10 Smile Tuesday

Oh, how long has it been since I have done a ten smile? Way too long, I'm afraid. I mean well, but finding the time to put together posts these days just doesn't find it's way into my priorities. I remember when I used to post nearly every day, I believe that had to be before Anna though. Whew, since having Anna my life has changed in so many ways, and that certainly includes blogging. Running after two little ones certainly keeps me on my toes!

I was thinking about things today and how one day my children are not going to want to play with their very uncool mom, how dress up will no longer be fun and doors are going to be shut a lot more than open in our home, and I suddenly realize, yeah, blogging is definitely something that should be on a back burner for me. So...there is my reason for blogging so infrequently, as you can see, it's a pretty good one!

With that though, I do want to have a bit of a journal to remember sweet things that are occuring daily in our home and ten smiles is a great way to remember and focus on those. So, without further adieu, here are my smiles:

1. The Haiti Effort. We didn't have much of a turnout the day of the drive, but we did have a lot of people donate financially online, tell us they were praying and support us throughout so that surely made it all worth it. It really is great knowing you are working for something bigger than yourself.

2. Carrie. My good friend, Carrie, went with me for the day to work at the Haiti drive, and we had such a great day just hanging out and talking. We are never together without our children so it was so nice to just be "us" for a few hours.

3. Dress up. I'm not sure why but Lilla has never been big into dressing up, it's always just been something she does with other kids. No longer though, suddenly she is totally into it. Today she had on her dress from my brother's wedding ALL day long. We were Ariel and Eric the whole day. She is loving it!

4. The fire. Even as I type our fire is going. Unfortunately, it is gas, so it doesn't let off heat, but oh, the calm and peace of a fire is truely unmatchable!

5. Music. Both of my girls love music. They are constantly singing, dancing or playing some type of instrument. Which, is why we have so many in the house. Lilla's favorite is the harmonica we got her for Christmas, she loves that thing! Anna is all about drums right now. So fun to watch them enjoy something we love too!
6. MOPS. Although our numbers have not been really high this last year, it has been really wonderful getting to know some moms better and enjoying the great speakers we've gotten involved.

7. The big game. As most of you know, I'm from Indiana. I'm also a Colts fan. And, this is a great time to be a Colts fan. Also, we hung out with some newer friends to watch the game, and that is always fun. Lots of laughs, lots of food and lots of just good fun!

8. Apples of Gold. Our church has a program called Apples of Gold which is a mentoring program for married women 35 and younger. We started this past week and it was so great getting to spend 3 hours cooking, talking and learning to love our husbands better. Can't wait for this week!
9. Homemade. I have to admit, I can often be very lazy when it comes to dinner. I just get busy and so we often just grab something on the go. We have really been trying hard this month though to stop doing that to save money and save our waistlines. That does work, but a really great part has just been enjoying the time together sitting down at our own table and being able to relax. Yes, it does take time to make the food but I have really enjoyed teaching Lilla to cook in the process.

10. Eclair cake. Because, you know, almost everyone of my ten smiles has some type of food in it, I just had to put this one in for you. At apples this past week they made us an eclair cake, which, if you've never had one, is fabulous!! Here is a recipe, so easy and sooooo good!

What are you smiling about this week?

Enough

Yesterday I participated in a Haiti drive. We were collecting sleeping bags, tarps and medical supplies for people affected by the Haiti earthquake. Then again, is there anyone in Haiti that was not affected by the earthquake? It would be like Washington basically collapsing. And even that does not begin to describe how it is. I close my eyes to try and picture it so I can have a better understanding of the plight of the Haitian people, but nothing can compare to the stench of dead bodies laying everywhere, no running water anywhere, no electricity or blankets, sleeping on a hard street with nothing underneath me. Owning nothing. Nothing.

So, we collected some sleeping bags and medical supplies.


And today it just doesn't feel like quite enough.

