Five Reflections

     It is Sunday night and I am late in both of my posts. I have decided to start with this one and will post the Bible Reading next (maybe tomorrow). Oh, how short but wide life is. Days can escape from your memory with the business of life. So bear with me Dear Reader and I pray that in the end you will be encouraged and hopefully challenged.

     One: I have my own office at work. I am responsible for so much now. I guess those that have the authority at work have seen something in my ethic or diligence that they wanted to reward with more responsibility. I am grateful, humbled and a bit overwhelmed.  There is much work to do and I will do my best. One of my coworkers asked me how I felt about the new position; since it means that I will be held accountable for much and more in the office, including a new manager to report to. My response was simply :" I don't work for J, for T or for C. I don't even work for the county (although they send me a check); I work for the Lord. In the end it is Him I will answer to and not anyone else. So they can put me in whatever job they want. I will not change any part of how I work. Because it is not for them, it is not for a paycheck (although those are nice), I work for the Lord. Colossians 3:17 states: "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father though him." ESV Crossway 2011 edition. In that alone I find assurance and job security.

     Two: I have been challenged to be still. I recently had the privilege of hearing a story. It is not my story, but I was blessed by it and hope that I remember enough of it to share with you.

Growing up my dad who was a private man, would sit in his recliner in the living room, reading a book or the newspaper.

As I would finish my chores on the way up to my room I would hear him tapping on the side of his chair.

His tapping would call to me though out my childhood and when I was younger I eagerly answered. Dad would sit and talk to me, at times just listen. As if all the things in my day and on my mind were the most important things to him. 

As I got older in my teenage years I found excuses to not respond to the quiet tapping. 

Although I did not respond, Dad was consistent. There was never a time I passed by him sitting in that chair that I did not hear his quiet call. 

Time passed and I got married and moved away. 

Then I received a call from Mom, Dad was sick and they were sure he would not last very long. 

My husband and I drove up to see them. We stayed a while talking and catching up on things. Then as we were about to leave, I heard Dad tapping. 

I looked at my husband and said: " I need to be here a little longer"

I turned and climbed up on the bed with Dad and just sat there with him. We held each other and spoke softly. After sometime, my husband and I left. 

Very early the next day Mom called. Dad passed. My heart was heavy, but I was thankful that I answered his quiet call one last time. 

There have been times since then, that I have looked back with regret on all those times Dad called me, yet I did not answer.

As a parent I believe I am called to work myself out of a job. To be a stepping stone for my children. I don't want them to be like me I want them to be better. When I heard the story above I was challenged. Do I quietly call my children to come so I can listen? When they do want to share with me, do I stop and give them all my attention so that they can see their value reflected in my treatment of them? Do my children know that I value them, I cherish them and how very very much they are loved? I have been challenged to be still, not just for myself, and for my children. But to be still before Heavenly Father. To sit at his feet and listen, to read his word and learn. If I am not still, then I am too busy, too distracted and overwhelmed. If I am still I will find peace, joy, hope, patience and I will be able to love others better. I challenge you as well, to be still.

     Three: Really, I am only on 3?? Haha! Well, My three blessings. How much and how fast they are growing. All three are excelling in school and I am so very excited to see where they will go in life. Goosie is really into manga and comics. So I picked her up a new Bible . She decided to take it to school with her and now I almost don't see her without it. I asked her why she liked it, to which she replied: " I don't loose my place and I really enjoy reading it." SCORE for mom!! Miniman has decided that he wants to be an Eagle Scout. I know that he can do it. He has such drive and determination. I am so proud of him! Bittybit, well she is my bittybit! Sometimes I can finish her sentences before she does. I am praying hard for her, she is more like me then I want to admit. But oh the joy she brings. 

     Four: This week is Spring Break for my College boyfriend (Hubby)! I am looking forward to a few lunch dates this week and am hopeful that he will be able to get ahead on his assignments as well as relax. Hubby's midterms were last week and the worst grade he received was a B+. What a change his life has taken. I am so honored and privileged to share this life with him. I am so excited to see where Heavenly Father is going to take him!

