the Ledges. . . . .III

Isn't this just the cutest picture ever? My parents met us at the Ledges yesterday and hiked the trail! Honestly, it is spring here, however you can't tell from this picture!

off to the Ledges we go. . .

WOO HOO its our first day of spring break and we are blessed to have an 80+ temp day on tap! AMAZING! we are going to take full advantage of today too, as we're heading to the Ledges. We have such a blast there! I have a "to do" list of items I need to get ready for the day; we're packing a picnic, grilling out! I'm so blessed that our kids never complain about not going to Florida, the Bahamas or somewhere else, perfectly content with the small day trips we go on. I hate to say it but I'm usually the one who "wishes" we could go somewhere awesome for spring break; God and I do some serious chatting over this issue (not about going) but about helping me change my attitude and perspective. I am so blessed to have this time with my family and it doesn't matter if its on the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean or on a trail at the Ledges having them by my side is a "sheer gift!"

beautiful sunshine!

We've been blessed to have a week of amazing sunshine! it's nothing less than a miracle for Michigan. The windows are open, a soft breeze is blowing, sheets are, soon to be, hanging on the clothes line and the yard is nearing the "spring clean-up". However I broke my leaf rake, my hands are full of blisters and there's a massive amount of leaves to be picked-up! My sweet son, Branden, brought home subway and MickeyD's for Victoria and I! gonna take a break and head out for more of that "great physical labor" (sure beats a boring treadmill/weight machine)!!

(can't you almost just feel the warmth from this sun? brightens my day just looking at it!)

I really did have a new post to share, honest I did! I had it all worked out in my mind, while I was catching a few rays yesterday, but today. . . . .for the life of me I can't remember! Between reading two books, helping kids with homework, doing my own, my brain is on overload. Maybe today, when I'm catching more rays, I will remember! You know when you forget what you went into the other room for, you retrace your steps and remember? (oh and P-L-E-A-S-E no comments about getting OLD either!!!!)

3 men and a little lady. . . .

It "was" a sunny but cool day here today, as you can see by the picture its gray/gloomy, typical Michigan sky, but that didn't keep my family from their daily constitutional!

a Tori-ism....

Earlier today, Jacqueline and Colson were outside jumping on the trampoline, of course whenever they go out Tori wants too as well. So I sent her out to jump with the kids. Minutes later they all three come running in and Colson says, "Mom, Victoria just mooned the old ladies across the street." (Oh great now we have a little exhibitionist on our hands) Den told her why she was not allowed to do that and took care of the matter. Well tonight as we were sitting at the dinner table she looks over at me and says, "Mommy I won't stick my booty out neva, eva, eva again when I go outside!" This girl just kills me with her comments! I'm pretty sure she won't too because she wasn't happy after her daddy got done dealing with her today!

( Hey Aunt Hilda. . . . remember a time, in Vail, at a grocery store??? gotta love it when the past comes back to haunt you!)

tis the season. . . .

My boys love building a bonfire, they take after their dad that way, he loves to play with fire too! Tonight was a perfect night for one! Brennan and Colson are thoroughly enjoying themselves, and Victoria won't stop asking to join them. She is our little "tomboy" but tonight she's watching from the window and none too happy about it either! Sometimes the guys need time with the guys and tonight's one of those times!

some serious savings. . .

Late this morning Brennan, Jacqueline, Colson and I went to the Salvation Army. Colson was in need of some pants and shorts (I'm trying to be frugal with the $$ my husband makes) so I thought we should make a pitstop there just to see if we could find some things. Boy did we ever! I found 6 pairs of shorts, a sweatshirt, a dress shirt and a hoodie for Colson; shorts and two pair of pajama pants for Jacqueline; dress pants and shirt for Brennan and a brand new SIGG water bottle for Tori (I know that was an extra but it was something she has wanted) all for $33! I was so excited to make wise use of our money and we all had such fun scrounging around in the SA! Maybe tomorrow we will hit a few of the Goodwill Stores too.

. . swamped. .

that's exactly what I'm feeling these days! I'm in the home stretch with classes and it seems that each prof is making sure we accomplish a lot of education, thus giving us massive amounts of projects and papers. I stayed home from church tonight so I could have a quiet house for 1.5 hours and get a chunk of work accomplished, especially since the kids have a half day tomorrow and no school Friday. I love having them home but it sure puts a crimp into a quite house to study! oh well I know I will get it done I'll just have to be creative with my time! Den is off lifting weights at the YMCA with Blake and Branden and I'm off to tuck my sweet ones into bed! We still haven't mastered Victoria sleeping in her own bed, and am wondering if it will occur pre-K or post-K! I long for a night of snuggling with my husband and sometimes I wish I had kept track of how many nights out of 31+ years we've actually had our bed to ourselves! then again maybe I don't really want to know!

perspective!

