Christmas morning!

This is my favorite photo captured on Christmas Day! More to come when I get time, but please don't hold your breath!

We locked them into the dog crate, Trystan did not like it! Eli didn't seem to care much.
We made (what felt like) hundreds of Peanut Butter Balls...My Great Grandma's recipe!

This is Zahavah being NAUGHTY! She got into my silver ink pad & she is playing with my phone!

Our new best friend Twink! We do love him, but he is just like another kid in some ways...but at times much much better than them!

A collage of our Christmas Cookie making...we shared them w/ our church staff, grandparents, Daddy and the mailwoman!

Posted by a friend. I LOVE it. Its pretty much how I feel and this blog entry...reminds me how very much I love being a mom and want to adopt a child one day. I too love being a mom and wife, but I find it difficult sometimes when there is no role model to follow. I am so grateful that I can stay at home with them everyday and train them up in the way they should go. Read what she wrote...and let it sink in Mommies!!!!



It's amazing how a few hours away from home, makes me miss it so much! If I'm out, I love coming home! Today I started my day w/ a new perspective of who I am. I am not "just a wife and a mom" Rather, my career and professional position is "Wife and Mother"--that's a much more positive twist. It seriously kept me enthusiastic about my "job" all day long! :) (hee) Lots of people invest lots of their time and energy into their career. I have chosen to make my investment is in my husband and my children. They are where my time and energy (and $$$) is focused. I truly believe I was created for this work. It is THE most fulfilling job I could ever ask for! It's not that I never do other things--we don't stop being a daughter, sister, friend, wife...once we become a mother--but being a wife and a mom comes 1st. Contrary to what modern culture tells us, being a wife, mom, and "domestic engineer" is noble work, actually it's more than that, it's an eternal work! And, I might add, that's it's full-time work! This job of mine, profession, rather, is the hardest one I've ever had. And, I've done my fair share of what I deem, "hard work" :) All other jobs I've had, had an end. Motherhood has no end. My "job" isn't over at 5 p.m., or when the sun goes down...I'm on call 24/7!


I've had 3 excellent examples of Professional Mothers in my life. They came in the form of my own Mom, and my 2 Grandmas. When I think of successful women, they pop into my mind first. (there are others, of course) They are successful in my book, because they are godly women who chose each day to put others ahead of themselves. They have lived out the scripture that says, "But whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister; and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all." (Mark 10:43-44) It's an unnatural and uncommon way to live: to be great, be a servant/ die to SELF in order to truly live. I believe that the women (and men) who have chosen to live in this way, possess great strength and the key to a blessed life. Selflessness takes great sacrifice, but it is the pathway to peace and joy. All done for Jesus, that is.


My Mom sometimes laments that she doesn't have any talent or hobbies. Well, I will say, I believe she just doesn't see her greatest talents. She is a wonderful nurturer, organizer :), and teacher. Maybe she will see it in time, but maybe not. I believe all of us kids were all better off for not having a Mom with lots of hobbies and outside interests. I'll have to remind her that WE were her hobby and her interest. :) She was there for us 100%, and still is, though in a different way. Her position is changing perhaps, from being "the nurturer" to being "the prayer warrior" :) Each equally important!



I was pondering how motherhood carries such a dichotomy! On the one hand, it's the hardest job I've ever had, but yet it is the most rewarding one I've ever had. It's the most painful thing I've ever experienced (in many ways), but yet, I'm willing to subject myself to the pain, because I know the fruits of reward there are. There is less and less time for Self, but that's a good thing! I've never known such depths of love, fear, protection, and pain, but somehow there's that desire to know those depths. Motherhood brings out the best and the worst. I've never experienced such excruciating sleep deprivation until I had a 2 year old, an infant who wasn't sleeping through the night, and was pregnant w/ horrible insomnia. (**sidenote: whew! but I did actually live to tell the story! I've never heard of anyone dying from sleep deprivation, although I sometimes wondered it I would. Lack of sleep is a VERY real thing when you're the one going through it!**)After becoming a mom, there's some kind of mechanism that causes you to forget the pain of labor and delivery (oh, and sleep deprivation)---how is that? I don't think I'll ever grow out of the desire for pregancy and babies...it's a subject of interest that I don't think will dissipate, since experiencing both of those joys. Motherhood is a refining fire, a perspective change, and a tool used by God to raise up more saints.