     Five:  Just some encouragement for you:

" For I am persuaded, that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39 KJV Reference Bible Zondervan 1964 edition.

Until next time Dear Readers : " May the Lord Bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace"  Numbers 6:24-26 ESV crossway 2011 edition.

5 Quick Takes

Five things. Five things I can take away from this week and learn from. Reflection, that is something I need to do more of. So much happens so fast that it is hard to keep up. I thought about writing down the overwhelming emotions when they happen, so that I could process them later. But that is a lot of work. So, instead I will start with five things. Five things that have happened this week.

     One:  Sometimes it is hard to stay awake past nine o'clock.I have to face it that those long nights are over..but the early mornings are not. I started a new position at work and with it came new hours. So it is now an eight to four-thirty day instead of the eight-thirty to five. That half hour in the morning is noticeable, let me tell you! Now its up and at it starting at 6 instead of 630! I have three kids to get off to school and then traffic to pray though before eight am!! After an almost eight hour day on the job, it is home for a quick dinner and then whatever plans we have for the night. I get tired.

Yep, that about sums it up.

     Two: Hubby. Last month Hubby started going back to college. He is a full time student and I am very proud of him. He is close to the end of the first semester and has a B+ average. I would say that is not bad for someone who hasn't been to school since before he was twenty. There are challenges when it comes to being a college student, One of which is the course work, the other for Hubby is the responsibilities at home. I am confident however that Hubby will do more than succeed, he will triumph!

     Three: Oh the three little ones that run around the house. There is so much life in them. Goosie is a talented singer and is learning to play the clarinet. Miniman is in Boy Scouts and is learning so much. He is quite the responsible young man! Bittybit is well, my Bittybit. She expresses herself quite well and can be over dramatic. Over all they keep Hubby and I going. 

     Four: There is oh so much to do and so little time to do it all. When I started working full time there are things that have slipped to the side. I want to keep up with the meal planning, exciting not planned outings and all the energy to keep the house looking like we don't live there. The honest truth is that we do live here, in this beautiful house. There are meals made in the kitchen, movies watched in the living room, instruments practiced in the piano room and children thriving in their rooms.  I would like to thing that if a house could tell a story about what it's occupants are like; ours would claim not to be a house, but a home.

     Five: Last year my brother-in-law D started a church plant. Since then it has been our church home. Hubby and I have grown a good bit while attending, and the children have as well. Each week I feel challenged and encouraged on the way home. Through out the week with the bible studies we attend and the various  relationships we have made with others; I feel like we are each in a place of belonging. I am blessed to be a part of this young and growing church. I do feel the call to do more, and one day when it is time I hope to do the things that have been laid on my heart to do. Until then I will keep trusting and waiting, looking at what I can learn from each experience and lean on Heavenly Father for it all.

    Well, that is it for me dear Readers. It is past my bed time, I hope you are all able to find peace and rest as you end the day. I pray that tomorrow you will be greeted with a reminder of how much you are loved. 

Seven Quick Takes (vol.7)

I know that I have been away from the Internet for sometime. I can honestly say I have been concentrating on my course work.. and learning a few things. So here is a quick run down.

1~ It has been almost a year (a year this summer) that Hubby will be drug free. He was addicted to prescription medication for the first seven and a half years of our marriage, but no longer. He is wonderful! And I am learning that I no longer have to do it all. There have been many things I have had to take on over the years, because of the medication.. now I can let some of those things go. Hubby is a wonderful cook, he is even better with the kids and we have a system with the house... I am no longer doing it all alone. I tried explaining this to him last night, but all I ended up saying was that he is more the man I met in the first week, then he has been in a long time.

2~ After waking up this morning and hearing the news of Hawaii and Japan.. I have been praying. I have no words for this.

3~ I bought Hubby Call of Duty Black Ops.. and he has a new addiction. At least he waits until the kids have gone to bed.. well at least mostly. LOL! I am just glad to see him enjoy something. Now if we only knew more people with the game and a Wii system.. he would be set!

