

a new post

2008-09-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

I haven't actually written anything in a while. We are busy, but Himself would say that is what I always use as an excuse. I am just not feeling very "writey". There are so many things out there to write about....politics....religion....I generally feel inadequate when I write about either. How about this? There was a mother at our class today. She was nursing her daughter (6 months old). I am thrilled whenever I see anyone nursing out in the open. Here is my question. The mother had on a shirt with an elasticized neckline. Instead of nursing the baby "under" her shirt...not hiding...just at her waist, she had the neckline pulled down and had her entire breast exposed to nurse the baby. Ok...the question....would you not be bothered by all the 12 yr. old big brothers that were standing around waiting for their little sisters to be finished with ballet? I don't want to sound hypocritical. I am SO pr0-breastfeeding. I want everyone to do it. I, myself, am certainly not a "hider" when it comes to nursing. HOWEVER, it seems awfully odd to just pull out an entire breast from your shirt to nurse a baby. This was not a small woman.....understand?

In Honour of Labour Day!

2008-09-04T13:34:00.000-07:00

How long were your labours?

Baby #1 - 32 hours and then a c-section!
Baby # 2 - no labour at all
Baby#3 - well, I spent about 24 hours in preterm labour and then a month later, about 2 hours and then a c-section
Baby #4 - no labour at all

How did you know you were in labor?

Baby #1 - I knew because I had every birth induction known to man
Baby #2 - I didn't have any labour
Baby #3 - um, well, I started having contractions with the pre-term labour, and then the morning of his fast delivery...contractions started and he was born about 2 hours later.
Baby #4 - no labour

Where did you deliver?

Three in Tennessee, one in Washington - at hospitals, although I would have preferred home

Drugs?
Well, if you call Delaudid, morphine, duramorph, etc. drugs, then yes.

C-section?

All four were c-sections. I still would like to have an unmedicated home birth, but.........

Who delivered?

Well, my absolutely wonderful midwife took me all the way through the first pregnancy and stayed with us even as her partner did my c-section.

Baby #2 - we had a midwife until two weeks before the birth when I decided I didn't like her, so we switched to a wonderful ob/gyn. She delivered and we were thrilled.

Babies 3 and 4 were delivered by our family practice guy here in town. We really liked him and I got a tummy tuck (smile) as a result of that last section!!!

One word meme

2008-08-22T17:45:00.001-07:00

1. Where is your cell phone? bathroom
2. Your significant other? working
3. Your hair? tired
4. Your mother? busy
5. Your father? questionable
6. Your favorite thing? knowing
7. Your dream last night? weird
8. Your favorite drink? tea
9. Your dream/goal? one
10. The room you’re in? bedroom
11. Your church? none
12. Your fear? alone
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? home
14. Where were you last night? party
15. What you’re not? patient
16. Muffins? cranberry orange
17. One of your wish list items? books
18. Where you grew up? here
19. The last thing you did? wash
20. What are you wearing? red
21. Your TV? off
22. Your pets? jumping
23. Your computer? old
24. Your life? full
25. Your mood? sad
26. Missing someone? much
27. Your car? dirty
28. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
29. Favorite store? archivers
30. Your summer? hot
31. Like(love) someone? forever
32. Your favorite color? blue
33. Last time you laughed? Melissa
34. Last time you cried? hormones
35. Who will re post this? me

A Rainy Tuesday

2008-08-12T13:42:00.000-07:00

I like rain. Granted, enough of it and I start to get stir-crazy, but I like rain. Living in Seattle for two years was SO different from the South. But the GREEN was amazing. Everywhere that you would look, it was GREEN. And when you didn't see GREEN, you saw BLUE..as in water. There were lakes all around and also, the Puget Sound. Today, it is gray and cloudy and wet. The lights in the house are bright and a cup of tea sounds good. This ultimately is part of my Scots/Irish ancestry (I think)....this love of rain and tea and galoshes. I should go make a pan of shortbread and then I'll be happy! Well, until the shortbread burns and the children start fussing. :)
I am thankful for the rain. I am thankful for that smell in the air when the rain is coming or going. Ahhhh, rain.

