Thou Shalt Not Covet

A few days ago Prince, Princess and I were in the grocery store.  We were walking along and Prince begins telling me about a spy kit he wants for Christmas.  I was in the zone, trying to think of what else I needed to get as he is talking about this really cool toy he wants.  I will admit that I was half listening when Princess mentioned that she wanted one too and did I think she could get one for Christmas too.  Below is the conversation as it took place.  I can't make this stuff up ~
Princess: Mommy, do you think I could get that too? 
Me:  I don't know if we need two of them in our house.  Don't you think one is plenty and you can share?
Princess: Listen Mommy, I need to tell you something.  Do you know what coveting is?
Me: Yes, I know what coveting is.  Do you know what it is?
Princess:  Coveting is wanting what your neighbor has and we've been learning about it in school and it's a sin.
Me:  That's right.
Princess: So if Prince gets the spy thing and I don't get one I might covet what he has and that would be bad but if you will go ahead and just buy me one then I won't want it cause I'll already have it.  See?  Then I won't have to covet.

I think I'm in trouble.  We send her to a Christian school to learn the Bible and she's definitely doing that, but this child is smarter and has more angles than I could ever think of. 

This Is The Stuff

A horrible, nasty stomach bug came to visit our house just in time for the weekend.  Late in the night Friday night, Prince got sick in bed.  Hubby slept through most of it, although he did wake up just in time for me to finish getting everything cleaned up.  (How convenient for him ~ he honestly did sleep through it though)  Poor Prince, I can't tell you when the last time he had a stomach bug was, but I'm pretty sure it's been a couple of years.  He just doesn't get that kind of sick very often.  Prince and I were up most of the night together.  I think the only hour on the clock I didn't see was 4 and believe me, I thanked God for that small blessing of getting at least an hour and a half of straight sleep.  Saturday night was uneventful and we thought we were out of the woods until Sunday morning early when Prince was again sick.  Princess got it Sunday night and Hubby got it Monday morning.  I've had a grand time spraying Lysol on everything, keeping up with dirty laundry and dishes, and doing it all myself.  Let's just say that this Mama is tired. 

This morning I may or may not have snapped back at Hubby when he grumped at me.  I also may or may not have started feeling a bit resentful that I've been single-handedly taking care of all of this sickness while everyone else was getting the rest they needed and being waited on hand and foot.  I may have gotten a bit agitated when Princess said she couldn't find socks this morning that were right in her drawer, matched up and ready to go.  Yes, it was one of those mornings.  Yet as I was rushing to get myself ready after making sure everyone had what they needed, the Holy Spirit spoke to me.  I'm not sure where it came from, except for His prompting, but I started to sing "Change my heart oh God, make it ever true.  Change my heart oh God, may I be like you."  As I sang, I started to calm down a little, but felt this small voice inside of me saying, "You aren't really feeling it, keep singing."  So I did, again and again.  I sang it as I drove the kids to school and on my way to work.  

I began to think about how this is the life I always wanted ~ the life I chose.  I always wanted to be a wife and a mommy and to take care of my family.  In sickness and in health isn't always easy.  In fact, I think that one is harder than for richer or poorer.  The point is, when you think and dream about having a family of your own, it seems wonderful and magical and everything will be like the Cleavers.  But life is messy and reality sets in and I realize that this is exactly what I signed up for.  I also realize that the change must come from my own heart.  I am grateful that my Hubby is involved and helps me with the kids when he gets home from work.  On these difficult days, it seems even more difficult because I am used to having help.  I am thankful for the help he does offer because doing this alone day in and day out would get really old.  I am thankful that Hubby comes home to me at night and that he likes being with us, thankful that I can create a home environment where he's comfortable.  I am thankful for those snuggles on the couch when the Prince and Princess are feeling bad, thankful that I am the one they want and that I can be their mommy.  That is what makes it worth it all.   

You've probably figured out by now that God uses music to speak to me ~ a lot.  When I hear a song I remember it and can usually retrieve its message in my brain for years to come.  Here's a good one that also came to mind this morning.

Where We've Been and What We've Been Doing

I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post!  It's been a busy time and while I have thought a lot about blogging and posts I would like to write, I have been thinking a lot about these two little people:

More specifically, I've been thinking about how these little people are growing up really fast and I want to enjoy each moment I have nurturing them, getting to know what is inside their little heads and hearts, snuggling up on the couch with a book with them...these are the things I remember about my own childhood.  I remember that my parents took time with me.  A few of the things we have been doing ~

~Reading.  Lots and lots of reading.  Now that they have learned to read, they want to read everything they can get their hands on.  Because I love books so much, I am thrilled to snuggle up with a book and take turns reading with them. 

