Bachelor Birthday Party

Do you remember yesterday when I said I was super excited for the girls to come over for our Bible Study/Bachelor night? I couldn't give you all the details because it was a surprise! Maria's birthday is on Saturday so we thought we would surprise her with a little party! Little did she know what she was walking into after Zumba! (She should know by now that we like to celebrate and any excuse to get dressed up, in any outfit, is a good one!)

She came to my front door and saw me, Ricki, and Carrie in rose ceremony worthy attire holding a rose for her!
We had decorated with roses and petals, and red and black. We had a cake, ice cream and presents. If we really wanted to do it right we would have only had wine. Those girls on the Bachelor don't eat...just drink! We do eat though! It was so fun! (and funny!) Ricki, Carrie and I had some fun taking pictures before she got there!


Have I told you all how much I love these girls and how much fun we have! We laugh so hard when we are together. I mean, like laugh so hard that you can't breathe and no noise comes out of you body.

We are a bit ridiculous and immature at times, but hey...we have fun! Who else would do this?


I am so glad that we got to celebrate Maria! Happy Birthday Girl!

WeekEND News

We had a such a fun weekend. I hope you did too!

Friday night there was a HUGE high school wrestling meet. It was #1, our high school rival and oddly enough the high school I graduated from, and #2 the high school where we live. The coaches had the youth wrestlers come and make a tunnel for the wrestlers to run out through. It was so cute! Broderick felt like big stuff!

The matches were super exciting! It was time for the last match. The score was 35-29, we were winning. Rob told me that if our team got pinned it would be tied up. (You get 6 points if you get a pin.) Both of those wrestlers had a lot of pressure on them! It was so intense. I am not a sports watcher, but I was on my feet, yelling for that kid not to get pinned!

We Won!!!

It was so fun and exciting!

Saturday we did something we haven't done in over a year. The kids have been asking for that long to go too! We took a trip down to the aquarium. Broderick loves the aquarium. In fact, he loves anything do with animals. I really think he will grow up to work with them in some way. Maybe he will be the next Croc Hunter!

After the aquarium we ate at this really cool grilled cheese place. They had all different kinds. Rob and Broderick got BBQ Bacon grilled cheese, I got BLT grilled cheese and Carys got plain old grilled cheese. I can't wait to go back and try something else! They even have grilled cheese donuts. Doesn't exactly sound good to me, but who knows!

Saturday night Broderick spent the night with his cousin. This is also one of his favorite things to do! He had a ton of fun! Rob and I took Carys out for a little "date". She enjoyed having time by herself.

Sunday was a lazy day! We had a fire all day and just hung out! We went to my mom's for dinner. She made grape leaves. Have you ever had these, or heard of them? If not, they are kind of like cabbage rolls. They are sooooo good!

And tonight...I am super excited! It is Bachelor night! Me and 3 of my friends do a Bible study on Monday nights and then watch the Bachelor. (Don't ask!) It is always fun to get together with these ladies and I am really looking forward to it tonight!

Thankful Thursday

It is Thursday and you know what that means...you better be feeling thankful! Just kidding! I mean, I hope you are. But if you are not, I may have a good idea for you.

Start reading the book One Thousand Gifts! It is an amazing book. I am not done with it, but I can tell you it has already begin to change my attitude and the way I look at things. Ann Voskamp is a great, poetic writer that quickly draws you in.

I don't want to give to much away, but I will tell you that the basis of this book is about keeping a journal of things you are thankful for. Simply, everyday things. Looking for things in your everyday life, that you don't normally even notice and writing them down. I have been amazed at the things God has showed me to truly be thankful for! So...what are you waiting for? Go...get the book!

My hope is in the Lord

Have you heard the world is going to end this year?

I am sure you have.

Last night at while I had Carys at ballet these 2 families got into a discussion about the world ending. I was not in this conversation and they were far enough away from me that I couldn't join in, but I could hear it. They were talking about preparing, and what do they prepare for if the world is ending. They were talking about the poles shifting and the ocean waters rising and what day this was all going to happen.

I was sitting there listening. Thinking. Praying.