4~ I passed my midterm.. now to finish the course! I fully admit that I am an easily destractable person.. hence the reason I haven't been online. I need to concentrate and finish! Only nine chapters until the final! Whew!!

5~ I will try to never again take advantage of the network of friends I have.. you guys are the best! This past Monday Hubby came home from work.. in pain. He assured me not to worry and told me to go about my day; so I did and then after dropping Miniman off at school.. Hubby called. He was headed to the ER. 

The pain was getting worse instead of better and he really needed to be seen.I said a quick prayer and started on the phone; after just a few phone calls and in the space of 10 minutes I was able to get the rest of my schedule cleared for the day. N picked up Miniman, H came and got Bubbles and my neighbor L picked up Goosie from school. Each of these wonderful ladies agreed to keep my children for as long as I might need them to or until other plans were made. Hubby and I weren't sure what was going on. Was it an appendicitis, kidney stone.. or something worse?? A few hours later we had an answer. Kidney stone  2 mm in diameter. Big enough to hurt like heck, but too small to break up they said. Pain meds and bed rest for two days. Hubby is slowly getting better, it still hasn't passed. The regular Dr is giving it until Monday.. then they will go in and do something about it. Prayers are appreciated.. and so are my wonderful friends!

6~ Even after years of making these enchiladas.. they never get old! If you haven't tried my recipe yet.. go ahead, I dare ya!