~Learning to ride without training wheels.  This time last year I took the training wheels off of their bikes.  I thought this would provide motivation for them to learn to ride without them.  They begged me to put the training wheels back on and I wouldn't do it.  I told them they were big enough to learn to ride without them.  They staged a revolt and refused to pick up their bicycles, instead opting for their scooters or some other outside activity.  Finally they decided they wanted to learn to ride their bicycles.  They have skinned up knees and elbows and Princess has bruises all over her legs from falling, but they can ride!  It was a glorious week last week when they both found their confidence.  It also took a bit of motivation from Grandma and Grandaddy.  Somehow if Grandma and Grandaddy tell them they can do it, it's more believable.  Whatever it takes...I'm glad of two things: 1.  They can now ride their bikes and  2. That they have such a great relationship with their grandparents.

Here is a sweet picture of Prince trying to help Princess ride her bike.  He was running behind her, holding onto the seat, trying to help her stay on her bike.  They are so sweet with each other, helping one another in whatever they need. 
~ We went to the zoo.  I got a great deal on annual zoo passes on Groupon.  This was a great way to spend some family time together.

Princess is such an animal lover!  She thought this was really cool.

I was surprised at how much Prince enjoyed this, but he did. 

~ Last weekend we took the kids camping for the first time.  We were invited by some friends to go tent camping, which Hubby and I haven't done since before the kids were born. Hubby and I were a little unsure of how this would go because it has been so long since we've camped, but our wonderful friends took the lead and brought things we had forgotten to bring and we really enjoyed it.  One of the things we did on our camping trip was to go canoeing.  Hubby nor I had been in a canoe in over 15 years.  It was an adventure to say the least and we made an important discovery about our marriage in the process.  When our friend suggested getting canoes, Hubby was very unsure.  He didn't think this was going to be a good thing with trying to manage the kids and all.  I was very excited and told him how great it would be and the kids would love it and yes we should definitely do this.  So Hubby decided that it was OK and he paid for the canoe rental.  As we are getting into the canoes, I am in the front, Prince behind me, then Princess and Hubby in the back.  Suddenly, I'm not so sure that we made a wise choice.  As the canoe is rocking back and forth because Prince won't sit still, I am thinking more and more I that used bad judgement and this wasn't going to be a good experience.  Hubby, on the other hand had been convinced (by me no less!) that this was a great idea and we would have a fun time.  It was his turn to talk me into it now.  I'm great with the anticipation of new experiences and have to talk him into things and then when the rubber meets the road we switch and he has to talk me up.  It all ended fine and we had a good time overall, but allow me to share with you some of the conversations in the canoe.

Me: Prince, be still!  You are rocking the boat and I don't want to tip over.

Prince: But Mom, I just want to see in the water. 

Me: Be still!

Princess (wailing): I'm afraid an alligator is going to get me.  Let's go back! I'm not having fun!

Hubby: Honey, you've got to put the paddle deeper into the water than that.  No, on the other side of the boat.

Me: Prince, if you tip this boat over, so help me...

Prince: But I'm trying to be still!  I can't help it!

Princess: Where are the alligators?  They're going to eat us!  Can we go back now?

Hubby: Honey, don't hit the side of the boat with the paddle.  No, paddle on the other side, we're going to go into the weeds if you keep on.

Prince: What happens if all God's children fall out of the boat and sink?  Will they die?  Will we die?  Hey, why did God make our bodies where we'll die?  How come we don't live forever?  When we die and go to heaven, then what?  If everyone on earth dies will God make a new planet with people on it?  How come our souls last forever but our bodies don't?

Me: Prince, just look at the pretty water and plants that God made for us.  Let's enjoy what God gave us now and talk about the other later. 

Princess: So, how about we go back now?  Don't you think that's a good idea?  Do you see any alligators?

Hubby: No, paddle closer to the boat than that.

Me: But you told me not to hit the side of the boat.

Hubby: Yeah, but now you aren't paddling close enough.  Watch me (as if I can turn myself around in the canoe to see how he's paddling.  I'm too scared we'll tip over!)

In spite of it all, we did finally all relax and we were able to enjoy working together as a team and seeing the beautiful springs and the animals.  Thankfully we didn't see any alligators or Princess would have come unglued, but we did see two otters fighting over a branch, turtles, fish, and lots of pretty birds. 

This picture was taken after we got back.

So there you have it.  That's where we've been and what we've been doing.  God has been working on my heart about a few things and I'll share those in later posts.  Be blessed!

A Birthday Poem

Seven years ago today

You surprised your daddy and me.

When you came into our lives

Seven weeks early.

What God had planned,

We never could have guessed

That we'd have twin babies,

We are doubly blessed.

You made your appearance

So tiny and small

Who would have thought

You would grow to be so tall?

A precious princess girl

And a handsome, strong boy

God's miracle babies,

You bring us such joy!

The strong bond you both share

We just don't understand

Your secret little language

How you take each other's hand

You comfort one another

In ways that we cannot

A look, a word, just holding hands

It's special what you've got.

