Bathroom break...

How I love writing, yet there is not enough time in ones day to do everything! I just had to stop in quickly for a funny story. I four of the five kids to Kroger the other day. Thinking we would just run in for what I call a quickie, I got the twins in a cart and pulled the girls away from their games they were playing to run in. We hadn't even made it to the front door when my youngest little girl decided she could not hold it, she had to go to the bathroom right that minute. So, I told her to run in and we would be there at the entrance of the bathroom waiting on her when she finished. While the twins and Katie and I were waiting, I noticed a black and white photo of one of the first Kroger stores in the area. It had been blown up and I was reading about it when I decided to engage my older daughter in a "look see" of this photo. I asked her if she noticed the picture and she said, "Yes mom, it says it is one of the first Kroger stores in the area." I said, "Doesn't it look like a really old photo?" KK got a really contemplative look on her face and then quite seriously announced, "Mom, that was back before the world had color!" I thought I may have to run in to the bathroom I was laughing so hard at her comment. I guess I never thought to mention to my sweet little girl that they just did not have color in photos back then! Thought you might enjoy a funny for the day!
I will try to write more later! God bless you.

Potty Training Woes...

Have you ever tried to potty train twins? I have to admit that training one is quite possibly one of my least favorite parenting duties. Yet, now I see two little boys who are way too big for their diapers. So, this week has been a challenge. I really can't complain though. Ben is doing great. He even put himself on the potty when he needed to poo poo. Can I tell you just how proud of him I have been? He must know that mommy hates this duty! Well, on the other hand, we have Will. Will really thought potty training was great for about a half of a day. Now, I am waiting for that sweet little smiling face to come tell me where he hid to poo poo or pee pee. I finally broke down and put them both in pull ups tonight as night time is becoming difficult for my washing machine. Okay. If I am really honest, it is difficult on me (not really the washing machine) having to pull beds apart everyday! I think God made little toddlers so cute so we could put up with all of the things you go through with them! Have I mentioned the temper tantrums before...yes, I am sure it has been mentioned! Besides potty training, I was busy this week with a dinner theatre we had at our church. I went beyond my comfort zone and had a part in a play! I am pretty sure I can relate this to the first time I went out to witness with my church. I prayed alot and got real nervous! Luckily, no one booted me off stage though! After this crazy week, I am ready for summer break! I bet everyone feels that way. Just to have some free time to spend with the kids without so much other "stuff" that seems to get in the way with life. Seems like this has been the week for prayer requests to be put on my platter, so I will share:
An old classmate from high school, Benji, is struggling with his life in a desperate need for a liver transplant...
My grandmother has lost her very special friend who died on Saturday. She really adored Jim and they did everything together. I just want to pray that this does not really get her down. She is 91 years old herself! (By the way, he was a strong Christian--so at least we know he is loving that new spiritual body right about now!)
A friend from my MOMS group has been dianosed with breast cancer. Her name is Angi.
I suppose that is all for now, yet these three people are heavy on my heart. I pray that everyone reading this is well and hope you are having a blessed week.

Funny little lesson...

So much that has happened and so little time to write! My life has been in a whirlwind lately. I am sorry that this is always the first thing that has to go, but I am sure that you understand! I have to share a story that goes along with one of my previous posts. I am sure you remember when I told you I really don't do well when Philip is out of town. Well, I have really been doing better. My daily time with God coupled with lots of prayer over this issue has really given me a new attitude on his trips. Guess what? God has a sense of humor. I have said that before concerning my twins, but I really felt it this week. As I mentioned before, I have really been doing much better with Philip being gone. He was gone two weeks in a row (home on the weekend) these past two weeks. I had almost made it to the end of the two weeks when this sense of humor became quite evident! I had decided to sit down and read my latest book from the library for a few minutes of quiet time. Those few minutes turned in to several hours of reading. About 11:40pm, I heard a sudden noise at my front door. I listened for only a few seconds as I determined someone was jiggling the lock of my door. I was officially freaked out at this time, so I grabbed the phone (to call 911, if needed) and ran to push against the door. By this time, I am really getting mad. Who breaks in to your front door with your front porch lights on? Everyone could see whoever it was... So, here I am perplexed and wondering who is on the other side of this door. The noise stops. Even though I am mad, I have a little fear mixed in. Should I look? I couldn't stand it. I wanted to see this not so intelligent criminal. I peeked. No One is there!!! I looked out both windows (on both sides of the door) three times. This is crazy. Would you like to know who was walking away the last time I looked. A POSSUM! That little possum hiney just waddled its way away from my door like nothing had happened. Thankfully that was over! I calmed down and went to bed about 45 minutes later. This was the night that we had some big storms. I would love to say that this story is over, but I unfortuately have more to report! At 3:25 am, I was woken up to my alarm (not activated, just beeps when we open the door). The front door was opened by the 60 mile an hour gusts of winds we were having with the thunderstorms. If that doesn't get your heart beating, I am not sure what will! I had the hardest time going back to sleep. A little after 4 in the morning, I finally dozed off. Can I just tell you I am confident God was reminding me that I must daily sacrifice any issue I need Him to be in control of. I had been trying to be diligent to put God in control of my life every morning. What I was realizing was that I can put Him in control in the morning, but all it took was a screaming 3 year old and I was resorting to being back in control. So, I suppose my point is that God was reminding me to put Him in control of mine and my children's safety when Philip is gone. What a funny way for God to teach me a lesson! I sure do like this one better than the ones that cause my heart pain!!! Take care...

