an amazing 4th of July parade. . . .day. . . .

My son, Benjamin, works for the Honorable James Marleau, Michigan Senator and we were able to be a part of his team in the Clarkston 4th of July Parade this morning.  We had a "blast"!  The kids passed out candy, stickers and flags! The weather was perfect and after the parade Senator Marleau and his gracious wife, Thea, treated all of us to dinner at the Deer Lake Athletic Club.  Once dinner was over, Senator Marleau gave our family a guest pass to use the facilities for the day.   The kids were ecstatic!  Water slide, spray park, pool and mushroom fountain! We had the best day together, from beginning to end! What a gift, to our family! and we were honored to meet such a quality man working to better our state government, our state, and the people who live in our state.

ahhh. . . . .this makes life much easier. . . .

Yesterday my in-laws came over for dinner and to celebrate Bryan's birthday.  After dinner my father-in-law and my husband had to run an errand, when they returned they came back with a brand new refrigerator.   "Happy" does not describe how elated I was.  In all of our almost 33 years of marriage I've never had a new refrigerator.  What an unbelievable gift and blessing it was, because the refrigerator we replaced it with was also leaking all over the floor!  My manboys, Bryan and Ben, carried the new beauty into the kitchen, Tori quickly assumed the position of pulling off all the tape from the outside to the  inside and I stood in "awe".  We had to let it sit for a few hours before plugging in, and once the time was up it was filled and ready to run.  Ben, Den and Bryan took the other, less desirable, leaking frig down to the basement for its new home; then Ben (what a manboy he is) carried his third and final frig to the basement, the mini we were using!  When I walked into the kitchen this morning, as I swiped my hand across the front of that frig, I got the biggest smile on my smile on my face!  It was my son's birthday but I'm the one that got the biggest gift of all!

Thank you, Mom and Dad!

workin' on new. . . . .

my old meal menu is "not" working so I'm developing a new one; getting feedback from the kids as well as meals they would enjoy eating.  Nothing worse than slaving away in the kitchen to have your family turn their noses up in dislike!  So I sat down yesterday, with pen and paper in hand, and asked my kids for input into what they would like in their bellies!  We even came up with some catchy day phrases (I was bypassed on creativity, but where I lack, my kids make-up for it!) and now have a new, revised up-to-date menu in hand for grocery shopping! Since we are now down to one frig (see earlier post) I am shopping weekly, which really means buying less and planning better!  I may even insist that my kids help in prep/cooking/clean-up! we'll see how it all plays out! But it's summer, and I'm game for anything that will change up the days, (not that they drag or anything), I love having my kids home, but boredom does have a way of creeping in and I'm not my kids activities director!! 

pay to play

The kids are doing "fairly" well with the "pay to play".  They've spent more "together" time, which is what I had hoped for.  Jacqueline and Colson have been doing a lot of reading too.  I spent an afternoon online searching our local library for books and requesting them; now we're just waiting for them all to come in!  I told them this week that I will no longer ask if they want to earn money, that it will be up to them to see what needs to be done and do it.  There's only been a few times where I have actually taken money away for bad behavior or disrespect.

It's been so good not having the TV on so much or seeing them plugged into some electronic game or device.  Evenings seem to be their hardest time, our hardest time, because we watched so many programs as a family.  We're getting the hang of it, little by little.  I'm hoping I have to dole out some "big bucks" by fall because that will mean they've stepped away from paying and just started saving!  I'll keep you posted with our progress; so far Jacqueline is leading the pack with $16.......

family. . . .

" a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not: the traditional family."

We had a "fan-tab-u-lous day!  Drove to Indiana for a family picnic with my dad's side of the family.  Perfect weather and perfect fellowship with family.  You just never realize how much you miss your family until you spend time with them. . . .several commented that we should have been planning these picnics years ago, but we are so thankful that we are doing them NOW!  So very blessed to have some amazing friends that are family! and in a few weeks we will have my aunt and uncle here, from Texas, all to ourselves!  Of course all the manboys can't wait until they can listen to Uncle Russ's Vietnam stories! That is one amazing military man!

sometimes you just gotta laugh. . . .

Have you ever watched the movie, "The Money Pit" with Tom Hanks?  it is absolutely hilarious to watch, just not to live.  These days it feels like we are living that movie.  Sometimes it is rather hilarious and sometimes it can almost drive you crazy!  Last week I had finally had it with our refrigerator (we have two) and one kept spewing water all over the floor.  Its done this for several years, when I slipped and fell, I decided it was time to say goodbye.  I cleaned it out, Den and Bryan drug it outside.  I cleaned the second frig out and began to assemble everything from two into one (not an easy feat).  It became very evident on Monday that we needed a second frig.  Fearful that we might get another leaker, off of Craigslist, I remembered my son had his mini-frig in the basement (he uses it at college), so Den brought it up, I cleaned it out, and loaded it with condiments and such!  It works great, looks ridiculous, but hey. . . .its saved us some $$$!  Ya' gotta do what ya' gotta do!

I could go on and on about other areas but out of embarrassment for me and my family I will just let your mind play on the mini-frig next to the regular frig for now!

kinda strange, huh?