At night when you are sleeping

We love to peek at you

To try to guess what you are dreaming

And to steal a kiss or two.

We want you to know

You're so special to us

We are proud to be your parents

Even when we fuss.

We pray that as you grow up

You will grow in wisdom too,

With hearts full of love for Jesus

And know how much He loves you!

Happy Birthday to Princess and Prince!

Love you Forever,

Mommy



Battling The Waves

We went to the beach this afternoon and spent several hours relaxing, watching the children play and playing with them in the water.  It was a beautiful day and we so enjoyed our time together.

We don't allow the kids to go out in the water past their ankles without one of us with them, for fear they will get caught in the rip current.  So after they played patiently in ankle deep water for a while, Hubby and I joined them in the water and took them out further to jump over the waves.  We had such a good time, trying not to let the power of the waves knock us under.

Princess, bless her heart, kept getting swept under, but she would come up smiling every time saying, "This is great!"  However, after a while, I noticed that whenever a wave came, she would hold onto my waist and use my strength and stability to help keep her from going under.  As I watched, I began to think about our relationship with God and the parallel between what Princess was doing and what we should do.  I have faced many situations where I have been knocked off of my feet, thrown for a loop, and pulled under the water.  As I struggle to find my way back to my feet I finally get my footing, before another wave comes and knocks me down again.  There will always be struggles, they will keep coming, just as the waves never stop.  Some are bigger than others, some more powerful and life changing than others, but I can be certain that they will always come.  I can try to bolster up and handle these on my own, or I can cling to God, who gives me strength and reinforcement when I need it.  If I cling to Him, my chances of going under are much less.  God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble ~ Psalm 46:1. 

I'm so glad Princess was hanging on to me this afternoon, using my strength so that she didn't have to continually be knocked down.  I'll bet my Heavenly Father is glad when I hang on to Him and gain my strength from Him.  I seem to make things much harder than they have to be when I try to go it alone.  It's so tiring when you try to fight those battles by yourself over and over again.  He's standing there, just waiting for me to reach out and grab hold, it's mine if I'll only hang on. 

What a sweet reminder from a sweet blessing from God!

6 Years Old Going on 16

This week will be the culmination of the school year for me.  And boy is it ever going to be a week!!  I have kindergarten graduation for Prince and Princess on Thursday night and then preschool graduation on Friday night.  I can't believe my Prince and Princess are finishing kindergarten.  The time is going too fast.  I want a pause button!  or at least a feature where I can put it in slow motion.  As I've been wondering where the time has gone, God has given me a verse:
 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Ecclesiastes 3:1. 

This is the season of my little kids growing into bigger kids.  In church yesterday, Prince wanted to snuggle in my lap.  I love those snuggles, yes I do.  I have noticed though how big he is getting.  It's quite hard in the pew to snuggle him on my lap because there just isn't enough space.  Sigh...

Princess is 6 going on 16.  She got a new diary last week with a lock on it.  She thinks she is big stuff with that diary.  She wanted to know where she could hide it so her brother wouldn't read all of her little secrets she writes in there.  So I showed her my old secret hiding place, between the mattress and boxsprings of her bed. NOTE: If you are related to me and are reading this, I no longer keep a secret diary so don't bother going to look under my mattress.  You won't find anything there.  I don't have that kind of free time anymore.
OK, back to my story.  So Princess took her diary over to Grandma's house on Saturday afternoon and was writing in it.  She asked Grandma for her phone number and Grandma told her and she wrote it in her cute little diary.  Then she asked Grandma for her aunt's phone number.  Grandma told her and she wrote that one underneath along with her aunt's name that Grandma spelled out for her.  Does anyone else see that this is a disaster waiting to happen?!  Grandma and Princess are tight and Grandma does not believe that her little Princess ever does wrong.  I usually end up getting some portion of the blame for why Princess may have done something she shouldn't have.  ANYWAY, yesterday morning I received a phone call at 7:20 and I could tell from caller ID that it was my sister.  Her boys are up early but she doesn't usually call this early so I was a bit surprised and concerned that something might be wrong. 
Me: Hello?
Sis: You rang?
Me: No, you called me.  Is something wrong?
Sis: No, you called me. 
Me: No I didn't. 
Sis: Well someone from your house called me.
Me: I think I might know what happened.  I'll take care of this.  Sorry about that.

So I go looking for Princess.  I found her down the hall looking all innocent. 
Me: Princess, did you call your aunt?
Princess: Am I in trouble?
Me: Did you call your aunt's house?
Princess is trying to decide how much to tell me at this point.  She is acting like the details are a bit sketchy.  She finally said: Yes?  Am I in trouble?
Me: You woke her up!  Why would you call her at 7:00 in the morning?!  You are supposed to ask permission before using the phone anyway.
Princess: Well I didn't actually know I had to ask permission to call her and I figured my cousins get up early anyway so I didn't know I would be waking her up.  I thought she was up. 

