So, here I am almost three months later - updating. This summer has been fabulous! The kids were all kept at our home by a babysitter - many adventures were had: McWane Center for Science, Alabama Adventure, Library Reading Club, Wednesday free movies, and lots of play (and cleaning - this they didn't like so much!).
I was also lead by the Spirit to lead a church small group - fabulous! Now even more ministry opportunities have come from that.
I have started a new job. LOVE IT! Lots more time with my husband and children.
Poodleduck started Kindergarten this year. It has been so great listening to him and watching him grow. He makes friends with girls easily - maybe even a little too easily - but he really likes girls :) He held hands with a girl during naptime the first day of school - "What is her name?" we all asked him - He shrugged and said "I don't know, but she is my friend". How simplistic and how sweet - It reminded me of how complicated we "grown ups" try and make everything be.
So much has happened in my life personally and in the lives of friends I have that I try very hard not to get bogged down in the details and focus on the now - Sometimes I think I do this to an extreme and sometimes I don't get up far enough out of the trees to see the forest - God is doing such awesome work in me right now.
I give God all the praise and glory for everything good about me, my marriage, my children, and my possessions. The bad I ask Him to help me with and learn daily more about relying on Him and His word - not my "feelings" - Helping my kids navigate the daily situations is soooo not easy, but I trust in God that what He says is true - Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11 - and on and on and on. He gives constant reminders of His plans, His past accomplishments and the glory of the now.
We have family coming in at the end of the month - we are all so excited they are coming! Lots of fun planned for us all - the girls have a game on Saturday, but Sunday after church we plan to take them to Alabama Adventure! How great is that - if you haven't been and live in the area - now is a great time because tickets for both parks are only $19.99.
Have a fabulous week (month or three :) )!
Hebrews 13:2
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Life Lessons
Where oh where to begin? I have so much to update - as usual!! Poodleduck has been in a study for his EGE - things weren't so good the first month, but oh, so much better now! God is great!! I am so blessed to be involved in a small group at my church that teaches the women in it, not only how to better provide for their families by getting the best deals on groceries - but that also teaches us about relationships, prayer, and how God works in even the most minute ways if we stop long enough to pay attention.
I have prayerfully been considering for months about leaving my current job of 7 years. My husband and I feel it is time. Not because I "hate my job", but seriously because my job interferes with my ability to be the best mom and wife I possibly can. Not only do I depend on my job for my "security" and "identity", but also because in my heart of hearts I think I have really been thinking this is what God's plan for my life is. Not so - He has SO MUCH more in store for me and my family. I do not have to be just in one place or at one job to touch the lives of others and make a difference in His kingdom. How great is that? I used to think I had to go off to another country to be a "missionary" - finally I realized there was a mission field right here in my own country - literally my own back yard - went into social work for that purpose - to be mobile and to touch the lives of others. Of course looking back I think I could have done this as anything and made a little more money:) Kidding - I do think God's intention is to bless us - just like the promise in Jeremiah 29 - His plan is to prosper us....... I just have to be willing to be used and then use the gifts He has given me wisely - One of the most precious gifts He has bestowed is my husband and my children. I used to not feel this way - I used to really look forward to going to work - now I look forward to talking with my kids - learning about their friends - teaching them what I know and learning from them. Sometimes fun - sometimes not!! I also am being stretched as a wife - to grow and submit and learn more about what God's plan for the wife is - so all this rambling to say - God is really growing me - like all growing - there is sometimes pain - and sometimes having to look in the mirror and see that I have grown in the wrong direction! and then get back in line - I am truly walking in His grace and covering daily - - He constantly provides friends and songs and sermons and calls to remind me and put me back right where I need to be or sometimes to push me forward to where He has me going. I am LOVING this!!! So - all this to say - I am saying goodbye to a much loved and very emotionally heavy job - to move on to an even better calling for this season - MOM/WIFE
Wish me luck and blessings as I try to follow HIS path in all of this and truly walk in my faith!