Over the winter I realized how much time my children waste on things; like TV, video games, dvd, etc.  So as the summer drew near I asked God to give me wisdom on how to control this with my kids.  One morning as I was praying, again, I got an epiphany; "pay to play".  As I formulated this in my mind I came up with a plan to implement less electronics more activity.  I made a list of household chores, put a price to each one, labeled old glasses with the kids names, and the kids sorted out colored legos (I didn't have enough change at this point) to represent change amounts.  They do daily chores, get lego money and as their deposits grow they are allowed to, out of their lego money, purchase video game/DVD/TV/computer/IPOD time.  There is, also, a list of  things they can do, that does not involve work but will enhance their brain power, their attitudes, and sibling time.  They were excited to begin this morning, so far, since 6:30am we've been "electronic" free, and its AWESOME!  At the end of the summer whatever they have left, in their glasses, will be exchanged for "real" money, dollars and cents! Already they are formulating what they want to buy!

I love how God cares about "everything" in our lives; the way He gives me wisdom and encouragement with my kids; and  how to pull something together with limited resources.

its time for. . . . . . .

Den and I are in charge of a 3-day VBS, in the inner city of Flint, starting Monday night.  Our theme is Boot Camp 4 Winning!  We've centered everything around ARMY terms; games=PT time; food=CHOW; and story=mission time.  I love how creative my man is! Amazes me! but we make a pretty good team because we came up with some pretty good ideas. . . .together!  Beyond the "stuff" I hope these kids hear the message of Christ.

we are excited because. . . . . . .

 

 Our summer has officially begun!  We had some plans, set for summer, but since my son is now in drivers training they've changed due to scheduling conflicts.  But hey. . . .it's summer and we're just gonna role with it and see where it takes us.  And today. . . .we're gonna relish in excitement and happiness that we are on summer vacation!

I am so blessed by the family God gave me.  No matter what is going on. . . no matter how chaotic life is. . . they always come through for each other! ready to lend a hand, encourage, love and care for one another!  going above and beyond the call of duty!

a crazy 48 hours. . . .

On Tuesday our newly married children had to be out of their apartment by midnight.  On Tuesday my newly married son started a new job. On Tuesday my newly married children acquired a new apartment, closer to both their jobs.  On Tuesday my newly married son worked 14.5 hours.  On Tuesday my newly married daughter-in-law packed up their home.  On Tuesday my husband (God bless his soul), Branden (after working 14 hours), Katie, Brennan and my newly married son, drove to Detroit to load a moving trailer.  On Tuesday they began their move at 10:30 pm.  On Wednesday they arrived, here, at 2:30am.  On Wednesday at 6am my newly married daughter-in-law left for work.  On Wednesday at 8am my newly married son left for work.  On Wednesday at 10:30 am my husband (God bless his soul), myself, Colson and Victoria left to unload moving trailer and van in the Detroit area.  On Wednesday at 2:30 we had both trailer and van unloaded, unpacked.  On Wednesday at 3:30 my husband (God bless his soul) drove an hour, into the bowels of Detroit, to return trailer. On Wednesday at 4:30pm I drove to Fenton to pick up Branden, from work.  On Wednesday I arrived home at 5:15, loaded up the van, and drove back to the Detroit area to unload.  On Wednesday at 6:30 my husband (God bless his soul) returned home, after driving through 1.5 hours in traffic.  On Wednesday at 8:00pm I returned home.  On Wednesday at 10pm, after working 14.5 hours, my newly married son came home, gas tank on empty, no money, no debit card, no directions to his new home, no cell.  On Wednesday at 10:15 pm newly married son left, money in hand, extra cell phone, and directions to his new home.

(in the midst of all that. . . .life still existed. . . .kids to be dropped off and picked up from school, Den subbing; laundry, homeschooling. . . .)

a perfect Memorial Day

Today was absolutely perfect! Gorgeous sunshine, blue skies, (with a white puff here and there) and it was hot, hot, hot! just the way I like it!  We spent the day outside, with the kids, in the pool and playing corn hole.  I think we were all so starved for warm weather and sunshine we forgot about sunburns! By late afternoon, after dinner, one by one the sunburns began to come out, and bodies were dropping all over the living room; chairs, floor, sectional!  Branden made a run to the store for aloe for his wife; Bryan took benedryl and gave Emily tylenol; Colson, Jacqueline and Victoria all got a dose of Tylenol too! Everyone is kind of moaning and groaning! not that I think its funny, but it brings a smile to my face, in a weird sort of way, because I rarely burn so its hard to understand the pain of sunburn.  Tomorrow is supposed to be a scorcher and I'm pretty sure anyone, that lives in this house, will be using sunscreen (we will probably need to make a run to the store for it!).  Two out of 12 are pretty much "burn free" (me and Benjamin).  I'm not even tired, actually I feel better today than I have in a long time! something about sunshine invigorates me; it drives my husband crazy because the sun zaps him of energy! I guess what they say is true, "opposites attract!" 

a touching end to a pretty lousy day. . . .

Today was a rough day! there's no other way to say it! my children were cranky, irritating (to me and to each other) and frustrating.  I found myself gritting my teeth throughout the day trying to deal with ridiculous issues that would arise between them.  I don't particularly care for days like this; frankly I loathe them.  I tried to keep my cool, be calm, yet as the day progressed I became a bit more irritable myself!  By evening I knew I had to somehow reign them in, get beyond our crankiness, and bring "something" to the table for us to hang onto.  Den and Brennan had left for a church softball game, the kids were ready for bed and I brought them into the living room and had them sit down in front of me.  I shared about the day, the poor responses we chose to display and then I opened our devotional book.  I began to read the devotions for the day.  I just love the book I'm using, it's short and simple but spoken as if God, himself, was talking to us.  He said, simply, that each day He has prepared treasures for us to find; some are good and some are not.  The ones that are not reveal the areas that we need to work on, to refine, to reshape.  I shared with the kids that I mess-up "alot" as a mom, and that I wasn't happy with my own behavior throughout the day.  I want God to change me; to get my eyes off of me and onto Him and others.  We talked about what that would mean for a 4 year old, a 9 year old and a 13 year old (these kids came up with some pretty staggering stuff).  I was completely blown away by the things my sweet babies shared.  After we finished I asked Colson to pray.  As he was praying, I was brought to tears by the simplicity of his words, his heart and the way he opens up to God.  We've a long way to go, but tonight was a wonderful start.  When I tucked the kids, into bed, I asked God to help us remember the treasures He has for us as soon as we wake up and to look for them throughout our day.