My kids and I just got home from our, once-a-month, Sunday service at an inner-city school (Den wasn't able to go with us as he took Brett back to SAU). I am so thankful that I chose to go; you know how you can justify why it would be better to stay home as there's always a 100 things that need to be accomplished before Monday morning, yet I felt that God wanted us to go, stepping away from the "stuff" here. The younger kids were tired and a bit restless yet they sat and were fairly quiet, playing peek-a-boo with a little guy from the neighborhood. At the close of the service our pastor tapped me on the shoulder and asked me if I'd be willing to pray with a lady, sharing with me a snippet of her story. We stepped aside, she hugged me, leaned into me, we grabbed hands and prayed. When I said, "amen", she hugged me again and said, "I don't know what I'd do if your church didn't come here once a month." In that short, maybe 5 minutes, time with her I was hit with how often we take for granted our worship time, the opportunity to sing and fellowship with friends and family and hear truth spoken from God's word. I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like if I wasn't able to attend church regularly; no ability to drive myself, no churches in my area, no one who even really cares about the area or the need. I got a good does of perspective tonight, one that won't be forgotten all too quickly and made a new friend, Mavis, that God placed directly in my path. I've been praying, too, that God would give me opportunities to share Him. Tonight was a golden one!

amazing. . . . .

My uncles funeral was extraordinary, a beautiful celebration of his life, a wonderful tribute to a man who had a deep walk with God. I am so blessed to have had this man in my life. I gained so much from the words that were spoken and felt my heart almost imploding, at times, over all that God was using to move me off of comfortable. But for today I'm serving Him with a deeper desire and trusting that as I walk through each day I can continue to implement all I've gleaned from that wonderful tribute.

a fitting tribute

Late Saturday afternoon my Aunt Enid called and told me my Uncle Bud had passed away. I knew it was inevitable, he'd been hanging on by sheer resolve for the past few weeks and finally Saturday, God said, come home! Its still hard for me to comprehend him being gone. I'm sure you can look back over your own life and find that "one" person who was your spiritual leader; he was mine.

I was asked by Melissa, his granddaughter, if I would like to share a tribute of his life. I was honored by her request but as I sat down, I was at a loss for words. After several attempts to share my heart I finally gave up and sent the below message to Melissa:

"I've written several paragraphs only to delete them, struggling to find the right words to share about this amazing man. I would love nothing more than to pen a great tribute, yet I can only say that deep within my soul I had always wished he was my dad! I have never met a more kinder gentler man than he, nor have I met anyone who has walked a steady path with God, like him, either. What an amazing legacy he has left, an unbelievable heritage and I hope that as a wife and mom I can continue to be the example to my family that he was to his. I'm honored you asked yet feel totally inadequate to share the depth of love and joy he has brought to my life. "

Tomorrow we will be heading to Indiana for my uncles funeral. I am anxious to see and hug my aunt as well as my cousins. Though we haven't been close, logistically, we have a deep connection through Christ and its through Him that we can rejoice, with tears, that one day we will all embrace Uncle Amos once again.

ahh. . . . .spa day

God has indeed blessed me with a precious friend, one that laughs with you, cries with you and loves you "no matter what". I've known her for 12 years yet never really knew her until the past two years and what a gift she is to me. Today my friend treated me to a "spa day". Though it wasn't the ritzy kind of spa day a person would spend hundreds of dollars on, it was "glorious"; 6 blissful hours of pampering; soothing foot bath, parafin wax on my hands, massage, manicure, breakfast and lunch, coffee coffee and more coffee and hours of wonderful fellowship with my friend as well as many other women. It was heavenly! yet I did miss my family and from time to time I checked my cell to see if I had any texts (you know "just in case"). The message that grabbed my heart was this one from Den, "Tori just got up from her nap, she says when is mommy coming home shes been gone for like FOREVER!" then I listen to my messages and Tori says, "come home momma". I guess my girl missed me! I rarely spend a day away from her and in all of her 3 years have only spent one night away, which can be a good thing or a bad thing; yet I know that in a few short years she will be off on her own adventures, so for now I'm loving it and am enjoying all her hugs and snuggles! and oh I can't forget to praise my sweet husband for holding down the fort, keeping things rolling and fixing dinner! What a man, I'm so blessed!!!!

oh yuck. . . . .