I have prayerfully been considering for months about leaving my current job of 7 years. My husband and I feel it is time. Not because I "hate my job", but seriously because my job interferes with my ability to be the best mom and wife I possibly can. Not only do I depend on my job for my "security" and "identity", but also because in my heart of hearts I think I have really been thinking this is what God's plan for my life is. Not so - He has SO MUCH more in store for me and my family. I do not have to be just in one place or at one job to touch the lives of others and make a difference in His kingdom. How great is that? I used to think I had to go off to another country to be a "missionary" - finally I realized there was a mission field right here in my own country - literally my own back yard - went into social work for that purpose - to be mobile and to touch the lives of others. Of course looking back I think I could have done this as anything and made a little more money:) Kidding - I do think God's intention is to bless us - just like the promise in Jeremiah 29 - His plan is to prosper us....... I just have to be willing to be used and then use the gifts He has given me wisely - One of the most precious gifts He has bestowed is my husband and my children. I used to not feel this way - I used to really look forward to going to work - now I look forward to talking with my kids - learning about their friends - teaching them what I know and learning from them. Sometimes fun - sometimes not!! I also am being stretched as a wife - to grow and submit and learn more about what God's plan for the wife is - so all this rambling to say - God is really growing me - like all growing - there is sometimes pain - and sometimes having to look in the mirror and see that I have grown in the wrong direction! and then get back in line - I am truly walking in His grace and covering daily - - He constantly provides friends and songs and sermons and calls to remind me and put me back right where I need to be or sometimes to push me forward to where He has me going. I am LOVING this!!! So - all this to say - I am saying goodbye to a much loved and very emotionally heavy job - to move on to an even better calling for this season - MOM/WIFE
Wish me luck and blessings as I try to follow HIS path in all of this and truly walk in my faith!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Living Life
i am truly amazed at the ones that are committed to daily updates!! i just do not have that kind of time - or maybe it is a lack of discipline? No, I prefer to look at it as just "living life".
Right now life has been interesting - I am back at work after having surgery in Dec. The kids are all doing well - Poodleduck has been having issues with his eosiniphilic gastroenteritis. He has lost two pounds over the past couple of months. I am trying not to worry about that since the doctors are not too concerned at this point. Truthfully - I look back and am reminded of how far he has come anyway - from a failure to thrive baby and toddler - to a 40lb. five year old! How awesome is that? He has been accepted into a study for a new medicine Glaxo Smith Kline has developed for his issues - we are thrilled - maybe a little apprehensive, but mainly believing God for a miracle!! Maybe this is it - who knows?
I am looking at other jobs. Ones that will allow me to be home with the kids more. I really need to work financially, but also know that I need to be at home for the kids - especially as they are getting older.
I continue to struggle with submission - and probably with trust also - nothing comes too easily for me in those areas. I am not proud of this - just hoping that God will continue to shower His mercy on my marriage and family.
Hope everyone reading this is doing well -
Right now life has been interesting - I am back at work after having surgery in Dec. The kids are all doing well - Poodleduck has been having issues with his eosiniphilic gastroenteritis. He has lost two pounds over the past couple of months. I am trying not to worry about that since the doctors are not too concerned at this point. Truthfully - I look back and am reminded of how far he has come anyway - from a failure to thrive baby and toddler - to a 40lb. five year old! How awesome is that? He has been accepted into a study for a new medicine Glaxo Smith Kline has developed for his issues - we are thrilled - maybe a little apprehensive, but mainly believing God for a miracle!! Maybe this is it - who knows?
I am looking at other jobs. Ones that will allow me to be home with the kids more. I really need to work financially, but also know that I need to be at home for the kids - especially as they are getting older.
I continue to struggle with submission - and probably with trust also - nothing comes too easily for me in those areas. I am not proud of this - just hoping that God will continue to shower His mercy on my marriage and family.
Hope everyone reading this is doing well -
Saturday, December 22, 2007
So Much to Learn!!
As many of you may or may not know - I am sometimes scatterbrained. For a long time I had lost my password - couldn't get on the blog - life was mundane so I didn't much care - no, I am not blonde (anymore :) ) The password came to me the other night - so here I am.
It has been a very crazy few weeks in our household. Boo has been sick - as well as Poodleduck. Moo Moo has been great - after struggling with the decision to address her ADD - we took her to a doctor and after filling out the questionaires and getting the teacher feedback she is now taking Concerta (so we don't have to have the school involved) and doing GREAT!!! She thanked me about two weeks of being on it - she said her "focus medicine" is really helping her to listen and not to fidget in class - I was saddened and thrilled at the same time. Sad that my ego got in the way of medicine to begin with and that she even needs it - but also thrilled that she spontaneously could tell a difference. I completely give total praise to God for the peace he has given this decision. We don't advertise to people about her taking it, but it is always so interesting to hear the comments on the changes in her - all for the good - like wow, Moo has completed her homework without being asked, Moo sure is being quiet (as opposed to being the loudest mind you), and her teacher commented to her that she is doing a great job focusing lately - Moo shared about the "focus doctor" and her medicine. I love this child - she is kind, creative, giving, and sure of what she wants. She is a fabulous mix of me and my husband with plenty of her own personality mixed in. Her sister and brother are loved just as much, but have such different personalities - Boo is intellectual, shy, sometimes unsure, very maternal, still figuring out what she likes - it is great watching her grow - she just turned ten. Poodleduck is all boy and four years old - loving life, bugs, guts, and all things gross, but soooo loving and caring. I could not ask for a more wonderful family.