7~ Thoughtful Moment ( I know that usually this is a laughable Mommy Moment, but bare with me) ~ Today in California my Aunt B is being remembered. She passed away a week ago. I can see her in my minds eye, she was laughing the last time I saw her so that is the way I think of her. Aunt B is the first of either of my parents siblings to pass into the painless.  Both sets of grandparents have already gone on. I cannot begin to imagine how difficult this is for my Mom and her remaining siblings. When I spoke to Mom I reminded her to dance. We are not able to set the tone, pick the music or even choose what shoes we have on (if any). What we can do is dance. With our arms held high and heart abandoned to the Lord in an act of sacrificial praise. In that praise there is healing for whatever hurt we have, what ever burden we carry.. no matter what. In the dancing you can also find joy in the midst of sorrow, and comfort where you thought there was only pain.

~~~ Until next time dear readers.. be blessed

Seven Quick Takes Vol. 6

It's Friday again.. and time for another 7 quick takes! So here it goes.. if you are interested in reading other quick takes head on over to Conversiondiary and check some out.

1~ Taxes are back and spent.. all caught up on bills and paid off some. So that means less going out every month. This is a good thing. Sure it also means no new computer for me this year. But hey, the one I have still works well.. only two keys missing. The CD drive is broken due to Bubbles using it as a coin slot when I wasn't looking. But.. I can still get online, skype, and more then a few other things.. now if I could just say as much about my printer (we won't go there!)

2~ My friend S is interested in introducing me to the "finer" things in life. She gave me a Coach purse yesterday. Yes, you read those two words right.. gave and Coach. WOW!!

3~ It was our eighth wedding anniversary on Monday. We had celebrated on Saturday and went to the annual Chocolate Festival. The whole family had a great time. Then we picked up the baby sitters, and it was off to dinner at Chili's just the two of us. It was nice to have dinner at a small table and just talk. I am going to have to find a way to get rid of his government cell phone though.. I really am getting tired of it!

4~ For Valentines day I am making dinner and we are having friends over. Steak and Shrimp is on the menu.. maybe a salad before hand and definitely a dessert. I think I might make the home made chocolate cream pie.. Time will tell! One thing is for sure.. since our friends also have kids, our kids will have a grand time of things too! Now to just figure out the date!

5~ I had a test done on Tuesday. I have moderate carpel tunnel in my right hand. I could have told them that without the test, but there you are! Later that day I had a migraine headache. It was my first in years. It started while I was on my way to lunch with S and her Hubby. When we got where we were going, I had S take me home. She wanted to take me to the hospital. But they would just run tests that would come back as inconclusive, say I was having some sort of stroke and send me home after observation. None of that was needed. So home she took me and in bed I went.. until the next day. That's right I slept about 20 hours, and then all was better.  Hubby came home early from work, and was able to take care of the kids. I must admit that having the two of them there made things less scary then usual!

6~ We have heard nothing as far as going anywhere as of yet. Hubby still wants to go back to the regular ARMY, but it is just a hurry up and wait game now.

7~ Mommy Moment~~ When I look back on my childhood I can remember lots of things. There were good times and bad, happy and sad. There were things that I didn't quite understand why when they happened. I can honestly say that as a parent now when I look back on my childhood I see much more. I see how hard my parents and sisters worked to protect me while still letting me figure things out on my own. Admittedly there were times I just didn't understand my parents.. everyone has those times. Now I can look at some of those times and see just how hard they were trying. Trying to do the best with what they had at the time. At times it was a lot.. other times, not so much. One thing my parents always did was their best. I see that now. I hope that when my children are older that they will see it too.

Seven Quick Takes Vol. 5

Hey and welcome to another week of conversiondiary 's 7 Quick takes.. If you would like to read other interesting posts, just follow the link! Now as they say to get things started.

1~ I have been thinking lately about churches. Last Sunday my big little family and I didn't go.. we are still trying to get rid of the icky sicky's.. I also missed Bible study on Tuesday morning and again on Wednesday night due to the snow and ice storm we had in the area. Schools, Churches and a few businesses were closed.. so we stayed in. I really feel the absence of not attending. Admittedly I used to be one of the nay sayer's who would say that it didn't matter if you went to church or not, because I believe it is more about a personal relationship then a number in a membership list. I have also kept my eye out for what I would call the "tell tell signs of a carnal church" . Meaning that those in the staff were more preoccupied with appearance then actual leadership. Things like if the head pastor and/or his wife drove better cars, dressed better, or held them selves to a " I am better/ holier then you, because...". I would steer clear of those meeting places. Yes there is a carnality in all of us, it is called human nature, but as Christ followers we are called to a higher purpose. To die to the human nature that causes us and others to sin and stumble.. and to take on the likeness of Christ to the best of our abilities. Yes, there will be times when we will fall short. But that is when God's grace is sufficient and overwhelming. If I offended any in this post.. I apologize.. if you were offended because of things you need to confess.. well that is between you and God. Church is a wonderful place of encouragement. Where you can not only be encouraged.. you can also be an encouragement, that is the heart of the church's intent; at least I think it should be.