The Lady in Pink

Every year at Christmas time my grandmother is gracious and gives our family enough to get a Children's Museum pass and zoo pass for the year. We have so enjoyed many, many days at both venues over the past three years. We have enjoyed getting splashed by the dolphins at the zoo, sliding down the yule slide at the museum, feeding the giraffes mangoes and sizing up the dinosaur bones, trick or treating at zoo boo and going for rides on the carousel. They have both just been a blessing for our family.

This past week was no different as we were able to enjoy the new Barbie exhibit at the Children's Museum. It was so fun to reminisce about my childhood as I perused over the dolls, introduced Lilla to Western Barbie (my all time favorite Barbie doll that I played with until the clothes literally fell apart, according to my sister. I apparently cried, which, is not abnormal when it comes to me!)and watched her partake in a fashion show. She loved getting to put real makeup on and walk down the runway in her high fashion duds, design outfits for future Barbie
dolls and pretend to be the Paparazzi!


This is an exhibit worth seeing!

Soap

For nearly three years, our first child, Lilla, was, to say the least, the sun and moon in our lives. It seemed nearly every thing revolved around this child. Since I was a stay at home mom, all my time seemed to be devoted to the care and love of this little girl. My attention was fully hers...and she loved it!

Two years ago, we were trying for our second child. We thought it would be great for Lilla to have a friend, but also wanted her to really realize that she was not first in the world. That she would need to share with others and begin to put others first. When we got pregnant, we knew the transition would be hard, but hadn't quite planned for what would happen next.

Our once sweet child turned into a tantrum throwing, yelling, crying, disrespectful one. We were shocked at the way she was suddenly behaving. At first we coddled her, knowing she was hurt and upset, but then we started to get mad, which changed to concern for her heart. We obviously couldn't let her be so disrespectful to us as we really believe she will treat all authority, including God, this way.

As we do believe in biblical discipline, we spanked, which did work somewhat for a time. The other night though she just began yelling at my husband because she didn't want to go to bed. I could tell he was losing his patience with her and so I told him we need to try a different approach. We decided to deal with her mouth as that was where the problems were stemming and so he put the smallest drop of soap on her tongue. She gagged a little and after she was cleaned up she said to him, "Daddy, why did you make me vomit?"

Michael sat her down and said, "Lilla, Daddy didn't make you vomit, YOU chose to be disrespectful, to not honor Daddy or God, to yell at me instead of obey. Daddy had to choose to obey God and discipline you in order to train you that you need to be respectful and obedient to Daddy and to God. You chose to not be loving and Daddy needs to train your heart to make good choices."

She said, "OK." And then she went to bed.

As I listened to this whole situation taking place, I was reminded of my relationship with God. How often He has to discipline me and put soap in my mouth. I do not enjoy the after taste, being disciplined stinks, to say the least. But, I surely continue to disobey, and so God continues to discipline. He does it because He loves me and He wants me to be loving to Him and to others, to make good choices. What a loving God to want to train me to make good choices and to ultimately be more like Him. To take time with Amy, who does not deserve His love or His grace. So grateful for my Saviour today...He loves even me.

Haiti

Before going to bed last night I had heard that Haiti had an earthquake. Not thinking too much about it I lifted them up in prayer, asking God to be with them and for his glory to be known more through the devestation.

This morning when I woke up, I saw that it was more than just another earthquake. Oh, the devestation that has been caused to so many people is just heartbreaking. I've been listening to reports on Christian radio and am now on my knees for these dear people who's lives have been turned around in an instant. Many thousands upon thousands are dead, more are hurt, a jail has crumbled and the inmates have escapaped, ministries have been leveled, bodies are lying about everywhere...it goes on and on and is absolutely horrible.

Please consider joining me in praying for these people who already have hard lives, that God will be with them, keep them safe and give them the peace that passes understanding today.

Loving

One of Lilla's favorite things to say is, "I love you." A lot of times it's more like, "Iloveyou." As fast as she can say it, it's out of her mouth. She kind of says it with a giggle and waits for your response. The other day she said it to my bestie's daughter after she opened a popsicle for her. She couldn't even help herself as the popsicle was cut..."I love you!!" So excited. So adorable. So Lilla.She often likes to add to her professions of love that she loves certain people. "I love Makie, I love Jenna, I love Grandma..." Then she'll follow that up, "Because you are supposed to love people. God likes it when we love people." And she's right, of course.