If your looking for a great devo for your kids check out this book.  I think you will find it pretty amazing and your kids will completely agree.

a feeding frenzy. . . .

not so "classy"


My manboy's love to eat cereal and they all use the "above"  blue mixing cup (its an 8 cuper) to eat their cereal out of.  It doesn't matter if someone, previous to them, has used it, they will simply rinse and re-use.  This blue baby holds nearly a full box of Fruity Pebbles! that pretty much sums up how much cereal our family goes through in a weeks time, even more so when they are all home.  Saturday I stopped at a garage sale and couldn't pass up buying the red mixing pitcher set ($1.00).  Now my manboys have a set of 3 "cereal bowls" to choose from.  The things I do for them........I sure hope they appreciate their new eating troughs!

oh so "classy"

My four-year old LOVES American Idol, but the reason she loves it is because of Lauren Alaina! This morning while I was getting ready for church I hear her in the study (with her princess microphone) saying, "Hi Lauren Alaina, I'm Victoria and I'm on American Idol, its so nice to meet you." This girl watches the show (minus all the questionable content) faithfully and is anxious to see the finale, hoping her favorite, from "day 1," wins!

through the eyes of a child. . . .

Last night, after dinner, Victoria asked if we could rockie. I said to her, "let's go outside and swing on mommy's new swing!" She thought that was a fantastic idea so we went outside, blanket in hand (it was sunny but nippy) and got ourselves comfortable on the swing. She began to tell me about her morning at preschool and then she looked up and said, doesn't that cloud look like an umbrella? I agreed and she went on to describe what "she" thought the other clouds looked like. It was such a treasure to sit with her, snuggling and enjoying her company. I'm so blessed to live my dream of being a wife and mom and even more blessed to have moments like this to share with my children. A big thank you to my husband and manboys who purchased the swing for me for Mother's Day. I love you all!

Yesterday the kids and I went on a bike ride.  The afternoon was simply gorgeous; blue skies and sunshine! We loaded up Victoria in her bike trailer and off we went.  Our plan was to hit two different local parks with dinner in between.  We had such a good time; Tori really enjoyed playing at the play scape, even making a few little friends! Brennan and Colson had a game of hide-n-seek going on with a bunch of kids! It was fun watching them run and play (long overdue but we can't control the weather, can we?).   We loaded up again for the long trek home, taking a shortcut to save a wee bit of time.  In the end the shortcut ended up being a huge section of mid-calf mud! My awesome 17 year old was able to maneuver through the woods to get beyond it; once on the other side he was able to place piles of compost, our neighbors had been dumping there, onto the path.  It took some time but we were able to make it through the path with only getting the sides of our shoes muddy! I gotta say my kid is amazing, helpful, kind, thoughtful, caring and ingenious!!

Yesterday morning Den and I took the kids to pick up Colson's bike, we had it serviced.  On our way home a lady was tailgating us (which was driving my husband nuts), as we pulled up to a light and stopped, she pulled up beside us hoping to beat us through the light and get ahead of us.  I leaned over to Den and said, don't let her do it! when that light turns green beat her to the punch.  She was on the phone, of course, and we were watching the light, anxious for the color to change!  As soon as it went GREEN, Den hit the gas, squealed the tires and laid rubber on the road! I turned just in time to see the lady, jump and turn her face in horror and look at us! It was so hilarious.  I laughed so hard, I couldn't stop! Colson was laughing in the back seat and I even got some laughter out of Den!  Who knew you could burn rubber in a mini-van?  I've never, in my life, done that.  Believe me I've tried but its just never happened.  I was shocked that Den would even attempt it because he's like the gas police and conserves every drop he puts into our tank (can't blame him at these ridiculous prices, $4.17) and he said he even surprised himself which was even more hysterical!  Today, as I sit here typing this scenario, I find myself drawn to laughter.  It was the best start to my day I've had in a long time!

I gave myself a great ending to my day too! Den didn't go to church with us last night so it was just me and the kids.  It was a great prayer service for the people of the Tornado stricken south; and a great time of fellowship after.  Once I got the kids home and took off my shoes I realized, horror stricken, that I had worn two different shoes to church.  Honestly......how could I be so naive and do that? I don't even know because the two shoes I wore were completely different; one was a mary jane crock and the other was a ballet flat! Needless to say, I felt completely ridiculous and so "blondish"! 

I love to laugh and yesterday was just the best Laugh Day Ever! and to laugh with my family, even at my  expense, was even better.

change......

I love the change of seasons and living in the mid-west we enjoy each one, FULLY! sometimes we get a season that has an extended stay; like a house guest that doesn't quite know when to leave; overstaying their welcome. We just can't seem to move into the spring-time weather in our world.  Let me just say, I'm in no way complaining.  A good friend once said, "if God sends rain, then I choose rain!"  Well.. . . .we've gotten the rain, the snow, the sleet, and the cold weather.  We just can't seem to get rid of winter; however, the trees are budding, the leaves are coming out, flowers are up and the grass is beautifully green but the water. . . .its everywhere, including our basement! Normally I would get all frustrated about the weather it and it's lack of cooperation but it's out of my control, thankfully, and I'm learning to enjoy what God gives each day, even if its still winter-like weather.  I shared with someone, recently, that there was no purpose in stressing about the weather, because when spring arrives we will be absolutely giddy with excitement.  When we do have a rare "nice" day people are like ants, scurrying everywhere enjoying the sunshine and milder temperatures.

