10 Smile Tuesday

This post may be a little premature since Tuesday is not even here yet, but I know I have a tendency to let Tuesday slip away lately so I thought I'd get a jump on it since I had a minute. The last week has been filled with a lot of ups and downs since I've had flu like symptoms for the better part of it, hoping I'm on the upward part of that now though as it seems I'm getting more energy back and sleep is helping.

So, here's on to our smiles:

1. Going to the children's museum. We really are fortunate here in Indiana because we have the largest children's museum in the world, and the kids all seriously love it. This makes up a lot of smiles in the winter because we tend to go there a lot when it's cold. It's a bit of a haul for us, but worth it to get the kids out to stretch their legs, have fun and learn something too!


2. My great husband. While I've been sick this weekend, my husband took care of the girls, took them out for donuts, took Lilla to the movie and even hauled them to Wal-Mart to get me some Sprite! I'm pretty thankful for that guy!

3. 4 yr. old theology. Lilla never ceases to amaze me. This week Michael was giving her a bath and out of nowhere she said, "Daddy, we wash the outside but God washes the inside." Where, oh where does she get this stuff from? She just blows us away. When she was born we dedicated her to the Lord and prayed she'd be a missionary someday...I have a feeling, she's on her way!

4. She also is saying funny things though too, which I must really write down for posterity. I had some tulips sitting on the counter the other day and when she asked me what they were, I told her. She then looked at me ever so strangely and asked, "They have two lips?!?!"

5. MOPS. Our MOPS group met last Friday. We had so much fun and many laughs. The best part is we tried out Zumba. So fun!6. Small group. We started a new series in our church, which started a new small group. It's all about growing in God and having a plan to grow in God. I am really excited to be doing this study as I normally am fly by the seat of my pants, Ms. unplanned herself. So, if this can cause me to grow towards a deeper and more full relationship with God, I am all for it and excited!

7. Friends. I went over to my friend, Carrie's, house the other day for a playdate. Our girls have been friends since Lilla was about 20 months old and it's so fun to see how they've grown. They were having a ball jumping off the baby slide on to the bean bag below. And since we had second children just months apart, they have a friend too. Good times!
8. Although I am more than ready for Spring, I can't help but be thankful to God for the beauty of his creation when I go outside and it looks like Narnia! It has been very cold here lately so we've woken up to some amazing sights of white everywhere. Gorgeous!!
9. King Kong. Now, I know I shouldn't laugh, but it's quite funny so I do. Anna, my 1 yr. old, wrestling Lilla, my 4 yr. old, to the ground. This is becoming an all too familiar sight lately. We just can't believe how she is able to do this. Her nickname, King Kong, truly fits this child!

10. In that same vein of developing her own personality, I also want to say how sweet and cuddly, lovely and smiley this little pumpkin can be. She is the strong willed child, without a doubt could make Dr. Dobson cry (as my bestie, Shelley, would say) but oh, how her smile could melt the coldest heart and her giggle could win a war. She is love!

What are you smiling about today?

Leaving

The other day after MOPS, I was going to meet some friends for lunch and I hopped on the interstate without thinking. I had known that morning I was seriously low on gas, but I was rushing and on the phone (I know, safety hazard) and honestly forgot all about it. While getting off the ramp on to the interstate I looked down to see the arrow on the dreaded E. I must say, I had a small anxiety attack right then and there.

I started picturing myself stranded on 70 and wondered what would happen in the freezing temperatures to my children and I. My cell phone was beeping, as per it's usual dead self, my husband had just taken Vicodin for his back issues and my bestie was sick so I knew I wouldn't bother her. I started praying and watching the tank and before I knew it we had gotten to the next exit 10 minutes away. Whew!

Well, I forgot about this incident until several days later when I was approaching E again. My husband was in the car this time so I started relaying the story to him. Lilla, my four year old, was in the backseat listening and started asking questions, the conversation went something like this:

Lilla: What happened?

Me: Mommy was driving the other day and we almost ran out of gas.

Lilla: But we didn't?

Me: No, we didn't.

Lilla: Why not?

Me: Mommy prayed and God had His hand upon us.

Lilla: God had His hand upon us?

Me: Yes, He had His hand upon us.

Lilla: Does He still have His hand on us?

Me: Yes, He still has His hand upon us, even now.

Lilla: Well...I can't feel it.

Me: No, we can't feel it, but we know He is there.

Lilla: How do we know He is there?

Me: Because in His word He promises us that He will never leave or forsake us.

Lilla: He promised to NEVER leave or forsake us?

Me: Never.

Lilla: Never?

Me: Never.

Lilla: Wow, that's a long time.

It sure is!!

And now...

I'm the Mommy of a 4 year old.

In the Waiting

This morning, I woke up and found the house quiet, as it was still early so I began a bible study. Soon though, I heard rustling upstairs and knew my near 4 year old, Lilla, had risen and not far behind would be, Anna, my 1 year old.