Today I went in the bathroom to check on her. She's just sitting there, doing her business, hanging out, apparently thinking theological thoughts...you know, the usual preschooler stuff. Our conversation then went something like this...

Me: Hey, watcha doing?

Lilla: Mom, God loves you.

Me: Yes, he does. Thanks for reminding me.

Lilla: God loves everyone.

Me: Yes, he does.

Lilla: Cause he has to love everyone. He created everyone. He loves everything he created. But...he doesn't love the stuff he didn't create.

Just another day with my peanut!

Resolving

I don't know what it is about this time of year, but it usually has me contemplative and thoughtful...about the past and future. I suppose it is the thought of new beginnings, old habits, life's blessings over the past year, the trials and hurts that need to be overcome...so much so it can be overwhelming.

I was at church this past Sunday and they asked for any prayer requests you might have to be written on a little form that people could pray over on New Year's. Our church does a several hour praying in the new year where people can stop in at any time, pick up a card and pray for whomever is on that card. I picked up a card for myself and started writing. And writing. And writing a little more. Before I knew it the whole card was full. Is it sad that the entire card was just for my own issues? Apparently I must have A LOT!!

Normally at this time of year I make a resolution to lose some weight (which I still need to do), be kinder (um, yeah!) or stay on a budget (still working on that one), and normally by about January 3rd they are all shot and I go back to my old ways. Old habits definitely die hard.

This year I want to make a little different resolution, if you can even call it that. See, I don't like making promises or resolutions or pledges. I wind up feeling bound and obligated to meet them. I am way too stubborn to do that, get annoyed that I feel bound and give up knowing it won't be accomplished. Like last year my husband thought it would be a good idea to have a competition of who could read the Bible in the shortest time. The Bible. Seriously, the Bible. This is not a sprint, I said to him. So clearly, that did not happen and I gave up nearly instantaneously.

So this year, I want to just say, I want to be Godly. I want to grow closer to Him. I want to know about Him. I want to love Him more. Less me, more Him.

That sounds good to me. :)

It was merry

Christmas was filled
with all kinds of cheer,
The kind that comes
Only this time of year,

There was whole lot of laughter
And joy,
All to celebrate
A little bitty boy.

We made gingerbread houses
And left sugar cookies
Hoping the man in red
Wouldn't just leave us book-ies.

The day came and went
Oh so awful quick
Before we knew it
It was such a kick!

Lots of family and friends
Whom with we spent all our time
It was worth it, it's true
What a joy sublime!

It's the Most Wonderful Time

I love Christmastime. There is just something about this time of year that is so fun, and brings me back to being a small child, full of wonder and awe. I love the lights, the baked goods, the flashes of red all about. It honestly just makes me feel all warm inside thinking about the goodness that this season brings.Ultimately though, it really isn't about the parties that we attend, the friends that we see or how much egg nog we can sip at a go. This time of year is truly about the celebration of a King. A King that came down in earthly form as a little baby. In a manger. Probably some donkeys and sheep for bedmates.

I am so thankful for that baby tonight. And, every night.

Merry Christmas to you, my sweet reader! May your days be merry and bright.

Shawl Giveaway

Leslie Loves Veggies, at http://www.leslielovesveggies.net is having a giveaway for a shawl from The Shawl Shop. There are some super cute shawls, which I just happen to be really into lately, so, of course I entered. And, you get five free entries just for blogging. Definitely makes the odds a little better in my favor!

Have you entered any giveaways lately?

Beloved

Today, on the way to the children's museum, I was having a conversation with Lilla. It went something like this...

Lilla, "Look, there's the big dragon (dinosaur) coming out of the building!"

Me, "Yep, there's the dinosaur."

Lilla, "The people built him and put him there."

Me, "They sure did."

Lilla, "But they didn't make everything."

Me, "No, they really didn't. Do you know who did?"

Lilla, "God did. And he made people too. And he made their hair too."

Me, "Yes, he did make people, and their hair too."