About this time Hubby got up and I told him what had happened.  He asked, "Princess, why were you trying to call your aunt this morning?  What did you need?"
Princess: I needed to see if she would do my nails. 
I thought I was going to bust a gut!  I'm trying not to laugh, but not doing well with this.  Hubby's response was even better.  With a half smirk he says, "Next time you need to call her during regular business hours."

Happy Monday All!

Palm Sunday Ponderings

Last weekend we celebrated my father-in-law's 60th birthday.  On our trip, we went to church to their church to see an Easter production called "The Promise."  They have been doing this production for many years, but this was the first time I had been up there to see it.  On the way to church, Hubby and I were talking to the children about how they were going to behave in church and what to expect.  I explained that there would not be children's church that day because of the play.  Prince was not happy and with his grumbling said, "Well I hope the play is about Peter Cottontail meets Jesus."  I assured him it was not, but that was a creative thought.
As we watched the production, the time came when Jesus was carrying the cross down the aisle.  He was bloody from being whipped and you could see how heavy that cross was.  It was quite an emotional moment for me.  The tears started and I tried to hide it, but both kids saw I was upset.  Prince, who was on my lap whispered, "Mommy, why are you so stressed out?  You know Jesus had to die.  He had to pay the price.  He wanted to Mommy."  So wise at such a young age.  I replied, "Yes, Prince, he did pay the price for our sins.  He died because he loves us so much and he paid the price so that we can live with him in heaven one day."  Princess, sitting beside me said, "Mommy, you know that's not real blood on him.  That's just some kind of jelly or something they made to look like blood.  He's not really hanging on that cross, they just made it look like he is."  She was trying to make me feel better and I love her kind heart that doesn't want people to be upset.  When it was over and we were in the car I addressed this with both of the kids.  I explained that Princess was right, that the man playing Jesus was not really bleeding and that he wasn't really nailed to that cross in the sanctuary, but they made it look like that because all of this really did happen.  It happened like that and was probably much worse looking than even portrayed.  Sometimes it's good for us to get upset.  I think we all need to realize the gravity of what Jesus did.  We need to spend more time reflecting on Good Friday so that we can truly appreciate the relevance of Easter Sunday.  That's where my heart has been this week as I contemplate the true sacrifice that was made.

Happy 30th Anniversary STS-1

Today was an amazing day!  Thirty years ago today, Columbia launched into space for the first time, carrying astronauts John Young and Bob Crippen.  The space shuttle program has been such a part of my life that I hardly remember my life before STS-1.  At a press conference this afternoon, NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden announced that Space Shuttle Atlantis will remain at Kennedy Space Center after it's final flight later this year.  This was an amazing announcement because while it seems common sense that one of the orbitors would be housed at KSC, there was no guarantee.  There were many museums that were vying for a shuttle.  The others will go to Los Angeles, New York, and DC.  Houston, we have a problem....in that Houston did not get one of the shuttles and they really should have. 

Anyway, this afternoon/evening there was a 30th Anniversary celebration for employees and their families and we were fortunate enough to attend.  This is Charlie Bolden giving his speech.  Also on the platform are Bob Cabana, Director of KSC (left) and Rita Willcoxen, Director of Launch Vehicle Processing.

This is astronaut Chris Ferguson, who we have met before and Prince really enjoyed him.  Ferguson will be Commander of the last launch, STS-135. 

Look who came for the ocassion!! Yep, it's the Cake Boss and he made that amazing shuttle with boosters and tank in the background.  He said the shuttle itself is made of rice crispy treats.  The rest is cake. 

Here's another picture of the cake.

And, here's me with the cake.

They put flares on the bottom of the solid rocket boosters and lit them as the structure the cake was on lifted the cake.  It was really quite amazing. 

Princess and Prince goof off with Grandma.

It was a fun celebration and I am so glad we went.  Even if it was 90 degrees and humid as all get out.  It was worth it and I got to eat cake from the Cake Boss.  Yummy!!

The Prayer I Should Pray

Every morning on the way to school we take turns praying in the car.  It is a precious time with my children and I wish I could record their prayers each and every day because I never know what they will say.  Yesterday morning as Princess was praying, there were several things that struck me.  First, she began praying for all of the things she wants; new toys, good grades on her papers, etc. These are little things to me, but they are huge things to her.  This got me thinking about how my prayers must sound to God.  All of these little things I pray for myself that are a huge deal to me, but must seem so small to God.  Then, as I was consumed in my thoughts about this, I was jarred back to reality by her closing statement.  "And God, please help me to like you best, to love you better than anyone or anything else in my life.  Amen."  Wow!  I think I'm going to take that one and use it.  So simplistic, yet so deep. 