Honeymoon ended...

I haven't written in forever!!!!! I was trying to think of a funny story to share. Seems like I would be flooded with them since I haven't written in so long. Ok. I have one. The twins seem to always be my big source of funny stories, so here it goes. Lately, the boys have been a little devilish. I know that you can hardly imagine that with the halos that glow over their heads, but I am here to tell you that they have sprouted horns again! My hubby and I have been talking about it and we decided to implement a saying our previous Sunday school teachers would use with their children. The saying is that they must obey the first time, everytime with a happy heart. I was amazed when we started using this saying. It seemed that the words held magic. For the first two days, everytime they had an attitude, were mad or just a little less than perfect, I would remind them gently that we should obey the first time, everytime and they would fill in with a happy heart. Then, they would obey!!! This was so great. I was beginning to think I should have implemented this a long time ago! Every time I would say it, they would immediately behave!!!!! Well, after two days, the honeymoon phase of this ended. To say I was disappointed was an understatement! So, on the third day, I was having a moment with the boys and again reminded them of our little saying except this time Will said in a very gruff voice and a very animated but mean expression, "I gots a bad happy heart!" I usually hold it together pretty well during discipline, but this time I couldn't help but laugh. Unfortunately, it did not help the situation at hand and we ended up with spankings, but it really was funny! I know that is not the best of stories, but I had to give you one on the spot and it was all I could come up with! With that in mind I have to say that this week God has done an amazing thing in my heart. I am a work in progress, but this week I have been learning how not to be in control. I have prayed that God would use me and not only that but that I would allow Him to use me in all the situations of my life. Sounds pretty easy in words, but it is quite difficult. I also added to my prayer that I want Him to remind me that when my children disobey that I would look at it with a different attitude. I had gotten in a rut of only thinking of how my kids were putting me out with discipline. Why can't I just have perfect children anyway? Just kidding! I have asked though that God would allow me to see discipline as an opportunity to mold their character. Just like He is the potter and we are the clay, I want to allow God to use me (vessell) to help to mold my children to have the characteristics that God so cherishes in us. He does work in us in many ways to mold us. Sometimes painful. Sometimes difficult. But in the end, we are striving to be more spiritually mature. Isn't that your goal, too? I tell you what girls. I am feeling the hand of Christ on my life and I couldn't feel more blessed. I could go on and on with what God is teaching me right now, but I tell you my synopsis. Pray to crave God. Discipline yourself to daily read your Bible. Submit yourself, your husband and your children to Him daily. What would you do if someone told you..."You have all of God you want." Stop and really say it over a few times and think about what I am saying. Do you really have all of God you want? Does it convict you? It did me and I am here to say those simple words have been my seed to change my life. Did I mention the peace that God gives when you allow Him control? Wow! I dare you to try it. You will not want to turn back to your old lifestyle.
Isaiah 64:8 "Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."
Ephesians 4:22 "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Jos. 1:8 "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
Psalms 51:10 "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Hindsight...