It's so easy to get bogged down in the daily grind, and not see the forest for the trees. In about 20-25 years, my kids will be grown-ups like me, and although I'll still be their mother, I'll also be their sister-in -Christ...Lord willing, for all eternity. Oh, to have the perspective that these babies of mine will be adults furthuring God's Kingdom. The thought of being a Mother, by Profession has added a bit of sparkle to this otherwise, very grey November Monday. The promise in Prov. 22:6 has such hope and such responsibility..."Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Today I'm spurred on to train my children in God's ways and to view my work as a high and holy calling, as long as it's done unto the Lord. So, there, I've written down some of my scattered thoughts. I need to come back to this when I'm having what I call, "A Crazy Day!" This is an encouragement to myself, and a documentation that I do have some time to think....some days. :)

Race Day & Zahavah!

Pictures are not in order, but oh well!

This is the last photo I got of Brett, before I started running with him...then I got lost! Long story, but God had me right where he wanted me all along, although at times I wondered! He is in blue behind the guy in the bright orange shirt.

Yeah Ashley! Here she is crossing the finish line. As her Mom says,
"Its a good day, anytime you finish!" Brett finished too, but again long story as to why I was there but without a camera! :)

Ashley approaching the finish line.

Ashley @ Mile 6, handing off somethings and grabbing her snack bag.

Brett before the race in his sponsor shirt.

Me & My very fit hubby.

Brett & family, from left to right...

his brother Stanton, his Mom Joan, Brett, his sister Ashley & her husband Dave.

I wish I would have got some shots of us out the night before. We ate @ The Noodle Company...Yummy!

Randomness

Just my random thoughts this morning.... I really need to shut off the TV and maybe even facebook and read more. There are some pretty horrible things on TV now...I can't believe some of it. Books...Knowledge is power. :) And I'm happy that Eli and Zahavah enjoy sitting on their beds flipping through books at such a young age. Yeah!

I love my kids. I remember the day and where I was when God laid it upon my heart to stay home w/ my children. Its the best decision I have ever made (its also the hardest job ever). And Brett has been awesome with thinking its a great idea, standing beside me and helping me through the tough times. I wish all moms had the desire to stay home w/ their kids. Its what American (actually all nations) children need in todays world.

I have a horrible time being able to let go and forgive pedofiles. And don't be a fool...they are closer than you think! Its the one area that I can honestly say...Lord help me to forgive those who purposely sexually abuse and assault children b/c I can't. And I'm also glad its up to God and not me. He is a just God and I trust him. Its actually physical abuse too, and murder...its all so heavy and sick. On the news and in the paper u hear and read about it. And I think..."How can they kill their own child or sexually assault their own daughter?" And then I quickly recall that we live in a sick and fallen world and Satan is alive and well. But forgiveness in this area is something I'm still working on.

I love sunshine!!!!

I love sleeping precious babies.

I love adoptions...what an amazing act of love on the biological mother's part...wow!

I love Jesus...I don't claim to know it all, nor understand it all...but its worth every breath I take to live for HIM alone. I love family. I am happy to live so close to mine, even though we don't always get along. Its family and nothing is better.

I truly miss my family that has passed on this past decade...My Uncle Pete, My Aunt Brenda, Grandma Great & Grandma Judy...they were very close family members and their presence is very much missed during family gatherings. What lays heavy on my heart is that they didn't get to meet Zahavah, and some didn't get to meet Eli. My Aunt & Grandma Great loved babies and they would have "ate her up".

Marriage was created to make you HOLY not HAPPY. Its tough sometimes, but its a life worth living. I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams with Brett and my family. We know we are fortunate and talk about it often. We want to share our blessings & our eternal gift with those less fortunate & unaware of God's AMAZING grace.

I think an affair has a horrific ripple effect on family. I do understand that marriages are incredibily difficult and there are times of loneliness etc etc etc., but in the end its a very selfish act and I don't think its one worth pursuing.

I need to run more! My current excuse is (cause the only time I can go is early in the morning before Brett goes to work) its too dark & charleston isn't that safe! Gym? Thats a possiblity but I'm thinking Wii Fit! What do u think?

I'm done rambling, I need more coffee. I hope someone was enlightened.

Random photos from this past week! ENJOY!