They Get It

Friday night we went out to dinner.  I love eating out with our children, they practice their good manners and it's such a pleasant time out.  Prince did something so unexpected but abosolutely precious, I just have to share.  We were eating biscuits, waiting for our entrees to come, when Prince pinches off a piece of bread and gives it to his daddy.  He said, "Jesus was the bread of life.  We are supposed to remember that Jesus died for our sins.  Daddy, the body of Jesus broken for you."  He then does the same for me and his sister.  Prince turned an ordinary dinner into a reminder of what this Lenten season is all about. 

I think I've mentioned before that Prince and Princess learn scriptures each week corresponding with a letter of the alphabet.  Last week their verse was "Visit the orphans and widows in their time of need."  Princess has such a huge heart.  I love this about her.  Lately when she prays she is truly pouring her heart out before God, just telling Him every thing that is on that little mind of hers.  She consistently prays that all of the stray dogs and cats will find good homes, all of the orphans will find new mommies and daddies with happy families, and that the widows will find new husbands.  Our pastor is retiring this summer and she is already praying for him in his retirement and for the new pastor that God will send to our church. 

The 6 year olds get it.  When I grow up I want to be like my kids. 

Conversations with Princess

This afternoon while I was folding clothes, Princess informed me that she now knows what she wants to be when she grows up.  She says she wants to be a missionary.  I asked her what she thinks a missionary would do and she said that she would go to other countries around the world and help people and tell them about Jesus.  I said, "Wow, that's very good.  So you think that's what you want to do when you grow up?" 
She said, "Yes Mommy, there are lots of people in this world that don't have Jesus in their hearts and they need to know that he loves them and he wants them to be Christians.  And I'm also going to have a sidekick." 
Me: A sidekick?
Princess: Yes, he's going to be a dog and I am going to take him wherever I go and people will be happy to see the dog and they can pet him and love on him.  Also he will save people from snakes or other bad things that might come after them.  He will be a super missionary dog. 
Me:  That sounds great. 
Princess: I might have another job too, but I don't know what I will want to do or if God will let me have another job too.
Me:  Well, lots of missionaries are nurses and teachers and preachers. 
Princess: How will I know if God would like for me to do one of these things too?
Me:  When you have a heart for God, He will let you know what He wants you to do because He will give you special talents and interests in that area.  Everyone has a calling or a special plan from God.  You'll know and you've got lots of time to figure that out.
Princess:  I just want to make God happy and I want for other people to know that Jesus loves them and that if Jesus is in their heart then they will want to do what is right and they won't make bad choices like stealing and have to go to jail.
Me: You know you can do anything you put your mind to, but you don't have to go to other countries to tell other people about Jesus.
Princess: I know, but that's what I think God wants me to do. 

Can I just say WOW?!  I had no idea that all of that was circling around in that little brain of hers.  She's 6 years old!  I am so amazed at how God can use my children even now to talk to others about Him and His love.  Her understanding of things that are so complicated baffles me.  Thank you God for this precious child and that she has a heart for You!

Recent Happenings

We have had quite an eventful past several days, which is why I haven't been on to write lately.

1.  Princess lost 3 teeth last week!  She is really keeping the tooth fairy busy.  For the first two teeth, she paid her brother to pull them out for her.  She conned my sister into pulling her third tooth out on Friday afternoon.  This meant that the tooth fairy had to come to the Grandparents' house, which I was trying to avoid, but that's the way it happened.

2.  On Thursday night we went to see Space Shuttle Endeavour roll out from the VAB to the launch pad.  She was quite beautiful under the spotlights.  I will miss these times.

I also met up with some cute little future astronauts.  They were so cute that I decided to bring them home with me.

3.  Hubby took me away for a surprise anniversary trip this weekend.  I was busy getting children packed and ready to spend the weekend at Grandma and Grandaddy's, as well as getting myself packed without knowing exactly where we were going or what we'd be doing.  Hubby did a fantastic job planning our weekend away and I can't wait to tell you all about it...tomorrow!  Today I have to get through some laundry and get us organized and ready to start the week.

The Newest Members of Our Family

In yesterday's post I told you about Princess' devastation over not having a pet and her insistence that she needed to take a pet to school today.  I sent their teacher a message last night but I didn't get her response until this morning.  SO...here's how this all went down.  Hubby called to tell me he was on his way home from work.  Princess, in tears, asked to talk to her daddy on the phone.  She then tells her daddy that she is supposed to bring a pet to school tomorrow but she doesn't have a pet and she had a fish this summer but then the fish died and she never got another one and she will be the only one at school without a pet tomorrow (well she and her twin brother, that is) and she doesn't want to take a stuffed animal because it's not a real pet... Hubby asks her to put me on the phone to which he says to me, "I can't understand a word she's saying.  I need you on the phone to interpret."  So after I helped Princess repeat all of this back to Hubby he says to me, "I do kind of feel bad that we never replaced the fish after they died and I don't care if we get more fish, what do you think?"  I agreed with him and negotiated dinner out and then we'd go to the pet store to look for fish.  Amazingly enough, as soon as Hubby and I told Princess we would get her a fish, her whole demeanor changed.  That chick has her daddy wrapped around her little finger!