My babies turned three today! I suppose that they are not officially babies anymore and I am sure that I won't have anymore myself--that is unless God intervenes! (I had my tubes tied.) I have been thinking of all these sweet thoughts of those precious babies all week. Thinking of how my days feel so long yet the years are flying by. As I looked through pictures of all the kids and thought all these sweet thoughts, I couldn't help but look forward to today. Even though it was a little emotional! I thought I would get up early and do my quiet time. When the boys got up, I envisioned singing them Happy Birthday and getting a big boy hug! My day dream had little birds singing around me like Snow White as I treasured the kids this morning. I bet you can tell that there is a but to this story. I got up with a terrible headache as well as just being extremely sleepy. That was ok. I can deal with that. So, I got to work on my quiet time. Things are going well, but the boys got up early. No big deal. I thought I would just turn on Disney channel while I finished up my quiet time. As they came down the stairs, I said HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOYS! My third clue to this morning now came..."No my birthday!" Ben said. I tried in the mommie fashion to tell him, Ya hoo. Today is your birthday and you are three!!! Well, at least this time there was no fussing! Will then asked me to get him some milk. I told him that mommy needed to finish her study and then I would get it. But I first must sing to my darling 3 year olds! As I started my own American Idol version of Happy Birthday, Will yelled at me in the meanest little three year old voice..."You no sing me!!!!!!!! AGGGHGH!" This morning was not quite what I had envisioned! In fact, to drive his point home, Will decided to throw his prized Geotrax engines towards me. By this time, I had totally lost my focus. On God, that is. In fact, the headache and sleepiness were egging on my flesh. But, you will be proud. I held it together. No screaming. No fussing. I calmly handled this situation. Took the older kiddos to school. Then off to the grocery. Then to Bible study. Dropped the boys off with their teacher. Then, wrote a quick pick-me-up card to a friend who has been sick. Ah. To hear Jean Stockdale speak. It was like the Holy Spirit was whispering in my ear. I am refreshed! Can I just tell you all it took was getting in the car and heading to the older kids school to get me all caught up in my flesh again! Will and Ben had speech evaluations today. To accomplish this though, we had to split them up. No big deal. I wore my big girl panties today and I can handle this. While Will was in the room, I took Ben around the school. Do you know how hard it is to keep a three year old quiet in a school. I forgot to mention that his volume level is close to those monkeys in the zoo that scream so loud you hear them no matter where you are in the zoo! Then, we switched off. As sweet as the teacher said he was for her, Will sprouted horns for me. He threw a tantrum, screamed and flailed his body in such a manner that I was having trouble holding the little 35 pound angel that I was being so sentimental about just hours before! Isn't it funny when you feel like you are in His Word and you are living His Word, then a moment (or should I say your day) goes haywire! Isn't it so hard to keep your focus on God. I have to admit I fell so short today. All I could think about was me and what I had to deal with. How selfish is that. I am pretty sure that I was fitting in to the "forgetful hearer" type that James talked about. Knowing how I should act, as Christ does, as a servant. And also to love. Not just fleshly love, but unconditional love(I Cor 13). Had I even gotten a small hint of this today, I am sure that I would have acted differently! Sometimes I amaze myself. I feel like I am doing pretty good, and then, BAM, I goof up. Thank goodness God is there to forgive me each and every time. Now I just have to go call my parents. They just so happened to pop in to tell the boys Happy Birthday this afternoon. Lets just say that I wasn't my most pleasant. I hope their forgiveness resembles Christ! Off for now.
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Can I hear an AMEN!

Can I just tell you how good God is? I have been praying for my kids salvation alot lately. In fact, I had a dream that my kids and I were in a car wreck. Instantly, Ty along with Will and Ben went to heaven. My girls were doomed to hell. Can I tell you that after that dream, I have been earnestly praying for all of our kids. Well I know that God answers prayers, but it sure is funny when it happens so closely to when I pray for it. Emily came to me, of all times while I was cleaning the toilet, and told me she had been thinking about becoming a Christian. I told her that was wonderful news. We sat down and discussed it and then went to talk to daddy about this big decision. She prayed a simple, but very special prayer. She said, "I know you sent your Son to die for my sins. Would you let Jesus come to live in my heart?" So sweet. Luke 18:17 "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." I just can't explain what that means to my mother's heart to have my child not only a part of my earthly family, but now a part of my spiritual family. It brought tears to my eyes to hear her prayer. I also loved her excitement. She woke up this morning and totally made me laugh. "Mom, I am upset. I am going to have to miss my Sunday school class." I asked her why and she told me, "Silly! I have to get baptized!" Such zeal. I pray that she will have that zeal with her all the days of her life. Thank you, Jesus, for you being our precious Savior. Thank you for touching Emily's heart and bring her to You! I love you, my blessed Savior!!!!!

Funny for the day...

Just thought I would share a funny. My sweet KK came home from Sunday School on Sunday with a scowl on her face. I couldn't help but ask what in the world got her in such a little mood. She said, quite reluctantly, that she just HAD to get a little boy in trouble. I, of course, had to hear more detail so I asked her to tell me what had happened. She told me while she was in her class, a little boy came up to her and asked her a question. He asked, "Do you want to see my boo-boo?" I couldn't help but laugh at this comment. Yet, KK went on with her story telling me that she knew that saying that was not nice, especially at church. I confirmed, yes, she was right. Then I jokingly told her that this little boy might have been trying to get her attention. She laughed in her shy little way. A few minutes later, she asked me if Philip (my hubby) had asked me that to get my attention when we started dating! Philip and I couldn't stop laughing! So, that is my funny for today. By the way, little Will decided to take his diaper off again. Luckily, he did not pooh on the floor. He came and told me and we went pooh on the potty! YEAH! SUCCESS!
Laugh. Love. Live in Faith. Enjoy your babies and children.