Along with the season changes comes internal changes; learning to live where God has planted, enjoying what He's given and thanking Him for the blessings He brings, into our lives, each new day.  Some blessings are big and noticeable; some are small and mighty!  Today God gave me a blessing by answering a prayer I've been praying for one of my manboys.  What a gift to see Him working in the lives of my children, as they grow deeper in their walk with Him, trusting and following His ways.  I wouldn't want to miss out on any of that by being "too busy" to listen; too busy worrying about things I cannot "change".

a wonderful Easter weekend

The kids had a four-day weekend, our college manboys were home, as were our newly married kids from the Detroit area, for the Easter weekend.  The weather was perfect on Saturday and Sunday, well as perfect as it could be following several weeks of cold, rain and even snow (at least there was no rain drops either day).  Sunday was overcast when we left for church.  Speaking of church we had a wonderful Easter Celebration that included 15 baptisms.  After church we made our way home to change and head to our annual Easter Egg Hunt/dinner at our good friends home.  They are the most amazing couple! so hospitable, so loving, caring and generous.  After we ate it was time for the egg hunt.  The kids had a blast! Victoria's bucket was overflowing with eggs.  As the kids came up on the big country porch I handed them ziploc bags to put all their loot (literally) into.  My three kids came out with over $10 each.  Victoria's age group also had fun little trinkets in their eggs; playdoh, bouncing balloons, tatoos, rings, etc.  The day was perfect, with sunshine and a slight breeze.  People spilled outside into the lawn and porch to enjoy, not only the glorious day, but all the kids that were running and playing.  Our manboys decided to try out the rope swing over the pond! First to fall was Bryan, then Blake then Branden.  It was so fun to watch the kids as they began chanting, as the boys were contemplating taking the plunge, "do it! do it!"  Then when the boys hit the cold water (which more than likely just thawed out from iceburgs this past week) you could here the squealing and laughter.  Spending time with our family, being included as family, and enjoying the Resurrection of our Savior was a gift; memories that will last a lifetime.

We had a fabulous spring break week!  We did quite a few day-trips with the kids and had the best time.  One trip we all thoroughly enjoyed was this past Friday, we spent the day in Lansing.  We picked up Benjamin and he gave us a personal tour of the capitol (he works for a US Senator and was able to get us into areas that are typically off limits).  After our tour we picked up Blake, from MSU, and all of us ate lunch together.  Later in the day we drove to SAU and picked up Brett for the weekend.  Saturday we drove to Detroit, the kids and I, and spent the day with Bryan and Emily.  The girls went to see "Soul Surfer" and the guys hung out and watched the new Chronicles of Narnia movie. 

Though our plans did not include a "fabulous" seaside vacation we were able to enjoy time with our kids, that were on spring break, and our adult children that are scattered around Michigan.

Sunday brought some amazing warm temps to our area and we enjoyed the afternoon sitting outside, watching the kids ride their bikes and jump on the trampoline!  All too soon the week came to an end!

Ewwwww........

permanent fixtures in our hallway!

 We've been having such a fun time around our house these past few days! NOT Sunday morning Brennan came downstairs and informed us that there was "something" in the attic.  It was so loud that it woke him up in the night.  Of course we, at first, thought he was just imagining this but upon further inspection of his room (his light fixture has fallen and is hanging cockeyed) and from all the scratching that we heard, we concur he is right :(   Brennan got a chair and a stool and opened the attic door to take a "look see".  Neither Colson nor I were brave enough to support him! Later Branden pushed open the door, looked around with a flashlight and saw the beady eyes of a raccoon, a very LARGE raccoon! 

We still haven't caught that pesky critter! We hear it but it continues to elude us.  We are very fearful that its had some babies up there!  We borrowed a live trap, baited it and placed it up there! everything is still in place!

This morning Den climbed up, opened the door and stood there looking with a spotlight but found nothing, however when he pulled his arms down some lovely feces came with it! EWWWWW.......I was telling Branden about it and he says, "that's nothin' mom, you should see the pile up there!" Great just great.  I'm so creeped out by this animal, as are the girls; so much so that they won't even sleep in their bedroom (can you blame them? the attic is right outside their bedroom door).  It doesn't help that my son, the great hunter, continues to feed me disgusting information about the raccoon!!

We are going to try and bait the trap with cat food and see if the varmint will go after it! I sure hope so. . . .I can't imagine mama and babies living up there for much longer, and if so will it turn into this??????

This morning as I was praying, thanking God for the blessings He's given to me, I realized I wasn't really thankful for a few things because I complain about them.  Then God gave me an epiphany (I love it when He does that) and I heard His voice say, "do you realize in your grumbling that you put pressure on your husband that he isn't a good provider, that he has to figure out how he can work, even harder, to please you?" I completely submitted my way, my ignorance, my will to Him and asked His forgiveness.  So many things God has truly blessed me with, straight from His hand, and I still find cause to want, to covet.  I'm embarrassed to even admit this, yet maybe in my admission, someone else will pause and thank God, truly thank Him, for the provisions He has blessed them with; to not look at what we "don't" have but to look at all we "do" have.

season to season

you can see a tiny bit of sparkle!