I went into the kitchen to unload the dishwasher, I pulled out the silverware basket from the door and noticed milk dripping off of it and thought to myself, "what in the world, is this thing not washing again," then I pulled out the top basket and found a bowl of frosted mini-wheats turned upside down. My sweet little 3 year old wanted to help her momma out by loading her own cereal bowl this morning. What a mess and I'm learning that its really nothing to "get mad" over she wasn't being naughty just trying to help as she sees her older siblings do, and anyways, we can run the dishwasher AGAIN!

It was an absolutely gorgeous day here in mid-Michigan! windows were open, the sun was shining brightly, the birds were even chirping and the snow is 95% G-O-N-E! As soon as the kids got home from school we went for a walk on the river trail. We had such fun, the kids were like chatter-boxes! on our way home we stopped and got the kids slurpies, their favorite treat after a long walk!.

I did something I try not to do this time of year; and that is put all our winter gear away! I know, I know we live in the north and we will, more than likely, have another blast of winter, but the past 10 days have been "out of this world" awesome for us Michiganders that I just couldn't help myself. Everything is washed and put in their perspective bins! and the spring fleeces are hung on their perspective hooks! even though we are still knee-deep in mud we are loving this weather!

Isn't it just so cool how God prepares us for the change of seasons? how excited we get as each one approaches? Isn't He just awesome like that?

it was only a matter of time. . . .

We've reached a milestone in our lives. I knew it would come but just wasn't sure when it would happen! Who knew it would sneak up on me and surprise me? Its been a month and my precious little girl hasn't cried once when I've left her in her church classes, Bible Study classes or at the Childrens Corner at the Y! It's been amazing and astounding, and yes even a bit sad. Its such a relief being able to leave her without any tears, happy and ready to learn and play. I tried, on occasion, to leave her for Children's Church, but she would only stay if I stayed. I knew she would step out of this phase, so I never pushed it, always just keeping her with me. Its such a blessing to be able to go places; and not have her be like "glad wrap" to my leg, or begging me, "please don't leave me in here mommy" with tears coming from those big blue eyes! (of course I wouldn't, I couldn't, I didn't). So now, we are going to be making a regular appearance at the Y! She LOVES playing with all the different toys as well as the kids, but I do think that Bible Study time is her favorite; just a few children and two grandmas and they play right along with the kids! So. . . . .my baby is growing up, just like she's supposed too, but man. . . . .it sure does hurt this mommies heart once in a while!

A true man of God!

This is a picture of my Uncle Bud and Aunt Mary. Aren't they just precious? They are one of the Godliest couples I've ever met, they've been married 61 years and always have a sweet spirit and a smile on their faces. My uncle has been sick since fall with Cancer and has only hours to live. My heart is so heavy and the tears can't seem to stop! I am so extremely blessed by their walk, their witness; never failing, never faltering, always steady, always loving and serving God, no matter what! May God give him perfect peace and rest. . . . .I love you Uncle Bud!!!!

a dose of reality

This morning as I was dropping off Victoria in the 3 year old class at Bible Study one of the workers says to her, "its so nice that your grandma brought you today!" Of course I smiled and said, "oh I'm not her grandma I her mama!" She then apologizes and steps away to assist someone else. As she walks away I say to Victoria, "funny huh, she thought I was your grandma," and Victoria says with a smile, "you not my gwama, you my ma ma!"

I tried not to let the ladies comment resonate but it did cut a bit deep and hit me hard. Seriously I do have a son thats 30 with two little boys, so in reality I am a grandma, but I do have a 3 year old so that makes me a mommy, so there! and by the way this lady has watched Victoria for the past several weeks! Whats up with that??????

Happy 16th Birthday Brennan!
You are such a blessing to our family and we
love you very much!
Enjoy your day!

busy as a beaver. . . .