The world is going to end. I believe that. I don't know if it will be this year or 1,000 years from now. I do know the Bible says, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only." (Matthew 24:35-36)

I don't know if the poles will shift or if the ocean will rise. But I do know the Bible says, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory." Matthew 24:29-30

I don't know who will die and what will happen to the people left here but I do know the Bible says, "Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Matthew 24:40-44)

I am a worrier so it can be very easy for me to go down the path of thinking, "What if the world ends on 12-12-12?" When I start thinking this way I have to go back to the truth. Back to the Bible. I have to remind myself that God's promises are not empty and he is taking me home with him. I was not made for this world. My home is in heaven. He is preparing a place for me. I don't know when I will see it but I know one day I will! I don't know about you, but I choose to put my hope in the Lord and His promises!

WeekEND News

It is Tuesday and I am SO happy! Rob has been out of town since Saturday morning and the kids didn't have school yesterday, so you know what that means...long weekend for mama!

We really did have a great weekend. The trouble is...I don't sleep well when my man isn't home. So I just get super tired. So here is a recap of what we did this weekend without the hubs...

Saturday:
Chuck E. Cheese (10:00 am is the only time I will go with both kids by myself.)
My nephews basketball game. (He is so good! He said to me after, "I didn't have a very good game." I thought he did. He was so cute. He would see us cheering for him and I could tell he was trying not to smile. It was so cute!
Ikea (You would like to watch my kids for an hour while I shop by myself? Why, sure! I would love that!)
Bob Evans for lunch at 2:00...yup, 2:00. (That's the way we do it when it is just the three of us! To be honest we normally don't really have meals, we just snack!)
Hung out with a few of my favorite ladies and our kiddos.

Sunday:
Church
Wrestling (Can I just tell you my son is one tough cookie. He won one of the three matches. He never got pinned, just lost by points. He is so tough!)
When we got home I made a fire and we all slept in the living room and watched a movie. It was so much fun.

Monday:
We went and hung out with my dear friend, Emily. She recently moved so I wanted to see her new house. Our kids don't get to play together much because of school, so with the holiday it was perfect!
The kids had ballet and wrestling last night. My mom helped me out and picked Broderick up. When they got home Broderick was taking a shower and the power went out! Random. I swear we live on the worst grid in the state! When I got home I knew there was no chance I was sleeping here, by myself, with no power. So I went to my moms to spend the night. The bad thing was, my 3 girlfriends were coming over to watch the Bachelor. (Guilty pleasure!) So I had to call them and cancel. The good thing...I got to watch it with my mom and step dad! I think they might be hooked! It was hilarious! My step dad was saying, "She is crazy!" "She can go, but she needs to stay!" "Who is that chick!" Hi.lar.i.ous!

Now I am back home and I have power! Yay! And my hubby is on a plane home! Yay!

Have a great week everyone!

Thankful Thursday

Have you ever thought about how much doctors know?

Yesterday Carys woke up from a nap with red splotchy cheeks. Of course, I kind of went into panic mode. (That's what I do.) I kind of just watched her for a little bit to see if it went away. After about 30 minutes it didn't. Thankfully my neighbor is a dermatologist, which to me that means she knows everything about skin issues. I took Carys over to her to see what she thought. (I can not tell you how many times myself and the kids have gone over to her house with a skin issue. She is always so kind about it too!) Her first response was Fifths disease. The only thing we were scratching our heads about was she had not shown any of the other symptoms, flu like symptoms, and her cheeks were not super red. I came home and tried not to worry about it. (Yeah right!!!)

After her bath the rash had spread to her legs. Now I was really in panic mode. I got her dressed and took her to urgent care. Can I just say, the one by our house is fabulous. I was in and out of there in less than an hour and the doctor was wonderful. She confirmed that is was Fifths disease.

I left thinking, "I am so glad that I have doctors I can go to." I couldn't imagine not having the access to doctors and medical I do. Not to mention health insurance!

Today I am thankful for doctors!

The grocery is now my friend

Less than a mile from my house we just got a brand new grocery store. It is the same store I have shopped at pretty much my entire life, but they rebuilt an enormous one. (Right next to the old one.)

It is huge.

It is beautiful.

It has some amazing food.

It has Starbucks right when you walk in...with the nicest workers.

It is actually not to confusing.

Up until about a month ago the grocery has been my nemesis.
I love being a stay at home mom. I don't mind cleaning, doing laundry, cooking.
But...I HATE the grocery.

Everything that goes with it:
meal planning
clipping coupons
the actually shopping

I have often said I would love to pay someone to do my shopping for me. I hate it so much, that I would reward myself at the end with a candy bar. (What is wrong with me? I am addicted to food, thats what. That is a post for another day.)