A week ago we had a wonderful taste of spring; out came the fleeces, hoodies and even, one day, short-sleeved tee shirts.  People all over suburbia were outside; cleaning up their yards, walking, even sitting in their lawn chairs, enjoying the sunshine and warmer (50's) temps.  Its a crazy time of year when your ready for winter to end and spring to begin. I did the unthinkable and put away all of our winter outerwear! Did I "jinx" myself by doing that? some say yes! I did live to regret it, as this past Tuesday we got yet another winter storm; thunder, lightening, rain, snow and ice!  It was amazing, beautiful and awesome!  Call me crazy! but I found myself totally drawn to the window watching it all play out.  As I listened to the groans and moans of my winter weary friends I found solace and delight in the storm; its fury, its beauty.  We awoke (after 8 hours without power), to an amazing scene painted by God's hand.  Simply gorgeous, breathtaking and unbelievable.  Schools were closed (our last snow day allotted for the year) and life came to some what of a stand still.  Not only was there snow blanketing the tress but there was a layer of ice around and on top of everything.  Three days later, we are still basking in the beauty of that storm.  Nothing has melted, everything is still as it was Wednesday morning, with the exception of clear roads.  The sun has peeked out, two days in a row, and it highlights the ice on the landscape.  Not once was I disappointed about the storm; (hey we live in Michigan and its still typically winter),  but was completely thankful that God chose to bless us with such beauty.  Spring will come, with all its splendor and glory, and we will accept it, embrace it and enjoy it; yet for now, I'm choosing to enjoy, without yearning for spring, what God gives me each day.  I'm, typically, in the over-anxious mode, but God has been slowly showing me, directing my thoughts and eyes, to finding the blessings of each day.  All too quickly life can change, in the blink of an eye; my situation could always be worse; and that its all about perspective. God has a great way of changing one's perspective, sometimes he allows my story to encourage or challenge another and sometimes their stories challenge and encourage me; either way I'm choosing to "seize the moment" enjoying the offering from His hand. . . .

a Quandry. . .

Answer:  "Perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation"
I've been laboring over something, an issue, for quite some time.  It did not just appear but its been slowly becoming more evident each week.  This involves an issue that we continually address with our daughter, and even, at times both girls.  I am trying to be objective, yet I have this issue blatantly starring me straight in the face.  This is not only affecting me, but my manboys as well.  My struggle is confrontation; do I continue to pray and hope that God deals, personally, with this individual or do I take a bold step; of course with fear, trepidation and lots of prayer, and do it?  I've been praying, for weeks, about this; hoping that God would move in this person's heart; yet each week it gets a wee bit worse, and each week I'm finding myself getting more angry, to the point of seething.  Honestly I pray over this every single day, sometimes multiple times a day, asking God to give me wisdom and help in this area.  What to do? What to do? any suggestions?

a Victoria-ism . . . . .

Today dawned another beautiful spring-like day here in Michigan.  Victoria wanted to go outside and jump on the trampoline, so I took a book from class out to read while she jumped.  She climbed down, came inside and grabbed a drink box and brought it outside, sitting it beside me.  I looked at her and said, "take that back inside and put it back in the refrigerator."  She says, very emphatically, "How can you say no to a little girl who just wants a drink box?" then she looks at me and says, "huh?"

a Colson-ism. . . . .

This morning Branden went into the living room and asked Colson why he wasn't wearing green in honor of St. Patrick's Day.  Colson says, "Branden, Catholics wear green and Prostitutes (Protestants) wear orange!"

a Victoria-ism. . .

Jacqueline and Victoria were watching a kids game show tonight.  A group of kids enter and come on stage and Jacqueline says something about one of the boys being overweight (fat) and Victoria pipes in, "he's not fat he just ate too much food!" Gotta love the precious mind of a four year old and how they see life!

I can't. . . . .I won't. . . .really God?

For the past few months I've been struggling with something God has asked me to do, nothing major, but God and I have been doing the "battling of the wills"; what I want to do verses what He wants me to do.  Of course, I would give Him many reasons why I couldn't do what He was asking (non of which were valid) but for me they seemed good enough responses.  Last night during our prayer service, at church, Den had the opportunity to share.   He spoke out of Colossians 1:9-14 with the emphasis on, "Do you glorify God in your living?  do you reflect Him and His glory in all you do?"  That statement stopped me dead in my tracks.  I sat there, completely humbled, knowing that I was not glorifying God, especially when I'm trying to get "my" way.  I completely asked God's forgiveness and felt He shared with me an epiphany, "if you would just let go and allow me to work you would gain a better understanding of me and my Word.".  I surrendered my will, my wants, my way and am choosing His way.  What a "huge" relief it was to let go.   Now. . . .onto the task He has asked me to do! I'm totally up for it, ready and anxious to "take it on!"

Tori reading to her teddy bear.

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Adam and Evil

This morning Victoria slept in very late, I even checked in on her several times because typically she is up, at or before, 7am.  When she finally did make her way downstairs the first thing she says to me is, "mommy will you rockie me?"  (I love her morning snuggles and realize all too soon, that she will outgrown this stage.)  We made our way to the rocking chair and she settled in on my lap.  As we were chatting Colson began talking about Adam and Eve (Evil, as Colson used to say).  Victoria says, "hey guys, stop and listen to me, I know that story, let me tell it!"  She proceeds to share the story and I ask her if she heard that in Sunday School and she says, "no, daddy told it to me when I was in the tub one day."