I wasn't feeling good yesterday; caught the virus bug that Colson, Victoria and Blake had! Last night my house was pretty much a mess from top to bottom; laundry unfolded in a heap on the living room floor, laundry in the dryer, two basketfuls to be put away, dishes everywhere; just an overall disaster. Thankfully this morning I felt somewhat better, well at least I had the energy to tackle the mess. Jacqueline and Colson were an amazing set of extra hands. They worked their little tails off for me and in no time everything was pretty much taken care of. I started the laundry, folded the laundry, sorted it all into piles for each child and Jacqueline and Colson took them to each bedroom. Ben didn't have any dirty laundry just a huge basket full of unfolded clean laundry. I dumped and folded it, smelling a few items just to make sure it was really clean! Next I made my grocery list, dropped Jacqueline off at a friends for the day and then headed to the grocery store with Victoria. Once home began preparing Brennan's birthday meal and dessert. Cleaned-up the mess then I steamed cleaned Jacqueline/Tori's queen bed (we purchased it used, once home, realized it smelled like cigarettes). Thankfully a good friend had a steam cleaner and loaned it to us. I am also going to tackle steam cleaning our carpets a section a day so we aren't locked out of all the rooms. Brett did the study this morning and WOW! does it ever look better, and it seems once you get started you can't stop because you can tell what is clean and what is still dirty. I enjoy doing it, you know me and physical work, LOVE IT!

The sun is shining brightly, the skies are blue and I even opened the windows for a while this afternoon, we are getting a teaser for spring, but for today I'm just enjoying the warm sunshine streaming in my home! Enjoy your weekend, they go by all too quickly!

oh what an afternoon we had. . . . .

We were invited out to a couples house from church today. We "rarely" turn down their offer, there home is the BEST place ever, especially for a large family! They live out in the country on 17 acres, with two huge ponds. What a fun time we had too. We spent the first 2 hours outside sledding onto the pond, throwing snowballs, making forts and just playing. I could tell Tori was getting a bit tired so, the girls and I decided to head inside and help Sue with dinner prep, shortly after, all the guys came in too. We had a great "lupper" (lunch/supper, thats what our kids called it) and the kids scattered and the adults sat down for a game of dominos. We had so much fun, lots of laughs and played well into the late afternoon. Once everything was cleaned-up and put away we headed home. On the way home the kids were just chattering about all the fun they had, and Den and I both agreed. Its been along time since we've been able to just enjoy a day with the family, as well as enjoying special time with our friends. We are unbelievably blessed by Wayne and Sue's hospitality. They are such a gift to our family. Some days, when life seems to press in and the troubles of the day crowd you, its nice to know that we have a haven to retreat too, not only in Christ, but in dear sweet precious friends that God brought across our paths.

Nana and Papa's Part I

Blake getting in on the fun and throwing snowballs. They were more like hard ice balls, you didn't have to pack them too much; they were hard as a rock! The snow was great but it wasn't great for making a snowman.

Scottie brought Ox, who loves the snow as much as the Lutztribe does!

Nana and Papa's Part II

Tori just loves the outdoors, she could hardly wait to play in the snow!

I built this small snow fort on the pond and she crawled in there, honestly I thought she was going to lay down and take a nap. She says, "I tired" then yawns!

Such a fun time sledding with daddy

Nana and Papa's Part III

What an awesome time we had this afternoon at our friends home. We all enjoyed a time of sledding and playing in the snow!

Colson on his first trip down the hill

what a a fun kid

Jacqueline on her way down and everytime she hit the bottom of the hill
this is how we found her........what a sweetie!

Happy Valentines Day to US!

We received a package today in the mail! What fun it was to open and find all kinds of yummy handmade treats inside made especially for us by our sweet daughter-in-law Amanda and sent from their family. I can't remember the last time we received a surprise package in the mail! What a thrill is was for all of us, especially me (I love packages too) to open it and pull out container after container of goodies, plus three special Valentines, from our grandson Wilson, to his Aunt Jacqueline, Uncle Colson and Aunt Victoria!
(I forgot to say that the m&m cookies are my FAVORITE too)

Thank you Brad, Amanda, Wilson and Walker for blessing us, not only with the treats but with your outpouring of LOVE!

oh yes they did.....

Our school called a snow day yesterday! We were so excited, not just for the day off, but for all the beautiful snow that fell through the day and night. We ended up with the most in our county, almost 11 inches. It was such a gift to enjoy a free day; those who could sleep in did, and those who never sleep in didn't (as always). We enjoyed a lazy day of nothing, which was just fine with all of us! The kids had fun playing outside in the snow with a few friends, then came inside to warm mugs of hot chocolate and playtime in the basement.

Even though we have a long weekend, it sure was nice getting blessed right in the middle of the week. I went to school today and dropped off Colson's Valentines for his class party (of course he woke up in the night with a fever and sore throat, strep again) and as I was driving home I felt so extremely blessed that we had been blanketed with such beautiful snow. Everything was bright, even the suns rays were warm and bright, and it just reminded me of how God cares about even the small things, like praying for a snow day, in our lives.

I hope your enjoying the beauty that surrounds you, sometimes its hard to see, when our vision is clouded but when we choose to ask God to give us clear sight we see beyond the "stuff" and can enjoy His creation.