This new grocery store has changed my perspective. When they were first getting ready to open I was kind of dreading it. I kept thinking...

it is going to take me longer
I am going to spend more money
This is going to be awful.

I am happy to report, the opposite is true. It only takes me about 30-45 minutes. I have actually spent less money (I am still scratching my head at this one.) And I kind of look forward to going. Carys even likes going with me. They have these little kid carts that she loves pushing. She brings her baby and purse and puts the things she likes in her cart. (I am still trying to figure out how to get her to pay for those things too!!!!)

If you are the one in your family that does the grocery shopping, I encourage to enjoy it. It has to get done, right? So you might as well make the most of it. If you are local, join me at our new store. You will love it!

WeekEND News

I think we all, well at least, I was recovery from our first week back to school after break. Did I mention I really enjoyed every one's time off at home? If not, I did! Broderick was home last Tuesday because he was sick, so at least I got one extra day with him.

Friday night my mom kept all 4 of the grand kids at her house for a sleep over. Which naturally means date night for me and the hubs. It was so nice to have a night out. Thanks Mom!

Saturday I was really tired. Like more tired than normal. It was strange. My leg was really hurting too! I exercised 5 days last week, which is great, but I messed my leg up. So, I was tired and basically couldn't walk. I pretty much laid on the couch all day. It was exciting! We had movie night Saturday instead of Sunday and that was just fine with me.

Sunday we had a meeting with other house church leaders. It was really encouraging. After that we headed out to the boonies for a wrestling meet. Broderick is doing really well and he is enjoying himself. I tell you what...some parents amaze me though. I am not judging them, I am just not that into sports so if Broderick loses I really could care less. To some people this is serious business.

Sunday night I went out with some ladies from my house church. We had a great time. These women are so encouraging to me. After being in a hot gym smelling sweating boys all day it was just what I needed. I did not need the huge cinnamon roll dessert I ordered!

It's Monday now. Back to the week. House is clean, laundry is getting done, "to-do" lists are being made, and homework is getting done.

It will be a great week!!!

Something Must Change

Yesterday on my facebook page I shared this video. If you didn't watch it, go do that before you keep reading this post... WAIT! First, grab some tissues and be prepared to have your life shaken to the core. You will not be able to watch it and walk away from your computer unchanged.

Did you watch it? Okay...moving along.

As I watched the video my children were sitting at the table eating dinner. I didn't really think about what we were all about to see and that my kids were even paying attention. I stayed staring at the computer trying to fight back tears when one of my kids said, "mom, why can't they walk?" I couldn't fight the tears anymore. They over flowed and I began to explain to the kids why. Now I don't want you to think my kids are not familiar with poverty...who am I kidding...they really aren't. Especially to the extreme the children in the video were experiencing it. I want Broderick and Carys to understand how privileged they are, how much God has given us. I also want them to understand that we can help these people.

Over Christmas break we began sponsoring 2 children that live in Kenya. Broderick picked a little boy around his age, born in the same month named Micheal. Carys picked a little girl named Rita who is also around her age and born in the same month. They understand they we send money each month to these kids to provide food, medical needs and education. But they it is still hard to explain how Micheal and Rita live each day.

(Back to the video) Through the rest of dinner our house was very quit. What had been a very loud dinner full of laughter had turned into a very somber meal. After Carys finished her dinner she kind of disappeared. After about 10 minutes she came out of her room. I could tell she had been crying. I said, "Carys, what is wrong?" Before she could get any words out she started crying. Sobbing. She then tried to say, "It just makes me sad." My heart broke even more. Broderick then said, "I think we need to send Micheal and Rita more money." Which I did not protest. Then he said something that really moved me, "Mom, I have a lot of money in my bank account (My mom and step dad started an account for both kids when they were born and each Christmas and birthday they add money.) I think I should give them that money too!" Even typing this brings tears to my eyes. Broderick and Carys saw the urgency of helping these kids.

I must tell you, as I watched the video and saw the people standing around, I kept thinking...Do something! Help that little girl bathe them. Pick them up and hold them! Something. It doesn't matter what. Don't just stand there.