This is not from the past week, this is from Brett's college homecoming! Its rare we get a photo of us together!
Me, my two babies & our new dog Twink.

Zahavah and Twink are the best of friends. She sticks her hands in his mouth and he just licks them...all day long...and she laughs everytime. Its really cute.

Brett wanted to snap this shot as he was cutting away his hair. Him and Micayla had a fun time w/ different cuts along the way. I am just glad the chin hair is gone.

Brett and the little ones had fun raking the leaves up & playing in them. I always love to take photos of this. Eli notices me, but not baby Z.

Look at those meanies...covering her up!

She likes it!

Such a BEAUTIFUL fall day. I love their little faces!

One of my favs.

He is CHEESIN!

Eli loves his sissy.

Z likes to eat gourds. Yuck.

Eli learning how to use my rubber brayer. I really enjoy art time w/ him.

I make things too, today I made 50 Christmas cards to sell @ Salisbury's Womens Christmas Tea.

Eli does make bigger messes than I do!!! But I don't mind. He is exploring, learning and having fun!

See!

He doesn't look proud in this photo, but he is!

Last Day woooohoooo!

1. This makes me sick! I bought a baby walker off amazon some months ago and now Zahavah can walk well...we only got a few months out of it and paid like $65 for that thing! Its going to the garage sale pile. :(
2. Spirit of Africa CD.
3. Dead plant...trash.
4. 2 mops...trash.
5. A small cooler...garage sale.

So now that I am finished...I really need to have a garage sale...b/c I don't want to have this stuff sitting in my garage all winter. Its amazing how full my garage sale bins get over the winter months just with clothes and toys my kids outgrow...and as it is right now...they are full already. Come one, come all to my fall sale. I'll let you know when!

short and sweet...

trash trash trash...all collected in big boxes and taken to the curb...my house is getting clutter free! YEAH!

Only three more days of getting rid of stuff!

I really only got rid of two groups of things today....a huge stack of CDs & a good pile of hats and gloves that we don't need! Wednesday is the last day of my ridding! I'm not like Flylady...I'm not doing it everyday...holy cow I can't imagine!
Writing it on my blog has been a good way to hold myself accountable to remember to do it! Not in a good mood, as I just realized I chipped a tooth today...grrr! And my teenager is lying!

And a towel, a walking toy and four CDs! Just keeping running across stuff that I don't need!

Sick of hearing about me decluttering? Well, I am posting it on my blog to hold myself accountable...or else I probably wouldn't do it! Anyhoooo enough about that.

Let me introduce you to the newest member of our family! He moves in on Sunday. He current name is "Twink," although Eli and Micayla like it, we do not! So here are the names in running...let us know which you would pick!

1. King (from the movie CARS)

2. Ink

3. Zeke (pronounced Zeeek)

Thats all we have at the moment. The lady in the photos is who he is living with now, she is his foster mommy.

Four days in one, the weekend is going to b crazy!

Friday & Saturday
1. See Spot Run DVD
2. Throwing away a picture frame w/o the glass.
3. Disneyland Limited edition pin.
4. 54 cross stitch colors
5. 11 different knitting needles
6. A bunch of different knitting books for hats, blankets etc.
7. A cherished Teddies cross stitch book w/ magnetic lap pad.
8. 7 different children's books
9. A sewing magazine.
10. party streamer

Sunday...
I cleaned out my kids art area...oh my! I will never have to buy markers or playdough again! I threw away most stuff...dried paints, broken crayons, papers, some broken coloring pencils etc. etc. The only things I was able to keep and possibly "resale" is a protractor & a pencil sharpner! :) It feels good to declutter!

Monday...
1. Stuffed bear
2. sequence cards
3. 2 votive candle holders
4. A school supply box
5. A small glass plant pot

Can't wait till the month is up!

1. A landscape picture frame
2. a huge sheet of gift tags
3. A children's book about butterflies.
4. 4-1 inch three ring notebooks
5. A ton of baby shower gift bags.
Probably should have kept some of these items b/c they are useful, but they have been in the basement for over a year and no been used, so they are going!

Why does it feel like I still have too much?

1. Baby blanket
2. lip liner
3. Tongue cleaner stick thingy
4. A children's book...its a halloween one!
5. Child's hat
6. Sheet

I still have too much stuff!