Sometimes...

2008-08-07T18:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wish that it was quieter. Sometimes I wish that I had all the answers. Sometimes I wish that I knew. Sometimes I wish that my eyes saw differently. Sometimes I wish that it was changed. God knows. He knows that I like it quiet. He does have all the answers. He KNOWS. He sees. He will change everything in His time.
I offer Him my thanks.

A List for Tuesday

2008-08-05T07:54:00.001-07:00

Two names I go by:

1. Teresa

2. Mama

Two things I’m wearing right now:

1. My 3 yr. old black croc flip-flops

2. a white t-shirt (what's new?)

Two of my favorite things today:

1. sleepy daughter

2. cold drinks/air conditioning

Two things I want at the moment:

1. a Starbucks coffee frapacino

2. a new pattern to sew

Two favorite pets I have had:

1. Chiquito, an orange and white tabby cat with a pink nose

2. Nina, a black, long haired cat with green eyes

Two things I did last night:

1. Went to sewing class and helped Laurabeth

2. Went to bed with Muireann

Two things I ate last night:

1. Chicken Tostados

2. Cake

Two people I last talked to:

1. Mark

2. Elisabeth

Two things I will do tomorrow:

1. go to the grocery

2. take care of children

Farthest trips I have taken in the last 5 years:

1. Michigan

2. Dallas

Two favorite holidays:

1. My birthday.

2. Christmas.

Two favorite beverages:

1. Anything fizzy

2. Back Street Burgers Frozen Lemonade

On God's Goodness.....

2008-07-23T20:03:00.001-07:00

I am so amazed everyday that God is good to me. It shouldn't amaze me. He has been being good to me for 38 years. I am amazed that God is good to others, as well. I read a book on infertility today...specifically about endometriosis.... God has blessed at least two close friends with babies after LONG infertility. I have web friend who has lost two babes. She has just found out that she is pregnant. How amazing. How wonderful. Her heart is scared. She is worried that she might not carry this new one to term. Would you, dear friend, pray for her? Her name is Beka. God is good. He is good even when the little one that we are carrying is taken to be with Him. He is good when the child we (I) expected to be so wonderful has issues that can't be explained. I doubt and I worry. Yet, through it all, God is good to me.
God has promised to take care of me. He knows the suffering and pain. He knows that I carry scars and wounds. Some of the wounds are a long time healing. They have to be cleaned and washed and bandaged. That is painful. But He is Jehovah-Rapha - the GREAT HEALER. He will heal the wounds. He will touch the scars.
God is good to me.

List for today!

2008-07-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

1. Any nicknames? Reese, Tees

2. Mother's name? Carolyn
3. Favorite Drink?- Melissa's Lemonade Iced Tea and sparkling grape juice (could we work that into communion somehow?)
4. Body Piercing?-Yes, ears
5. How much do you love your job?- Sometimes it is overwhelming!
6. Birthplace: -- Memphis, TN

7. Favorite vacation spot? Florida Panhandle
8. Ever been to Africa ?-- No
9. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? - Yes
10. Ever been on TV? Nope
11. Ever steal any traffic sign? - Is it stealing if it was laying on the ground?
12. Ever been in a car accident? -- Yes
13. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? - 4
14. Favorite salad dressing? - Blue Cheese and the Hot Bacon from Houston's
15. Favorite meat? Steak
16. Children?-- 6

17. Flown in hot air balloon?-- No
18. Pay bills online? -- Yes
19. Been divorced? - no
20. Ever steal something out of a store?- No
21. Slept longer than 15 hours? -- No
22. Favorite toothpaste?- Arm and Hammer Original
23. Favorite smell? - anything chocolate, Mark's cologne, Reed - fresh from the sun
24. Work on the computer -yes
25. Scuba dive?-- no, but not opposed
26. Kiss on a first date?- No
27. Furthest place you will send this message?-Germany
28. Who will respond to this post the fastest?- who knows!
29. Ever jump out of an airplane? Not really that interested in dying!!!!!