Den has an unbelievable gift of story telling, real and make believe and he has, for all of our children, shared stories with them, especially Bible Stories.  I love to listen to his stories, too and I especially love hearing the kids retell them.  I am so thankful for this man God blessed me with; he's a fantastic husband, friend, dad and man of God! I love that he continues to take time and share God's Word with our kids, young and old.

What a blessing to have free karate offered at our church. We have an amazing instructor.

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Brennan has a special education teacher, at school, who has been causing him grief over carrying his Bible to class (Brennan is respectful, kind, thoughtful, considerate and in no way a disruptive teen). This has been going on for over a year.  This teacher wrote him up for having his Bible in her class ,last year, and gave him detention.  Of course, we immediately went to the administration where they, overstepping her classroom authority, revoked his detention.  This week he, once again, was called-out and sent into the hall for having his Bible on his desk, where she proceeded to tell him that he was NOT allowed to bring it there again.  Brennan doesn't propagate it, nor does he use it as a defense; he simply carries it to each class, just as the students who carry a Koran or students who carry "Llterature" books.  For some reason this teacher has some deep issues with the Bible and God.   We spoke to this teacher on Tuesday after the "incident" and its basically a case of, "he said, she said."

So. . . .now what?  We're still encouraging Brennan to carry his Bible, he still has the right too; and we are praying for his teacher.  Last night, after I prayed with Colson, he said, "mom we forgot to pray for Brennan's teacher and that she will find God."  So he and I, once again, approached the Throne of Grace and asked God to work in the heart of Brennan's teacher.

~A New Year's Day Wedding~

Our beautiful family

Victoria and Walker     

Colson and Wilson  

Bryan and Emily

simply gorgeous

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We had a very relaxing day yesterday; the weather couldn't have been more appropriate or perfect.  It snowed all day long (now I know for some of you that might not seem so "perfect") it was simply "beautiful".  We had no wind so the snow fell silently and steady all day and into the evening; at times big huge flakes and small tiny flakes.  It was peaceful, serene!

is tomorrow today?

Bryan and Emily have been out visiting Daniel and Elizabeth in North Dakota.  Every day, since they've left, Victoria has asked me when they are coming home.  Yesterday, right on que, she asked me and I said, "tomorrow they are coming home."  This morning as we were rocking, at 4:30am, she looks up at me and says, "mommy is today tomorrow?"  and I ask her what she means and she says, "yesterday you said that Bryan and Emily were coming home tomorrow, so is today tomorrow?" Oh what a cutie! (This one sure misses her siblings when they are gone) I told her, "yes indeed today is tomorrow," she clapped her hands a squealed!

The aftermath

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After the storm, 8 inches later....

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winter to spring to winter again. . . .

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Its Friday. . . .my kids have mid-winter break. . . . .the sun is shining. . . . .a beautiful breeze is blowing. . . .the windows are open. . . .and its still February in Michigan! Amazing

my kids are gaga over a . . . . . .

A month ago my brother-in-law gave us a bin of VHS movies, most of which the kids have never seen.  My kids were thrilled yet bummed because we didn't have a VHS player (my two youngest have never seen VHS and were wondering how it fits into our DVD player).  Yesterday my daughter-in-law, Emily, brought over a VHS player so the kids could "finally" watch these treasures.  This morning, after I hooked it up, Victoria pulled out a video and said, upon inspecting it, "look its broke!"  She was looking at the underneath side where you can open the door and expose the tape.  We did a quick "run through" with Colson on the "how to's" of operation and they were instantly mesmerized.

I can't believe how advanced we've become, with technology, since we've had Colson (who is 9).  He and Victoria will never know life "before" cell phones/computers/HD/MP3's/gaming systems, etc.  Crazy! but they are LOVING their new VHS player and we have a slew of movies they've never seen, which saves us some considerable $$$ in rental fees (we won't have to rent a movie for months to come).

never too late to say. . . .

Tonight,  Colson asked me to lay with him until he fell asleep.   After I settled in beside him he leans over and says, "Happy Valentines Day, Mom!" I told him thank you and said the same back to him.  He then says, "I'm sorry I forgot to tell you earlier," then leans over and kisses me.  Just before he drifted off to sleep he says, "Mom, will you always be my Valentine?"

a Colson-ism. . .

This afternoon after the manboys headed back to college Colson decides to watch "The Lone Ranger" on NETFLIX.  As he is scrolling through our que he notices a few movies that have been watched.  He pans through and stops at one and says, "who watched a movie about a fat chic with butterfly wings?" I look up and find him looking at the movie, "Precious."  He then says, "who names a movie, Precious?"  Guess I'm gonna have a talk with a few manboys about what they watch and leave in our NETFLIX que.

a Tori-ism. . .

I am getting ready to rock Victoria (yes I know she's 4 and yes we still rock her to sleep) and she is chatting, I'm half listening and I hear her say for the third or fourth time, "mommy can you please call Matt?" and I finally say to her, "who's Matt?" and she says, "you know Matt! the guy you call to get us medicine, 'cause I have a stuffy nose and I need Matt to call me in some medicine to take care of it!"  This girl is way too smart for her own good!

Each night Den or I tuck the kids, into bed, and pray with them.  Last night as I was just getting ready to shut Colson's light off and step out of his bedroom he says, "Mom!" I stopped and turned to look at him, as he props himself up on one arm, and say, "yes son".  He says "can I as you a question?" (with this guy you just never know where his thoughts are, he is an amazingly deep thinker for nine years old)  He says, "mom would you die for me?" I looked at him and smiled and said, "honey I sure would!" I then ask him if they talked about this at Kings Kids and he shook his head "yes".  He said "our teacher asked us if we would die for her:" and I said, "what did you answer?"  he said, "NO! to die for someone you have to really really love them and mom, I don't really really love her!" I said, "I know son, but I really really love you and we can see how much God really really loved us because He sent His son to die for ALL of us, didn't He?" Colson then shakes his head yes and says, "I love you mom, goodnight."

two "sneak" pics from Bryan and Emily's wedding. . .

our boys and our grandsons!

our girls and our daughter-in-laws!