Blessings to all. . . . . .

the day after. . . .

I had such fun last night watching my kids watch the superbowl! Its the first time Jacqueline and Colson have gotten into the excitement and actually watched the entire superbowl from beginning to end. Of course we were cheering for the Saints, and Drew Brees (gotta love a quarterback who loves His Lord), though I am a Hoosier, by birth, we are not big fans of the Manning boy, so our loyalties went to the Saints.

Colson and I ran out to get pizza (I splurged and bought the cinnamon bread too) and got home just in time to sit down with our dinner and watch the opening coin toss and tip-off. I love how my kids will follow who we choose, and thankfully pretty much all the man-boys, in our family, were rooting for the Saints. Victoria even got in on the fun and cheered her little heart out. There's just something so invigorating about watching your kids enjoy themselves, laugh and yell at the TV! Love it!

As the commerical's played one by one we were touched by the pro-life message of Focus on the Family and the Tebow family. Way to go FOTF for making a top-notch commercial without it being in your face!

This morning the kids are still talking about last night and replaying some of the commercials. Victoria loves the one with the little boy saying, "don't touch my mama, don't touch my doritos" as she keeps repeating it over and over! So cute!

Thankfully the kids were easy to get-up for school, Jacqueline could have slept in a bit, but the deal was, we let them stay-up and they have to get-up without being touchy. Everyone is off to school, Den is subbing today and people the sun is shinning!

I'm off to enjoy some time with my little cutie, and get some morning snuggles! Enjoy your week, we're supposed (I use that term very loosely) to get a winter storm tomorrow night (praying that it actually happens and we get a snow day Wednesday); the kids have a short week with our mid-winter break this next weekend, no school Friday or Monday! WOO HOO for breaks and kids and home and life!

Now that I am finally through the first of February, with two birthdays behind me, I can breath a huge sigh of relief, that is until the 20th, and a another birthday. February was a very prolific month!

I've been wanting to pen a few thoughts about blogging, whether to keep it, delete it, or just ocassionally drop-in, leaving simple post or two. I chatted with Den over the whole blog-issue and he encouraged me to keep it. I mentioned to him some of my anxiety over writing, and my intentions for the blog in the first place. I never wanted this to be about "me" or my "passion" for my family (however I do love my family deeply and will from time to time, share about them), but more about what God is doing in and through me, and how maybe just maybe my walk, our families journey, just might touch someone else.

You see, I'm not great at book learning, I learn from life on life, by experience, by example and its from these experiences, good and bad, that I hope, by sharing them, others might be encouraged, not feel so quite alone.

Since I've been going through the study of the "Fruit of the Spirit" I've come to realize what I am, where I'm at, what I want to be, and what its gonna take to get there. My journey is still a huge "work in progress", I haven't arrived and only hope that one day, God will say to me, "Well done my faithful servant, in you I am well pleased." Until that day, I will continue to step one-day-at-a-time, (probably more like two steps forward, three back) the desire is the same; simply to serve Him, and in my serving Him, I hope that others are touched and I can be a blessing to someone.

another February birthday. . . .

What a gift from God!
Happy Birthday Colson, we love you so much.

our baby is "3" today

What a precious gift she is to us!

my family is sharing. . . . .the flu bug. . . .this is one thing I would appreciate they not share! Its been a long week; there are still 4 more of us for the flu to possibly attack. Thankfully most of the laundry is done, including all bedding (I wash all the bedding of everyone thats been sick), on my last load; my class work is uploaded and complete until Monday and the house is pretty much in order, so. . . .if the flu finds me I think the house will still stand! I did pick up the kids homework and they've been working on it slowly tonight, our diningroom table looks like a battlefield, papers scattered everywhere. I don't care the kids know whats what and thats all that matters. I'm outta here, gonna enjoy the rest of the evening, the fireplace is pumping out wonderful warmth, and I hope to find something on our tv that will interest me until my eye lids droop (which probably won't be too long, since I got up at 4:30am). No school tomorrow, scheduled day off for my elementary kids and my high schoolers have a half/day so today really feels like Friday. Still working through my Beth Moore Fruits of the Spirit as well as working through some other things God has laid on my heart.

a little room re-do~~

This past weekend I decided to sell the girls white trundle bedroom set. Den and I discussed that getting a queen set for their room would, not only benefit us (we can get Tori out of our bed), but both girls since, they like sleeping together. I put the set on Craigslist and in less than 24 hours it sold and I purchased a queen set. Brett and I made the trek to Lansing late yesterday afternoon and picked up the queen set, which also came with a beautiful headboard/footboard that is iron. Jacqueline wants a bit more sophistication to her room (from little girlish to tweenish) and wants the bed to be black (uh-huh that's what I'm talkin' about, a girl after my own heart). Hopefully, baring anymore sickness, I can get the bed sprayed and put together, before the new bedding arrives next week. My sweet girl gave me all her birthday money to put with the left-over money to purchase her bedding. She's so excited and I'm so excited to do this for her! I will post before and after pics (I love that don't you?) once its all complete, though we aren't repainting her room, since we do hope to move SOON!