Favorite Heirloom Sewing Things

2008-07-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite sewing pattern? Anything by Wendy Schoen

What is your favorite fabric? Pima cottons and cotton knits ( I love organdy and organza as well)

Buttons or zippers? BUTTONS!!

What kind of sewing machine do you have? An Elna Funstyler

What is your favorite item that you have ever sewn? One of these : Libby's Dedication Dress, Pippa's Dedication Dress or Ruth's Wedding Quilt

Where do you sew? Well, my sewing machine is in the living room, but I will sew anywhere that I am sitting still...ballet, baseball practice, long sermons, etc.

When do you sew? I used to sew lots at night, but now, I sew mostly in the daytime. After 10 pm, I can't sew anything or I get REALLY frustrated.

Do you use the iron? I NEVER used to. Now, I get it out everytime I am putting something together.

What is your relationship with the seam ripper? I HATE IT!

What is your favorite sewing store? Probably Lace Cottage, but there is a place in Pensacola that I like as well.

What sewing books to you recommend? The A-Z series by Country Bumpkin.

What is your favorite sewing magazine? Creative Needle

Post Partum Depression

2008-07-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

I have a friend whose blog talked today about PPD. I think it is so sad that so many women still struggle with PPD and don't even realize it. I have had it 4 times and that is just about the thing I dread most about having babies. I LOVE being pregnant. I love looking forward to holding that new wee one in my arms. I love that smell of clean diapers and baby skin. I DO NOT LOVE feeling so sad that I just want to disappear. When my last baby was born, I sat and read Psalms over and over and over. I just claimed a single chapter and begged God to take away the sadness. I felt so paralyzed and unable to DO anything.
I am thankful that My FATHER is able to see past the depression to my heart. He met the needs that I had. He provided my sweet husband to help me and hold me. He provided my doctor who prescribed medication that helped me get back on my feet. He provided friends and family who helped with the Littles and brought food.
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

A List for Today

2008-07-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

1. Where is your cell phone? in my purse

2. Where is your significant other? at work

3. Your hair? medium

4. Your mother? fixing to be 60!

5. Your father? has an infection in his leg

6. Your favorite thing? learning

7. Your dream last night? don't remember

8. Your dream/goal? owning an heirloom sewing shop

9. The room you're in? my bedroom

10. Your fear? that my children will not make wise choices

11. Where do you want to be in 6 years? somewhere cold

12. Where were you last night? at Bible study

13. What you're not? a good housekeeper

14. Muffins? cranberry orange

15. One of your wish list items? a Nordic cruise

16. Where you grew up? Memphis, TN

17. The last thing you did? ate lunch

18. What are you wearing? white t-shirt (what else?) and red linen pants

19. Your TV? never on

20. Your pet? 14 yr. old Nina...a black, VERY tempermental, long-haired cat

21. Your computer? always on

22 Your life? busy by choice

23. Your mood? quiet and simple

24. Missing someone? yes

25. Your car? Mazda MPV in need of a good cleaning

26. Something you're not wearing? a hat

27. Your summer? art camp, Camp Good News, the swimming pool

28. Your favorite color? hot pink

29. When is the last time you laughed? with my sister this morning

30. Last time you cried? yesterday

COMPUTERS!!!