1. Collectors item...I don't need!
2. Hand lotion
3. Collectors item
4. Collectors item
5. 6 gift bags

Sundays and Mondays

Technically...I got rid of enough kitchen cups and odds and ends to count for both days, but I think that would be cheating! So I'll just say thats Sundays....OCD I know!

Monday...
1. Some old material but still useful!
2. A tape measure, brand new!
3. A candle.
4. Another candle.
5. A baby light...very cute!

Friday & Saturdays rids

1. Threw away an old pink towel.
2. A pair of size 3 little girl black dress shoes to the garage sale pile.
3. A big pink blanket...good enough for camping, but we never use it!
4. A guatemalan baby wrap
5. A baby Coleman sleeping bag

Saturdays...
Actually I gathered enough scrapbooking things (way more than five) that I never will use and put them in the garage sale to cover this day alone!
But I also pulled a brand new boy baby book!

Had to hit the kids room today!

1. A stuffed Lighting McQueen...we have two!
2. A pull down vibrating toy that u clip to a car seat
3. A knit blankie
4. A flanel blanket
5. A teething toy
6. (just incase i can't find five tomorrow!) A stuffed toy bear
WoooHooo!

~Five~

1. Black crate shelf
2. A little pink Teen book (very good)
3. A toy
(A shirt, but I don't really count clothes b/c I'm constantly bringing in and getting rid of them)
4. A pillowcase
5. A little red pull string bag...cute but useless for me!
We may be going to Grissoms Orchard today if the rain stays away!

1. "its a boy" banner
2. Paper tray
3. 5 hot pads
4. 2 rolls of streamer
5. 2 cooling racks

I think my garage sale is going to be HUGE!

Monday rids & our golf outing w/ Salisbury Church!

If you golfed from sitting in this chair...you won a lazy boy recliner...we didn't win. :(

I'm not a golfer...can u tell?

Jesse actually broke this club (not his or anyone else's in our group) on a practice swing...I told u Brett was the only professional in our group!

Nice practice swing!

My man!

Aaron was wanting to get in a pic...see his get-up!!! He would have won "out-fit of the day award" had there been one!

Shot of the broken club...for insurance...lol.

Wow...look at that dirt fly!

I think its in my best interest not to pick up my children's toys anymore...its so exhausting and never ending! (even when they help put them away)

1. A set of awesome partylite spiral hanging tea lite candle holders. I do like them a lot, but I don't have anywhere cool to hang them. Asking $7 for both. And I don't have the original boxes.

2. Tossing a pair of undies...too big! WooHooo bye bye baby fat.

3. A pink dressy scarf

4. Brainy Baby DVD ABCs

5. A butterfly pendant.

We had a great time at the Golf Outing yesterday. It drizzled rain for a short period, but it didn't slow us down. Out of our group of four only Brett really knew how to play golf. It was the professional in our group...and he really is GREAT at golf. Enjoy the photos!

Sat and Sun rids!

I had to dig a little to get these...if I would just go to the basement I could find a ton in minutes, but for the weekend this will work.
1. A really nice wallet w/ a calculator in it for the checkbook, I got another a garage sale this weekend, so this one can easily go to my garage sale pile.
2. A glass pie pan...some women need more than one pie pan...I'm not one of them.
3. A scarf. Mom if u want it, u can have it. I made it for my Aunt Brenda...Mom gave it to me when my Aunt passed, but I don't need it...someone out there does! A friend once said...if you have more than one of just about anything...you have stolen from the poor! Something to think about!
4. A big ball of yellow yarn.
5. A tube of Mary Kay lipstick...Dusty rose for those interested...I only used it once.
6. A hair pick
7. Another hair pick
8. A hair brush
9. I tossed out an old box of baby cereal.
10. I'm throwing away my yucky flipflops. :( I liked them a lot.

Sick of hearing what I'm getting rid of?

Noahie learning to play badminton!

Zahavah wanted to join the ladies in a chat...she is giving Marie an ear full!

Nancy w/ her son.

L to R: Joshua Jr, Eli, Caydance & Emily...the had a wonderful weekend.

Two great friends!

Waking up from a night in the tent...priceless!

Golf-A...a mix between croquet and golf. I think Brett won!

Ahhhh...Great Aunt Jane and Zahavah!

L to R: Eli, John (holding a frog), Jeremiah, Noah and Trystan...they had a great weekend too!