Lilla, "God even knows how many hairs we have."

Take. My. Breath. Away!!!

And with that, I sat in worship to a God who loves me that much, that He would remind me through my 3 year old that He even has the hairs on my head counted. Thank you Jesus.

Song of Solomon 6:3, "I am my beloved's and He is mine."

There was...

There was candles...
There was yummy food...

There was a craft...There were kisses...
There were presents...
There was a cute outfit...

There was laughter...There was cake smearing...
There was a change of clothes...

There was cake...
There were cuddles...


There was definitely a bath...

There was family...
There was the paparazzi...


There was...a very happy 1st birthday!!

Trust

On the way to Awana on Wednesdays we usually try to go over the verse for the week with Lilla. We have her quote it over and over to make sure it is really there.

Last night, this is what we heard the whole way there:


I am in constant prayer that my girls will love Jesus and follow Him all of their days. To hear her quote this brings unspeakable joy. Oh, that it would be set on her heart!

Powerful

Tonight while we were at Wal-Mart for that black Friday shopping you just have to do, Lilla started playing with an etch a sketch. She thought it was the neatest thing she'd ever seen and was insisting that she needed it, and seriously right now is the best time to get it.

I told her, "Well, Christmas is coming up, maybe you could ask Santa."

She first said, "He's pretty far away. I don't think he's going to come here." (And by here, she meant she didn't think he would shop at Wal-Mart, which I found funny in itself.)

She then started saying something about being powerful and so I asked her, "What do you mean? Do you think Santa is powerful?" I had been trying to figure out what she meant as I thought she'd been saying he was powerful to get all the gifts to all the kids.

She looked at me, gave a knowing giggle and said, "Noooooo, God is powerful."

And she humbles me once again.

Thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving every year I like to write out some things that I am thankful for. I try to do 365, but I am sick right now with a spinning head so I'll so 100 for now!