2008-07-08T09:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just want to scream when I use computers. They have a mind of their own. I know, I know, it is the "user" not the computer. NOPE! This computer is completely stubborn and tempermental. I should be able to sit down and tell the computer what I want. The computer in turn should do as I ask. It is very simple. MY computer however, has a different agenda than me. It does as it pleases, whenever it pleases. ARGH! It reduces me to absolute rage when I sit down, ready to give commands to the computer only to have it......ARGUE!?!?!?!? with me. This is without a doubt my greatest irritation! Well, my greatest irritation at the moment.
On the weather front, it is very hot here in the South. How did the folks who lived 100 years ago do it? I am sure that my northern European ancestors would have quaked in their boots if they had lived in this heat. I think that fair-skinned folks like myself (obviously of Nordic descent, ummm....) were meant to live where the snow is deep and the summers are virtually non-existent.
One other observation for today. Girls DEFINITELY are born wanting to tell boys what to do. I know this because I watch Muireann everyday.

A snapshot

2008-07-07T07:33:00.000-07:00

I am thinking...
about meeting my sister and her children in just a bit for a time of sharing with one another. the children will play and we will plan a birthday tea for our Mama.

Somewhere near me....there is a patch of green....Himself has to take the weed-eater to it because the space is too small for the lawnmower. the sky is marvelously blue with scattered clouds

I am thankful...
for my sweet husband who looks at me with loving eyes....he sees in me the beauty that I can't see myself. also, i am thankful for my sweet wee ones who are growing so quickly. and I am most of all thankful for my Father who forgives me for running from Him and waits and listens when I share with Him.

In the sewing room...
I have a reversible baby bubble....it is royal blue with red, yellow, green and white dots. It is lined with white pique. I need to add a button and crotch snaps. Also, there is an "Ashley" bubble (from Children's Corner)made of tan and white gingham. It needs buttons and crotch snaps. I have plans for another outfit forming in my head. And, I am working on a "Mary De" - navy and white gingham with smocking of the Wizard of Oz.

From the kitchen...
just thinking about dinner....cornbread salad sounds good...but what to have with it? tomorrow, I am making Shrimp Mediterranean for Bible study.....I need to get everything ready for that

I am wearing...
pajamas....apricot plaid capris with a blue cotton t-shirt...nothing special...need to go shower

I am reading...
Careless in Red by Elizabeth George. It is the latest book in her "Inspector Lynley" series. I am also always reading whatever I can get my hands on. I got a new "No Greater Joy" magazine. That was interesting. Also, I am reading lots to figure out what I am using to homeschool this fall.

I am hoping...
that I make really good use of this week....spending time with the children and with Himself...enjoying the small break

I am hearing...
my three littlest children talking about Pokemon cards. Muireann has just woken up and she has her sleepy voice on....Reed and Aiden have been up since 6...they have LOUD voices and talk over one another so that they can be heard...they are very melodramatic

One of my favorite things...
falling into bed too tired to think about things around me....feeling safe and loved and quiet.

Some plans for the week....
Bible study potluck, Ballet moms night out, date with Himself, swimming with the children, picking up Ren from camp

Fourth of July Aprons

2008-07-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

I am making Fourth of July/Independence Day aprons for two dear people. One is our friend, Mrs. Parish. She always invites us over for an Independence Day celebration. She and Mr. Parish provide all the food and they have a in-ground pool. She doesn't ever want us to bring anything, so I thought that I would make her an apron to wear each year at the party. The other person is my sister-in-law, Julie. She has a birthday on July 5th. I thought she would enjoy a little apron as well.
I picked red quilting fabric for one side and navy with stars for the other side. I will do the topstitiching in gold thread. I will try to get Himself to post a picture of one when I am finished.
Himself and I have a date tonight. We are meeting friends for dinner. Our babysitter is in town for two days and so we are going out. It feels weird to go out on a weeknight. I always think that the following day is a Saturday or Sunday.

10 Questions for Today, Monday, June 30, 2008

2008-06-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

1. What is your favorite word? scheherazade or chiaroscuro
2. What is your least favorite word? gangsta
3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? seeing something made well
4. What turns you off? conflict, people who disrespect others
5. What is your favorite curse word? RATS!
6. What sound or noise do you love? The deep silence of snow
7. What sound or noise do you hate? My children fighting with one another
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Ballet or midwifery
9. What profession would you not like to do? Mechanic or landscaper
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Heaven CERTAINLY does exist and I want Him to say to me, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!"