2~ Everyone is slowly getting better. Miniman has an ear infection. Goosie, Hubby and I are still coughing. But Bubbles.. she is quite bubbly thank you very much.

3~ On Monday Hubby and I will celebrate eight years of marriage. It is exciting and overwhelming. I still get butterflies when he walks in the room.

4~ After such a long deep thought in at the start I am having trouble thinking of more..

5~ Hubby and I started watching " Lie to Me" it is actually interesting. It kinda makes you wonder who in your life is being honest..

6~ Why does it seem that kids are never satisfied..but when you look back on your childhood you would swear that you were satisfied with what you had.. at least you would like to think you were, but are almost sure your parents would tell you differently.

7~ Mommy Moment~ There is nothing like the sweetness in the eyes of your child when they look at you in love. Bubbles is quite the risk taker.. she would climb up on top of the fridge just to see what it was like up there and to get a reaction out of me. Then she would clamber down and give me the most self satisfied grin. As if to say " Look what I just did! Wasn't it Great!". All of this happens in my minds eye. It's that look  she gives me when she knows she has done something she shouldn't but thinks that she is just too adorable to get into any kind of trouble. One minute Bubbles can be as sweet as you please.. the next she is a terror. My friend S commented on it earlier today. Bubbles is a lot like me when I was her age from what I understand.. and frankly that has me on my knees A LOT!!

Well, that is it for me this week dear readers. I know I am late in getting this post out on Friday.. but I ask for a little grace. Be blessed until next time!

7 Quick Takes (vol.4)

 It's Friday and that means it's time for a quick run down of the week and random thoughts. Check out conversiondiary if you would like to read more interesting posts.. On to the show as they say.

1~   Happy Birthday to the most wonderful man I know.. Hubby!! I could not imagine my life without him in it.  I was telling him last night that there is a song that reminds me of my life without him by JJ Heller. I know it was written about the love of God.. but I have been blessed to have someone who truly loves me for me. Hubby, you are wonderful. There is another song that reminds me of my life before him..Rascal Flatts sings it.. the other is one for after Hubby and I met, (sure it is from the perspective of a man) but I truly feel like a person under a waterfall.. just trying to get as much of him as I can. Hubby's love and presence is so refreshing to me. At the end of the day no matter how long or short.. when Hubby walks in things are automatically better. There is nothing I wouldn't do for him and there is even less I would be able to do without him. Hubby certainly makes my life more... well just more.  So though my words are few.. they mean very much. Hubby.. I love, appreciate, adore, and am overwhelmed by you. I hope you have a wonderful day today.. and a year full of blessings.

2~  I was talking to my friend H.. we were out shopping, and admittedly we were in the dressing room of VS and she was giving me advice on the different bra's I was trying on. H is one of those friends. I know I can trust her with anything and she will be there for me no matter what. I am comfortable with her.. she is like a sister to me. My friend S was there also and she is a blast also! H is a military brat all grown up and S is a military wife. So the three of us together.. lets just say it's a good time! H was telling me that my modesty is in my head that there is nothing wrong with the way I dress and that if I were her daughter, she would have no issue with my clothes. S tells me that I don't have enough fun with my clothes. The jest of what I got from the whole day.. lighten up! It's great to wear poka dots even if Hubby and I are the only ones who see it.. that just makes it more exciting. I am thankful for my girlfriends! Everyone needs at least one good one and I am blessed to have two where we are now!

3~ The Icky Sicky's are still not out of the house. Hubby is still not feeling well, it has taken him longer to get better then it did me and that does concern me. Miniman woke-up with a fever this morning, so I am keeping an eye on him. For now Miniman wants oatmeal.. for every meal.. with just a little butter, milk and sugar. I don't mind, there are worse things he could want to eat. Goosie still has a bit of a cough. But nothing that is concerning. I am sure we will all be better very soon.

