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.

Homesick

Picture Source

When I was a little girl I used to get homesick when I would spend the night away from home.  I was fine right up until bedtime and then I would start to miss my bed and my room and my parents and all of those familiar things that made me feel comfortable and secure.

Lately I've been reminded of that feeling of homesickness by my sweet Prince.  It started last Sunday when church was just about to begin and he leaned over to me and asked, "Mom, when is Jesus coming back to earth?"  Of course my response was, "I don't know."  To which Prince responded, "But Mom, I really miss him and I want to see him.  I haven't seen Jesus in a very long time and he promised he would come back!"  I love the timing of all of this because by this time worship has begun and I am trying to deal with this very important topic with my sweet Prince, yet still not disturb everyone around us.  "I know darlin' but the Bible says that no one knows the day or the hour that Jesus will come back except for God.  He's coming back some day, we just don't know when.  That's why we have to be ready." 
We've had this same discussion several times this past week.  Prince is anxious to see Jesus face to face and as he has already told me, he hasn't "seen Jesus since he was a baby in heaven before he was born."  OK, can I just say "Wow" to that? 

This whole discussion has me thinking about how homesick I am as well.  I used to hear other people say that and I didn't understand what that really meant but as I look around and see all that is going on in our world, I too, find myself feeling a bit homesick.  I can't wait for that day when I can sit at Jesus' feet and ask him all of the questions I've been pondering for so long.  Until then, I know that Jesus walks beside me every day, my constant companion and friend.  I'm reminded of the song I sang to Prince from the time he was struggling to live in the NICU:
Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart feel lonely and long for heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion,
My constand friend is he
For his eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.
His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watched me. 

I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free
His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.

So until that day comes, I will watch and pray and remember Jesus words:
"In my Father's house are many mansions. if it were not so, I would have told you. I go and prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."        John 14:2-3

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



The Importance of Obedience

I'm pretty sure my 6 year olds are smarter than I am.  I've always thought that children are wiser than adults, they don't have the life experience, but they are more open minded and have more room in their hearts to really soak things in.  This afternoon Prince confirmed that for me.  Very matter of factly he said to me, "Mom, if you can't conquer obedience then temptation and sin will always be a problem in your life."  Come again?  I had to really think about what he just said to me.  I asked him where he heard this and he said that he had a dream last night and when he woke up he just knew it.  I'm not sure where he has heard this, but it fits right along with what I've been thinking about lately. 

God has been leading me in a direction that will cause some major changes in my life.  I am planning to go back to school and I have felt those nudges, but I have also had a lot of excuses as to why I can't do what He wants me to do.  I have been thinking a lot about obedience and how comfortable I've become right where I am.  It would be a lot easier if I could just bloom where I'm planted and stay put doin' my own thang.  Life doesn't work that way.  I have found though, that when I am walking in obedience to God I feel closer to Him.  When I feel closer to God, it somehow feels easier to resist temptation.  When I step out to do my own thing, it is easy for me to stray from His plan and temptation and sin are a real problem.  I've learned a lot from my kiddos.  This afternoon's lesson confirmed that God's message comes through whoever He chooses to use. 

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.

I Love You To Heaven and Back

Prince and I have a contest to see who loves the other one more.  Usually it starts with  an "I love you," which is reciprocated with "I love you more."  Prince then says something like, "I love you to the moon and back."  We try to see who can go the longest distance.  One day he said he loved me to Neptune and back.  This morning though, he got me to thinking when he said, "Mom, I love you to heaven and back."  I got what he was trying to say, but my mind went somewhere else with it.

"I love you to heaven and back."  With Easter approaching, my thoughts have been on the enormous love Christ has for all of us that he would pay for our sin with his life.  That's a big price and we continue to sin again and again.  We can try not to, but we are all sinners.  The other morning I came across a verse that I hadn't paid much attention to before. 
1 This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.