My speaking engagement was cancelled today. North Dakota has been hit with one of its famous blizzards and I have been rescheduled for March. I'm a bit relieved, not because I was nervous or apprehensive but because I've got two sick kids with the flu, both of which require my attention 100%. I am excited and honored that they asked and am looking forward to March when I can share my story with them.

Tomorrow morning I am speaking to a "moms group" at Faith Church, Wahpeton, North Dakota. Due to modern technology I get to share, with them, from the comfort of my home, via skype! I was emailed the topic of my little video chat, "how to raise, manage and organize 12 children." It should prove to be a fun and interesting morning.

last night, well really, in the wee hours of the morning Scottie's dog would not quit barking. I think he barked and howled for almost an hour. Of course we are on the side of the house where he is so we "always" hear him bark. I finally got up about 2:30am and came downstairs to see if I could pinpoint what exactly he was irritated about, but could see nothing. I made my way back upstairs and knew that it was pretty much pointless to go back to sleep. I laid in bed and began to pray when Den quietly asked me if I wanted to join him downstairs and pray together. We made our way down to the sofa, in the quietness of the early morning (at this point even the dog was quiet) and began to pour our hearts out to our Savior. Throughout the life-lessons we walk through Den and I need to stay connected, especially in our prayer time. I was so touched by his willingness to get up (I'm sure it hadn't been too long since he had come to bed) and pray with me. Its rare to have quiet moments together, and even more rare that we can spend those quiet moments in prayer.

tripping and falling

as in life, when you choose to move off comfortable; when you choose to change something for the better; get rid of something that's been holding you back Satan is right there, immediately tripping you! Not only does he not want us to follow God but he doesn't want us to even attempt to follow God. The very thing(s) you want to rid yourself of, you find yourself doing! why is it so hard to push him away and hold tight to God? why do we so easily trip? I'm so tired of stumbling, of tripping of falling, yet I'm so very glad God never tires of me either, because right now I'm pretty tired of myself. . . . .so I'm off to memorize Galatians 5:23-23; praying God embeds these into my heart and visible in my life.

only God. . .

as I sat in Bible Study today, with my book in front of me, I glanced over the name, "Living Beyond Yourself" without even realizing just what the study was about. A few minutes later our leader begins talking about the "fruits of the spirit" and I look down and the phrase under the study name says "exploring the fruits of the spirit". How shocked I was, even taken back as I had wanted, longed for, a study on this very topic. Only God . . . .I leaned over and said to my friend, Veda, "this is just too cool, I've been wanting to do this study for so long!" Isn't it just like God to answer us even when we really don't ask Him? I'm excited and a bit nervous (especially after watching the video) as to what God will help me get "beyond myself" in. Oh I know there's a huge list that needs tackling and I'm praying that whatever He chooses my heart will be open, eager and ready for the purging.

I'm excited! Today is our first morning of Bible Study. I have no clue what study I'm doing as I'm going with a friend, from another church. I totally trust her judgment and happy to spend the morning, not only with her, but especially learning truths from God's word. I've been dry for far too long, so this morning I'm praying God makes me like a sponge. . . . .

this "sweet little thang" is 12 today~ where did those years go? What a blessing she is to our family, a precious little jewel! Happy Birthday Princess! I sure love you!

 

 

 

 

"one drop at a time. . . "

Check out my son's new website. Save a life by giving the gift of water. Dipsao

a Tori-ism. . . .

Last night as I was rocking Tori, out of the blue, she leans up and across me and says to her two older brothers (one a senior in high school and one a freshmen in college), "Hey guys I gonna wear bras someday" then she sits back and looks up at me and says, "is that right mommy?" of course Brett and Blake are trying not to bust-up laughing and she just snuggles back down into me and commences to go to sleep! Gotta love the thoughts of an almost 3 year old little girl!

Finally........