4~ Bubbles has been testing me. She is potty trained, but has the idea that I need to go to the bathroom with her.. every time she has to go. If I don't go with her she will just stand there and pee herself. This is very frustrating for me. I am not sure what to do about it.. any advice?? I want her to go to the bathroom without me.. she is mostly just going pee. She has a potty seat, a little potty and everything. I am just at a loss. Bubbles only does it at home, so that is a relief.

5~ Hubby wants to go back to the infantry. He has been in recruiting for the past ten years and really wants a change of pace. He has already made phone calls and there are position's where he could be of use. But there is paper work, he has to be released from USAREC and all the jazz that goes with it. So he tells me that we may be moving, as soon as May, or as late as November. There is no way to tell and that is if we move this year. The higher-ups may decide to keep him around for an extra year. Hubby has decided that he is going to stay in a little longer so that Goosie will be able to use all of the GI bill for college. That way we only have to save up for two instead of three college tuition's. And lets face it the cost of college is only going to go up, so it will be nice to have one paid for. No idea's yet when, but Hubby says that he has a choice of where. The Army will ultimately decide between.. Germany, Italy, Hawaii, Colorado, or Kentucky. But again all of this is up in the air and there is only a small chance of the move happening. It is all just a hurry up and wait.

6~ I want to clean things out.. again. There are so many things that are just taking up space. Things in the basement that haven't seen the light of day in at least a year if not more, linens that I am sure other people could use and dishes that we just have too many of.  I would really like to minimize on everything. The toy's, clothes, dishes, linens, all the extras in the garage and basement that are just stuff. They don't come out of boxes and there is really no reason to hold on to them. So even without the thought of a possible move.. I need to clean things out again. Too much stuff is not good for anyone!

7~ Mommy Moment: I know I know as if the potty training wasn't enough here I go with a Mommy Moment of the week. It is more of a memory really. I remember Goosie and how smart she really is. It happened when I was pregnant with Bubbles. Hubby was working that day as usual and I had to take both Goosie and Miniman with me to my O.B. appointment. Miniman was still young enough to be distracted by books that made noise so I had him strapped in the stroller facing the wall beside the table. Goosie was a little more wiggly and had many more questions. First was listening to the heartbeat, that is such a wonderful sound when you are pregnant. It is just a little thing that lets you know that baby is okay. Then the measurements.. and when you are in the last month of your pregnancy the internal exam to check for dilation and effacement.  It was during one of these last month visits that Goosie poised her questions. The conversation went something like this:

Goosie: " Mommy, how did the baby get inside your belly?"
Me: " Well, one night Mommy and Daddy prayed and asked God to put a baby in my belly, then we went to sleep and when Mommy woke up the next morning there was a baby in my belly."

This seemed to satisfy her query until after the exam.. then came another question.

Goosie: " Mommy, how will the baby get out of your belly?"
Me: " How do you think the baby will come out?"  ( I wanted to see how much she knew and could figure out on her own)
Goosie: " From your (va)gina"
Me: "That's right honey."
Goosie: " Then what is the Dr. for?"
Me: " To make sure that the baby and Mommy are okay afterwards."
Goosie: " oh."

Well this told me two things. One Goosie is one smart little cookie, she was not quite four years old and had deduced the truth. I promised myself and my children that I would never lie to them. Sometimes this means that I choose how much of the truth to tell them according to their age, but I will never lie to them. They will get enough of that from other people.
Two Goosie really didn't need to come with me to any more appointments!

I hope you enjoyed my 7 quick takes! Until next time dear readers, be blessed!

7 Quick Takes (vol.3)

Head on over to conversiondiary.com for some wonderful reads!! I know that my entry this week is a day late.. but  I hope you all will forgive me anyway!



1~ Bubbles has not been well again, so we are snuggled underneath my napping quilt while the rest of the family sleeps in the big bed

2~ It's going to be a long Saturday.. I worked last night and then had to run to the store to get somethings after.. getting home around 1am, means I was ready for sleep around 2. Bubbles woke up crying and was inconsolable around that time. Hubby took her down to the couch thinking she may need extra snuggle time and told me to go to bed. This worked for about 2 1/2 maybe 3 hours. Now everyone in the house is sleeping but me. And Hubby is sick. Ugh!  * 5 minute update.. Bubbles has thrown up twice in 2 hrs, this may not be a one niter  :-(

3~ This past week has been an interesting on of learning, reflection, and growth.. I think I grew a little. :-)

4. Goosie is singing in Church on Sunday. It will be the second time the children's choir she is in goes up.. I am excited! I will have the camera in hand and luckily Hubby will be beside me to press "record".

5~  I found this article interesting.. A little food for thought. I would LOVE to discuss it also.