My husband and I have now been married 11 years. No - it hasn't all been fun and games - but at this point I am very much in love, sometimes a little frustrated, and more blessed than you can imagine by God with a fabulous husband and wonderful children. Everything he and I have been through these past years builds us up and helps us appreciate the good, and get through the bad. He has grown so much in his relationship with Christ - I have been so amazed and appreciative. I still struggle with submission, but daily give my life again to submitting first to Christ, second to my husband, and third to bosses, leaders, etc. I am not perfect - probably will never be. I try to go a little easier on myself, love what I have, be thankful for my friends and family and when I get out of order confess it and move on. I truly believe this is the reason God has allowed me to be a good employee, working on being a good friend, sister, daughter, mother, and wife. I will let you know how it goes.
About a month ago my sister called to let me know that my grandfather (mother's dad) had been taken to the hospital the night before - doctors thought it was a heart attack. It was. You would have to know my grandfather to understand what a shock this was. He has only been in a hospital one other time in his life overnight - eight years ago for a heart valve replacement, but otherwise healthy. He has just turned 89, can be demanding, but loves us deeply. Because I was having surgery the next week and would not be able to help out any after that for six weeks, I volunteered to stay the first night with him in the hospital. It was fabulous to be able to spend precious time with him. Listening to him talk about growing up in the depression, meeting my grandmother, and what his specific prayers are for my family. See, he and my grandmother (she went on to be with the Lord in '99) have been my leading examples of how to spend time with God. My mom loves God, but did not have time to lead us in devotions nightly or teach us to pray - God provided my grandparents for that. They instilled memorizing verses, turning to God for everything, spending time daily with God in Bible reading and prayer. Going to church with them opened up new ways to praise God since they are Pentecostal and I attended a Baptist church. I was very well rounded in my religious upbringing to say the least. I did not always appreciate my grandparents, even resented them at times, but as with anything else in life got to a point where looking back made me appreciate them even more. Thankfully God opened my eyes in time to tell my grandmother when I was a first year college student - I wrote to her and thanked her for guiding me and loving me even when I was a brat!! This past month I spent time with grandaddy and made sure he knew how much he has meant to me and how much I thank God for putting him in my life. He came through open heart surgery great - is home now - and quite demanding from what I hear :), but even if he is taken tomorrow I am glad I took the time to go over and spend some much needed time with him. He will never be forgotten since God has allowed me to have children to pass the teachings on to. That is all we really have anyway - How we live. By the way - check out the new song by Point of Grace -"how we live (turn up the music)" Truly my favorite!!!
Go hug your children, kiss your husband (wife), and get on your knees to thank God for all He has blessed you with and brought you through. Focus on Christ and you can't go wrong!!!
I wish you all the best this Christmas season and beyond!!
It has been a very crazy few weeks in our household. Boo has been sick - as well as Poodleduck. Moo Moo has been great - after struggling with the decision to address her ADD - we took her to a doctor and after filling out the questionaires and getting the teacher feedback she is now taking Concerta (so we don't have to have the school involved) and doing GREAT!!! She thanked me about two weeks of being on it - she said her "focus medicine" is really helping her to listen and not to fidget in class - I was saddened and thrilled at the same time. Sad that my ego got in the way of medicine to begin with and that she even needs it - but also thrilled that she spontaneously could tell a difference. I completely give total praise to God for the peace he has given this decision. We don't advertise to people about her taking it, but it is always so interesting to hear the comments on the changes in her - all for the good - like wow, Moo has completed her homework without being asked, Moo sure is being quiet (as opposed to being the loudest mind you), and her teacher commented to her that she is doing a great job focusing lately - Moo shared about the "focus doctor" and her medicine. I love this child - she is kind, creative, giving, and sure of what she wants. She is a fabulous mix of me and my husband with plenty of her own personality mixed in. Her sister and brother are loved just as much, but have such different personalities - Boo is intellectual, shy, sometimes unsure, very maternal, still figuring out what she likes - it is great watching her grow - she just turned ten. Poodleduck is all boy and four years old - loving life, bugs, guts, and all things gross, but soooo loving and caring. I could not ask for a more wonderful family.
My husband and I have now been married 11 years. No - it hasn't all been fun and games - but at this point I am very much in love, sometimes a little frustrated, and more blessed than you can imagine by God with a fabulous husband and wonderful children. Everything he and I have been through these past years builds us up and helps us appreciate the good, and get through the bad. He has grown so much in his relationship with Christ - I have been so amazed and appreciative. I still struggle with submission, but daily give my life again to submitting first to Christ, second to my husband, and third to bosses, leaders, etc. I am not perfect - probably will never be. I try to go a little easier on myself, love what I have, be thankful for my friends and family and when I get out of order confess it and move on. I truly believe this is the reason God has allowed me to be a good employee, working on being a good friend, sister, daughter, mother, and wife. I will let you know how it goes.