As I hurried to conclude the study Anna began to fuss. Lilla then called down the stairs, “Mom, Anna is crying for you.” I responded that I had hear her and would be up shortly. A couple of minutes went by and Lilla said, “Moooommm, Anna wants you!” I told her I was aware and was just finishing up something. She then replied, “Mom, are you trying to torture Anna?”

Of course, I was not trying to torture her and knew she was nothing but safe in her crib with all the toys and things to do. It was even clearer as I walked in her room shortly after and she gave me the brightest of smiles and a giggle for a greeting. She just did not want to wait.

As I reflect on that experience I think of my own issues with waiting. How life just seems like a continual wait, waiting to graduate, waiting find a job, waiting for a spouse, waiting for a baby, waiting for the dr., waiting for the check out line, on and on it goes.

So, just one more thing to wait for does not appeal to me. Particularly when it has to do with God, the waiting is hard. I know he is sovereign and can make the mountains move, so why should I have to spend years paying off student loans, couldn’t he just drop a bank in my backyard? Or pondering our future, where we should go and what job to take. It says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you.” So maybe could he just whisper them in my ear so I could know them too? Like maybe today?

God does not work that way though. No, he often works through us and to us through the waiting. While I’m screaming, “God, are you trying to torture me?” He, of course, is not. He is loving and shaping me through that wait, teaching me the importance of patience, His will and unselfishness, as I think of other’s needs before mine being met.

I hope that, perhaps, you also can see God in the waiting today.

Peach Dump Cake

For Christmas this year I gave my bestie and her family a once a month dessert for the whole year. I make them one delicious dessert every month and they get a gift that keeps give all year. It's been so fun to think of what I will make next. So much good stuff out there! This past month I made them a Chocolate Eclair Cake, which, if you have not had, you must. It is fantastically good and so super easy it's just ridiculous.

Well, my friend could not believe that I would be so cruel to give her something so yummy when she was just fitting into her jeans. Cruel, so cruel. So, how does she pay me back? By making this ginormous Peach Dump Cake for my family. Now mind you, there are like 2 1/2 of us for real around here. You can't really count Anna, after all. And this cake was mammoth! Fortunately, I was able to push at least a little off on another great friend of mine. God bless you, Carrie. :)



Anyway, I just had to share this recipe with you because, well, it needs to be shared. So here you go:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1 large can (30 0z) sliced peaches with juice
1 butter pecan cake mix (I've only seen this by Betty Crocker)
1 & 1/2 sticks melted butter
1/2 to 1 cup chopped pecans (if desired)

Layer in greased 9x13 pan as follows:

Peaches, including juice (I chop them smaller)
Sprinkle DRY cake mix evenly over peaches
Top with pecans
Drizzle melted butter evenly over dry cake mix

Bake at 350 Degrees for 45 minutes.

Now go make it already! You can thank me later. Or curse me, whatever works for ya!

Enjoy!!

Blogger envy

Do you ever get blogger envy? Seeing all the cool free stuff that the bigger named bloggers get. Being blown away by the amount of comments just a picture of their adorable little cherub gives them. Then listening to how they went on this trip or that trip absolutely free because some company just wants to reward them for being super mom of the year.

Well, I did. It started annoying me as I read twitter post after twitter post, blog after blog, and facebook status' which abounded with just how "lucky" they are to be who they are. Then hundreds of comments would flow about how wonderful they were and oh, if anyone deserved it they sure did. Seriously starting to gag me.

But, maybe I've changed a little bit today. As I think about how my days may be boring to some, I sleep in until 8:30 most days, until my oldest comes in and wakes me up. We then cuddle until we hear my youngest crying. I grab some milk (I'm starting to wean) with cereal and fruit for her and we play on the floor while she munches away. We then might go to a playdate or MOPS or storytime or the museum or the zoo. We can stay as long as we want, so we do. My little one takes a nap and my oldest and I do school or crafts or watch a movie together. Once little Anna wakes up, she snacks, we clean, we make dinner. My husband comes home and we all eat together, do baths, hang out and read. And then my husband and I play on our computers or talk or watch our favorite show. Some nights we have church events or dinner with friends, but usually the evenings are just to relax together. No extravagant trips, no major companies knocking on my door begging me to say their name, no free major appliances.

But...

My life has no deadlines. I don't feel like I need to spend hours every day, or even week, blogging or tweeting. I don't have so many emails I have to tell my "fans" I can't answer them, and then, I don't have to feel guilty about people thinking I think I'm too good for them. I don't have to justify my behavior to anyone, particularly people online whom I've never met. I don't have people insulting me online because they are jealous of me. I don't have to read 15 pages of comments everytime I post from people whose blogs I'll never in my life have a chance to visit. I don't have the media knocking on my door because I tweeted when my son fell in the pool, asking for prayers. I don't have people critiquing every word I say, just because I have a bajillion followers.

Yeah, I think I'm ok with being a once a week blogger, with an easy going life and spirit and with just a handful of followers, after all. It suits this small time blogger pretty well.

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!!