6~ Our 8th wedding anniversary will be here before we know it. Nothing big is planned, just an early dinner out without the kids.. we will be home in time to put them to bed. I love Hubby so very much! Sometimes it seems like I only met him yesterday, other times I catch myself thinking " 8 years.. surely it has been a life-time" as it is hard for me to remember the time in my life before he was sharing it with me (and I his). He is honestly the first on my list of "Thankfuls".

7~ A Mommy Moment~~ Goosie has always loved being held. When Hubby's arms are wrapped around her at the end of the day she falls asleep so quickly. Bubbles has some what been forced to sleep independance, she can fall asleep on her bed all by herself, as long as the plethora of animals and other toys are surrounding her. Miniman is different. He loves for me to hold him, but he has also accepted the fact that I can't always do that. So Miniman has what I call his "holding" pajamas. These extra snugly pj's according to Miniman, make him feel like I am holding him. Then he asks to be piled up with blankets (making a nest of sorts) and he will sleep through the night.. or at least until 4 or 5 in the morning. Then he crawls into the big bed that isn't quite big enough (even though it's a king) that the girls joined us in around midnight. We co-slept with all of the kids, it was so much easier with breastfeeding. I admit I get irritated sometimes that there isn't enough room, but then I remember that they are only little for a little while and then they are grown.

Well dear readers, I hope you enjoyed my "Quick Takes" be blessed and have a wonderful day!

     

7 Quick Takes Friday (entry #2)

My second entry.. head over to conversiondiary to check out other 7 quick takes!
1~ Today is my sister N's birthday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY N!!! N you have always been an inspiration to me. Through the years I have watched you go through much, yet you do it with such grace and thankfulness (even the hard stuff). I am blessed to have you in my life. To say that I appreciate you is an understatement. Oh N, I look forward to our chats on the phone or on skype. When I talk to you or I am around you I feel challenged once again. There are so many ways that you light up the lives of those around you. This year on your birthday I wish you more then enough. You have been taking "handsfull of life" and sharing it with us, and I am grateful for it. Even though we are separated by miles..I feel so close to you. Thank you my sister-friend;life is happier, fuller and more exciting with you in it! Happy Birthday! 

Here are my Sisters and I.. N is the 3rd from the left.

2~ As you can see.. I come from a big family. Some would consider what I have now to be a "big" family, but we are only a family of 5. I came from a family of 10. Hubby came from a family of 4. When Hubby and I met we talked about families.. mostly about what size we wanted. I told him that I wasn't sure the exact number of children I wanted, but it was more then 2 and less then 5.  As 5 would not be a possibility for me. Some of my friends would probably say they think otherwise, but the collective sanity of the house cannot handle more then what we have. Children are a blessing.. one which I believe we are to care for and care about as such. So if you have a little one, either born from both your heart and body.. or just your heart, hold them~ cherish them~ let them know how much you love them. We only have once to help them grow.. then they will be on their own and we can only pray we did and taught them enough.

3~ Over the past week, all three of my babies have gotten sick. Goosie is the most recent. Bubbles.. got it started, lol. It is just a virus I am sure, but it is still so very hard to watch your little one's when they are sick. When any of the kids aren't feeling well, I wish I could take it on myself, so they wouldn't have to suffer through any of it. Well.. this time I got my wish. Momma got sick. It is no fun being sick, I assure you. Wait.. all of you know how miserable you feel when you are sick, so enough said.

4~  I am even more grateful for Hubby  then ever. In some of the little "down time" I have I came across two blogs Wades World and Teaching Tuck and Ty . Both of the authors have something in common.. other then the fact they are women. They are both young widows. One a military wife, the other a wife and mother. These women are strong. Courageous. After having to let go of the person they chose to spend the rest of their lives with too soon.. they are sharing their stories. The pain and discomfort they feel I could barely imagine. Yet here they are posting, choosing to share their grief and daily struggles rather then to give into it. Please stop by and encourage these women. Read their stories.. let them know they are not alone.

5~ The kids received a Wii from their Grandpa B for Christmas.. it gets a lot of use! From video games to Netflix it is defiantly living up to it's diversablity!  I have decided that it will have to go on a diet however, from the family. There is no need for it to be on as much as it is, so there is a diet plan in place. I already use the diet with the TV for the most part. I just have to include more things in it.