About a month ago my sister called to let me know that my grandfather (mother's dad) had been taken to the hospital the night before - doctors thought it was a heart attack. It was. You would have to know my grandfather to understand what a shock this was. He has only been in a hospital one other time in his life overnight - eight years ago for a heart valve replacement, but otherwise healthy. He has just turned 89, can be demanding, but loves us deeply. Because I was having surgery the next week and would not be able to help out any after that for six weeks, I volunteered to stay the first night with him in the hospital. It was fabulous to be able to spend precious time with him. Listening to him talk about growing up in the depression, meeting my grandmother, and what his specific prayers are for my family. See, he and my grandmother (she went on to be with the Lord in '99) have been my leading examples of how to spend time with God. My mom loves God, but did not have time to lead us in devotions nightly or teach us to pray - God provided my grandparents for that. They instilled memorizing verses, turning to God for everything, spending time daily with God in Bible reading and prayer. Going to church with them opened up new ways to praise God since they are Pentecostal and I attended a Baptist church. I was very well rounded in my religious upbringing to say the least. I did not always appreciate my grandparents, even resented them at times, but as with anything else in life got to a point where looking back made me appreciate them even more. Thankfully God opened my eyes in time to tell my grandmother when I was a first year college student - I wrote to her and thanked her for guiding me and loving me even when I was a brat!! This past month I spent time with grandaddy and made sure he knew how much he has meant to me and how much I thank God for putting him in my life. He came through open heart surgery great - is home now - and quite demanding from what I hear :), but even if he is taken tomorrow I am glad I took the time to go over and spend some much needed time with him. He will never be forgotten since God has allowed me to have children to pass the teachings on to. That is all we really have anyway - How we live. By the way - check out the new song by Point of Grace -"how we live (turn up the music)" Truly my favorite!!!
Go hug your children, kiss your husband (wife), and get on your knees to thank God for all He has blessed you with and brought you through. Focus on Christ and you can't go wrong!!!
I wish you all the best this Christmas season and beyond!!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Update
For the past few weeks I have been living life "90 to Nothing!!" Our family has had some great days and some other not so great days. We have gone to an amusement park that is located nearby, we have gone to a family reunion - I have learned to shoot a .22 pistol and I have realized that I am still an insecure parent.
My middle child - Moo Moo - is in the gifted program, but struggling in every other area. I am at a loss. She has asked to be home schooled, but we can't do that ( I work full time and my husband works full time with overtime). I am not sure that is what she needs anyway. She is having trouble staying focused - on anything - she even has trouble doing things on a list. On the flip side she is extremely creative - loves to flip instead of walk - and loves those around her. Maybe I am focused on the wrong things. Maybe I should focus on her heart instead of the numbers - I just do not want her unable to function in high school and in life.
I wonder everyday if it is because I am supposed to be at home with her - or at least waiting on her to get home so we can have a little more time to get things done. She is in a dance class that I have considered taking her out of after this month, but my husband disagrees - I don't know how to simplify anything.
They have all been sick too - This is week number three for my oldest and two weeks for my other two and my husband. I am tired of going to the doctor and them not getting any better - so this time we are not going. I think they will survive - no fever, just coughing and runny noses and hoarse throats. Again - does this make me a bad parent?
I hope you have a great day - I know that there is a plan in all of this - I just have to persevere.
My middle child - Moo Moo - is in the gifted program, but struggling in every other area. I am at a loss. She has asked to be home schooled, but we can't do that ( I work full time and my husband works full time with overtime). I am not sure that is what she needs anyway. She is having trouble staying focused - on anything - she even has trouble doing things on a list. On the flip side she is extremely creative - loves to flip instead of walk - and loves those around her. Maybe I am focused on the wrong things. Maybe I should focus on her heart instead of the numbers - I just do not want her unable to function in high school and in life.
I wonder everyday if it is because I am supposed to be at home with her - or at least waiting on her to get home so we can have a little more time to get things done. She is in a dance class that I have considered taking her out of after this month, but my husband disagrees - I don't know how to simplify anything.
They have all been sick too - This is week number three for my oldest and two weeks for my other two and my husband. I am tired of going to the doctor and them not getting any better - so this time we are not going. I think they will survive - no fever, just coughing and runny noses and hoarse throats. Again - does this make me a bad parent?
I hope you have a great day - I know that there is a plan in all of this - I just have to persevere.
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