1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Did you catch that in v. 4?   "My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent."  How many times do we not see the sin in our own lives?  We all have it, but it is much easier to see the sin in other people than in ourselves.  Sometimes we do things and we know we are in the wrong, but there are times when we sin and we don't even recognize it.  My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will convict me of those sins so that I don't repeat them.  I will admit though, that sometimes I don't want the Holy Spirit to convict me because I don't want to change.  It's easier for me to be ignorant about that sin than to have to change my heart and attitudes.  This Lenten Season though, I have thought about how much my sins must have hurt Christ.  When I look at pictures that depict the crucifixion I see the marks where he was whipped, the blood, and I think of each of those lashings standing for sins I have committed and it hurts.  It hurts me to look at him, innocent and blameless, he took the punishment for things I have done, sins I haven't even committed yet, but he knows I will.  Is he resentful?  No, he knew what he was doing and why he was doing it and the answer lies in what Prince said to me this morning.  "I love you to heaven and back." 

I don't know when that day will come, when Jesus will return for all of us but I do know this: I can't wait for the day that I am face to face with him and I can wrap my arms around him in an embrace so strong that I won't ever want to let go.  I can't wait to look into his eyes and see the depth of his love for me.  Until that day, I will take my sins again and again to that cross and leave them there with a repentant heart, knowing that his death guarantees that I have a place with him in heaven.  I will ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to me those sins that I can't see or recognize and to help to me change my heart and actions to love and behave like Jesus.  "I love you to heaven and back," he says and he does.

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!!

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. 

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!

Busy Bee Thursday

Today has been a crazy busy day, so my post tonight is going to be short.  I worked this morning, left work to volunteer at the kids' school, went straight home to meet the cable guy, who pulled up at the same time I did, played with my nephews for a few minutes while my sister went to the doc and her Hubby came to get them, went to Target to pick up a few quick things, fed and bathed my children in time to take them back to their school for an orientation and registration meeting for next year, sent kids home with Hubby so I could go to my ladies' Circle meeting at church and am finally sitting down at 9:30 p.m.  Thankfully not every day is this crazy.  I was so glad to come together with my Christian sisters tonight and watch Anita Renfroe, a Christian comedian.  It was a great way to end the day.  If you aren't familiar with Anita Renfroe, you need to look her up on youtube.  She came up with the classic "Mom Song" to the William Tell Overture:



Before signing off for the night, I want to tell you a funny about Prince.  This morning on our way to school, we saw my grandmother on her walk.  We stopped to talk to her.  Mema was wearing a kind of cross between a scarf and a towel on her head to keep her hair from frizzing in the humidity.  Prince had never seen her wear this and he says, "Mema, you look like a fortune teller.  Do you have a crystal ball?"  My Mema did not miss a beat and said, "I don't have a crystal ball, but next time when I see you I will tell you your fortune."  As we pulled away and I rolled up my window, Prince said, "But Mom, I thought you said fortune telling was fake and all that crystal ball stuff was of the devil!"  I had to explain to him that Mema was teasing him and playing along with what he said, that it is fake and that only God knows the future.  If I ever had any doubts about how well they listen to what I say, I need not.  They listen and they will remind you verbatim of what you said at every opportunity.

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!

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 Call from School

The other day about lunch time, I received a phone call from Prince's teacher.  She informed me that he had to move his car to yellow light for something he did in the lunch room, but that he wouldn't calm down and stop crying to now complete his work.  She asked if I would talk to him.
Prince gets on the phone and is clearly upset.  Here's the conversation that took place:
Me: What happened?
Prince: I got in trouble for spitting through a straw at lunch.
Me: Why would you do that?
Prince: I didn't want the spit in my mouth.  (I will never understand why boys do the things they do and how they think!)
Me:  OK well that's gross and we'll talk about it when we get home, but right now you have got to suck it up, deal with it and do your work.
Prince: OK Mom.  I remember you told me before "I can do all things through Jesus Christ.  He makes me strong."
Me: That's right, you can.  So ask Jesus to help you pull it together and get your work done.
Prince: OK Mom.