A Concern

2008-06-25T07:33:00.003-07:00

God tells me that His grace is sufficient for me. This is what I must remember above all else. I get mired down sometimes by my circumstances and feel that there is no end. It is difficult when one that you love, one that you have birthed, one that you "feel" should be maturing, seems as crazy as a toddler. I was feeling sorry for myself as I read an article about a couple going on a cruise, leaving their children with the grandmother. I sometimes think that that will never happen. The only time I will ever get away is when the child is grown and living with someone else. Please don't misunderstand. I love this child. I asked for this child. God is teaching me. I am not sure what, but He is teaching me. I am growing through the difficulties with this child.
I feel guilty for feeling lighthearted when this child is not with me. I LOVE when he goes to camp. I have a whole week of calm. Yet, I am nervous. I am worried that any minute I will get a call from the camp. "Mama, I am in trouble. You will have to come pick me up."
The fact is that I needn't borrow trouble. God knows. He watches this child. He watches me. He knows my thoughts and my concerns. I must just lean on Him. I must pray for this child. I must give him to God and let God calm my fears and my worries.
His grace is sufficient for me.

Aiden's Words

2008-06-23T07:44:00.000-07:00

"I want to take gymNapstics, Mama."

"I want to marry Kenzie, but only when I am a DAD." (Dad and Mom is what my children call Husband and Wife)

List of Things I Secretly Wish Were True

2008-06-23T07:28:00.000-07:00

1. I secretly wish I was from Scotland! Yes, the land of mists and rain. Scotland.
2. I secretly wish I was named Claire Elisabeth.
3. I secretly wish I had blue eyes.
4. I secretly wish I could really love opera - you know, crying like Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman".
5. I secretly wish I could have been a member of "Truth".
6. I secretly wish I could have breastfed all my children for at least two years.
7. I secretly wish I could have homebirthed all of my children.
8. I secretly wish I could time travel back to the 1700's, BUT only as a very wealthy woman.
9. I secretly am amazed that people really do think that ABORTION is ok for any reason.
10. I secretly wish that I could heirloom sew whenever I wanted and that money was no issue.
11. I secretly wish that Diana Gabaldon could keep writing the Outlander series forever.
12. I very unsecretly love HIMSELF - he is SOOOO dreamy.

Summer is here!

2008-06-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

Last week was Art Camp at church. We were SO busy. This week we have....nothing! The rest of the summer is filled with, well, summer. We are meeting friends at the sprinkler park this morning. I need to go to the grocery this afternoon. I am having the children do one school book a day. Ren will probably do more. He really needs the challenge of working on more stuff each day.
I am starting the weight watchers core plan today. I am accepting the challenge myself of taking a risk and doing something that is good for me. I am worried about diabetes and high blood pressure. I am worried that I am going to fail and not go forward. I am worried that I will give up. I SO want to do this and do it right.
We tried a new church yesterday. Unfortunately, we got there at 10 'til 11 and the service had started at 10! So, I guess we will try again next Sunday.
On a sewing note, I HAVE to get the babies birthday outfits done. I thought I had the right pattern, but I have to get it from Pattie instead. I will see her tonight at sewing class.

Summer is Here!

2008-06-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

Well, not technically, but according to the thermometer it is! We finished baseball season. The team party is tonight at one of the player's homes. The MHEA Eagles won the World Series they played in last weekend. It was so exciting. They won the first game. They won the second game. They won the third game. All that was left was the final game...they did it! They beat the other team. They are the champions! WAAAAHOOOO!!

We spent yesterday at the pool. It is obvious based on the tomato redness of our skins! Reed, Ren and I got burned. We used sunscreen..except for Reed. We burned anyway. Nothing like that Scotch/Irish heritage coming out. Fortunately for Reed, his Indian heritage will turn his burn into a beautiful tan. Ren and I are just not so lucky. We will have more freckles.