Branden, Victoria and Ox having some fun in the new fallen snow we received today! It was a bit cold but it was such fun spending some time outside. I even managed to shovel the drive, with a little help from Branden :)

Blake and Brett shoveling last Friday on our first "official" snow day of the school year!

Colson, Victoria and Jacqueline enjoying the snow! They had a blast and didn't want to come inside!

a "new" year and a "new" start

I can't remember the last time I made a New Years Resolution. If I did, in the past, I'm sure I didn't follow through on whatever I happened to resolve to do that year. Honestly, for me, it has to come totally from my heart before I follow through. It has to be extremely important, something really worth changing for........so as I pondered, thought and agonized over this "new" year and "new" start that God has given me I wondered what I could do that would be "pleasing" to Him instead of it being about "me". Frankly I'm a bit sick of "me" and decided that I want my life to be about "HIM". Serving-seeking-living....totally for HIM!. . . . . NO MATTER WHAT! through whatever, wherever, whenever! not a resolution but a life-choice!

Our "Family"

One morning last week, on our way to school, Colson is talking about snow and wishing we would get some. As we travel to school I always pray, out loud for the kids and our entire family, so Colson says, "lets add snow to our prayer this morning, mom." I quickly agreed and prayed. When I was finished he says, "lets pray again and ask God for 10 inches of snow." I told him we could ask but it doesn't necessarily mean He will answer the way we would like. He proceeds to pray, asking God to give us 10 inches of snow that they could play in and that his nephews could enjoy when they come for Christmas. As we were talking he says, "when you pray God promises He will answer." Oh I just love the faith of this little guy, sometimes, well most times, his faith encourages me to trust God even when things seem futile.

So, today, we woke up to snow, beautiful glorious snow. Colson was so excited! even thought its not 10 inches he's still thankful for it; yet he did say, "God still has a few more inches to go before we get what I prayed for." Oh to have the simple trusting faith of a child. I learn more lessons from the faith and trust of my children. I only hope they learn a few from me every now and then.

a song that I heard from a dear friend, "faith, faith, faith just a little bit of faith. You don't need alot just use what you've got, faith, faith, faith just a little bit of faith!

a Christmas Colson-ism......

Last night we had our annual Flushing Candlewalk. The entire city is decked out in luminaries, we have a parade and it ends with Santa riding a Hook-n-ladder. Before Santa made his appearance, Colson says, "I don't want to sit on a strange mans lap, tell him things that I want or Victoria wants, then have him come and steal us Christmas Eve!" Oh my goodness! the stuff this guy comes up with, not sure when he heard that "Santa" was a child-snatcher. Needless to say, we did not make him sit on Santa's lap. Victoria was all about Santa, waving and calling out his name! quite a contrast from her big brother! The night was beautiful and just before the parade descended we were blessed with snow! it didn't stick much but it SNOWED! A wonderful night spent with the kids, enjoying free donuts, cider, and cotton candy!

a gift worth giving

I just want to brag on my little 7 year old, Colson, a bit. He just blessed my heart today and I just had to share it. In our Sunday School program they have prizes they hand out to the kids who memorize their verses. Colson had his eye on a "Winnie the Pooh" paint by number set for the past few weeks. Just so you know he wasn't wanting it for himself, but he wanted it for his school teacher. She collects anything "Winnie the Pooh" and he just knew it would be the perfect gift to give her. He worked all afternoon yesterday on his verses and again this morning so he could share them in hopes of getting that gift for her. He was beaming when we picked him up from junior church and couldn't wait to show me he had gotten it. The first thing he did, when we got home from church, was to wrap it and put a note on it to his teacher. He made sure he found a card that was blank so he could put "to Mrs-----" and "Love Colson". He came and showed me the finished gift and then placed it in his book bag and said, "I just can't wait until tomorrow to give Mrs.--------- her gift, she is just gonna be so happy!"

I was just so touched by the genuine love he shows to his teacher. Mind you our kids are in public school and their teachers, though very moral and religious, aren't Christians. I pray, with the kids, each morning that God's love and light shines through them in a way that they will be a blessing to their teachers and their friends, and I pray that his teacher is touched by the giving heart of a little 2nd grader!

a Thanksgiving dinner to remember........

Today we had Thanksgiving dinner at the kids elementary school. It was such a wonderful time and even better having my parents come to share in it!

Branden, Victoria, Jacqueline and Colson

at dinner

(Branden was so sweet, he took care of Victoria)

me, Grandma and Grandpa!

aren't they cute?


and all tuckered out and getting some snuggle
and rocking time from Grandma!
We had just the best day! food, family and fellowship was sweet
then outside to watch the kids play at recess as well as
enjoy the warm sunshine and blue skies!