1. Salvation

2. The cross

3. Jesus

4. My husband

5. Lilla

6. Anna

7. My sister, Erika

8. My sister, Melanie

9. My brother, David

10. My brother, Chris

11. My brother-in-law, Russ

12. My sister in law, Jody

13. My niece, Madison

14. My niece, Sydney

15. My mom

16. My dad

17. My stepdad, Richard

18. My former stepmom, Sandy. Although she is no longer married to my dad, she still has a place in our hearts!

19. My new stepmom, Nel.

20. My bestie, Carrie

21. Her children, Jenna

22. Buddy

23. My other bestie, Shelley

24. Her hubbie, Tom

25. Her children, Taylor

26. Makie

27. Gracie

28. My dog, Ellie

29. My mother in law, Mary Lynn

30. My father in law, Norbert

31. My BIL, Alan

32. His Wife, Steph

33. Their children, Justin

34. Sean

35. Olivia

36. Emily

37. My BIL, Mark

38. His wife, Melissa

39. Their daughter, Tiffany

40. My SIL, Terri

41. Her husband, Brent

42. Nephew, Alex

43. BIL, Dan

44. His wife, Amy

45. Children, Danny

46. Jeff

47. Matthew

48. Amanda

49. Jackie

50. Billy

51. My BIL, Jim

52. SIL, Tammy

53. Nephew, Grayson

54. Niece, Jasmine

55. My house

56. My car

57. My bed, which I’m laying in now since I’m sick

58. My husband’s job

59. Being able to stay home with the girls

60. The library

61. Wal-Mart, the evil empire, but when you live here, it’s all you got!

62. MOPS

63. MOPS Steering Team

64. My fridge is full of food

65. Our family has clothes

66. We are able to pay our bills

67. My church

68. Worship Music

69. Clean, hot running water

70. Hope

71. Peace

72. Joy

73. Faith

74. My Bible

75. Living in the USA

76. My camera, I’m such a photo taker!

77. Photoshop, it’s amazing what that thing does for pictures!

78. My laptop, all my friends live inside it. J

79. Facebook for all that it’s connected me with this last year.

80. Prayer

81. Real, honest to goodness love

82. Pizza, my very favorite food

83. The special family who helped us financially this last year. Just incredible!

84. God blessing us financially when we really needed it

85. Lilla accepting Christ this year

86. Lilla choosing to be baptized when we never even talked to her about it.

87. Awana

88. Kid’s church

89. My pastor

90. My pastor’s wife

91. Heat, I don’t respond well to cold

92. The Children’s Museum

93. The Zoo

94. The trail near our house

95. The park

96. The change of season, so I can appreciate what I have!

97. Anna becoming well after a very rough start in life last Christmas

98. So many meals and prayers provided to us last year after Anna was born

99. Sleep

100. Life

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Wordless Wednesday

For other entries or to join in, go to http://www.5minutesformom.com/12378/wordless-wednesday-sweet-sophia/

Let Rest

This weekend my sister and I met up with a childhood friend of ours. We went shopping, laughed, and of course, told stories of when we were kids. Isn't that a requirement for when you are with old friends?

My memories are much more vague, as I've realized more and more lately. Very little from childhood is concrete in my mind. The reason for that is not quite clear, although it is possible that it has been a defense mechanism to block out a particularly difficult time in my life.

As my sister and friend reminisced, and I listened with intrigue at the narratives that had occurred over the those years, the stories surrounding me, I barely knew. Like it was a different person they were speaking of. Somewhat like watching a movie you saw once many, many years ago and were not that familiar with.

My sister was particularly troubled over a childhood prank that my friend and I had pulled on her. Again, a very vague memory, if one at all. As I sit and listen to her get progressively more upset as the story went on, my hope was something I had read from CS Lewis many years ago, "Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ."

I love my sister and don't want to see her distressed, so, I sincerely hope she can.

And, if you dear friend, are equally troubled over something that may have happened a decade ago, or maybe an hour ago, my hope for you is rest in Jesus too.

Thankful Thursday

As the days whip by in a rapid pace closer and closer to the Thanksgiving holiday next weekend, my thoughts are drawn on all that I have to truly be thankful for. We found out today that a fellow we know from church lost his job, we are thankful for income. When I bought some canned vegetables this week I couldn't help but think of the local food pantry that needs to be stocked, and we are thankful for food on our table. Then I hear about a blogger who is struggling to survive, and I am thankful for my health. When I hear of all the desperate ways people I know are grasping at happiness, which just seems to be out of their reach, I am thankful for the cross.

And...here are two more beautiful little things I am thankful for this week...

Black and white.

Lilla is black and white. That is how she sees the world. It makes her a rule follower, sometimes to a fault, but it's also very positive. For instance, when she was very little I told her the fireplace is dangerous. She's never, not once, touched it. She's almost four. Her 11 month old sister won't stop touching it.

Tonight I was putting her to bed and she was discussing with me why we need to help poor children. "They sleep on the street," she said. I said, "Yes, some do." She then asked who was going to help them get a home. I told her that maybe the government or churches or strangers, like us. She replied, "Well, you can't talk to a stranger."

She's black and white.

So months ago when I told her that we shouldn't be watching Spongebob because he says some not nice things (i.e. idiot, stupid...) she has really taken it to heart. To a point of, if she sees it come on tv she puts her head down in the couch and tells me I need to change the channel. Yeah, she might be a little extreme, but it's part of her black and white nature.

I started thinking about this though and how I told her he says unkind things and also how she is trying to protect herself from that. Even to the extent of burying her head into a couch so she can't see it. That, my friends, is dedication to the cause.

Of course I had to then think of myself and how I should be doing that too. I should be turning my head at the slightest hint of unrighteousness. Even to the extent of what Lilla does to turn and run from what I know is wrong. How often do I watch a program even though I know it has a history of using God's name in vain, making sexual references like it's just one big joke or just altogether being unGodly? How often do I listen to gossip, although I know I shouldn't? How often do I read articles that often should make my face turn 4 shades of red? ALL. THE. TIME.


I couldn't help but think of the childhood song, "O Be Careful little eyes what you see, o be careful little eyes what you see, for the Father up above is looking down with love, O be careful little eyes what you see."

I think I'm going to practice a little more of that caution today.