MSU Women's BB

w

Our good friend, Greta, got us tickets for the MSU Women's Basketball Game yesterday.  Little did we know that we got to enjoy it from "Steve Smith's" private box.  It was a great way for the younger two kids to enjoy the game, as they could move around, cheer and dance without worrying of falling!  We had a great time, even better since the women are on a winning streak (unlike the men's team)!  We traveled back home and headed to our daughter-in-law, Emily's, parents home to enjoy the super bowl in their home theater.  Of course we had to cheer quietly for the PACKERS since her brothers are STEELERS fans!!

our sweet boy is "9" today

 

"Happy Birthday, Colson!"
you are a blessing to our family and we love you very much!!

fun in the S N O W

Blizzard of 2011

 The snow is almost touching the bottoms of the swings

We were glued to the television these past few days anxiously awaiting the "Blizzard of 2011".  Rarely do we get what the so called "experts" say we will, however, we are happy to say we got enough snow to cancel just about everything within miles.  I wanted to take a few pictures to document just how much snow was accumulated, yet my camera does not do it justice.  I know we live in the great "north" and we should expect this, yet we rarely get this much snow, and all at once too!  It was a hoot going to the grocery store yesterday.  You would have thought we were in for a blizzard of major proportions to have people, literally, wiping the shelves clean!  What? they had no food before? and I'm pretty sure this will only shut us down for today! Crazy mayhem around here, but oh so fun to experience it!

our baby is "4" today

she's a little bit country. . . .

               our "tomboy, bare footed, guitar pickin', princess singer. . . ."

we woke up to about 5 inches of freshly fallen snow this morning and it wasn't long before my three youngest were outside enjoying the gift God blessed them with! I love hearing their laughter, their delight as they play in the snow!

a Tori-ism. . . .

Victoria wanted a bowl of cereal for a snack, after she ate it shes comes up to me and says, "I ate my cereal all gone, Mama (as she's rubbing her tummy and looking at me with her beautiful piercing blue eyes)!"  Then I say, "I sure love you I just can't let you be four next week!" and she says, "its okay Mama, you can still hold me, I promise. . . pinkie swear (which she holds out her pinkie for me to place mine on it)"  She just melts my heart and WOW. . . .really???? four already????  that just flew by!

There truly is nothing better, on this earth, than to share wonderful moments with the ones you love.  I especially cherish the time that we, Den and I, or our children can come together, near and far, and pray.  It's the glue that holds us all together, its the piece of the puzzle that makes us all complete.  I love to hear my family praying for each other; being totally free and open to share exactly what's on their hearts.  It's a rare gift I never got to experience as a child with my parents.  Back then having a relationship with Christ just meant you attended church on Sundays.  I'm so glad there was more to Him than just church; I'm also glad my family, one by one, are choosing to follow and trust (in spite of our [my] mistakes) Him and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that my kids share prayer requests with their dad and I, knowing we will go before His Throne for them.  Many times we find ourselves focusing on the struggles, keeping them tight to us, not allowing God to move us beyond them; frustrating us, causing us to pull away from the one who wants us to pull closer.  We are learning, mostly me, to leave it "all" in His hands; to let go, to trust and wait on Him.  It certainly isn't easy for someone who likes to have everything organized and in it's place, yet the blessings that overflow are unbelievable and we are then able to praise and honor Him, completely.

some days. . . .it's just TOUGH being a parent! trying to help your children without enabling them, listening to them without discouraging them, nurturing without being possessive, knowing when to "stand in the gap" and when to let them stand for themselves.  Honestly I had no clue 32+ years ago how painfully tough it would be to parent; I mean none of those "self-help, 5 helpful hints to raising perfect children. etc" say anything about a parents love, how deep and vast it is and how forgiving, no matter the depth of hurt.  Yet I have a Father who knows my pain, my anguish; a Father (who gave up His only son for a lost and wicked world) who will love me, guide me, encourage and even, at times, reprimand me! I'm glad for it; I pray it continues to "refine" me into more of His image. . . .more of Him. . . .less of me! On those days, like today especially, when I feel completely inadequate, as a parent, I fall to my knees asking God to intercede, to carry me. . . . ."how deep the Fathers Love for us"

Play-time at preschool

my little "snow angel"

Victoria's preschool had a morning where it was outside play.  Colson and I were able to enjoy the morning with her!  It was so cute watching all the little 3 year olds follow Colson around and want him to play with them; he enjoyed it too!

Victoria and Colson

time to change up the color too. . . .

if you know me you know that BLACK is my favorite color! crazy!  yet I can't seem to stay away from it! I don't mean for it to be "dark" or "gothic", I just LOVE black and hey, my new picture matches the color scheme! PERFECT!