Then it struck me...
Isn't that what I do every.single.day? Sit and watch the hurting broken people around me. Can't I help them? Yes. Yes I can. And I will. I refuse to be a person that ignores the pain and suffering in this world. Like I said a few days ago, does that mean I am hopping on the next plain to Africa, no. It does mean I will do something.

Now, go watch this video. It is the next part of what happened to Esther, Sam and Jane. It will give you hope. It shows what can happen if we help.

Again I want to remind you that if you would like to help my friend Diana and her family please visit her blog to get more information on what you can do.

Thankful Thursday

Some mornings in our house can be rough. (School mornings, that is.) Especially after a 2 week long break. And I am not just referring to the kids.

I normally like to go to bed around 10:00...if I haven't already fallen asleep on the couch. Over break I got in the habit of staying up late. Only because I was sleeping in until about 9:00. (Which I never do!) Since school has started back up I have had a hard time falling asleep. Which means, I have an even harder time getting up at 6:15. All week I have had to wake the kids up, which normally does not happen. They both keep saying to me, "Can you give me a few more minutes?" Which I do. Then the rest of the morning is rushed, and we are all tired, so meltdowns are happening. It's a good time.

For 3 years, I have been trying to figure out how to make this part of our day better. Even to the point I have thought, "If I home schooled I would not have to worry about this." Then I snap back to reality and realize I would have a whole lot more to worry about. So that is not an option at this point in my life. I have "responsibility charts", we pick out clothes, breakfast, lunch/snacks the night before and still...mornings can be very frustrating. I am still praying and talking to Rob and the kids to try and figure out what will work best for us. (I am going to be thankful by the end of this post...wait and see.)

So as my alarm went off this morning and I laid there thinking, "I just want to stay in this warm bed," I prayed. Then I kept thinking, "I just want to stay in this warm bed!" It is so comfy and cozy. And then I started thinking, "Some people don't even have beds!" There are people that live in my town that have homes, but no beds. They sleep on the floor. Think about putting your kids to bed at night on the floor, and not because they want to or they are having a sleep over, but because they have to! It breaks my heart. A few years ago my sisters family, mom and step dad and our family didn't give Christmas gifts to each other. Instead we bought a family new beds. It is one of my favorite gifts I have ever received!

Today I am thankful for my bed!

It's Time for Africa

Are you wondering if I am going?

I do have a deep desire to go to Africa. And one day I will...

Someday...someday.

But for now I want to share with you about a dear, dear family that is going.

Diana, she blogs at Daily Walking by Faith, her husband Brett and their 3 children (Liz-who is our favorite babysitter, Ethan, and Emma) will be making a trip to Kenya in July. I can't tell you a lot about how God got them to this place (I would encourage you to go to her blog to read a little of their story) but I can tell you they are an amazing family and God is doing some awesome work through their entire family.

I got to know Diana through our church about 4 years ago when her and I were on staff together. She is one of those people that when she is doing something, she does it! She puts all her efforts into it. I absolutely love that about her. I saw that when we worked together and I see it now. Her family is the kind of family you look at and think, "I want to surround myself with people like that." They are just neat people.

As you can imagine, taking a family of 5 to Africa is not a small task. (Not to mention planning the trip.) If you go to here you can check out ways you can pray for them and support them.

Back to reality

I am sure most of you are saying this today (or yesterday. or tomorrow.)

Everyone in my house headed back to work and school. Well, almost everyone. Broderick has been sick since Saturday so he stayed home.

I had this post already written in my head for today. It went something like this:

The house is quit.
I am sitting drinking my new favorite hot drink. Tazo Vanilla Rooibos tea. (I don't really drink coffee anymore. This is my go to drink...thanks to the Starbucks worker!)
I have mixed emotions about everyone being back at work and school. I am ready to return to normal routine, but I have loved every minute of break. Sleeping in...which I did! Lazy days. Fires. Cookies. Late movie nights. Day trips. It was fabulous!

Now back to everyday routine and many things to do today.

Time in the word.
Call the doctor.
Clean the bathrooms.
Laundry.
Read.
Make cards.
Sew.

I never got to that post because I have an 8 year old home with a fever.

I did enjoy my tea and time in the word first thing this morning. I hope to do that every morning!

And instead of making cards and reading, I am listening to the sweetest little laughs coming from the playroom. (Real sick...I know!!!) All those things on the list...they will be there tomorrow (along with a few others) and I am just fine with that! Right now, I am enjoying today!