Shortly after we hung up, I was with our pastor, relaying this story to him.  He chuckled and said, "I can hear his prayer now.  'Dear Jesus, please help me to suck it up and deal with it so I can get my work done.'"

Sometimes that needs to be my prayer too...Dear Lord, please help me to suck it up and deal with it and move on to the next thing.

Big God, Big Blessings

We serve a  big God.  There are so many reminders each day of how amazing He is, if only we will take them in.  I want to share a few of the reminders I have noticed in the last few days.

God made this beautiful beach.  The waves are so powerful and big yet...

He also made these delicate shells and He knows how many grains of sand are on this beach.

God made Prince's feet that are growing bigger by the day.  They started out as tiny little baby feet and look at them now!  These feet carry Jesus with him wherever he goes. 

God gave me not one, but TWO miracle children to love and to teach them about God's love for all of us.  I still can't fully understand God's love for us, but having children has brought me closer to that idea of unconditional love.

Speaking of unconditional love, God has given me a soul mate to share this life with me.  He's my partner in crime and my partner in life.  I know how much he loves me because every year on Black Friday he braves the stores and the maddening crowds "just for the fun of it" with me.  This relationship is truly a gift from God, He ordained it years ago and He knew even before I did, who my sweet Hubby would be.

My sweet sister.  God gave me this sister to grow up and old with.  We are forever connected with a bond that has so connected our hearts and lives, we often know when one is hurting, even though we aren't together.  We've always been that way.  The truth of the matter is that at times we drive each other totally insane, mostly because we have such different personalities.  But there is no relationship like that of a sister.  You can be at odds one minute, but then if you need her, she's right there cheering you on.  My sister is one of the most loyal and giving people I know.  I'm so glad God gave me a sister.  Look at Sweet Cheeks, sitting on her lap.  How can you not know that God made those precious, kissable cheeks?!

Last night we went to the final roll out of Space Shuttle Discovery.  It was awesome.  Yes, I am quite aware that this machine was made by man, but I can't help but be awestruck when I think that it takes man into space to see the amazingly intricate universe God created. 

It is so tempting to get caught up in the hectic, busy day and not pay attention to my surroundings.  To really look, and appreciate those people and things that God has placed in my life because He loves me.  But when I look around and see it, really notice the people and things He has done for me, I am amazed.  I am amazed that He can love me so much.  Amazed at all He created.  Amazed and so in love with Him! 

Super Saturday

Yesterday we spent a beautiful day at the beach.  We are such spontaneous people, we didn't even plan this ahead of time.  That's about as spontaneous as we get, as Hubby and I usually plan our weekends out to the nth degree, making the most of each minute.  We're working toward being more spontaneous mostly because we are just tired.  Tired of running here and there and it takes a lot of work to plan it all out.  OK so looking at our calendar maybe we can try for one unplanned weekend a month because we've pretty much got the next several weekends planned out.  Baby steps people, baby steps!

On the way out to the beach, I ran in Publix to get some food to take with us.  When I returned to the car I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Hubby had selected some nice Michael W. Smith praise music from my i-pod.  I said, "Hubby, Michael W. Smith?  Wow!"  He says, "Well, I WAS playing a song from the Pretty Woman soundtrack until your son said, 'Dad, would this song glorify Jesus?  I don't think it's a Jesus song.  I think we need to listen to music that would praise Jesus.'"  So Hubby had to pick something that would glorify Jesus.  I love my kids!  They're going to have their daddy listening to praise and worship music yet. 

The beach was gorgeous and relaxing.  After coming home to shower, we went on a scavenger hunt for fried oysters.  Hubby was craving them and we drove about 20 minutes to a restaurant in another town only to find a big sign on the door that said they were out of oysters.  So we drove back to town to try a new restaurant by the pier that was really good.  I guess we should have started there to begin with.  We had a great dinner out and came home for Family Game Night.  All in all, we had a fantastic day and really enjoyed each other's company.