Look what we got!

We were given this swing set and Victoria is just thrilled, she could hardly wait for her daddy and brother, Branden, to get it back together! What a sweet gift! Colson has prayed for a swing set for the past few months, and God gave us one for FREE! "Thank you God for answering the prayers of a little boy! you made his day (and his sisters too!)

you asked for it. . . .

You asked for it question #1: Ness asks: "I need to know how you get the motivation to exercise? I hear you talk about going to the Y and I am way too self conscious to exercise in public. Shoot, I'm almost too self conscious to exercise at home! Write about your routine and how you got started. I am absolutely wowed by how much you do in a day!"

The motivation to exercise comes from the simple fact that 1) I'm 50 2) I'm outta shape and 3) I want to be able to enjoy my children and grandchildren and not be the "fat" grandma! Also I realize that at my age nothing is easy anymore, the weight doesn't just come off from sitting and channel surfing, thus the exercise. I have talked about this before; I LOATHE exercise. I would rather play a sport, dig 3ft holes in my yard and refill them than exercise, but I do love the water and I don't mind water aerobics. Actually its fun and exercising with seniors makes you feel young and not so intimidating as sweating on a treadmill with a "size 0" woman beside you! Finding the motivation is tough some days, yet not others. I have the most energy in the mornings so I choose that time to put in my hour, and it works, if they offered the class at 5am I'd be there for sure, and if I'm not able to go when they do offer it, I do swim laps at 5:30am on those mornings. I'm truly sick of being overweight and its no ones fault but my own; no longer can I blame it on having babies because we are beyond the baby stage for the first time in 31 years (kinda sad and heartbreaking but more grandbabies will come to love and snuggle). I do love walking but since I have a hip/nerve issue its out of the question, water aerobics has helped immensly with that and my wrist. I also love Pilates and hope to step-in on the class at the Y on Thursdays.

Words of wisdom: do what fits your schedule, walk around your block, jog, run on a treadmill, borrow videos from the Library to change-up your routine, (I get bored with the same old, same old), run up and down the stairs; be creative. My son gave me a series of ab exercises that are "killers" and I do those on the off-days I don't go to the Y. The best advice is "just do something to keep your heart healthy and your peace of mind.

Here's hoping to a Summer, 2010, of fun and sun in a cute suit, shorts (which I haven't worn in 10 years) and sun dresses! GREAT! now that I've shared all this I'm accountable! Man oh man now I've gotta keep it up!!! Thanks!

nothing much to speak of . . . . . . . .

I've certainly be remiss in blogging lately. I wish I could pinpoint just what has caused me to refrain, more likely its a conglomoration of things thats pushed blogging to the background.
I've attempted, several times, to write out a post, only to find myself erasing it. I've noticed on other blogs posts about the lack of readers and responders and am wondering if we are moving more from the blog-world to the facebook-world. Facebook is a great way to connect with so many people, in a quick way without having to sit down and "think" about writing something "catchy" that someone might want to read or comment on. My husband, on occasion, the past two weeks has mentioned my "lack" of blogging and has encouraged me to pen a post. I'm tapped out friends. If any of you have a topic you'd like me to respond too, discuss, or have a question, ask away! Lets see if I can generate a post out of a question or two. Go ahead............make my day!

normal~~~are you out there?

Its been quite a few days since I sat down to pen my thoughts. I struggle with where to begin and finding the right words to start off with. Do you ever long for a sense of "normalcy"? Its been nagging at me for quite a few months now. I try pushing it aside but it keeps resurfacing. I have to ask myself what is "normal" these days. Is it a steady job, a solid family, no issues in life, a good home, nice things? just what does "normal" mean to you? My heart-strings have been pulled lately about what I've been coveting. Honestly its not a fancy house, full of the latest furniture, or a sweet vehicle, a great sub, but its about where I'm finding my satisfaction or whom I'm finding my satisfaction in. It hasn't been where it should be and that's what God is working through my heart. I tend to get "caught-up" in stuff that sends my focus elsewhere. I'm trying to put it back into perspective, trying to give up a day a week, or every two, to fast and pray for the things we deeply need, not wants but true deep needs. Its been exciting, not because we've gotten what we've asked for because we haven't, but my houghts are focusing more on Him and less on me, and isn't that what it's supposed to be anyways? I'm finding that going 24 hours without eating is doable, and manageable and I am talking to God all day long, like I talk to my best friend, just as it should be! way cool, just way too cool!