After dinner we went to the pet store in search of the 15 cent goldfish.  Believe it or not, they do have some goldfish for 15 cents and we were all set on those.  That is, until we priced out the fishbowls they would need to take the fish to school.  Soooooo we ended up getting little beta fish that came in their own little containers that were portable to take to school.  We still had to buy them each a beta bowl since the fish can't live together.  Twenty-five dollars later we were on our way home with two happy children and beta fish named Scooby Doo and Max.  It was money well spent since we technically owed them the fish anyway and it doubled as a school project as well.

Ms. J, their teacher responded to my message last night but I didn't get it until this morning.  This week was Science Week at their school and they were doing special science themed activities.  She mentioned yesterday that they could bring a pet to school or a stuffed animal if they wanted.  It wasn't mandatory or really even a big deal.  However, once Princess had it in her head that she HAD to have a pet for school, there was no talking her out of it.  I guess it's a good thing that she is so conscientious.  Max and Scooby Doo had a great visit to school today.  Well, at least they made it home alive, I guess that's pretty great to survive a day with a class full of kindergartners.  Prince is in his room talking to Max about our house and explaining house rules to him.  Welcome to the family, Max and Scooby Doo!

Date Night

Tonight was a Father Daughter Valentine's Dance at Princess' school.  She and her Daddy were quite excited about going.  Hubby decided he would wear his tux and he ordered Princess a sweet little wrist corsage. 

Princess and her Daddy practiced dancing before the dance.  It was so sweet and she was so excited.

They had a fantastic time.  Hubby said that Princess was out in the middle of the dance floor shakin' what her mama gave her.  I think we are gonna have our hands full with this little girlie if she's this much of a party girl at age 6.  She's got the moves!

Prince and I had a date tonight too.  We ate dinner at his favorite pizza place and then took a trip to the store to buy him a treat.  It was great quality time.  As we were sitting at the table waiting for our food to come, Prince told me that he loved me and that I'm beautiful, giving me all of these compliments.  He then launched into a poem of his very own that went something like this:
"Mom, you are as beautiful as a flower."  So far this was good.  Then it got kind of strange.
"Your eyes are like pizzas.  Your lips are like hearts.  Your legs are like pickles."  I can't even remember the rest of what he said.  It was quite cute though, that he thought he was being sweet and reciting an original poem especially for me.  It was original alright! 

Over all, Date Night with the kiddos was a huge success and we are thinking of doing this once a month, trading off kids every other time. 

And now, I must get my "pickle legs" to bed as my "pizza eyes" are about to close.
Good Night!

It's All About Love

This was an interesting weekend.  I told you yesterday that Hubby had a guy weekend with his brother, which was well deserved.  He has only been away from us when work calls.  He needed time to play and get away with his brother.  So my sister-in-law and I planned a weekend away for the boys and she booked a hotel near some neat places for the guys to play and do guy stuff.  On the way to meet his brother, Hubby's truck had some issues.  Isn't that always the way?  His brother ended up coming to pick him up in a Publix parking lot and they went about their weekend of fun.
I told you about the Gleaning Project yesterday.  That was great fun for the kids and I...maybe too much fun for by evening, I was losing my cool.  I had just threatened to send Prince to bed instead of letting them watch a movie when Prince looked at me with his lip pooched out and said, "But Mom, love does not anger.  Don't you love me?"  I'm sorry, emotional blackmail at such a young age?!  I'm pretty sure I was quite a bit older before I started with my parents. I then explained that love doesn't sass, nor does it let children behave badly.  While I was correcting him, I was quite impressed that Prince could throw that one at me.  It also reminded me that Love is Patient.  Perhaps in my tired state I wasn't as patient as I could have been.  (I'm sure none of you have ever felt that way.)  Anyway, I have decided that since February is upon us I am going to meditate and pray on the Love Chapter this month.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.

In other news, Princess has discovered the Beatles...as in the music group that was our parents' music.  She now wants to listen to their CDs non-stop.  What can I say?  She has classic taste in music.  She also came to tell me something this afternoon and randomly made quotation marks in the air.  I don't know where she has seen that, but she tried to do it and it was precious!
I can't wait for Hubby to get back this afternoon!