The weekend with Himself's brothers went well. A few hitches here and there, but overall a good time for all. Everyone even survived a walk around Shelby Farms during a horrid thunderstorm.

Another Weekend

2008-05-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

I was so sad to hear of the death of Maria Sue Chapman. I went to the website to find out information and was so moved by her story. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child. I know that my children are not my own...they belong to the Father; being without one of them would just be devastating.
Another friend of mine who lives in Kentucky is suffering right now as well. Her son was hit last night by a drunk driver. He is alive but has a fractured spine. Life is so precious and so short. I need to remember that as I deal with my littles each day. It is so easy to get upset and feel irritable with everyone. I need to use more kindness and gentleness with them. I need to pray that for myself.
Himself is happy today...his brothers and their families are arriving this evening to spend the long weekend with us. I am so excited that he is excited. We should have a great time. Ren is in a baseball tournament at Bellevue. We will be spending some of our time there watching him. I hope that this season turns out to be beneficial to him. It is hard to know sometimes whether or not it is.

The Weekend

2008-05-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

This morning we made it to one place on my list of four! But, I got the things I needed and found the fabric to recover my kitchen chairs. Best of all, the upholstery fabric was half off! I am excited about recovering the chairs. The hardest part so far has been removing the old fabric. The company really stapled the fabric on well.
Tonight, Aiden has his final soccer game and then we are off to Mississippi for Ren's tournament. He is excited. I hope the game doesn't go too late. The little boys are both very tired today from last night's softball game. We didn't get home until almost 10.
I did a computer recipe exchange today. I hope I get some recipes. I always send recipes out; I am not sure that I have ever received any. I sent my Key Lime Torte recipe. It is always a great summer recipe because you serve it cold.
Some friends from our old church are moving to St. Louis today. He is a dr. and she is a pharmacist. They have one son. They are pretty excited about being closer to family. They sold their house very quickly considering the housing market right now. We are going to miss them. Reed really enjoyed Mr. Caleb and I know that he will miss him.

Trying to Keep My Head Together

2008-05-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

Nobody every said that every day has to be great, right? The last few days have really been a trial of my patience. Ren has really been having a hard time and I just feel at such a loss. These are days when I feel like I should retire my place as Mother and go hire someone to do a better job. I know that everyday is not going to be a picnic. It seems I am preaching that to the children all the time. I think that my hormones get out of whack and I don't get enough sleep and then I am just a bear. I am even a bear to Himself. I would really like to climb in a closet and shut the door and stay there for awhile.
Whew. Okay, you know........I am not so bad off. I was reading about the Chinese families that have lost their children. The children that are 1 per family. The children who are to look after them when they are old. The children who they have hung all their hopes on and now they have nothing. I should be praying for these mothers and fathers and praying that God's light will shine even through this horrible disaster. I will be praying. I get so selfish sometimes (often) and I need to be focusing on others instead of me.
Our softball game is still on for this evening as far as I can tell. We usually eat at the field and the children run and play and have a great time. Tomorrow starts Ren's baseball tournament for the weekend. We will be in Mississippi. We will need to find things to do while we are waiting for the different game times.
Next weekend, Himself's brothers come to visit. Ren has another tournament. I am hoping that Deda and Bubba can help with a couple of the games. Otherwise, we will be spending lots of time with all of us at the games. The good news is that the games are very close to where we live.
I saw an interesting billboard...it said, "Perseverance - if you are going through HELL, Don't STOP!"
That is what I need to remember!