6~ I have a Dr's appointment for my hands today. I think I have carpel tunnel and tendinitis in both of my hands. My right hand is worse then my left and I am interested to see what the Dr at the pain clinic says is my diagnosis. I use my hands allot you see. Cleaning, sewing, knitting, crochet, preparing food, and all the other "Mommy" tasks I have. From what I understand there is the possibility of a cortisone shot and if that doesn't provide relief.. surgery. A few of my Sisters, along with my Mom have already had surgery on their hands. So although I don't want to go " under the knife" again. I am aware of the possibility.

7~ Reflecting on "Mommy Moments Past"~  When Goosie was born I remember holding her and thinking " I can't believe she is ours". Then Hubby took over. He changed more diapers in the first two weeks of her outside life then I did! There is something special that happens when a child comes into the world. I remember wanting to have a boy right off. I was a little upset that we were having a girl first, then I received a peace ( you know what I am talking about). I didn't understand. You see God is so great and awesome that years after pain has been caused, he brings healing. That is what happened with Goosie and Hubby. Hubby in his Army career has seen and experienced much. There was a story I remember him telling me and it rocked me. I could only begin to fathom how much Hubby had seen and experienced. There is allot of injustice in the world.. and God provided healing for some of it. There was an instance when Hubby was deployed that a little girl died in his arms and he could do nothing. When he would tell me this story, I could still see the pain in his eyes, hear it in his voice.. I only wished  I could do something. But that wasn't up to me. I might have carried the start of his healing for 9 months.. but he needed Goosie, and God knew it. God's provision is a wonderful wondrous thing.. just think about it for a minute, and count your blessings!

7 Quick Takes Friday (entry #1)

Thank you to my sister N for suggesting the blog conversiondiary to me! I think it is wonderful and wanted to start my own:

  1~ Potty training can take a long time.. Bubbles has been potty trained for sometime now, but she is still having a few accidents. If it has been a particularly busy day she doesn't last through the night dry.. I am so thankful for the extra sheets my sister G gave me last year.. with three kids that climb in our bed, it's nice to have more then two sets of sheets!

2~ It has never been a greater time then now to reconnect with your spouse. I wrote earlier that I was going to concentrate more on Hubby this year then ever, and it's already paying off. Sure The 5 Love Languages helped. Hubby and I talk about different ways that we love each other. My "love tank" is defiantly fuller this year then it was last and I am sure things will only get better.

3~ Honesty is always the best policy. I value so much the friends I have.. you are all so real to me. You don't back down from telling me the truth when I need to hear it the most, I am not at a loss for comfort or advise so long as you have something to say. My life is enriched by having you in it and I am grateful for each of you my friends!

4~ If you use your imagination there is always something new to do with snow. Sure it is winter. Here in Ohio there is snow all over the hill in my yard.. so we are going to color it. Spray bottles with food coloring and water should do the trick.. who wants a white lawn when you can have a rainbow colored one?? I will post pictures!

5~ I recently bought the Apologetic bible. I can't wait to get into it.. my brain is almost drooling for me to start already! No it is not about apologizing.. it is about defending Christianity against other religions and world beliefs. I am more then intrigued and ecstatically excited.. there is another bible I would like to have it is the Archaeological bible.. I will have to budget for that one however. Here is to learning and growing more in your spiritual walk! Remember if you are not being challenged, your not growing; if your not growing.. lets just say you want to grow!

6~ Bubbles I must say is living up to her nickname, she is one of the most exciting kids I know! She has a pretend princess camera and will go around taking pictures.. some I wouldn't care for her to really "take". But she and her little camera remind me that the children are watching. They are taking everything in. The way I clean the house, interact with them and Hubby even other people.. is how they are learning to interact with others. So be careful Mommy and Daddy feet where you go, be careful Mommy and Daddy mouths what you say.. your children will mimic your words and actions..

7~  I miss at times being pregnant and breastfeeding. When I was pregnant I knew that my babies were safe, no matter what. There was no way that anything or anyone could harm them. They were inside of me and I knew that they were getting the best care, and protection of their lives. I miss breastfeeding. Knowing that my little ones were getting all they needed from me. Feeling them so close, and there is a special kind of look each one of them gave me.. it is a hard one to explain unless you have breastfed. The soft baby caresses, the playful way each of them would tease themselves with their "nursies". The contented look on their sweet faces when they would fall asleep in my arms..  It is something that I will miss, but because I miss it.. I cherish the memories of nursing my babies all the more.

~~ I hope you have enjoyed my first entry of 7 Quick Takes Friday.. if you are interested in reading more follow the link above! Until next time dear readers, be blessed!