Princess Pampers Mommy

Friday night after dinner, I was called into Princess' room for a surprise.  She then led me into the family room where she informed in a fake French accent that she was giving me a surprise spa treatment.  I said, "I didn't know you could parlez-vous the francais."  To which she replied, "Yes, I do parlez-vous francais.  What does that mean?"  When I told her that it meant that she could speak French, she said in her cute little accent, "Yes, I can speak francais and other languages too.  Do I really sound like I'm from France?"

She draped a blanket over my front for an apron and went to work as she put purple sparkle eye shadow and light purple lipstick on me.  She then went to work on my hair, putting lots of pretty bows in my hair.
After my hair was finished, Princess decided she needed to use her brother's pretend razor to shave my legs.  It was most lovely.

It was a fun filled evening and I have to admit that although I was initially just playing along to make Princess happy, I did feel pampered...just in a different way.  My sweet Princess was trying to please me and shower me with attention.  It was such a sweet gesture and she wanted nothing in return.  She even told me that when she grows up she is going to own a spa and that she will tell all of the people that work there to let me and my friends come for free.

It was fantastic quality time and I can't wait for our next spa night together.  Perhaps next time I will pamper her.

Ice Ice Baby in the Wednesday Hodgepodge

Happy Wednesday Everybody!  It's that time again ~ time for Wednesday Hodgepodge!  Although it is warming up a bit in the Sunshine State, it's pretty cold where Joyce is, thus the name for this week's hodgepodge. Joyce is the hodgepodge guru so click here and visit Joyce to read about her adventures with the snowblower and her answers to the Wednesday Hodgepodge.

1. Do you like your name? Were you named after someone? If you have children how did you settle on their names?
Yes, I like my name.  My first name wasn't after anyone, but my middle name is the same as my mother's.  Also, I have the same initials as my dad ~ or at least I did before I got married. 
My children: Princess was named after my great-granny.  My great-granny went by her middle name.  Princess uses first and middle ~ the nurses in the NICU insisted on it and it has stuck.
When we were picking out names for Prince, we knew his middle name would be Hubby's first name.  It's a tradition in Hubby's family.  We wanted the first name to be Biblical (Princess' name is also from the Bible) and we kept trying different names.  When I found the one I liked, Hubby at first wasn't crazy about it...that is, until I point out that Prince would have the same initials as Hubby's grandfather. 

2. How do you define success?
I think a person is successful if they can find happiness in life while sticking to their principles and living by their beliefs and values.

3. Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy?
I like word games, but for some reason Wheel of Fortune gets on my nerves.  I'm more of a Jeopary person.

4. If you could own any single object that you don't have now, what would that object be?
I don't know what that would be.  Right now I feel like I have too much of everything and need to go on a massive cleaning spree in my house.

5. What is something that inspires you?
I find inspiration in many forms.  I am inspired through music, the lyrics, the tunes, how they move me.  I am also inspired by books, things I read.  Conversations with friends and others I meet can inspire me.  I have also found inspiration with a beautiful sunset, a walk on the beach, watching children laugh and play.  God can use anything or anyone and I never know when or how it will happen.

6. Meatloaf-yea or nay? If it's a yay how do you make yours?
Yay for meatloaf!  It has to be served with real mashed potatoes, though.  We don't do that instant stuff at my house.  My meatloaf is made with ground beef, egg, diced bell pepper and onion, a handful of bread crumbs, salt, pepper and ketchup.  It's not an exact recipe and sometimes I toss in other things.  Combine, shape into a loaf and bake.  Then add more ketchup on top a few minutes before it comes out of the oven.  One Valentine's Day I made the meatloaf into a heart shape in a pie plate before baking.  Then I used food coloring to make the mashed potatoes pink. 

7. Which is more admirable-the ability to organize and be methodical or the ability to adapt and make do?
I can usually adapt and make do pretty well.  I really admire people who can stay organized and be methodical.  I try to be organzied and methodical, but there are times when I am flying by the seat of my pants and that's not comfortable for a control freak like myself.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
I had forgotten about the heart-shaped meatloaf until today.  This made me think to go back and look at the pictures from that day.  My babies were still babies at a 19 months old and it was a great Valentine's Day.  Here are some pictures:


Pink Mashed Potatoes

X and O Brownies for Dessert

Sweet Prince with his Valentine

Cutie Patootie Princess

People ask me what my favorite age or stage has been with my kids and this is such a hard question to answer, but here goes...
As I look back at pictures of my kids when they were younger I have such fond memories.  I loved those times and sometimes I want them back.  However, I also enjoy the right now.  So my answer has always been that my favorite age or stage is now, whatever that age or stage is.

Are There Playgrounds in Heaven?