The Thirteeth of May

2008-05-13T11:08:00.000-07:00

Is that the same as the Twelfth of Never? We have had a busy few days. Our ballet recital was last Friday night. All the children were in Swan Lake. Ren was Prince Seigfried, Muireann was in a black swan and a white swan, Reed was a prince and so did Aiden. It was a delightful performance. Last night, Ren and Muireann had their piano recital. Ren played "Rockin' Robin" and Muireann played "Little Spring Song". It is so fun to see how all their hard work pays off.
Himself was so sweet to me on Mother's Day. We went to church and then out to lunch. We had a wonderful walk at Shelby Farms. It was fun to just relax and hang out together.
I am working on new curtains for the living room. So, far, things haven't gone so well. I bought the wrong size tension rods and the wrong color finials. Then I messed up the screws that were going into the wood. I am not through with the new curtains, and so last night I had to pin up sheets so that no one could see in. Hopefully I will be through with them before Ren's game tonight.
I want to post some pictures, but I am not sure how to do that. I will try to figure it out.

Did you ever wonder.........?

2008-05-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

Did you ever wonder if people plan for church to be boring? Church is a place to worship and adore Christ. It is not necessarily a place of gloom and boredom. We visited a church this morning. It was recommended...not just a place we randomly picked. I had high hopes. Instead, it seemed to be "dumbed down". I want church to be where I can learn and sing and worship and serve. This place just wasn't for us. I am not sure where we will go next week.
Mark and I are busy doing spring cleaning. He spent some time last night working on his side of the closet. I have been working on throwing out 30 things a day. That can be time consuming or not - it just depends on what you are getting rid of. I told Mark the other day that we couldn't buy anything else at our favorite thrift store until we gave some things to our favorite thrift store. We really do have way too much "stuff" in our house.
Mark's family is coming for Memorial Day Weekend. I want to have new curtains in the living room to replace the ugly old burnt orange roman shades. I think the shades have been here as long as the house. I am also deep cleaning bathrooms and bedrooms. It would be great to have a new mattress in the little boys' room, but I can't justify that for a weekend. Maybe Mark and I will sleep in there and let his brothers have the other bedrooms. There will be at least ten of us here. It will be crazy, but fun.
This afternoon, we are going to softball practice. The children love to go and help and also play at the playground. I am going to run to Mom's and pick up a few things. I also have to run get a present for Laurabeth. We are going to dinner tonight for her birthday. That will be fun.
This week starts a crazy week...we are getting ready for Swan Lake on Friday night and we are preparing for piano recitals next week. After that, life is going to be dull! All that running around and when it is done, we will have nothing to do....well, not really, but it will seem that way.

Teresa

Sunshine!

2008-05-03T05:44:00.000-07:00

Good morning! We had LOTS of rain yesterday. It stormed like crazy. As a result, all of the weekend tournament for R has been canceled. He is disappointed, but the good news is that we get to go to the canoe race down on Old Muddy!! M and his best friend, J are participating in the race for the second year in a row. It was great fun last year.
MG and I went last night to see Baby Isaac in the hospital. He and his parents are doing well. As I told MG, it is such a wonderful thing to hold something so brand new to the world. It really makes me want to have another baby. I just don't know if that will ever happen. Isaac was so precious and so tiny. It seems as though this is something that I just have to wait upon - this wanting a baby. We have tried and nothing has happened. I know that it can happen, but perhaps God is waiting for my heart to be right. Perhaps, the timing is just wrong. God does know why, of that I am sure. I just have to depend on Him and listen to His voice and then He will answer when He is ready.
We are in the search for a place to worship. We have left the place where we had been. It is an interesting thing....looking for a new place to worship. It is hard to be new....not my favorite thing. I like belonging to a place without having to feel like I am being interviewed all the time...you know....like always wearing my best clothes and saying the right things. I want a place to worship and know God better. I also want to belong. I want to be on the giving end and not on the receiving end. Does that make sense?
We are waiting to see the dr. again about R. I really want to find out what is truly wrong. There are days when I just feel like giving in. He is such a difficult child. Without the medicine, he is difficult. With the medicine, he is difficult, just in a different way. The family dynamic is so odd. Some of us seem to tiptoe around him - never knowing what will happen next. The hard part is that he just doesn't seem to get it.
I hope that today goes well and that the race turns out well.

Teresa