Change: The process of becoming different,

Whew. . . its been a long week trying to get back into the swing of life after the Holidays.  Both Den and I have been exhausted, and I think its even been apparent in the four kids that are now the only ones home with us.  That sure seems rather strange too! So many changes and for us, they seem to come all at once, never quite getting one change under your belt you get several, trying to figure out how to adjust to them, finding a new "normal" for a much smaller household.  I'm targeting to change my "inner soul", getting myself where I need to be in my personal walk with Christ (if thats in line with Him the rest will follow).  One of my greatest accomplishments has been reading the Bible through in 90 DAYS.  When I first started I honestly couldn't believe it could be done but as I neared the finish line I realized it was, indeed, possible.  What an undertaking as the reading took a full hour each day.  It did, however, take me 98 days, due to the fact that I had a 3 year old encroaching on my early morning (4am) reading time for an entire week which set me behind.  I got a bit stressed over it as my last week also feel the week of Christmas, but then I felt the Holy Spirit whisper that it didn't matter I was a wee (thank you, Nichola, my Irish friend for that sweet little word) bit behind; just keep reading, which I did and completed!  Honestly I miss that hour and am asking God to show me what I can pursue so I don't loose what I've gained.  I'm adopting the song by Third Day  FOLLOW ME THERE  as my theme for the year.

FIRST

As I was searching through the applications on my YOUVERSION Bible I came across this message and watched it on my phone (love that droid).  What a way to start the New Year choosing

• the FIRST of the day:      SEEK GOD
• the FIRST of the week:   WORSHIP GOD
• the FIRST of the month:  TITHE
• the FIRST of the year:     FAST

A few quotes from the sermon:
     "if you want what you had, continue to do what you did!"

     "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail!"

What kind of year was last year, for you, spiritually?

• Spiritually Apathetic
• Spiritually Inconsistant
• Spiritually Consumed

I know which one I was and what I'm aiming for!

Check out an amazing sermon here:Putting God FIRST

books I'm reading. . . .

. . .along with the books I'm reading for classes I'm working my way through a few others.  I started the book, above, before Christmas and had hoped to finish it during break.  We were so busy that I literally had no spare time to read.  Its on my "finish" list this week. I received Sarah Palin's book, "America By Heart" from my son for Christmas.  I just LOVE that lady!  I downloaded "Made to Crave" to my KINDLE.  I will keep you abreast of what I'm gleaning from each book as I finish them.  What are you reading for 2011?

Lots of excitement going on in our home this week!  Brennan missed the last two days of school due to the "dreaded flu"; the Christmas Holiday officially started yesterday at 2:30pm (schools out); manboy #1, Brad and his family are here from Fort Benning; manboy #4, Branden and his wife Katie, fly in tomorrow, Christmas Eve, from Colorado; we celebrate Christmas; Tuesday manboy #2, David and his wife Casey, come in from North Carolina; Thursday, very late, manboy #3, Daniel and his wife Elizabeth, come in from North Dakota; we have a wedding rehearsal on New Years Eve morning; rehearsal luncheon; then Christmas with the entire "Lutz tribe," all 21 of us! we celebrate New Years Eve, the guys are heading out to go bowling for a "wee bachelor party" and New Years Day will dawn bright and early for wedding prep with the wedding at 4pm.  Nothing like an action-packed two weeks, which I know will zip-by all too quickly!

Jacqueline helped me make a meal menu for the next ten days, and yesterday Brett and I braved the crowds at Sams and Krogers to grocery shop!  just a few minor items I need to pick-up throughout the week, mainly fresh produce so we are pretty good to go.  Today my kids want to make frosted sugar cookies!  its one of those treats that we all LOVE but I dread for the HUGE mess!

Colson, Tori and Jacqueline are hoping to get in some outdoor fun with Wilson and Walker today.  We got a fresh dusting of snow yesterday so its gorgeous outside!

Merry Christmas to you all and may His light shine brightly in your lives throughout the New Year! Blessings from our home to yours. . . .

oh Victoria. . . .

One of Den's great aunts passed away last week and we are headed over to the west side of the state for the funeral today.  We are taking Colson and Victoria with us! Colson was not happy about it one bit; he says he will get nightmares if he sees a dead body! Victoria, on the other hand, can't stop talking about the "dead body"! I finally told her that she needed to not talk about it in front of Colson because it really scares him (they kinda creep me out too) and she says, "I'm not scared, its just a dead body!"

just relax. . . . .

This morning, after I dropped Victoria off at preschool, I drove to the other side of town to drop-off some jewelry to a friend.  Upon merging on the highway I checked my fuel gauge and was pretty certain I had enough fuel to go the distance and back again.  Once I exited the highway, across town, my warning "low fuel" light came on.  Thinking I had plenty of gas to get to my destination before I stopped to refuel I continued on.  As I was leaving my friends I noticed the needle was almost below the orange (out of fuel) line and became nervous.  While at a red light I dug through my purse looking for our debit card only to realize I, more than likely, left it in my coat pocket the night before.  I had no cash, no change, nothing.  I called my son and told him my quandry and he assured me I would have enough fuel to make it home.  I made my way to the highway and proceeded to go home, all the while I kept asking God, "please let me make it to XXXXX Road, please let me make it to XXXXX Road.  As I passed each exit ramp, my left leg continued to nervously bounce, harder!  I just kept asking God to just let me make it to my exit, of course when I did exit there was a red light, again I'm asking God to help me make it through so I don't block the intersection.  Once on the main road into our little city, I called my son and told him I was almost home.  He says, "see mom you just gotta relax and listen to me."  My leg eased up from its out-of-control bouncing, and I found myself relaxing, loosening the death-grip on the steering wheel, and even sighing,  as I pulled down our street.  I could hear God speaking in that still soft voice, "my child choose to relax in me and I will see you through".  So much like life, we get nervous, uptight, anxious, irritated, angry when we find ourselves at the end of our rope, out of options, hanging by a thread yet God is there ready and waiting to answer our pleas our cries.