Last night as Hubby and I were making dinner, Prince came in and announced, "I don't want to die.  I don't want to go to heaven."
Hubby: Well, you aren't going to die any time soon, but why do you say you don't want to go to heaven?
Prince: I don't think they have playgrounds in heaven.
Me:  Well, I've never been to heaven but I'll bet it's a great place to be and there must be fun things to do there.
Prince: I don't think so.
Hubby: Well, what do you think heaven is like?
Prince:  I think people just stand around and pray to God all day.  All you get to do is pray, pray, pray and you don't get to play on the playground.
I somehow think that the God who said, "Permit the children to come unto me," will have something fun for the child in all of us when we get to heaven. 
Princess wants to know if her vanity and her toys will be in heaven.  A while back she kept saying that she was afraid she was going to die and not see us again.  I quoted the scripture to her that Jesus says he is going to prepare a place for us and that he will come back for us some day, but not until it is time.  I explained to her that Jesus had to go get her room ready in heaven and he won't come back until he has everything ready for her. 
Children think so literally and mine have so many questions that I can't answer.  Sometimes they really test me to the point that I have to really think about what I believe about things before I can offer an answer or explanation for their questions.  They really stretch me!  I am constantly picking Pastor's brain to be sure my explanations make sense and are theologically sound. 
Back to the discussion of heaven, it is fun to think about what it will be like, all of us together praising God in one voice, no division over doctrine or denomination. 

I also think we will have fun.  I love this picture of Jesus laughing.  It reminds me that God does have a sense of humor.

They're Keeping Me on My Toes

I'm so glad things have taken on a bit of a slower pace since getting back from Christmas vacation.  This doesn't mean that my kids aren't keeping me on my toes.
Princess and I have been watching Seventh Heaven on DVD.  I now own all of the seasons and we have a bit of catching up to do.  It's one of the few shows I will let Princess watch with me, since it doesn't have bad language and I can control which episodes she watches so that she isn't watching the ones with more adult themes to them.  The other day Princess said, "I want to marry a preacher because they know everything and they help people."  Then after thinking about it, she said, "Mom, can girls be preachers?  I might like to be a preacher when I grow up."  Looks like my daughter might take after me, with a heart for ministry.  Fun fact:  I almost went to seminary but then Hubby and I got serious and got married.  I haven't given that dream up, just put it on the back burner.  My heart is still in ministry and some day God will make it possible for me to go to seminary and serve Him in new and different ways.

The other night at dinner Hubby asked everyone to share one good thing that happened to them that day.  Prince says, "I have good news and bad news.  The good news is that I have a new friend from the playground at school.  The bad news is that Isabelle gave me up today."
Hubby: She gave you up?
Prince:  Yes, she gave me up for another boyfriend but I am still in love with her.
Me: So you mean she broke up with you?
Prince: Yep.  She broke up with me.  Now she loves my new best friend but I am still in love with her.
Hubby then gives me the look that says: SERIOUSLY?!
Princess: I don't want Prince to have a girlfriend anyway.  I should be the only girl in his life.  Prince needs to just love me and no other girl.
I think we are going to be in big trouble when these two start dating for real.  On the other hand, it might be a good thing that they are both looking out for the other one.

Friday afternoon my kids decided they wanted to rollerskate.  They got skates for Christmas last year and haven't used them much because they mostly fall and it is so frustrating to them.  So I sat out there and watched them fall  skate, or at least attempt to skate.  Princess was getting pretty good at it just before we had to pack it in.  Maybe we'll try again soon before she forgets what she was doing.  Anyway, while the two of them were falling and struggling to even stand up in their skates, I took this picture:

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
—Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

My little Princess has such a huge heart and she is a people pleaser, just like her mommy.  This is both a blessing and a curse.  In this case though, it is most certainly a blessing.  You see, Princess, age 6, likes to give people presents.  She is a very thoughtful child and loves to see the look on someone's face when they open a present from her and it is exactly the thing they wanted.  There are two major obstacles she faces.  She does not have a lot of money, nor does she have a way to take herself to the store to buy the presents she wants to give.  HOWEVER, Princess is also a very creative child and she has figured out a way around this problem. 
It all started around Father's Day, when Princess decided to pick out her own present for her Daddy without my help.  She wrapped it up herself and presented this present so pleased with herself, and I had no clue what it was or where it came from...that is, until her Daddy opened the gift.  Princess had gone shopping in our bedroom.  She found one of her Daddy's old Star Trek books and decided it was the perfect gift for him.  As she put it, "Daddy, I knew you would love this because it was already yours but I think you forgot you even had it, so now it is new to you again!"
I love this brilliant child!  Underneath our tree are several presents all creatively wrapped by Princess.  Stuff I'm sure that we already own, but have "forgotten we own."  Christmas morning we will open these gifts from Princess and act extremely surprised and thrilled, which we will be because of the thought she put into those gifts.  What a beautiful spirit inside this child, that she "gets it."  She understands that it isn't about how much money you spend on someone, it is the thought behind the gift.
I have however, put a moratorium on "shopping" in my room for the rest of the Christmas season because she started talking about shopping for other people in there and there's no telling what she'll give away!